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Kenya

Kenya Horizons (Sarova): 2011-2012

Tour Code: PT 9101 A

• Number of Days: 8 Days
• Days of Operation: Tuesdays

Using the imaginative and well recognised Sarova Lodges, this safari has a consistently comfortable standard of accommodation, including stylish tents in Masai Mara. With lodges located in excellent spots, game-viewing is consistently good. En route, guests will enjoy some fine outdoor meals and sundowners.

ITINERARY

Day 1           Nairobi

Upon arrival into Nairobi, you will be met and transferred to The Sarova Stanley hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at The Sarova Stanley hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

The Sarova Stanley Hotel

Situated in the city centre, it was where the travellers, including Earnest Hemingway, gathered for a drink at the legendary Thorn Tree Café before or after a long safari. A message board on the acacia xanthophildea tree is used by travellers to make contact with fellow travellers. The 220 room hotel has been refurbished to a high standard and still retains the original Victorian charm. Bedrooms with private bathrooms are very comfortable while the restaurants serve excellent international cuisine. The gym is excellent, pool large and conference facilities extremely modern.

Day 2           Nairobi - Shaba Game Reserve

Heading north after an early breakfast, you'll pass near Thika and continue north through some breathtaking scenery dotted with rushing mountain streams and fields of tea and coffee. After Nanyuki town, you'll continue north, eventually reaching a dusty outpost known as Isiolo, the last major stop on the journey into the remote northern frontier district. From here it's a fairly short hop to Shaba, arrival at the lodge in time for lunch and then depart for an afternoon game drive arriving back at the lodge as the sunsets.

Overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge on a full board basis.

Sarova Shaba Lodge

Shaba Game Reserve was made famous by the late Joy Adamson and her lioness Elsa and is often referred to as ‘Born Free Country’. Located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, Sarova Shaba offers a luxury seldom found in a large African bush lodge. There are 80 chalet rooms, or for those looking for a little extra luxury, 4 junior suites and one honeymoon suite. The tranquil flow of sparkling spring water throughout the grounds creates an atmosphere of peace and serenity as it collects and cascades and attracts a great variety of birds. There is also a large pool to enjoy, crocodile feeding and evening entertainment is provided by local Samburu dancers.

Day 3           Shaba Game Reserve

Early morning game drive followed by breakfast. Then for the remainder of the morning, one is able to relax by the pool or terrace, overlooking the river. After lunch there will be another game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.

Overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge on a full board basis.

Day 4           Shaba Game Reserve – Mount Kenya

Leave after breakfast and drive south and into the forests of the Aberdare Mountain range arriving at Mountain Lodge for lunch. This is a tree lodge set in a forest glade with a waterhole that attracts all sorts of wildlife during the day and night. The waterhole is floodlit and there is an underground viewing platform.

Overnight at Mountain Lodge on a full board basis.

Serena Mountain Lodge

At 7,200 feet on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Mountain Lodge is ringed by a dense rain forest that comes alive at dusk with a myriad of sounds of creatures of all sizes. This is the adventure offered at the 42 room Mountain Lodge where animal sightings are fascinating and frequent. A two and a half hour drive from Nairobi, Mountain Lodge is now managed by Serena Hotels. The comfortable rooms have spacious verandas and private shower rooms. The game viewing is excellent. You can watch the waterhole next to the lodge throughout the day and at night. Local game includes elephant, buffalo, rhino and waterbuck and many birds. A specially constructed viewing bunker connects to the lodge that offers spectacular close-up views of the waterhole. Towering over the landscape are the majestic rocky peaks of Mount Kenya, providing some dramatic photographic opportunities.

Day 5           Mount Kenya - Lake Nakuru

An early morning start takes you north-west as you head for Nyahururu, still known to many as Thomson's Falls for its 237-foot cascade. Now travel in a southerly direction to your next destination, the spectacular Lake Nakuru. This is often coloured a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores.  Once in the park, there will be a game drive en route to the lodge. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.

Overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge on a full board basis.

Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru and its surrounding national park, the lodge is set high on a plateau and offers panoramic views of the shimmering lake in the distance. Here, what feels like millions of flamingos, pelicans and marabou storks always gather and the landscape seems to blossom as natural foliage and a variety of wild flower continually bloom. There are only 65 modern en suite bedrooms here, and meals are excellent and served inside the lodge, by the pool or under a forest of towering acacia trees. The Rift Valley bar is always a great watering spot and is located on the ground floor with great views of the lake.

Day 6           Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara Game Reserve

After an early morning breakfast leave the flamingo-fringed Lake Nakuru behind and head for Njoro town, where you begin your ascent up over the top of the Mau Escarpment. Then, heading due south, travel towards Narok, the gateway to the Maasai Mara and district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. You'll travel across the "breadbasket" of Kenya, covered with acres of wheat and barley, before you reach the Mara in time for lunch. Following lunch and a siesta, there is an afternoon game drive returning to the lodge as the sun sets.

Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp on a full board basis.

Sarova Mara Game Camp

Sarova Mara Game Camp is located inside the eastern section of the Masai Mara and hidden in a wonderful little forested valley away from sight of other Mara visitors. The 75 tents are luxurious with a permanent roof and floor, zip-up fronts, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity. Wooden walkways link the tents and manicured lawns with the main dining / bar areas, and are built over wide lily ponds. Bird life is abundant, with kingfishers a speciality. The impressive main building consists of a high thatched lobby, Oloip bar with its cosy log fireplace, a big dining area and outdoor terrace with side-angle views. Food and service are excellent and there is a small private area by the pond for private meals if needed. There is also a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by sun lounges for those who want an alternate activity?

Day 7           Masai Mara Game Reserve

Early morning and afternoon game drives.

Overnight at Sarova Mara Game Camp on a full board basis.

Day 8           Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi

After breakfast you’ll depart the Masai Mara and head across acres of rolling wheat and barley farms to Narok, the district headquarters of this part of Maasailand. From here cross the vast plains on the floor of the Rift Valley whilst keeping an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle before heading up the rift escarpment on a road built by Italian prisoners during World War II. You’ll arrive into Kenya’s bustling capital around mid day. Once in the city, you will be dropped off at a city centre hotel or the airport for your ongoing travel arrangements.

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Minimum 02 pax required to operate tour (single pax on request)

Nett	16 Dec 11 to 31 Dec 11	01 Jan 12  to 31 Mar 12	01 Apr 12 to 25 Jun 12	26 Jun 12 to 31 Oct 12	01 Nov 12 to 15 Dec 12
Currency	US$	US$	US$	US$	US$
Per Person Sharing	2250.00	2310.00	1996.00	2510.00	2210.00
Single Room Supplement	530.00	495.00	150.00	620.00	480.00
Christmas Supplement :         US$ 45-00 per person per night from 24 Dec 2011 to 01 Jan 2012 inclusive
Easter Supplement : US$ 45-00 per person per night from 06 April 2012 to 09 April 2012 inclusive

Cost Includes

-   Meet and greet services
-   All transport and game drives on road safaris will be in a safari minibus with an English speaking driver-guide on shared basis
-   Meals and accommodation as specified
-   All park fees and government taxes
-   ½ litre bottle mineral water per person per day on game drives

Cost Excludes

-   Visas and international flights
-   International Airport taxes (clients pay direct)
-   Driver-guide gratuities
-   Drinks, dining rooms tips, porterage
-   Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
-   Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature

Additional remarks

-   We may have to re-route 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.
-   This is a seat in bus programme and may form part of other programmes, other clients may therefore be joining or departing the safari at any time