Kenya & Tanzania

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Our guides will be waiting outside the baggage area with a placard in your name. Eight of you will use two Prado SUV vehicles for the duration of your stay in Kenya. Check in at the Jacaranda Hotel. Transfer to a Chinese restaurant for dinner, followed by drop off at the Gypsy Night Club, where they can enjoy the night. There is a Casino above Gypsy also. They can cross the pavement and get back to the hotel at night. (Drinks are not included)

After an early breakfast, drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve, arriving in 5 hours. The route traverses the Rift Valley, the main wheat growing region of Kenya. The off-road part of the drive goes past Maasai homesteads where domestic and wild herbivores graze in close proximity. Arrive with a short enroute game drive at the Fig Tree Camp for lunch. Stay in a Standard tent. Afternoon game drive. Back to the lodge as the sun goes down. Dinner and overnight at the Fig Tree Camp (B.L,D)

Breakfast at the lodge. Two game drives are included; one in the morning and another in the evening. Back to the Camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at the Fig Tree Camp (B.L,D)

MASAI MARA: With an area of 1510 km² the Maasai Mara is not the largest game park in Kenya, but it is probably the most famous. The entire area of the park is nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley that extends from the Mediterranean Sea to South Africa. It is at the bottom of the Siria Escarpment. The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland, with seasonal riverlets. In the south-east region are clumps of the distinctive acacia tree. The western border is the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment of the Rift Valley, and wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good and tourist disruption is minimal. The easternmost border is 224 km from Nairobi, and hence it is the eastern regions which are most visited by tourists.

The Masai Mara is perhaps most famous for its lions. All other members of the "Big Five" are to be found in the Masai Mara, although the population of black rhinoceros is severely threatened, with a population of only 37 recorded in 2000. Hippopotami are found in large groups in the Masai Mara and Talek Rivers. Cheetah are also to be found, although their numbers are also threatened, chiefly due to tourist disruption of their day-time hunting. As mentioned above, the plains between the Mara river and the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah. As in the Serengeti, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitant of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year these ungainly animals migrate in a vast ensemble north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of hervibores: some 1,300,000 Wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson's Gazelle, and 191,000 Zebra. These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena. Numerous other antelope can be found, including Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, impala, topi and Coke's hartebeest. Large herds of zebra are found through the reserve. The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai Giraffe as well as the common giraffe. The large Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders. The Masai Mara is a major research centre for the spotted hyena. Additionally, over 450 species of birdlife have been identified in the park, including vultures, marabou stork, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested Eagle, and african pygmy-falcon.

Fig Tree Camp is located on the banks of the Talek River in the world famous Maasai Mara game reserve. The Camp is situated on the northern border of the game reserve and its central location makes all areas of the park accessible during game drives. To make an evening a real adventure, at the Fig Tree Camp one can choose to stay in a tent or a chalet, giving the best of both worlds. The rooms spaciously line up along the Talek River, overlooking the plains of the game reserve. The camp is spread out and rooms are often a brisk walk away from the main reception and dining hall.

Accommodation:

Total rooms: 70 - SAFARI TENTS/ROOMS Comprising of, 1.38 Safari Tents overlooking the Talek River, each with a double and single bed. 2. 22 Garden Chalets with double and single beds. 3. 10 Superior Ngamboli Tents on the banks of the Talek River. The Ngamboli tents are the super luxury tents located on a private wing of the Camp with open views over the Mara game reserve. All rooms are ensuite and have their private balcony.

Facilities: The camp has several facilities and services to ensure you have a comfortable stay. These include two bars, a main dinning room, an open-air dinning area and tree house coffee deck. Also available is a video room, guest lecture facilities, swimming pool and curio shop. A fleet of four-wheel drive vehicles with expert drivers is available at the camp. The camp has a resident nurse and medical clinic. Power is supplied by generator from 5.00am to 9.00am, 12.00pm to 3.00pm, and from 6.00pm to 12.00am. New additions at Fig Tree Camp include new conference rooms, driver/guide accommodation and a new dinning area overlooking the Talek River.

Activities:

• Night Game drives: - The Camp has a fleet of 4 wheel vehicles with driver guides and is able to offer game drives for clients. The Camp also organizes “fly in” packages from Nairobi and Mombassa.

• Guest lectures – Our local naturalist is available to give guest free lectures and slide presentations on the Maasai Mara. Local Maasai dancers also entertain clients in the evening.

• Game Walks – For a small charge, Maasai Morans are available to take clients on game walks allowing them to walk freely enjoying the openness and beauty of the park.

• Champagne Bush Dinners – Only from Fig Tree Camp can one enjoy the special experience of moonlight “Champagne Bush Dinners”. This excursion involves a Night Game drive and a barbecue dinner on the Mara plains.

• Balloon Safaris – Based at the Fig Tree Camp is Adventures Aloft with daily Balloon departures. There is little to beat the bird’s eye view of the Masai Mara. To top of this special occasion, a full Champagne breakfast complete with open bar is organized on the landing site to celebrate the flight. We charge USD 430 per person for Balloon safari. You can pre-book this with us, and include the price in your payable amount.

Meals and overnight at the Fig Tree Camp (B,L,D)

Breakfast at leisure. Depart after breakfast for Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in five and a half hours at the Flamingo Hill Camp. Lunch at the Camp. Game drive in the afternoon . Lake Nakuru National Park, situated in the Rift Valley, was created in 1968 to protect the huge flocks of over a million of the lesser flamingo that breed and nest at the edge of Lake Nakuru, giving it the characteristic pink rim. Lake Nakuru National Park located at an altitude of 4,000-5,767 feet above sea level, covers 188 square kilometers of land of great ecological diversity - from lake water, woodland, bush grassland, to rocky ridges. The park is home to not just the lesser flamingo but over 400 species of birds and one of the few places to see the endangered white rhino. Other wildlife at the park includes lions, leopards, zebra, gazelles, eland, giraffe and the hyrax. Game drive in the afternoon from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. Back to the Flamingohill Camp for dinner and overnight stay (BLD) Flamingo Hill Camp is situated within the famous Lake Nakuru National Park, which lies within the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. Approximately 30 minutes by air or 2 hours by road from Nairobi. Nestled between the “honeymoon hills”, and set in beautifully landscaped grounds with natural foliage and a variety of indigenous African plants and flowers, Flamingo Hill Camp provides superb, tented accommodation. Flamingo Hill Camp is an eco-friendly establishment. Part of the money earned from the camp is used for environmental restoration and upkeep of endangered species.Cosy, warm and inviting with a personal touch, Flamingo Hill Camp offers the traveler a home away from home! Small and exclusive, comprising 25 tents. The tents are furnished with the understated luxury required by the modern traveler. Decorated in calming safari tones, natural woods, wrought iron and crisp cottons each tent has been meticulously planned to maximise comfort. All tents have the following facilities:

• four poster beds & mosquito nets
• en-suite with shower, WC and flush toilets
• writing desk
• a private verandah overlooking the plains
• hot and cold running water
• voltage at 240 volts

Morning game drive to the Baboon Cliff and the hills of Nakuru to spot rhinos and other animals. Depart after breakfast for Mount Kenya Safari Club, arriving for lunch in 3.5 hours. Day at leisure. With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club's 120 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder, William Holden, the Club's illustrious former members have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby. For those who wish to spend time relaxing at the Club, there are many recreational activities available: horseback riding, golf, croquet, a bowling green, table tennis, swimming in heated pools, a beauty salon, an animal orphanage and much more..Dinner - dress smart casual.(FB) Mt. Kenya is an imposing extinct volcano dominating the landscape of the Kenyan Highlands, East of the Rift Valley. Mt. Kenya lies about 140 km North, North-East of Nairobi with its Northern flanks across the Equator. The mountain has two main peaks - Batian (5200m) and Nelion (5188m). The mountains slopes are cloaked in forest, bamboo, scrub and moorland giving way on the high central peaks to rock, ice and snow. Mt. Kenya is an important water catchment area, supplying the Tana and Northern Ewaso Ngiro systems. The park includes a variety of habitats ranging from higher forest, bamboo, alpine moorlands, glaciers, tarns and glacial morains. The park, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997 and is also a Biosphere Reserve, covers 715 km square, and includes the Peaks consisting of all the ground above 3200m with two small salients extending lower down to 2450m along the Sirimon and Naro Moru tracks. Surrounding the park is Mount Kenya National Reserve with an area of approximately 2095 km square. Attractions are - Pristine wilderness, lakes, tarns, glaciers and peaks of great beauty, geological variety, forest, mineral springs, rare and endangered species of animals, High altitude adapted plains game, Unique montane and alpine vegetation with 11 species of endemic plants.

Depart after a leisurely breakfast for Nairobi. Stop at the Equator for photo ops. Lunch at a restaurant in Nairobi. Check in at the Jacaranda Hotel. Afternoon at leisure to spend time shopping and panoramic city tour. Transfer to Carnivore restaurant for dinner at 7 PM. Back to the Jacaranda hotel for overnight stay (B,L,D)

Depart after early breakfast for Amboseli Kilima Camp, arriving for lunch (5 hours) with your guide and Prado vehicles. Rest for a while and then go for a game drive at 4pm-6.30pm. Dinner and overnight. (The lodge has a nice swimming pool for those of you who are keen swimmers). AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK Amboseli lies immediately North West of Mt. Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania.It is a five hour drive towards the south of Nairobi. The Park covers 392 square km, and forms part of the much larger 3,000 square km Amboseli ecosystem. Large concentrations of wildlife occur here in the dry season, making Amboseli a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by six communally owned group ranches. The National Park embodies five main wildlife habitats - open plains, acacia woodland, rocky thorn bush country, swamps and marshland - and covers part of a Pleistocene lake basin, now dry. Within this basin is a temporary lake, Lake Amboseli that flood during years of heavy rainfall. Amboseli is famous for its elephants and its great scenic beauty - the landscape is dominated by Mt. Kilimanjaro. The climate is mainly hot and dry. Amboseli is in the rain shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The maximum average temperature of the warmest month is 33°C during the day, while that of the coldest is 27-28°C. An annual rainfall of 300mm per annum is distributed in two seasons: April/May and November/December. Recurrent droughts and potential evaporation of 2200mm per annum typifies the region (KWS, 1991). The main road into the Park is from Nairobi are via Namanga (240 km) on the Nairobi - Arusha Road, via Meshanani Gate. The road is tarmac upto Namanga but is badly corrugated and potholed in places from Namanga to Meshanani Gate (75km). The other road is via Emali (228 km) on the Nairobi - Mombasa Road. The road is tarmac all the way to Loitokitok.The last stretch to Erimito gate (17 km) is Murram road. Access from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo West via Kimana (Olkelunyiet) Gate. The park has an airstrip for light aircraft .Murram roads network covers the park adequately. Many of the park viewing roads are not usable during the rains and because of the loose ashy nature of volcanic soil, the roads become very dusty during the dry season. Kilima Camp Facts Location Kilima safari camp is located in the area of Amboseli National Park, next to the Kimana Gate Park entrance. The camp is set out on a 360 acre site with spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Kimana area of Amboseli is famous for its large elephant population. Clients can enjoy great game viewing from their tents which face the animal water pools and all public areas and guest rooms are set towards Mount Kilimanjaro. Accommodation: Total Tents: 72 Comprising of

• 50 Classic Safari Tents each with a double and single bed and large private balcony
• 10 Superior Safari tent with four poster double beds with enlarged bathrooms with lion claw bath tubs
• 12 lodge rooms each with a double and single bed and large private balcony

Facilities The camp has an open general public area offering bar and dinning services. There will be a nature room with wildlife information and a place for guest lecture. There is a free form swimming pool and a massage center also. Activities Activities available from Kilima Safari Camp includes Game Drives, Nature Walks and Bush dinners. Game Drives - The camp has a fleet of 4x4 vehicles with driver guides and will be offering game drives to clients. The camp also organises "fly in" packages from Nairobi and Mombasa Guest lectures - Our local naturalist is available to give guests free lectures and local Masai dancers also entertain clients in the evening Nature walks - For a small charge, Masai Morans are available to take clients on game walks allowing them to walk freely enjoying the openness and beauty of the park. Bush Dinners - Only from Kilima Safari Camp can one enjoy the special experience of moonlit "bush dinners". This excursion involves a night game drive and a barbecue dinner in the Amboseli plains.

Depart after early breakfast for Namanga border. After the visa formalities are complete, you will meet our guides and drive with packed lunch boxes to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive. It is an unexpected Oasis of Tropical ground forest, nestled deep at the foot of the western escarpment that looms over the Great African Rift Valley from the Red Sea to Mozambique. The eponymous lake is a shallow alkaline lake, one of the many that bejewel the Rift Valley supporting vast flocks of flamingo that daub pink swathes across the African Horizon at sunset. The think clumps of rainforest that border the lake harbour an exotic kaleidoscope of birds and monkeys, the dense canopy alive with the chatter and squawks of the tropical menagerie. Dinner and overnight at the Tloma Lodge in Karatu (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the lodge. Thereafter proceed to Serengeti National Park. Arguably the most famous National Park in the world, the vast predator rich Serengeti needs little introduction. The primeval paradise of roughly the size of Northern Ireland or Connecticut has been the subject of countless wildlife films, each seeking to capture the unique spirit of these exhilarating eco-systems that was until recently the domain of the favored few. The unfurling plains of Seronera provide the stage for the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on the planet when the massed herds of a million wildebeest congregate on the short grass plains for the GREAT MIGRATION north to the Maasai Mara. The gently undulating hills of Lobo stretch up to the Kenyan border, an idyllic landscape, dotted with kopjes and shady arbors, in which we track the resident wildlife. Heading west, we reach the croc infested waters of the Grumeti River, the dramatic crossing point where thousands of wildebeest fall prey to the waiting predators as they cross the river en-route to the dry season grass plains of the Mara. Enjoy dinner and your overnight in Serengeti Katikati Camp (B,L,D)

After breakfast taking with you packed lunches, explore the Western plains of Serengeti National Park with migration crossing. Thereafter proceed for dinner and your overnight in Serengeti Katikati Camp

Depart after breakfast for Ngorongoro. Optional visit of Olduvai Gorge (USD 20 per person entry fee required) with enroute game drive. Check in at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the Ngorongoro Farmhouse (B,L,D) NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasts the finest blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeological sites in Africa. Often called an ‘African Eden’ and the ‘eighth wonder of the natural world’, it is also a pioneering experiment in multiple land use. For Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the idea of multiple land use means to allow humans and wildlife to coexist in a natural setting. Traditional African pastoralists co-operate with Tanzania’s government bodies to help preserve the natural resources of the area and to ensure a fantastic experience for tourists. The first view of the Ngorongoro Crater takes the breath away. Ngorongoro is a huge caldera (collapsed volcano), 250 sq km in size and 600 m deep. The crater alone has over 20,000 large animals including some of Tanzania’s last remaining black rhino. The rhino emerge from the forests in the mists of early morning, and their prehistoric figures make a striking impression, surrounded by the ancient crater walls. No fences or boundaries border the crater walls; animals are free to enter or leave the crater, but many of them stay for the plentiful water and grazing available on the crater floor throughout the year. Open grassland covers most of the crater floor, turning yellow with wild flowers in June. The Makat soda lake is a great attraction for flamingos and other water birds, while predators hide in the marsh to ambush animals that come to drink from the river that feeds the lake. Also on the crater floor are swamps, providing water and habitat for elephant and hippo as well as numerous smaller creatures such as frogs, snakes and serval cats. Game viewing around Lake Makat is especially rewarding – large antelope like zebra and gazelle come to drink, while herds of hippos sun themselves in the thick lakeshore mud. The Lerai Forest on the crater floor gets its name from the Maasai word for the elegant yellow-barked acacia tree. Elephants often graze in the forest shade during midday, emerging into the open plains during the early hours of morning and in the evening, as the midday heat abates. The small forest patches on the crater floor are home to leopard, monkey, baboon and antelope such as waterbuck and bushbuck

Full day crater tour today – Ngorongoro Crater is one of the World’s Natural Wonders. Drive back to Arusha for dinner and overnight stay at the Impala Hotel (B,L,D)

Check out after breakfast and drop off at JRO (1.5 hours by road)