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">THE GREAT MASAI MARA MIGRATION 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS
There is no better time to visit the Mara than during the Great Migration.
Kenya's most popular attraction, the Mara was awarded its title for its sheer
volume and variety of game.
Each June, around 1.3 million Wildebeest gather in the Serengeti to calve. They
slowly mass into a huge single herd, until the dry season withers their supply
of fresh grass.The scent of rain to the North begins to draw the herd throughout
July, and soon the planet's greatest animal migration is underway.
This is one of the remarkable wildlife attractions that make's Kenya one of the
best wildlife destinations in the world.
In the Maasai Mara, Africa's largest concentrations of predators are drawn to
this perfect opportunity for easy hunting. Lions are frequently seen attacking
the herds - especially at night- dragging down straggling individuals.
At the same time, packs of Hyena freely weave throughout the herds, singling out
and separating the young and the weak.
As happens each year, the herds will gather at the banks in preparation for the
most perilous stretch of their journey. As sheer pressure builds, the herds are
finally forced to surge into the river, often hurling themselves off high banks.
In the struggle across the Mara River, many are drowned or swept away by strong
currents. The crossing attracts massive crocodiles who each year awaits this
season of bounty.
By September the herds will begin reaching their goal, and spreading out to
graze across the expanse of the Mara.
For this beautiful game reserve, it is a time of renewal, as the dung from the
visiting herds fertilizes the plains. October will see the herds turn southward
and repeat the same journey back to the Serengeti, where the renewed grasslands
await.
Below are the Safaris that we have prepared for you this year
Dates:
- July 25th 26th and 27th
, Aug 8th 9th and 10th
, Aug 29th 30th and 31st
, Sept 12th 13th and 14th
, Sept 26th 27th and 28th
, Oct 3rd 4th and 5th
Charges are: (minimum 8pax)
Citizens - 8,500
, Residents - 10,500
, Non-residents - 13,500
, Children under 12years 75 percent of adult rate
Charges inclusive of accommodation in tented camp with bed and beddings, meals,
transport and game drives
Charges not inclusive of park fee (citizens and residents 1,000kshs per night
non residents 40USD per night)
Type : Flying Packages
Safari Duration: 3 days - 2 nights Masai Mara
Locations Visited: MPATA SAFARI CLUB
Package inclusive of: Return flight from wilson airport nairobi, (including airport tax), full board accommodation, two game drives per day, return airstrip transfers in Masa Mara
Rates: USD560 non-residents, KSH34000 residents (for folowing rates DO NOT include park fees, drinks &extras)
Type : Lodge Safaris
Keekorok Lodge - rates from USD300 - 350 pp per night
Keekorok is located within Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve which is at an Altitude of 1,617 metres above sea level. Accommodation is on a Full Board basis that includes morning tea or coffee, breakfast, luncheon, afternoon tea and dinner. Accommodation comprises stone built bungalows with private balconies. All with on suite bathrooms.
Mara Sopa Lodge: - rates USD250 - 285 pp per night
Located on the slopes of Oloongams Hills, it is one of the first lodges to be built in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guests are drawn to this lodge built in an ethnic design, surrounded by a rich landscape, covered in fauna, from huge desert cacti to sweet smelling jasmine flowers, all within the fabled Masai Mara game reserve.
Type :Tented Camps
Intrepids Tented luxury Camp - rates USD700 pp per night
They are the best that Tented camp has to offer: spacious, comfortable, handsomely furnished with hand-crafted mahogany furniture, oversized four poster beds, en suite bathrooms with showers, twin hand basins, running hot and cold water and flush toilets and electricity. They are even equipped with fans to cool the tents in the heat of the day and a swimming pool. Full English breakfast and buffet luncheons are served on an elevated deck under the dappled shade of the trees. A more formal candlelit dinner is served under the airy thatched roof of the main dining room
KImana Mara Tented Camp: Rates from USD195 - 240 pp per night
Kimana Camp is a small tented camp, situated on the banks of Sekenani River 2kms from Sekenani Gate within the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Kimana is within a small, cool and serene environment surrounded by woodland,The camp has simple but magnificently furnished tents. They have ensuite hot water showers and flush toilets facilities. The tents are in secluded positions and are linked by raised brick and timber walkways amongst ancient Jackal Berry trees. The tents come in singles and doubles and can take up to three pax each. Accommodation is on Bed Only,fullboard or self catering basis.
Maasai Ostrich Resort Tented Camp: Rates are: USD60 - 70
Maasai Ostrich Resort is located 45 kilometres from Nairobi on the Athi River/Kitengela Plains. Thirty minutes from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and one and half hours from the Tanzania border.Set in 200 acres of rolling grasslands, the Ostrich Farm supplies Kenya and overseas countries with Ostrich Meat, Feathers, Skins and Livestock since 1991. The specious double rooms with ensuite bathroom are tasteful and private. The large American style Ranch House surrounded by beautiful gardens has become a have of peace for travel weary guests. An ideal spot for family outings, the Resort also offers a Swimming pool, tennis court and sauna.The outside barbecue or locally "nyama choma" area has become a great favourite with many of our guests. Guests have a choice of dining by sitting in the cool shade hut, inside the specious dining room, or out by the poolside under the trees. Our speciality is char-grilled ostrich meat (famously low in cholesterol) cooked to your desired preference. We will cook your food to suit most ethnic tastes.
1) EMIRATES AIRLINE via Dubai: USD 626 (TAX INCLUSIVE)
baggage allowance 20kgs
The fare expires 31st December and the ticket is valid for one year.
2) KENYA AIRWAYS direct flight: USD 676(TAX INCLUSIVE)
baggage allowance 20kgs
The fare expires 14th November and the ticket is valid for three months.
3) QATAR AIRWAYS via Doha: USD 565(TAX INCLUSIVE)
baggage allowance 20kgs
The fare expires 14th June and the ticket is valid for four months.
4) AIR INDIA direct flight: USD 631(TAX INCLUSIVE)
baggage allowance 20kgs
The fare expires 15th November and the ticket is valid for three months.
Type : Camping Safaris
Camping Safari Duration: 8 nights 9 days
Locations Visited: Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Arusha
Description: Amboseli are the plains below Mt. Kilimanjaro. The waters from melted snow drain down the mountain under lava flows and surface in Amboseli, creating a green belt of swampland amidst dusty plains. Here, hippo, elephant and bird life can be seen against the backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped mountain. Also the game parks of Northern Tanzania are amongst the best in the world and offer some unique game viewing. Ngorongoro Crater is renowned for its packs of Hunting Dogs, and a wide variety of other game. Lake Manyara lions have developed a liking for residing in the branches of trees, where they can both sleep and watch for prey while Serengeti is where the wildebeest migration starts.
Day 1 - Amboseli
Depart Nairobi in the morning and drive via Namanga, on the Tanzania border. After lunch, proceed into the Amboseli park with the possibility of seeing game on our way to the campsite.
Day 2 - Amboseli
Day spent viewing game in the morning and afternoon.
Day 3 - Lake Manyara:
After breakfast, drive via Namanga border and Arusha to Lake Manyara. Lunch enroute. Dinner and overnight will be at campsite.
Day 4 - Serengeti
Early morning game-drive in L. Manyara followed by breakfast. Then drive to Serengeti National Park viewing game enroute, dinner and overnight at campsite.
Day 5 - Serengeti
Spend the day game viewing in the Serengeti with a break for lunch at the campsite. Dinner and overnight at campsite.
Day 6 - Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge:
After early breakfast, we drive to Ngorongoro crater via Olduvai Gorge with a picnic lunch. We view game enroute. Overnight Campsite.
Day 7 - Tarangire
Morning crater tour and after lunch proceed to Tarangire National Park. Dinner and overnight in a campsite.
Day 8- Arusha
After breakfast early morning game-drive followed by lunch at the campsite, then proceed to Arusha for dinner and overnight in a hotel of your choice at extra cost.
Day 9 - Nairobi
Depart Arusha by Shuttle for Nairobi.
Rate from 1200 - 1460euros per person inclusive of local payments
Camping Safari Duration: 6 days 5 nights
Description: A safari to visit some of the best game parks in Kenya and also see Africa's highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro before taking you down to the Coast to enjoy at leisure the beautiful sunny beaches of Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu
Day 1- Amboseli:
Depart Nairobi in the morning. and drive via Namanga on the Tanzania border and reach Amboseli early in the afternoon. We view game as we proceed towards the campsite for dinner and overnight
Day 2- Amboseli:
Day spent exploring this park with the magnificent snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. The waters from melted snow drain down the mountain under lava flows and surface on the Amboseli plains, creating a green belt of swampland amidst dusty plains. Here elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, wildebeest, hyena, jackal, zebra and the Maasai giraffe are likely to be seen.
Day 3 - Tsavo West:
We leave soon after breakfast for Tsavo West National Park. Visit the Chyulu Hills and the Mzima Springs, which are favourite haunts of both the hippo and crocodile that can be seen from an underwater observation chamber if time permits. Dinner and overnight at the campsite.
Day 4 - Tsavo West:
Day spent exploring the park including the nature trails.
Day 5 - Tsavo East:
Early in the morning we drive to Tsavo East. This park once famous for its great herds of elephant still has these beats usually covered in red dust and a variety of game and fine scenery. We visit Lugards Falls, Mudanda Rocks and Aruba Dam as we view game if time permits.
Day 6 - Mombasa:
Early morning game drive. Soon after breakfast we proceed to Mombasa arriving there in good time for the group to find their way to their hotels and the tour ends.
Rates from 590 - 670 euros 4 pax
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Locations Visited: Amboseli National Park,National Park.
Description:Safari to the Amboseli National Park, camping in "walk in" tents, and hot showers available. The snow capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895m, dominate every aspect of Amboseli National Park. Open grassland and savannah surround swamps and springs, fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro's melting snow, permanent watering places for the elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and hosts of plains game. The area outside the Park is home to the Masai people, tall, proud, nomadic warriors who maintain their age-old cultures and traditions and live in complete harmony with the wildlife around them. /MC.
Day 1 Nairobi - Amboseli
Leaving Nairobi in the morning, you drive across the Athi plains towards the Kenya/Tanzania border post of Namanga and from there through arid Masai ranchlands to your campsite in Amboseli National Park for a late picnic lunch. Later in the afternoon enjoy a game drive in the surrounding area before returning to Camp for hot showers and the evening spent around the camp fire.
Day 2 Amboseli
After an early breakfast you leave for a full day's game viewing with Mount Kilimanjaro, usually clear in the early morning, as a spectacular backdrop for your photographs. You stop for a picnic lunch at Look Out Hill or another shady spot and return to the Camp in the late afternoon. The evening is spent around the camp fire listening to the sounds of the African night - the distant roar of the lion and the doleful, whooping `laugh' of the hyaena.
Day 3 Amboseli - Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive before departing on your return journey to Nairobi,stopping en route under a shady tree for a picnic lunch.
Rate from 375 - 560Euros
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Locations to Visit: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Description:An adventure camping safari to the Masai Mara - one of the world's finest wilderness areas - home of the `big five' - elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and, in particular, the black maned lion - and an extension of the Serengeti plains famous for the spectacle of the annual migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti. The semi permanent Camp consists of two man tents large enough to stand in, hot showers, mess tent and good camp food is served. Short walks in the surrounding area give you a chance to notice all the tiny insects, birds, game and flora you never have the opportunity to see from a vehicle.
Day 1 Nairobi Masai Mara
Leaving Nairobi you drive down the escarpment and across the floor of the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara Game Reserve stopping en route for a picnic lunch. After arriving at your campsite you are taken on an afternoon game drive within the vicinity of the camp. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 2 Masai Mara
After an early breakfast you are taken on a morning game drive in the Reserve with a visit to Hippo Pools. After lunch in camp enjoy a late afternoon game drive to search for some of the game not yet seen. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 3 Masai Mara - Nairobi
After an early morning game drive and breakfast, depart for Nairobi, stopping en route for lunch
Rates: 380 - 590Euros
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Locations to Visit: Samburu Game Reserve
Description:An adventure camping safari to Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya's spectacular, arid northern areas. Opportunities to see some the flora and fauna specific to the north.
Day 1 Nairobi Samburu
Leaving Nairobi you drive through the smallholdings of the Kikuyu, Kenya's largest tribe stopping en route for a picnic lunch. Continue north across the Equator, leaving Mount Kenya on your right, before losing altitude as you gently descend into Kenya's arid Northern Frontier District . After arriving at your campsite you are taken on an afternoon game drive within the vicinity of the camp. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 2 Samburu
A full day game viewing to look for the 'big five' and the various species of animals found, in Kenya, only in the northern parks, such as the Grevy zebra, gerunuk and Reticulated giraffe. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 3 Samburu - Nairobi
After an early morning game drive and breakfast, depart for Nairobi, stopping en route for lunch.
Rates from 395 - 625Euros
Duration: 12 days 11nights
Locations to Visit: Lake Bogoria, Maralal, Lake Turkana, Samburu
Description:Northern Kenya has always carried a mystique of the remote and unexplored. To travel there is still an expedition where we need to be fully independant for food, water and feul. Meeting with different tribes peoples and spectacular landscapes will leave you with the wildest memories. There ahs been little developement in the "forgotten" land in the past years and the peoples live still in a traditional manner. The arid beauty of the giant Lake Turkana spreading out in the desert landscape will impress you. The game viewing in Samburu reserve will give you the chance to see all of the big game.
Day 1 NAIROBI - LAKE BOGORIA
Your first contact with African soil is in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Nairobi was established in 1896 due to the construction of the Mombasa - Lake Victoria railway line. It was on this plateau at 1600 m. altitude that the Maasai grazed their cattle along the small river called the `Enairobi', which means in Maasai, `cool' or `cold'. The beginning was difficult as the ground was impermeable to the rains, thus transforming the roads into swamps. Epidemics spread rapidly, and on More...an one occasion the slums were burnt to the ground by the sanitary services. Progressively all these problems were resolved and Nairobi is now a modern city with a cool and healthy climate and a population of over one million.We leave Nairobi in the direction of the Rift Valley. Our first vision of this magnificent fault in the earth's crust is certainly most impressive. After only half an hour's drive from Nairobi we plunge suddenly into Hemingway's Africa.
Lake Bogoria, is a small reserve of only 100 square kms. Formerly known as Lake Hannington, this is one of the most beautiful of the Rift Valley lakes. The Laikipia Escarpment drops sharply into the lake on the eastern side, and along the shore we find geysers spurting high in the air, and pools of hot water bubbling from the ground.
It is shallow soda lake which was established as a National Reserve in November 1983. The reserve covers the whole lake and its surroundings. It is a geological wonder no-one can afford to miss. Jets of steam and boiling water shoot out of geysers and fumeroles indicating the sort of volcanic activities which created the Great Rift Valley a very long time ago.
Masses of pink flamingos line the shores of the lake. This reserve is a birdwatchers paradise with flamingos, pelicans, avocets, ducks, cranes and hornbills, just to mention a few. It is the best place in Kenya to see the greater kudu which lives on the western shores of the lake.
Day 2 MARALAL SANCTUARY
Departure after breakfast back to the mainland and our vehicles.
On the main northern road we pass briefly through Pokot country, a tribe of the Kalenjin group. The Pokot are a very independent tribe who have preserved their deep social traditions. Along the track we meet the warriors with their elaborate hairstyles. With an exchange of greetings and some tobacco we may manage to take a few photos, but never without some heated discussion.
Climbing up onto the Laikipia plateau with far reaching views over the spectacular landscapes we have just crossed, we find herds of zebra and cattle grazing together under the watchful eyes of the Samburu warriors. We visit the colourful town of Maralal where the Samburu people come to purchase their essentials. Maralal Game Sanctuary is a dense forest and is home to herds of elephant, buffalo, eland and many other animals.
Day 3 Parsaloi/South Horr
From Maralal the descent into the valley is steep and direct and we are now heading into the `Northern Frontier District'. We follow the track with its corrugations and pot holes, crossing many dry river beds before finally arriving at Baragoi. Here is a crossroad for the local tribes, and a very colourful market place to stroll around. We see the Turkana taking a nap in the shade of a pepper tree with a small carved wooden stool as a pillow to protect his painted clay head-dress; the Rendille women selling their necklaces and beads; the Turkana women bare-breasted wearing animal skin skirts listening vaguely whilst chewing their tobacco; and the Samburu warriors leaning on their spears. We cross many dry river beds on this rather difficult track, but finally the sharp rocks of an ancient lava flow give way to sand at South Horr. Passing around Mount Nyiru we arrive in South Horr and the heart of Samburu country. The Samburu populate a region of about 28500 square kilometres. Like other pastoralists of northern Kenya their lifestyle has changed very little over the past 100 years. They live in low huts which are carefully woven with branches and then covered with manure and mud. Their lifestyle evolves entirely around the herding of their goats, camels and cows, which represent a social symbol of wealth.
Day 4 & 5 Lake Turkana
Continuing northwards through a lava beaconed desert where the horizon shimmers in the heat, the great ` Jade Sea', the Lake Turkana, finally appears through the haze. The Turkana arrived in Kenya only 200 to 300 years ago. They are Nilotic people originally from Uganda. Although they are essentially pastoralists, they may become hunters, fishermen, or even bandits, depending on the needs of the moment. They have a reputation as the bravest and most savage warriors in East Africa and their independance is reflected in their social and political organisation. These aggressive pastoralists have a strong sense of aesthetics, which is reflected in their talents in carving wood, bone, and working with iron. Most impressive is the decoration of themselves and their sophisticated hairstyles.
At Loyangalani, we appreciate the shade of the palm trees. Loyangalani is a melting pot of tribes - Turkana, Samburu, Rendille and Somalis - all having come from afar to make their purchases and do their trading. Ten kilometres away, as the crow flies, is Mount Kulal which dominates 2000 metres over Lake Turkana.
Day 6 & 7 Lake Turkana / Chalbi desert
Today we explore Lake Turkana. We drive to El Molo bay where live a small community of fishermen who are descendants of the most ancient civilisation in Kenya. The El Molo originate from the ancient Ndorobo tribe who were hunter-gatherers and depended entirely on fishing, hunting and collecting. They are characterised by the absence of cattle and agriculture and have survived due to their adaptability to the harshest of conditions. They have now also adopted a similiar style of dress to the Samburu, particularly the women. Their housing and lifestyle has remained unchanged.
Departure after breakfast for another hot days driving through some amazing landscapes.
We now leave Lake Turkana and slowly head east across outcrops of lava rock which litter the eastern side of the lake. We enter a land populated by the Borana, Gabbra, and Somalis. Their facial features are finer and they appear much harsher and less welcoming. This is a difficult land where heat, drought and tribal combat teaches the child to be as tough as his environment at an early age. The Gabbra are herdsmen who drive their immense caravans of camels from one watering hole to the next.
`Chalbi' in Gabbra language means `bare and salty' and this desert is the hottest and most arid region in Kenya. The Chalbi is a pan totally surrounded by volcanoes and ancient lava flows.
Day 8 NDOTO MOUNTAINS
The Chalbi Desert is now behind us and an immense plain stretches toward the south, broken only by volcanic projections. We are also on the territorial border of the homeland of the Rendille, one of the most remote desert regions in Kenya. Rendille are of Somali origin and experts at camel rearing. Over the last century they have built a very close relationship with the Samburu. Intertribal marriages are frequent and it is often difficult to tell the people apart. We see them sometimes watering their huge herds of camels at the Kalacha waterholes.
Depending on the weather, we head down the largest dry river bed of Northern Kenya.
Day 9 MATTHEWS RANGE
Further south, and once again in Samburu country, we follow a rugged track which skirts the Matthews Range. This small chain of sheltered mountains is far off the beaten track and has some unique flora and fauna. Herds of gazelle, oryx, ostrich, and Grevy's zebra share the meagre pasture land with the Samburu's cattle. The only permanent river in the region, the Uaso Nyiro, has cut deep gorges through the mountains.
Day 10 & 11 SAMBURU GAME RESERVE
Samburu Game Reserve has a remarkably rich variety of fauna. It's a very pretty, although small, reserve of semi desert savanna surrounded by the foothills of Mt. Kenya to the south and the Matthews Ranges to the north, and divided in two by the river `Uaso Nyiro'. The animal life is both varied and prolific, with elephants, oryx, lions, buffaloes, waterbucks, gerenuks, etc. The banks of the river are an excellent observation point for the animals as well as the bird life.
Day 12 SAMBURU - NAIROBI
We return to Nairobi on a tarmac road which leads us through the cultivated foothills of Mt. Kenya,
Deparure on request.
Please note rate varies according to number of people up to 12 max.
Rate 2,200 - 3,600Euros
Duration: Optional
Description: Private, tailor-made luxury camping safari.
Description
Over the years since 1966, East African Wildlife Safaris has progressed to provide the standard of luxury safaris under canvas expected of our 5 star clientele. Our itineraries are tailor-made and are private to the client booking. We use only 4wheel drive, custom biult vehicles, carrying not more than 5 passengers each.
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