KENYA

KENYA is a widely diverse land. Vast areas of the country have been set aside as national parks, game reserves and sanctuaries where an infinite variety of flora and fauna can be viewed, studied and photographed. You have all the comforts of home; deluxe accommodation, set in the forests, mountain parklands and open savannah, along with excellent food and the excitement of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.

The following itinerary represents a sample program. This module can be combined with our various options and extensions.

EAST AFRICAN WONDERLAND
(8 Days)

DAY 1 — Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day free to rest or see the sights.

DAY 2 — This morning depart Nairobi through Kikuyu country via Thika (the setting for Elspeth Huxley’s “The Flame Trees of Thika”) to the Aberdare Forest. The Forest is rich in wildlife – colobus monkeys in the canopy forest, herds of elephant and buffalo, the giant forest hog, numerous rhino and, if lucky, the rare bongo antelope.

DAY 3 — Today cross the equator to the Samburu Game Reserve, most northerly of the popular parks. Samburu is wilder and harsher than the parks to the south and has a kind of savage beauty. This area is noted for the unusual Grevy zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk (giraffe-necked antelope), along with ostrich, oryx and other animals adapted to life in dry conditions.

DAY 4 — Another day in Samburu Game Reserve.

DAY 5 — This morning safari to Lake Nakuru in the eastern Rift Valley. This area is known for its great concentrations of flamingo, numbering at times over a million, as well as many other species of water birds. There are several species of mammals in the surrounding acacia woodland, the most numerous being the lovely Defassa waterbuck.

DAY 6 — Depart the lake district and safari to Masai country to one of Kenya’s best-known reserves and richest wildlife sanctuaries.

The Masai Mara is a vast area just north of the Serengeti with 700 square miles of savannah and patch forest. In the heart of Masai country game is rarely out of sight – huge herds of buffalo, knogoni, topi and wildebeest on the plains; baboons and bushbuck in the forest. But above all – black-maned lion! Here are the most abundant prides in Kenya. In the midst of wild splendor it is not unusual to encounter a Masai tending his herds. With nothing but a spear for protection, these people live in harmony with the environment and wild animals.

DAY 7 — Continue to view game. You may want to enjoy one of the following options: Balloon Safari or Lake Victoria Flying Safari.

DAY 8 — Return to Nairobi and continue your African adventure.

MT KENYA SAFARI CLUB (7 Days)

A well-known landmark in Kenya – it can be incorporated into the ‘East Africa Wonderland’. 

DAY 1 — Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day free to rest or see the sights.

DAY 2 — This morning depart Nairobi through Kikuyu country via Thika (the setting for Elspeth Huxley’s ‘The Flame Trees of Thika’) to the Aberdare Forest. The Forest is rich in wildlife – colobus monkeys in the canopy forest, herds of elephant and buffalo, the giant forest, numerous rhino and, if lucky, the rare bongo antelope.

DAY 3 — Proceed to Nanyuki, where the luxurious Mt. Kenya Safari Club is set in the shadow of Mt. Kenya, amongst beautiful surroundings. Afternoon at leisure, to enjoy the resort’s many activities.

DAY4 — Proceed to Lake Nakuru in the eastern Rift Valley. This area is known for its great concentrations of flamingo, numbering at times over a million, as well as many other species of water birds. There are several species of mammals in the surrounding acacia woodland, the most numerous being the lovely Defassa waterbuck.

DAY 5 — Depart the lake district and safari to Masai country to one of Kenya’s best-known reserves and richest wildlife sanctuaries.

DAY 6 — Continue to view game. You may want to enjoy one of the following options: Balloon Safari or Lake Victoria Flying Safari.

DAY 7 Return to Nairobi and continue your African adventure.

WING SAFARI
Wing Safaris are available for those who prefer to eliminate the drives between the parks, or who are on a tight schedule. Wing Safaris are available to Amboseli, the Masai Mara, Samburu and Lake Turkana. These can be incorporated into our longer safaris.

CAMPING SAFARI
Camping safaris are designed for those in search of a real adventure, who enjoy the unpredictable wilderness. The basic camping adventure is where you are expected to help with the camp chores and setting up the tents. Those who join are from all walks of life and nationalities. Age is not the main criteria, all that is needed is a sense of humor and a spirit of adventure. Below find the basic camping safaris available:

HEMMINGWAY TRAIL (3 day)
Masai Mara Game Reserve

SNOWS OF KILIMANJARO (3 day)
Amboseli National Park

MANEATERS OF TSAVO (4 day)
Amboseli and Tsavo West

MASAI MARA & THE LAKES (5 day)

SAFARI SPECIAL (7 day)
Amboseli, Nakuru, Masai Mara

KENYAN EXPERIENCE (8 day)
Mt. Kenya, Samburu, Nakuru and the Masai Mara

EXTENSIONS If you wish to extend your journey, we suggest the following:

AMBOSELI (2 days)

DAY 1 — Drive across the Athi Plains to Amboseli, passing the occasional Masai herdsman tending his cattle. You will have lunch and then afternoon gameviewing in the Park, excellent for photographing rhino, lion, giraffe and many other wild animals, with the snow-covered peak of Kilimanjaro in the background.

DAY 2 — After breakfast, gameviewing in the Park. Return to Nairobi before lunch. (NOTE: The same program with lunch at Amboseli and an afternoon safari can be done.

TSAVO (2 days)
For those with more time, Tsavo can be added to Amboseli as follows:

DAY 2 Early morning game viewing in the Park. After breakfast proceed to Tsavo, driving across the Chuyulu Hills and Lava Flow. Lunch and afternoon game drive in the Park, the largest in East Africa, including a visit to Mzima Springs.

DAY 3 After breakfast drive in the Park. After lunch return to Nairobi, arriving approximately 6:00PM.

MOMBASA

What better way to end a safari than to spend a few days relaxing on a beach.

DAY 1 Depart Nairobi for the coast. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel, located along the beach. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the coral coast or hotel pool.

DAY 2 The entire day is at leisure to explore the coast, relax or play some golf. You may decide to take one of the many excursions, ie: the Marine National Park, the 15th-century Arab ruins at Gedi, or visit Shimba Hills Reserve to look for roan and sable antelope.

DAY 3 The day is at leisure until your transfer to the airport. You may want to extend your stay on the coast to relax or travel northward along
the coast to Lamu.

LAMU
Lamu is located on the Kenya coast, 150 miles north of Mombasa. A visit here is like turning back the clock; life continues much as it must have in countless Swahili towns for centuries. The decorative carved doors and plaster work are a distinctive art form, and the Lamu Museum has unique displays about the regions history, sailing vessels and crafts.

Lamu may be reached by scheduled air service directly from both Nairobi and Mombasa, and may be visited alone or combined with a stay in Mombasa.

ADVENTURE EXCURSIONS
There are many adventure excursions available in Kenya. These can be included in your basic safari or combined with other modules to make your own itinerary.

Camel Safari (4 or 6 Days)
White Water Rafting (3 Days)
Kisite/Wasini Dhow Cruise (1 Day)
Turkana Bus (7 Days)
Ngong Hills (Afternoon Ramble)
Horseback Adventure (1 Day)

KENYA AND TANZANIA:
Weather conditions in Kenya and Tanzania have little change in season because of their location on the equator, and since much of the travel is within higher altitudes, the climate is very comfortable. The cooler months are June, July and August, considered their winter, with daytime highs in the 70s and evening lows in the 50s. The wildebeeste migration generally takes place in the Masai Mara from late July through September. September, October and November are a springtime of blossoms and young animals, with warm days and cool evenings. December, January, February and March are the summer months, with days in the mid-80s, a non-humid heat. Migration is in the Serengeti of Tanzania at this time. Mid-April and May are considered the rainy months. The amount of rain is unpredictable and travelers often enjoy this season of reduced tourism.

MIGRATION
Kenya – July-September    Tanzania – December-March

ACCOMMODATION –
There are many different styles of accommodation in the city, beach and bush.

UGANDA

Uganda is restoring its position of prominence in East Africa. A beautiful country known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, with diverse flora and fauna.  The Queen Elizabeth Safari will take you through some the most scenic areas of Uganda.  The Mountain Gorilla Trail a visit with the gorillas is a thrill in itself and adds an exciting dimension to an East African safari  The gorillas, though well protected in a safe area, are fast becoming a threatened species.

THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRAIL (5-days)

DAY 1   Arrive Entebbe.  You will be met and taken for an early lunch.  Afterwards  you will drive to Mbarara passing through papyrus swamps close to Lake Victoria and tracts of rain forest and the rolling plains of Ankole cattle country. Mbarara is a colorful and friendly market town.

DAY 2   Drive into the ‘Switzerland of East Africa’ passing through areas of breathtaking scenery, high hills and low valleys. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for gorilla trekking and now a World Heritage Site.

DAY 3   Early departure for a day of gorilla tracking in the forest. The guides will lead you through the high altitude rainforest abundant in endemic plants such as orchids, bamboo, etc. The length of time needed to locate the gorillas varies greatly – anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours. It may be VERY taxing, and should be undertaken only if you are fit.

After finding the gorillas, you will spend an hour observing and photographing these fascinating animals. You may be rewarded with fine views of gorillas feeding, grooming each other, socializing and perhaps climbing trees. You are sure to be awed by these huge, gentle creatures.

Day 4   Depart for Mbara where you will stop for the night.

DAY 5   Today drive to Entebbe, If time permits it is possible to stop in Kampala for shopping, the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers before heading to the airport for your next adventure.

ADDITIONAL NIGHTS MAY BE NECESSARY BEFORE OR AFTER DEPENDING ON FLIGHT SCHEDULES.

NOTE: The long drives can be reduced or eliminated by using charter flights partially or entirely on the Uganda itineraries. These can be quoted on separately.

UGANDA has much more to offer than just the gorilla tracking. Take time to further explore this beautiful and fascinating country by including Queen Elizabeth National Park with its variety and scenic beauty, Chambura Gorge to view the chimpanzees, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyoni and much more. Ask us about itineraries with these exciting additions.  One suggested is:

QUEEN ELIZABETH SAFARI (5 DAYS)

DAY 1   Arrive in Entebbe where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  This afternoon a city tour of Kampala, capital of Uganda.  Kampala, the city of seven hills, contains interesting architecture and history.

DAY 2   This morning descend the escarpment onto the valley floor.  Enjoy game viewing along the Channel Tracks to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  The Park offers a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.  Situated in western Uganda there is a remarkable range of habitats — grassy plans, tropical forest, rivers, lakes and old volcanic craters.  The scenery is breathtaking!

DAY 3.  The morning optional game viewing or a visit to Chambura Gorge to view the chimpanzees.  In the afternoon board the launch for a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward.  The trip passes through the highest concentration of hippo in Africa.  The launch offers an excellent vantage point for photography and game viewing.

DAY 4   After breakfast depart for Kampala.

DAY 5   This morning drive to Jinga, the second largest city in Uganda.  Continue on to the source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls.  This afternoon transfer to the airport.

These two itineraries can be combined to make a 7-day Gorilla and Queen Elizabeth Tour.  Other options include Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Bunyoni and more.

RWANDA

Rwanda has now returned as a tourist destination, a small country with excellent gorilla trails and much more.  Take a look at the Land of Perpetual Spring

LAND OF PERPETUAL SPRING (4 Days Rwanda Trail)
For those who may not have the time, you will be delighted to know that Rwanda is back on the map!

DAY 1 — Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital where you will be met. You will drive to Kinigi, near the Volcanoes National Park headquarters.

DAY 2 — Early in the morning drive into the National Park, where some of the remaining mountain gorillas live. A very few gorilla family groups have learned to accept human visitors, however Rwanda has for many years cultivated the families enabling you to approach safely to within a few feet.

DAY 3 — An optional second day of gorilla tracking can be undertaken.  OR return to Kigali and visit the sights of the city.

DAY 4 — Drive back to Kigali if you spent an extra day with the gorillas.  You will board your onward flight to …

NOTE: Every effort is made to find the gorilla family when tracking, however there is no guarantee that they will be seen.

UGANDA AND RWANDA
Uganda and Rwanda, in the southern hemisphere, have rains from late March to the end of May, and to a lesser degree, in October and November. From October through December, the gorillas are moving toward the bamboo area, which necessitates a longer tracking period.