The Great Rift Safari

ACCOMMODATION

STANDARD

  
   

Day

Hotel/Lodge/Camp

1

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

2

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge

3

Basecamp Explorer Masai Mara

4

Basecamp Explorer Masai Mara

5

Depart

DELUXE
   

Day

Hotel/Lodge/Camp

1

Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge

2

Sarova Lion Hills Lodge

3

Mara Sarova Game Camp

4

Mara Sarova Game Camp

5

Depart

QUOTATION FULL ITINERARY.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL/NAIROBI/AMBOSELI

Arrival of your international flight into JKIA International Airport in Nairobi. Safari briefing and introduction to your driver guide. Depart for Depart for Lake Naivasha with a brief stop at the scenic Rift valley View point. Arrive, check in and Lunch. Afternoon – Optional- proceed for 45 minutes boat ride Payable locally. Overnight stay on full board at your Lodge/Camp.

DAY 2: LAKE NAIVASHA/LAKE NAKURU: B, L, D.

Breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive, check-in and lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drives. Lake Nakuru is a shallow alkaline lake situated in the Great Rift Valley. It is usually populated by many thousands of lesser flamingos which line the shore like a bright pink ribbon (seasonal depending on local conditions). During the wet season numbers can rise to 2 million (one third of the world's entire lesser flamingo population). In addition, the park has more than 450 recorded species of birds including pelikan and cormorants and is truly an ornithologist's paradise. The park is also home to many land animals including lion, leopard, buffalo, waterbuck and is now one of the best places in East Africa to see the rare Rothschild Giraffe and the endangered black Rhino.  Spend 1 night on full board. Spend 1 night at lodge on full board.

DAY 3: LAKE NAKURU/MASAI MARA: B, L, D.

Breakfast at the Lodge. Depart for the famous Masai Mara National Reserve via Mau Narok. Arrive, check-in and lunch. Afternoon game drives. Spend the next 2 nights at the lodge on full board.

DAY 4: 2023: MASAI MARA: B, L, D.

Full day spent in the reserve with scheduled safari activities. 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 5: MASAI MARA/NAIROBI - B

Breakfast at the lodge. Check out and depart for Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your 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

$1405

$1255

$1180

$1135

$1105

$1085

$150

February

$1405

$1255

$1180

$1135

$1105

$1085

$150

March

$1405

$1255

$1180

$1135

$1105

$1085

$150

April

$1270

$1120

$1050

$1005

$975

$950

$60

May

$1270

$1120

$1050

$1005

$975

$950

$60

June

$1405

$1255

$1180

$1135

$1105

$1085

$150

July

$1625

$1475

$1405

$1360

$1330

$1305

$200

August

$1625

$1475

$1405

$1360

$1330

$1305

$200

September

$1625

$1475

$1405

$1360

$1330

$1305

$200

October

$1625

$1475

$1405

$1360

$1330

$1305

$200

November

$1405

$1255

$1180

$1135

$1105

$1085

$150

1-15 December

$1405

$1255

$1180

$1135

$1105

$1085

$150

16-30 December

$1625

$1475

$1405

$1360

$1330

$1305

$200

Using -7-Seater 4x4 Land Cruiser.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$1655

$1420

$1305

$1235

$1190

$1155

$150

February

$1655

$1420

$1305

$1235

$1190

$1155

$150

March

$1655

$1420

$1305

$1235

$1190

$1155

$150

April

$1520

$1290

$1175

$1105

$1055

$1025

$60

May

$1520

$1290

$1175

$1105

$1055

$1025

$60

June

$1655

$1420

$1305

$1235

$1190

$1155

$150

July

$1875

$1645

$1530

$1460

$1410

$1380

$200

August

$1875

$1645

$1530

$1460

$1410

$1380

$200

September

$1875

$1645

$1530

$1460

$1410

$1380

$200

October

$1875

$1645

$1530

$1460

$1410

$1380

$200

November

$1655

$1420

$1305

$1235

$1190

$1155

$150

1-15 December

$1655

$1420

$1305

$1235

$1190

$1155

$150

16-30 December

$1875

$1645

$1530

$1460

$1410

$1380

$200

Deluxe Safari.

Using -7-Seater Safari Minibus.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$1505

$1355

$1280

$1235

$1205

$1185

$295

February

$1505

$1355

$1280

$1235

$1205

$1185

$295

March

$1505

$1355

$1280

$1235

$1205

$1185

$295

April

$1330

$1180

$1105

$1060

$1030

$1010

$Nil

May

$1330

$1180

$1105

$1060

$1030

$1010

$Nil

June

$1155

$1405

$1330

$1285

$1255

$1235

$305

July

$1905

$1760

$1680

$1635

$1605

$1585

$435

August

$1905

$1760

$1680

$1635

$1605

$1585

$435

September

$1905

$1760

$1680

$1635

$1605

$1585

$435

October

$1905

$1760

$1680

$1635

$1605

$1585

$435

November

$1425

$1275

$1205

$1160

$1130

$1105

$150

1-15 December

$1425

$1275

$1205

$1160

$1130

$1105

$150

16-30 December

$1825

$1675

$1600

$155

$1525

$1505

$465

Using -7-Seater 4x4 Land Cruiser.

VALIDITY- 2024

2 Pax

3 Pax

4 Pax

5 Pax

6 Pax

7 Pax

SRS

January

$1755

$1520

$1405

$1335

$1290

$1255

$295

February

$1755

$1520

$1405

$1335

$1290

$1255

$295

March

$1755

$1520

$1405

$1335

$1290

$1255

$295

April

$1580

$1345

$1230

$1160

$1115

$1080

$Nil

May

$1580

$1345

$1230

$1160

$1115

$1080

$Nil

June

$1805

$1570

$1455

$1385

$1340

$1305

$305

July

$2155

$1925

$1805

$1735

$1690

$1660

$435

August

$2155

$1925

$1805

$1735

$1690

$1660

$435

September

$2155

$1925

$1805

$1735

$1690

$1660

$435

October

$2155

$1925

$1805

$1735

$1690

$1660

$435

November

$1675

$1445

$1330

$1260

$1210

$1180

$150

1-15 December

$1675

$1445

$1330

$1260

$1210

$1180

$150

16-30 December

$2074

$1845

$1725

$1655

$1610

$1575

$465

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