iExplore Kenya Gold (Trip #54221)

Tour Overview

Get the heart-pounding thrill of a safari while still enjoying the comforts of luxury accommodations on this nine-day Kenya adventure. Depart early morning for a game drive just as the dawn sunlight begins to stir the sleeping lions, zebras, and giraffes. Stop for a delicious lunch mid-day, then it's back out for an afternoon drive on the vast grasslands of the Masai Mara. This is when the elephants, wildebeest, and hippos are most visible as they take to watering holes to cool off. Return to your rooms and sip a sundowner on your private verandah as inky darkness washes over the landscape and the night sounds of the Masai Mara come alive. A gourmet dinner ends each day of this perfect safari adventure.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Nairobi, Kenya
Karibuni! Arrive Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration formalities you are met and transferred to the Norfolk Hotel. Probably Kenya’s most famous hotel – and certainly its oldest – The Norfolk has been drawing the rich and famous to its hallowed doors since they first opened on Christmas Day 1904. Norfolk Hotel

Day 02: Nairobi - Amboseli National Park
Transfer to Wilson Airport for scheduled flight to Amboseli National Park. On arrival you’ll be welcomed by Tortilis driver-guide and take a game drive en-route to your base for the next two nights, Tortilis Camp. Named after the trees from which it takes shade (acacia tortilis), Tortilis Camp lies on the boundary of Amboseli National Park. The omnipresent snow-domed Mount Kilimanjaro sets the stage for excellent game viewing and magnificent sunrises. Afternoon is free to relax before taking your first game drive. Tortilis Camp (B,L,D)

Day 03: Amboseli National Park
A full day to explore Amboseli with morning & afternoon game drives. Amboseli National Park, at the foot of Africa's highest mountain 5895m (19,340ft) Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular of all Kenya's national parks. It lies some 240 kms (145 miles) southeast of Nairobi. It is also the home of the famed Maasai people, those tall, proud nomadic warriors whose legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravely in fights with wild animals has spread across the world. Tortilis Camp (B,L,D)

Day 04: Amboseli National Park - Samburu Game Reserve
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airstrip for scheduled flight to Nairobi. On arrival at Wilson Airport, connect the scheduled flight to Samburu Game Reserve. On arrival, met by the camp driver-guide and transferred to Larsen’s Camp, your home for the next two nights. Larsen’s Camp is a small, luxurious tented camp set in lush lawns on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu Game Reserve. Enjoy an afternoon game drive. Larsen’s Camp (B,L,D)

Day 05: Samburu Game Reserve
You have the full day to enjoy game viewing activities in Samburu. You will have an early morning and afternoon game drive. Larsen’s Camp (B,L,D)

Day 06: Samburu Game Reserve - Maasai Mara Game Reseve
Transfer to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Maasai Mara. The jewel in Africa’s crown, Maasai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Her 320 square kilometers of open savannah, woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an eco-system that supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species. This afternoon take your first game viewing drive in the Maasai Mara, a reserve abundant in plains game, predators and a myriad of birds. Olonana Camp (B,L,D)

Day 07 & 08: Maasai Mara Game Reserve
You have another two full days to enjoy the splendors of the Maasai Mara. There will also be the option to take a balloon safari over the Mara plains (at an extra cost.) Guests at Olonana enjoy an intimate and relaxed atmosphere where the pace of your safari can be as active or as leisurely as you wish. The afternoon is available for a game viewing drive and/or other activity in the Mara whether or not you take the optional adventure. Olonana Camp (B,L,D)

Day 09: Maasai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi - Departure
You have an option of an early morning game drive. Breakfast at the camp and transfer to the airstrip for the scheduled flight to Nairobi. On arrival at Wilson Airport, met and transferred to Bahati, for lunch. Thereafter proceed to Norfolk Hotel where dayroom is reserved. Afternoon at leisure for last minute shopping with dinner under own arrangements. Evening transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. (B,L)

Departure Dates

Departures on request, please call for details.

Prices

2008
January, March, June, November
$6105 per person, double occupancy
$1460 single room supplement

February, July-October
$6775 per person, double occupancy
$1660 single room supplement

April - May
$5150 per person, double occupancy
$765 single room supplement

Inclusions:
· All transfers with assistance
· Accommodation in standard twin/double bedded rooms/tents
· Full breakfast throughout
· Full board (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) as indicated on safari
· Laundry, beers, bottled water, house wines and soft drinks at Tortilis & Olonana
· Day & night game viewing drives, Bush Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Picnic Lunches, Bush/tracking walks with experienced guides, Maasai cultural experience, Bush skills program – archery, spear throwing, fire-making, etc and laundry while at Olonana.
· Ground transportation in custom designed safari landcruisers
· Transfers and game viewing in Amboseli, Samburu & Mara in resident camp vehicles sharing with other participants
· Game drives as specified
· Internal flights: Nairobi – Amboseli – Nairobi – Samburu – Masaai Mara - Nairobi
· All park and conservation fees
· Porterage of two pieces of luggage per person
· Government taxes and levies

Exclusions:
· International airfare/taxes
· Entry visa fees currently US$ 50.00 per person
· Personal and trip insurance
· All soft and alcoholic beverages except as specified
· All expenses of a personal nature
· Tips and gratuities to your drivers, guide, hotel/camp staff etc.
· Travel and medical insurance
· Holiday surcharges

These trips are priced assuming two travelers. Surcharges for solo travelers and discounts for groups, if any, will be applied. Prices assume itinerary is purchased "as is". Minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary can be made at no extra charge. Any customization requiring us to start with a new base itinerary will require a non-refundable upfront planning fee of $250 that is creditable towards the final trip price.

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.