Kenya Highlights Safari

ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD

   

Day

Hotel/Lodge/Camp

1

The Ark Lodge

2

Samburu Sopa Lodge

3

Samburu Sopa Lodge

4

Serena Sweetwater’s Tented Camp

5

Lake Naivasha Sawela Lodge

6

Loyk Mara Camp

7

Loyk Mara Camp

8

Depart

DELUXE

   

Day

Hotel/Lodge/Camp

1

The Ark Lodge

2

Ashnil Samburu Camp

3

Ashnil Samburu Camp

4

Jambo Mutara Camp

5

Enashipai Resort- Naivasha

6

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

7

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

8

Depart

QUOTATION FULL ITINERARY.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL/NAIROBI/ABERDARES: L, D.

Arrival of your international flight into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Met by our representatives outside customs and immigration halls. Safari briefing and introduction to your driver guide. Depart for Aberdare’s Country Club. Arrive, check-in and lunch at Aberdare’s country club. Afternoon transferred to the ark Lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Ark (rustic forest lodges). Here guests can relax in comfort while observing the animals gather to drink at the floodlit waterhole in front of the lodge.

DAY 2: ABERDARES/SAMBURU: B, L, D.

Breakfast at the camp. Morning drive through ever changing landscapes to the dry and remote Northern country of Samburu. Lunch stop and cross the Equator en-route. Late afternoon game drive in the reserve. Spend the next two nights at your lodge/camp.

DAY 3: SAMBURU: B, L, D.

Morning and afternoon game viewing in Samburu/Buffalo Springs reserve. This dramatically beautiful area of arid bush country is brought to life by the Uaso Nyiro River on which the wildlife depend. It's unique and compelling features are the stunning landscapes and unusual species of animal such as the handsome Oryx, long-necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra and Kudu. Along the river trails, marked by ancient Doum palms, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile may be found. All meals and overnight stay will be at your lodge/camp.

DAY 4: SAMBURU/OLPEJETA: B, L, D.

Breakfast at the CAMP. Depart for Ol-Pejeta Game Sanctuary. Arrive, check-in and lunch at your lodge/camp. Afternoon game drives in the conservancy until sunset. Ol Pejeta conservancy is now East Africa's largest rhino breeding project and many white rhinos can be seen on a single game drive. Black rhino is there but less easy to spot. Much of the park is bush land where it hard to find animals, but the large open park not far from Sweetwater’s lodge is a fantastic game viewing area with an amazing variety of wildlife gathering on the grasslands during the mornings and evenings. It is not difficult to see lion and elephant as well as many different types of plains game. Any stay at Sweetwater’s will include a visit to the Chimpanzee project but don’t expect too much excitement from this. There will likely be only one or two chimps to see from behind the protection fence but they are doing a great job in conservation of these fascinating primates. Optional extra activities include night game drives, camel rides in the lodge grounds and guided bush walks with armed ranger (payable locally). At the lodge there are also plenty of animals to be seen just by sitting on the terrace outside your tent (including a good chance of rhino)Return to the camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 5: OLPEJETA/LAKE NAIVASHA: B, L, D.

Breakfast at the camp. Depart for Lake Naivasha. Brief stop at Thompsons Falls. Arrive, check-in and lunch at your lodge/camp. Afternoon Optional- Proceed for a 45 minutes boat ride-Payable locally. Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya's most beautiful fresh water lakes with over 400 recorded bird species, making it one of the prime bird watching areas in East Africa. The large fresh water birds such as Cormorants, Heron, Storks and Ibis are predominant with the large birds of prey easy to spot wheeling in the open skies. Also present are the smaller water birds feeding along the shores. But it is the combination of the lake lands with surrounding Acacia woodland and grasslands which makes this area so rich and varied in bird life. Boat trips on the lake will also reveal hippo and spectacular views of the dormant volcano Mount Longonot, the Aberdare range, Eburru and the Mau escarpment. There are plenty of activities around the lake. Visit nearby Hell's Gate with its fascinating geological rock formations and volcanic hot springs, Crater Lake with its population of Colobus monkeys or Elsamere, once the home of Joy Adamson and now a museum to the life of Elsa the lioness. Spend 1 night on full board.

DAY 6: LAKE NAIVASHA MASAI MARA: B, L, D.

A morning drive of great scenic beauty and contrast, crossing the Rift Valley en route to the Masai Mara, Kenya’s most spectacular game reserve. Lunch at a lodge and afternoon game drive in Mara Reserve. Spend the next two nights at your camp/lodge on full board.

DAY 7: MASAI MARA: B, L, D.

Morning and afternoon game viewing drives in Masai Mara. Elephant and Buffalo abound in the riverine forests, while out on the grasslands Impala and Thompson's gazelle can be seen together with their attendant predators such as lion, Cheetah, Hyena and Jackal. The Mara is, in fact, the northern part of the Serengeti ecosystem and plays host to the vast herds of migratory wildebeest and zebra during the months of July to October. Lesser known species such as topi, hartebeest, waterbuck Eland and many small mammals create a kaleidoscopic picture of wildlife. All meals and overnight stay will be at your lodge/camp.

DAY 9: MASAI MARA/NAIROBI/DEPART: B.

Breakfast. Depart for Nairobi. Arrive and transferred to Ole-Sereni hotel. - Optional: Lunch/dayroom use-to be paid locally. - Not included. Later met and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight out.

*****End of our services*****

NET COSTS VALID FOR 2024.

Standard Safari.

Using -7-Seater Safari Minibus.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$2285

$2035

$1910

$1840

$1790

$1755

$270

February

$2255

$2010

$1885

$1810

$1765

$1725

$260

March

$2255

$2010

$1885

$1810

$1765

$1725

$260

April

$2175

$1925

$1800

$1725

$1680

$1645

$85

May

$2175

$1925

$1800

$1725

$1680

$1645

$85

June

$2255

$2010

$1885

$1810

$1765

$1725

$260

July

$2520

$2270

$2150

$2075

$2025

$1990

$585

August

$2520

$2270

$2150

$2075

$2025

$1990

$585

September

$2520

$2270

$2150

$2075

$2025

$1990

$585

October

$2520

$2270

$2150

$2075

$2025

$1990

$585

November

$2255

$2010

$1885

$1810

$1765

$1725

$260

1-15 December

$2255

$2010

$1885

$1810

$1765

$1725

$260

16-30 December

$2555

$2305

$2180

$2110

$2060

$2025

$585

Using -7-Seater 4x4 Land Cruiser.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$2690

$2305

$2115

$2000

$1925

$1870

$270

February

$2665

$2280

$2090

$1975

$1900

$1845

$260

March

$2665

$2280

$2090

$1975

$1900

$1845

$260

April

$2580

$2195

$2005

$1890

$1815

$1760

$85

May

$2580

$2195

$2005

$1890

$1815

$1760

$85

June

$2665

$2280

$2090

$1975

$1900

$1845

$260

July

$2925

$2545

$2350

$2335

$2160

$2105

$585

August

$2925

$2545

$2350

$2335

$2160

$2105

$585

September

$2925

$2545

$2350

$2335

$2160

$2105

$585

October

$2925

$2545

$2350

$2335

$2160

$2105

$585

November

$2665

$2280

$2090

$1975

$1900

$1845

$260

1-15 December

$2665

$2280

$2090

$1975

$1900

$1845

$260

16-30 December

$2960

$2575

$1385

$2270

$2195

$2140

$585

Deluxe Safari.

Using -7-Seater Safari Minibus.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$2755

$2505

$2380

$2310

$2260

$2225

$610

February

$2725

$2480

$2355

$2280

$2335

$2195

$600

March

$2755

$2505

$2380

$2310

$2260

$2225

$610

April

$2520

$2270

$2150

$2075

$2025

$1990

$320

May

$2520

$2270

$2150

$2075

$2025

$1990

$320

June

$2865

$2620

$2495

$2420

$2370

$2335

$640

July

$3225

$2980

$2860

$2780

$2730

$2695

$720

August

$3225

$2980

$2860

$2780

$2730

$2695

$720

September

$3225

$2980

$2860

$2780

$2730

$2695

$720

October

$3105

$2855

$2730

$2660

$2610

$2575

$665

November

$2645

$2395

$2275

$2200

$2150

$2115

$540

1-15 December

$2645

$2395

$2275

$2200

$2150

$2115

$540

16-30 December

$3260

$3010

$2890

$2815

$2765

$2730

$720

Using -7-Seater 4x4 Land Cruiser.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$3160

$2775

$2585

$2470

$2395

$234

$610

February

$3135

$2750

$2560

$2445

$2370

$2315

$600

March

$3160

$2775

$2585

$2470

$2395

$234

$610

April

$2925

$2545

$2350

$2235

$2160

$2105

$320

May

$2925

$2545

$2350

$2235

$2160

$2105

$320

June

$3275

$2890

$2700

$2585

$2610

$2455

$640

July

$3635

$3250

$3060

$2945

$2865

$2810

$720

August

$3635

$3250

$3060

$2945

$2865

$2810

$720

September

$3635

$3250

$3060

$2945

$2865

$2810

$720

October

$3510

$3130

$2935

$2820

$2745

$2690

$665

November

$3050

$2670

$2475

$2360

$2285

$2230

$540

1-15 December

$3050

$2670

$2475

$2360

$2285

$2230

$540

16-30 December

$3665

$3285

$3090

$2975

$2900

$2845

$720

Notes.

  • We will revise prices where dates overlap in two different months.
  • Easter and Festive season supplements are not included and will be added if the booking falls on respective dates. Supplements will be advised upon request.
  • Children/Triple /Quad rates will be on request.
  • There has been a communication by Masai Mara Park Authorities on an increase in park entry fees for 2024. This is not official yet, but once it is effected, then we shall revise the rates accordingly.
  • Masai Mara National Reserve and Mara Triangle operates on a 12 hour park policy, and all clients must exit the park by 10am on the last day. Failure to do so, an extra park fee will be charged directly to the guest.
  • Hotels/Parks and other tour components providers reserve the right to alter the rates, hence above are subject to change. Communications will be passed accordingly.

Safari Cost includes; -

  • Meet and greet services.
  • Accommodation on safari on full board.
  • All Airport transfers in Nairobi.
  • Park fees.
  • Game drives on safari.
  • Extras as indicated on the program.
  • Transport in our customized 7-seater safari vehicle with English speaking guide.
  • Complementary ½ litre bottle of mineral water per person per day in our vehicle.
  • Services of an English-speaking driver guide.
  • WIFI onboard in all our vehicle.
  • Our assistance.

Cost excludes; -

  • Tips and porterages
  • Drinks and Laundry
  • Extra meals and visits not indicated
  • Visa fees
  • Personal medical and travel insurance
  • International flights and departure taxes

Additional remarks: -

  • We may have to reroute the itinerary or accommodate in similar lodges in case of non-availability
  • Prices for domestic flights, airport taxes or park fees may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be passed to you.

Passenger Information: -

  • Passengers should bring only soft sided bags on safaris
  • All the passengers must have Identification Card/Passport with them for internal flights.
  • Baggage on internal flights is strictly limited to 15kgs per person (including hand luggage).
  • Any excess baggage will be charged by the airline at check-in.
  • Passengers arriving in Kenya and Tanzania may be asked to present a valid Yellow
  • Fever Vaccination Certificate.

The price quoted and services will be subject change depending on availability at the time of booking.

SAFARI TIPS.

While planning an East African Safari can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be! Take the stress out of the experience with this helpful summary of the key things you need to think about before you jet off. Once you have all of them covered, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your safari adventure.

Note: 

While this is a general guide to vaccinations required for your East African safari, you should always visit your doctor before your departure to obtain the best advice. A pre-trip health check and discussion of what vaccines are necessary for you, as well as how to deal with any unique health concerns, is imperative for a safe and enjoyable safari.

4. Clothing

On an East African safari, you should go for comfort and convenience when it comes to your clothing. Some of the things you should remember, include:

  • Bring lightweight layers in both long and short lengths, plus socks, sleepwear, and swim wear.
  • Always take a sweater or fleece jacket, as it can get quite chilly at night and during early mornings.
  • Unless you’re planning to trek, bulky hiking boots are rarely necessary. However, a comfortable pair of lightweight trainers are a must and if you’re planning on going to the beach after your safari, don’t forget your flip-flops.
  • Don’t forget a hat, as you’ll want to protect your face and scalp from the equatorial sun.
  • It’s not recommended to wear bright colors on safari, so consider buying some khaki, dark green, or darker colored clothes before your trip.

Passports & Visas

  • A full passport with at least six-month validity from the date of departure is generally required for travel.
  • It is recommended that travelers contact the relevant Consulate/Embassy prior to travel for current visa requirements. 

Applying for a Kenyan Visa

  • NEW VISA REQUIREMENT: From 01 January 2021 all visitors requiring a visa to enter Kenya will need to apply for an e-visa online, 
  • in advance before leaving their country or boarding the aircraft.
  • No Visas will be issued on arrival in Kenya. Click this link for more information about how to apply. http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html $50 USD application fee

Applying for an East African Visa

One of the greatest things to happen to East African tourism over the past few years is the introduction of the East African visa. This visa allows you access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it’s not only a time saver, but it also works out considerably cheaper than purchasing individual visas.

To apply for the East African Visa, you’ll need the following:

  • A passport with at least six months validity
  • One standard sized passport photograph
  • A completed application form

Tip: It’s important that you apply for the East African visa with the country from which you will begin your travels. The visa will be valid for 90 days from the date marked in your passport.

Currency

  • Credit & debit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa) are widely accepted in the cities.
    ATMs banks and Bureau de Changes are found throughout major towns. Cash is king, although it is advised that you limit the amount of money you carry on your person.
  • Some African countries will accept USD, GBP or EUROs, but Kenya requires Rand (KES).
  • Most safaris are all-inclusive when it comes to food and drink, but you still need money for certain activities, local purchases, and tipping. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry some local currency with you.

Carrying US Dollars

The US dollar is widely accepted by international hotels and safari camps in East Africa and travellers cheques are also an option. Visa cards are usually a safe bet, no matter where you go.

Tip: You may want to consider changing money at the airports, as banks there usually give better exchange rates than hotels.

Health & Medical Facilities

*** All of the countries we represent are Ebola free ***

  • Ensure that you have adequate travel & health insurance cover. 
  • South Africa has excellent medical care and facilities compare favorably with international standards.  
    Malaria Vaccinations & Yellow Fever Certificates may be required for certain countries.
  • Please consult your local doctor or travel clinic for advice prior to departure for appropriate medication.

Vaccinations and Health Requirements

When travelling to East Africa, there is only one shot that is compulsory, and that is the yellow fever vaccine, but there are other health precautions and vaccinations recommended by the WHO and CDC, which include:

  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Meningitis
  • Polio
  • Influenza
  • Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Tipping

Tipping is optional and dependent on the level of service. Although it is customary and considered an insult if you do not.

  • As a guideline, a minimum of 10% should be added to restaurant bills.
  • For guides and/or drivers please calculate USD 5 - 9 per person per day (or equivalent).
  • For rangers and trackers when on safari please calculate USD 5 - 9 per person per day (or equivalent).
  • Porterage ranges between USD 1 - 2 per person per service (or equivalent).
  • For helpful petrol attendants, USD 1 (or equivalent) is perfectly acceptable.
  • When assisted by a car guard, it is a custom to tip USD 1 

Tax

Value-added-tax (VAT) of 14% / 16% is charged on most items.

When visiting South Africa & Namibia, be sure to request a tax invoice for larger purchases as foreign visitors may claim back VAT paid on items taken out of the country when the total valued exceeds USD 18.93. It is advisable to keep these purchases in your hand luggage as you will need to present the items at the VAT Refund Administration for inspection and endorsement of the tax invoices when departing the country.

A Tax Invoice must include the following:

  • The words "Tax Invoice"
  • A Tax Invoice number
  • The seller's VAT Registration number
  • Date of Issue of the Tax Invoice
  • The seller's name and address
  • The buyer's name and address
  • A full description of the goods purchased
  • The cost of the goods in Rands
  • The amount of VAT charged or a statement that VAT is included in the total cost

Wildlife Photography

Animals don't stop for selfies, so be quick on the finger!

  • Avoid getting too close, some animals are dangerous and in the wild - uncontrollable. 
    Experiment at home in the garden and with the cat or dog to learn how your camera works and perfect your technique. For instance, which is the anti-motion, or motion button? Does it have a landscape function? What sort of zoom range does it have? How do you set it to manual and change the aperture and shutter speed?
  • Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance - loud talking on game drives can frighten the wildlife away. Early morning and evening game drives offer exceptional lighting opportunities.
  • Don’t be in a hurry to cover the most distance, stay in a well set up position for a while – you’ll be amazed by what may enter your frame.

most importantly, be sure to enjoy the whole view – not just the one from behind your lens. Stop and look around every once in a while!

Safety

Most areas are as safe as any other destination in the world, however, basic common-sense precautions should be used:

  • Ask the concierge at your hotel which areas are safe to walk around in and when
    Travel in groups or pairs and always choose well-lit areas
  • Order taxis or transport ahead of time
  • Carry only as much cash as necessary
  • Don't leave your property unattended
  • Be aware of pickpockets and petty criminals
  • Don’t draw attention to yourself by flaunting valuables around openly or counting your cash at the ATM
    Carry a copy of your passport in a separate section of your luggage

What to Bring on Safari

Clothing
Most lodges and safari camps offer laundry as part of their service, so you can afford to pack lightly.

  • 2x khaki/brown cotton trousers
  • 2x pairs khaki/brown shorts
  • 3x long sleeved shirts/blouses
  • 1x fleece/jersey
  • 1x lightweight, waterproof jacket
  • 1x Swimming costume
  • 1x Walking or hiking boots
  • 1x Sandals
  • 4x short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts
  • 5x underwear 5x socks
  • 1x Hat with a brim
  • 1x Gloves (if you really feel the cold)
  • 1x Sarong or kikoi type garment

The Must-Haves For Your East African Safari

Before you leave for your East African Safari, make sure to have these items packed and ready to go:

  • Mosquito repellant
  • Sunblock/Body lotion
  • Any prescription drugs (keep these in your hand luggage)
  • A camera
  • Electrical adaptors
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars (a pair per person)
  • A small bag or day pack

The Basics

  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera (with extra memory card and batteries)
  • Binoculars 
  • Lip balm
  • Hand wipes
  • Wildlife checklist (or just paper) & a pen

Cancellation Policy.

In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of the programme cost will be assessed based on the number of days prior to programme departure that the cancellation was received:

  • 90-60 days prior 20% of the programme cost
  • 59-30 days prior to 50% of the programme cost
  • 29 days or less 100% of the programme cost