Kenya - Dreams of Africa
- Premier Collection -
13 days, US $5,995 - US $6,295 per person
(This safari departs upon request, price is based on two people traveling and excludes international airfare, includes internal flights)

A showcase of magnificent landscapes, rich wildlife and many natural wonders awaits you on this comprehensive Kenyan journey.

Visit: Nairobi, Meru, Loisaba Wilderness, Masai Mara, Lamu

Highlights: all inclusive, exclusive tented camps and lodges, transfers by air, day and night wildlife viewing from open sided 4x4 vehicles, professionally guided hikes and walks, horseback riding, fishing, excellent wildlife and brilliant birding, village visits, optional hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara, remote beach hideaway

Enjoy the romance and splendor of a Kenyan safari in style. From intimate homestays at private Kenyan estates to the wildlife filled plains of the Mara, days will be spent tracking wildlife on foot, horseback, and from 4x4 safari vehicles with professional guides and nights spent reliving the history of "a land born of safari". Journey into the heart of eternal Africa on this exclusive safari. In the end relax in paradise along Kenya's palm lined coast.

Full itinerary and trip details below:

DAY 1 NAIROBI Upon arrival at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport you will be met and transferred to Ngong House, a private home situated on the outskirts of Langata, approximately half an hour from the Nairobi City center.

Far from main roads enjoy stunning views of Ngong Hills from this 10 acres estate which accommodates 8 guests in 4 separate "tree houses" (elevated cottages). Large four posted beds grace the upper level bedroom area with crisp cotton bed linen and an abundance of feather pillows promising a luxurious nights sleep. The lower level of each tree house is decorated with beautiful paintings and object’s d’art with the sitting room centered around a fireplace with comfortable sofas and chairs in which to relax. There is also an intimate dining area, and a fully stocked bar, all entirely at your disposal. At the back of the house below the bedroom area is a spacious bathroom with shower, lavatory and twin sinks. The front of the tree house is given over to glass and a veranda. Here you can eat, sleep, sunbathe or just enjoy the view. The food at Ngong House is of the very highest quality, prepared with fresh Kenyan vegetables, meat and fish. Your personal member of staff will serve early morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner at your tree house or at any other location within the grounds under one of the many lovely indigenous trees in the garden or by the swimming pool.

During the day you may enjoy a pleasant walk through the surrounding countryside. The Giraffe Center is only a 10 minute stroll away and a 4 wheel drive Land Rover is on standby to travel further afield. Drives to local attractions such as Nairobi National Park, only a few minutes away and the Karen Blixen Museum to mention a couple are within easy reach.

In the early evening sundowners are served on your veranda, from where you can watch breathtaking sunsets over the Ngong’s. After the sun has set and the fire has been lit in your room, one can either relax in your tree house or go and join other guests for drinks around the campfire. NAIROBI, Ngong House, bed and breakfast

DAYS 2, 3 MERU NATIONAL PARK On day 2 you will depart by scheduled air (included) to Meru and Elsa's Kopje. Elsa’s Kopje is named after the orphaned lioness reared by George and Joy Adamson and returned to the wild in Meru National Park. Perched upon a rocky outcrop, this private hideaway is the site of George’s first camp and enjoys a splendid view over the striped landscape of lush green rivers running through dry brown valleys. The lodge consists of eight open plan stone and thatch cottages. Filled with traditional African-made furniture and bright fabrics, each cottage has its own private bathroom and two have huge stone baths which blend perfectly with the rocky landscape around them.

Meru is a dry environment with interesting game and bird life sustained by the numerous streams running off the nearby mountains. Guests may enjoy day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4WD vehicles and guided nature walks, some with the added surprise of a bush breakfast or dinner. Guests can fish or raft on the Tana River or simply relax, enjoying the magnificent view from the pool area. MERU NATIONAL PARK, Elsa's Kopje, all inclusive

DAYS 4, 5, 6 LOISABA WILDERNESS On day 4 you will depart by light aircraft (included) to the Loisaba Wilderness and Loisaba. Loisaba is set within a 150 square kilometer private wildlife conservancy, situated on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, seventy kilometers north of Mount Kenya. The grassy plains of the northern plateau break into valleys, cliffs and escarpments that frame astounding views of snow-capped Mount Kenya in the south. Originally the African home of an Italian count, the Loisaba Wilderness is a haven for over 250 bird and 50 animal species. Elephant, Grevy’s zebra and greater kudu abound and the area is rapidly gaining a reputation for big cat sightings. Even wild dogs, once thought to be extinct here, are returning and being sighted.

The main lodge, perched high on the plateau looking south towards Mt. Kenya, is constructed from stone, cedar and thatch. Each of the seven rooms has large, wooden French windows that open onto a private deck cantilevered off the escarpment. This remote and charismatic hideaway has a swimming pool, tennis court and croquet lawn and all the furniture has been hand made from acacia trees knocked down by elephants. Spending a night under the stars on one of the unique Loisaba 'Star Beds' is an experience not to be missed. These raised, wooden platforms are half covered with traditional palm thatch and have a flush toilet, shower and large double bed that can be wheeled outside. Here, from the comfort of your thick duvet, your ceiling will become infinity. It is most fun to reach the Star Beds on foot or horseback and, once there, you are well looked after by a colorful team of Samburu warriors. Activities at Loisaba include Star Bed based walking and riding safaris, horseback riding, camel riding, day and night wildlife viewing drives in open 4x4 vehicles, fishing, tennis, and  swimming. Great place! LOISABA WILDERNESS, Loisaba, all inclusive with one night in the Starbeds

DAYS 7, 8, 9 MASAI MARA On day 7 yo
u will depart by light aircraft (included) to Nanyuki and then to the Masai Mara aboard a scheduled flight (included). You will overnight at Governor's Il Moran Tented Camp. Set in the Masai Mara (while most of their competitors are not) Governor's Il Moran Tented Camp is comprised of ten tents, all facing the Mara River. The ten tents consist of a large wooden framed bed, carpets, furnishings, and a very large bathroom with separate shower, bath, bidet, toilet, and sink. The main tented camp area consists of a tented lounge with comfortable chairs and pillows and a dining tent.

Il Moran's professional drivers will astonish you with what they find: a tell-tale vulture will lead them to a hyena kill, a warning cry from a mother wildebeest reveals a leopard stalking through the grass. For the experience of a lifetime, drift the dawn over the magnificent plains of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon (at extra cost). Then enjoy on a champagne breakfast in the bush at the landing site, before returning to camp on a wildlife viewing drive.

Leave your vehicle behind and take a walking safari with one of the camps armed guides for the true thrill of the bush - you’ll experience the untamed beauty of the Mara. You’ll track wildlife, unsure what waits round the next corner, giraffe, buffalo, or lion. You’ll catch the scents and sounds of wild Africa. Surrounding the Mara are the lands of the Masai tribe, a tall, proud race of warriors. Herding cattle and goats, they’ve lived among the animals for centuries. Enjoy visiting Masai villages to see a way of life that’s survived almost unchanged for generations.

Dinners are served privately at your tent, by the outdoor fire or communally in the dining area - you decide each evening which you would prefer. There is no fencing so wildlife is free to wander through at any time. MASAI MARA, Governor's Il Moran, all inclusive

DAYS 10, 11, 12 LAMU On day 10 you will depart by scheduled air (included) to Nairobi and then to Kiwayu. Kiwayu Safari Village combines great natural beauty with exotic accommodations, marvelous food, and perfect peace and privacy. Nestled under coconut palms on the white sands of a secluded bay the location was originally a hunter's camp and elephant used to swim across to Kiwayu Island. In the central lounge, bar, dining areas thatched roofs shade enormous floor cushions piled in abandon for guests to flop on. Tables are large logs of gray weathered driftwood. 22 spacious and luxurious grass and palm leave thatched cottages are spaced along the beach. Rooms are all en suite with larger than king sized beds, and have no doors or windows - just wide open spaces with trees growing up through the floors. Privacy is assured and the ocean is a quick dash away! Activities include windsurfing, beach walks, goggling, and creek fishing. Many people stay a week or longer - what a dream! LAMU, Kiwayu, all inclusive

DAY 13 EN ROUTE This afternoon you will transfer by scheduled air (included) to Nairobi's Wilson Airport. Upon arrival you will be transferred by road to Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your onward flight.

.

Trip name: Kenya - Dreams of Africa

Type of safari: Premier Collection - Top quality all inclusive lodge and tented camp safari with light aircraft transfers which departs upon request on any dates. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs.

Trip length: 13 days

Trip cost: US $6,295 per person based on 2 people January through March and July through December 2004. US $5,995 per person based on 4 people January through March and July through December 2004. US $1,250 single supplement. Price excludes international airfare, includes internal scheduled and light aircraft flights. We do not recommend this tour during April and May each year.

Extensions:

Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari - For the experience of a lifetime, drift the dawn over the magnificent plains of the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. Then enjoy on a champagne breakfast in the bush at the landing site, before returning to camp on a game drive. (US $385 per person including champagne breakfast)

When to travel: This trip is best during the periods mid December through mid March and from July through October each year.

Departures: This safari departs upon request for one or more travelers. This is not a group safari and accommodations, activities, and total number of days can be altered to suit your needs.

Accommodations: The accommodations on this trip are all first class and very comfortable. From thatched bungalows to large walk in luxury tents, all of the rooms have proper beds with mattresses and duvets, en suite toilets, basins and showers with hot and cold running water. Other amenities include mosquito netting, lamps, purified water in carafes, insect repellent, flashlights, wardrobes, and ethnic furnishings.

Guides: Guides are highly qualified, enthusiastic and well versed in local culture, flora and fauna.

Luggage: As small aircraft are used for several of the transfers between lodges and camps baggage is strictly limited to 15 kilograms (30 pounds) packed in one soft sided bag per person. Suitcases will not be permitted.

Trip price includes: all internal flights, road transport by 4x4 vehicle, all airport meet and greets and all transfers to from hotels / lodges/ camps / airports, all accommodations and guided wildlife viewing activities as stated, all park's fees, all drinks and laundry at Elsa's Kopje, beer housewine and soft drinks at Loisaba and Il Moran, Flying Doctor coverage, government taxes and service charges

Trip price excludes (unless stated): international airfare, airport departure taxes, entry visas if required, extra activities such as hot air ballooning, and all items of a personal nature i.e. trip insurance, tips and gratuities to bar staff or driver/guides, some drinks, laundry, telephone calls

Reservations in advance;