"Our hotels, services and meals throughout the trip were excellent. We had top-notch drivers, and I wanted to have at least one female guide to share information from a feminine perspective; that was accomplished on this wonderful trip. I would have no hesitation in using Shades of Africa in the future or recommending Shades of Africa to others."
Kenya’s most famous attractions are on your itinerary:
View animals at the foot of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro.
Fly across the Great Rift Valley
Meet the proud Masai warrior/herdsmen
Feed the rare Rothschild’s Giraffe
Visit the Out of Africa house
Observe animals from the famous Ark Tree Lodge
Track plains animals in the incomparable Masai Mara
DAY 1
Depart USA, overnight transatlantic flight.
DAY 2
London Arrive in Europe early in the morning. This evening, leave on your overnight flight to Nairobi.
DAY 3
Nairobi
This morning arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, referred to as the Green City in the Sun. You are met by your Shades of Africa Representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the morning is free. Your adventure starts this afternoon with a visit to the home of Karen Blixen, author of Out of Africa. Then it’s on to Giraffe Manor where you will have the opportunity to feed the gentle giants.
Nairobi - Amboseli
Morning drive to Amboseli National Park at the foot of the snow–capped Mount Kilimanjaro. Famous for its large population of elephants, the park has a wide variety of wild animals. Apart from game viewing you can visit the Masai people in their traditional homes – the Manyatta.
Amboseli
Morning and evening game viewing alongside Africa’s highest mountain. Kili provides a great backdrop for herds of elephant, giraffe, gazelle and prides of marauding lions. Between game drives, park yourself at the lodge pool which overlooks a mid-day watering hole popular with elephants, storks and ibis.
Amboseli – The Ark Tree Lodge
After breakfast, journey via Nairobi to Aberdares National Park. Lunch is served at the famous Carnivore Restaurant. Try different types of game meat. You are transferred to an exciting Tree Lodge, elevated from the ground and overlooking flood-lit water holes. All night long animals trudge, dart and scamper to the life-giving water. You may sign up to be awakened for elephant, rhino, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest hog or the occasional sighting of the elusive bongo. Or just sleep in and hear the tales over breakfast.
The Ark Tree Lodge – Samburu
Have you ever had one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern? On the way to Samburu National Reserve cross the equator, take a photo and see demonstrations. Samburu is semi-desert, bush country home to rare species, such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and giant pythons. You’ll also see the unusual, gangly gerenuk (swala twiga in Swahili). When you see it you’ll know why an antelope (swala) is named for a giraffe (twiga).
Samburu
Samburu’s arid landscape is refreshed by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The Serena Lodge is situated on the riverbank. The lush compound was inspired by the architecture of the indigenous Samburu tribe and blends into the verdant environment by making full use of native materials. Watch the sun rise on the first of today’s two game drives. There will also be time to visit a Samburu village or join an optional nature walk.
Samburu – Masai Mara
Board a flight across the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The Reserve is part of the northern Serengeti ecosystem. The Mara is the setting for the great migration of millions of wildebeest, accompanied by zebras, antelopes, and very interested lions and other predators. Upon landing you are met and transferred to your lodge. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive in this premier reserve.
Masai Mara The concentration of game in Masai Mara during the migration is startling. This is one place where it is common to see the Big Five -- elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo. Additionally, look for hyena, topi, eland, impala, gazelles, jackal and, perhaps, a gazing cheetah perched atop a red termite mound. Black-faced vervet monkeys are everywhere. Another integral part of the ecosystem is the Masai tribe. Masai herdsmen have occupied the area since the 17th century, living in harmony with the wildlife as pastoralists, not hunters. These proud warrior people are guardians of the park as they preserve their nomadic way of life.
Masai Mara -- Nairobi
After breakfast, wish Masai Mara kwa heri yaku onana (“goodbye, hope to see you again” in Swahili). Drive to Nairobi where a day room at The Stanley Hotel awaits you. Relax in the hotel until your transfer this evening to the airport or visit the National Museum and Snake Park. Overnight flight to Europe.
DAY 12
Arrive in Europe early in the morning. Connect to your USA-bound flight and arrive later in the day.
We recommend the following extensions that can be added to your trip or safari!
Please click on the Extentions for more information:
Single Room Supplement= $ 620 (High season) Single room Suppiment = $ 290 (Low season)
Price is based on a minimum of 2 persons travelling. If family group has three or more travelling, Land cost is discounted by 5-8% .
Child Rates: Land Portion only. Infant: Under 2 years old- Free Child: Over 2 years and under 12 years old - 50% of adult sharing room with 2 parents. 75% sharing own room. Child: Over 12 years is considered an adult and pay full rates.
Shades of Africa air supplement: NY/Newark-London-Nairobi Roundtrip Economy Class airfare from $1250.
All air quotes are subject to change and carry penalties and surcharges. Flight confirmation is based upon availability.
Add on fares available from other cities. Business Class fares available. High season supplements apply. Taxes not included. Dates shown are guaranteed, but other departures can be arranged for any day of the year.
*Holiday is Easter, Christmas and or New Year
PRICES ABOVE INCLUDE: > Deluxe Accommodations, private facilities > Karen Blixen & Giraffe Manor. > Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant. > Equator stopover for demonstrations. > Guaranteed departures. > Domestic flight / airfare included. > All park entrance fees. > All game drives in clean, comfortable mini-van with pop-up top for game viewing-window seats guaranteed. > Professional English speaking guide. > Shades of Africa representative will meet and escort you at all transfers, help you exchange money, escort you to all hotels, and give orientation briefing. > Services of Flying Doctors. > Shades of Africa Safari Kit: safari hat, passport wallet to hold passport/itinerary/tickets.
Disclaimer: All Pricing and Itineraries are subject to confirmation!
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