CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS OF KENYA & TANZANIA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
We have uniquely combined the very best, most famous of Kenya & Tanzania parks and uniquely located accommodation to offer you the greatest safari experience, far from the beaten track, venturing deep into the beautiful most celebrated East Africa Heritage within the shortest time without the feeling of being rushed or being in a hurry! As they say ‘No Hurry in Africa’!
Our Classic Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania gives the very best of the African wildernesses that our clients have come to see in East Africa spending adequate time in each location for the greatest & most memorable experience. We take you to the best located camps and lodges, offering bespoke access to the most game-rich areas for an in-depth, privileged safari experience with the help of our most professional & dedicated safari guides who are ready to show you what best our great East Africa parks have to offer.
Beginning your discovery journey in Amboseli National Park famous for its large herds of elephants and the most classic & breathtaking views of the gigantic Mt. Kilimanjaro. Cross over into Tanzania and to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the 8th wonder of the world which has remained unchanged since time in memorial and is always game rich not forgetting the rich culture of the Masai people co existing with wildlife there!! Drive into the vast Serengeti plains the venue to the greatest show on earth the wildebeest migration! Enjoy unlimited game in this vast and sensational 14,763km sq of endless savannah, then wind up your adventure Masai Mara the arenas to one of the greatest spectacle on earth ~ the wildebeest migration that occurs as millions of herds of wildebeests and zebras follow fresh grazing that sprout in the wake of annual rains.
The selected accommodation offers great value to each and every traveller and pay keen attention to conservation, minimum environmental degradation impact to areas they are located, bettering the livelihoods of the local people through meaningful employment!
We hope that you will join us soon in discovering what our Classic Highlights of Kenya and Tanzania adventure has to offer!
ITINERARY IN BRIEF:
Date | Location | 4.5-star option | 3.5-star option | Meal Plan |
Day 1 | Nairobi | Eka Hotel | Panari Hotel | Breakfast |
Day 2 | Amboseli | Amboseli Serena | Zebra Plains Camp Amboseli | Full Board |
Day 3 | Amboseli | Amboseli Serena | Zebra Plains Camp Amboseli | Full Board |
Day 4 | Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro Serena | Bougainvillea Safari Lodge | Full Board |
Day 5 | Ngorongoro | Ngorongoro Serena | Bougainvillea Safari Lodge | Full Board |
Day 6 | Serengeti | Serengeti Serena | Serengeti Kati Kati Camp | Full Board |
Day 7 | Serengeti | Serengeti Serena | Serengeti Kati Kati Camp | Full Board |
Day 8 | Mara | Mara Serena Lodge | Zebra Plains Camp Mara | Full Board |
Day 9 | Mara | Mara Serena Lodge | Zebra Plains Camp Mara | Full Board |
Day 10 | Departure |
NETT PRICE: 4.5 STAR ACCOMMDATION OPTION
03 JAN -28 FEB | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $5,375 | $4,795 | $4,510 | $4,335 | $4,220 | $4,140 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 795 | |||||
01 MAR – 31 MAR | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $4,675 | $4,100 | $3,810 | $3,635 | $3,520 | $3,440 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 715 | |||||
01 APR – 31 MAY | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $4,220 | $3,640 | $3,355 | $3,180 | $3,065 | $2,985 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 115 | |||||
01 JUN- 30 JUN | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $5,275 | $4,695 | $4,410 | $4,235 | $4,120 | $4,040 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 565 | |||||
01 JUL – 31 OCT 21 DEC 19 – 03 JAN |
2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $5,800 | $5,225 | $4,935 | $4,765 | $4,650 | $4,565 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 820 | |||||
01 NOV – 20 DEC | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $4,570 | $3,995 | $3,710 | $3,535 | $3,420 | $3,335 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 595 |
SUPPLEMENT FOR USING A 4 X 4 LANDCRUISER INSTEAD OF A MINIVAN IN KENYA USD $ 715 PER VEHICLE
NETT PRICE: 3.5 STAR ACCOMMDATION OPTION
02 JAN -31 MAR 01 JUN -30 JUN |
2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $4,075 | $3,490 | $3,195 | $3,020 | $2,900 | $2,820 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 265 | |||||
01 APR – 31 MAY | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $3,865 | $3,285 | $3,000 | $2,825 | $2,710 | $2,630 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 225 | |||||
01 JUL – 31 OCT 21 DEC 19 – 03 JAN |
2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $4,355 | $3,770 | $3,475 | $3,300 | $3,180 | $3,100 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 420 | |||||
01 NOV – 20 DEC | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7 PAX |
Per Person Sharing | $4,030 | $3,445 | $3,150 | $2,975 | $2,855 | $2,775 |
Single Room Supplement | $ 255 |
SUPPLEMENT FOR USING A 4 X 4 LANDCRUISER INSTEAD OF A MINIVAN IN KENYA USD $ 715 PER VEHICLE
Inclusions
- Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
- Transportation in a private chauffeur driven custom made safari minivan in Kenya and a 4 x 4 land cruiser in Tanzania with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography. Supplement for using a 4 x 4 land cruiser is quoted separately.
- Services of an English-speaking or French Speaking driver-guide, game viewing drives and parks entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- Complimentary mineral water per person per day in the safari vehicle.
- Guaranteed window seat for all safari participants.
- Wireless internet at camps main areas and limited signal in the safari land cruiser.
- All meet and greet services.
- All arrival and departure transfers.
- 24 hours stand-by contact number.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Unlimited game viewing drives
- All park entrance fees.
- Two-way long-range high frequency radio communication in each vehicle.
- On safari accessories in each vehicle: – First-aid kit, wildlife books, a pair of binoculars, cool box and fire extinguisher.
- Flying doctor’s coverage which covers you within East Africa for a period of 14 days. In the eventuality of a medical emergency, you will be airlifted to Nairobi where you will be taken to a good hospital. Hospital bills are born by the patient.
Exclusions
- All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, laundry etc.
- Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver- guide(s). Budget approx. $ 2.00 – $ 4.00 per person per day for lodge and hotel staff, $ 1.00 per bag for porters and $ 10.00 – $ 15.00 per person per day for driver-guides). Note that gratuities should be given as a reward of exceptional service and is at your discretion.
- Meals and beverages, other than specified.
- Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
- Visa fees – you can apply a visa online easily through the following government website. For Kenya www.ecitizen.go.ke and for Tanzania https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/.
- Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the above listing
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY |
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL -NAIROBI |
JAMBO! Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by Classic Journeys Africa Customer Care Representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Before checking in at hotel, he will brief you on your program ahead and introduce the Driver Guide who will be with you throughout the safari.
Accommodation: Eka Hotel Nairobi for 4.5 Star/Panari Hotel for 3.5 Star
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2 : AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK |
This morning afterbreakfast you will drive to Amboseli National Park which is famous for its large elephant population roaming across the vast grassy plains, the big five, and the majestic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa among other species of flora and fauna.
Lunch will be at your lodge before proceeding for an afternoon for a game viewing drive.
Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge for 4.5 Star/Zebra Plains Camp Amboseli for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 3 : AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK
Full day in the Amboseli National Park with two game drives. You drive through across this vast lake bed, often dry but swampy in some areas. We have a lot of game here like cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, gazelles and herds of elephants all set against the amazing back drop of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro showing all
its glory.
If you wish, for a nominal fee, you can also visit a Masai Village to experience this nomadic tribe’s way of life and see their colorful culture.
Accommodation: Accommodation: Amboseli Serena Lodge for 4.5 Star/Zebra Plains Camp Amboseli for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 4 : NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA |
This morning drive to Ngorongoro Conservation Area via Namanga Border for Customs and Immigration formalities and hot delicious lunch in Arusha before proceeding to the famous Ngorongoro Crater
Conservation Area (NCCA) which features rolling plains, lakes, craters, mountains and dormant volcanoes. Arrive in time for relaxation at your lodge or an optional cultural village visit.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for 4.5 Star/Bougainvillea Safari Lodge for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 5 : NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA |
After breakfast, descend into the ‘8th Wonder of the World’, a unique biosphere that has remained virtually unchanged since the dawn of time. Enclosed within its towering walls are grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans, a fresh water lake and a glorious variety of birdlife. Here too are all the members of the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo) as well as a large cast of plains game and one of Africa’s densest populations of predators. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor before climbing back up to the lodge in time for relaxation before dinner.
Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge for 4.5 Star/Bougainvillea Safari Lodge for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 6 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK |
After breakfast, drive through NCCA with picnic lunch boxes and cross into neighboring Serengeti National Park stopping en route at Ol Duvai Gorge. Known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, this is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world. Pioneered by famous paleontologists Louis and Mary Leakey in the 1950s it offers a glimpse into life two million years ago.
Arrive at your lodge in time to relax and enjoy a classic safari supper.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge for 4.5 Star/Serengeti Kati Kati Camp for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 7 : SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK |
After breakfast, enjoy a full day’s game driving (meals taken in true safari style ‘in the bush’) in the vast and sensational Serengeti, which covers 14,763 sq km of endlessly rolling savannah. Venue for ‘the greatest wildlife show on Earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest, the park is
also renowned for its lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and plains game. Overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge for 4.5 Star/Serengeti Kati Kati Camp for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 8 : MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE |
After breakfast and a short briefing by your driver guide, drive to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, backdrop to ‘the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth’, the annual migration of over one million wildebeest. Stopping en route at Isebania border for customs and migration formalities. You will enjoy picnic lunch boxes en route before driving to arrive in time for late afternoon game viewing drive in Kenya’s most popular reserve. Arrive back in lodge in time for campfire cocktails and dinner.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge for 4.5 Star/Zebra Plains Camp Mara for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 9 : MARA NATIONAL RESERVE |
Your day will be spent on safari in Africa’s richest wildlife viewing arena. Historically teeming with wildlife, the Mara hosts Kenya’s largest lion prides and elephant herds. Other predators include leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena; while in the Mara River you will see fat pods of hippo and vast Nile crocodiles.
Other highlights include giraffe tops, gazelle, zebra, buffalo and over 550 species of birds.
Take the opportunity to fly over the Mara in a Hot air Balloon at an extra cost. The balloon package includes a champagne breakfast in the wild! If you can spare the money, viewing abundant game afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. Alternatively visit a Masai village and get learn the Masai culture at an extra cost.
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge for 4.5 Star/Zebra Plains Camp Mara for 3.5 Star
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 10 : DEPARTURE |
After breakfast at the Camp, bid farewell to the Masai Mara as you set on your journey back to Nairobi. Drive back down the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, passing the dormant volcano, Mount Longonot, and lakes Elementeita and Naivasha on the way. Keep an eye out for herds of giraffe and gazelle and head up the escarpment. You will arrive in Kenya’s bustling capital city Nairobi in the early afternoon. Spend time doing last minute shopping. Lunch is your own arrangements
Transfer to back to your city hotel!
Say good bye to the wonderful country and promise to join us on another expedition!
HOW TO BOOK |
In order to book please send us the below information: –
• Full names as per your passports
• Passport details
• Date of birth
• Dietary requirements
• Special requests e.g. birthday,
• Contact number whilst travelling (if applicable)
• Arrival and departure flight details
Once you send us the booking details, we will send you an invoice in which we will require a 30% deposit to secure the space then the balance at least 1 month (30 days) prior to your arrival. You can do a bank transfer or pay online through our website via debit or credit card however, note that online payments attract a 4% pesapal convenience surcharge on the amount you are paying. Kindly remember to include the surcharge when making the payments. See following link https://payments.pesapal.com/classicjourneysafrica.
CANCELLATIONS/ NO SHOW
Reservations/Bookings that are cancelled, reduced in length of stay or reduced in numbers of participants (hereinafter collectively called CANCELLATION) are subject to cancellation and No-Show fees. The scale of charges, expressed as a percentage of the tour prices, is as follows:
SEASON 1 (20 DECEMBER – 28 FEBRUARY & 01 JUNE – 31 OCTOBER)
More than 61 days’ notice Deposit refunded less 5% handling fee
Less than 60 days’ notice 33%
Less than 30 days’ notice 100%
SEASON 2 (REST OF THE YEAR)
More than 56 days’ notice Deposit refunded less 5% handling fee
Less than 28 days’ notice 50%
Less than 21 days’ notice 60%
Less than 14 days’ notice 90%
Less than 7 days’ notice 100%
Should you fail to join a tour or join it after departure or leave prior to its completion, no tour fare refund can be made. (Please note that if the reason for the cancellation falls within the terms of any holiday insurance policy, which you hold, then the insurance company, subject to the terms of your insurance will normally refund any such charges to you).
KENYA & TANZANIA WEATHER AND CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO BOOK |
Weather & Climate – Kenya
Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. The coast is hot and humid all year round, but the heat is tempered by the monsoon winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a Dry and Wet season.
Dry season –June to October
• June, July, August, September & October – These are the coldest months. Temperatures vary significantly per region and because of their difference in altitude. Daytime temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara, and 28°C/82°F at lower altitudes, such as the coastal areas. During the Dry season, the sky is clear and days are sunny. Early morning temperatures at higher altitude are typically 10°C/50°F. It is advisable to pack warm clothing, as morning game drives will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country, so these are the least humid months, making it the best time to stay at one of Kenya’s beautiful beaches and national parks for wildlife viewing.
Merits of visiting during this season
• Wildlife is easier to spot because the bush is less dense and animals gather around waterholes and rivers
• It’s unlikely to rain, the days are sunny with clear skies, and there are fewer mosquitoes
• July to October are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
Demerits of visiting during this season
• It gets very busy and crowded in the most popular parks
Wet season –November to May
During the Wet season daytime temperatures are between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F at higher altitudes. At lower altitudes daytime temperatures are more consistent and hover around 30°C/86°F. Mornings stay cool at higher altitudes, and it is advisable to pack warm clothes for early morning game drives. From December to April, the humidity is intense in Tsavo and the coastal areas.
• November & December – ‘Short rains’: A period of unpredictable, short rains between November and December that lasts about a month. The rain is sometimes heavy, but mostly falls in the late afternoon or evening, and will seldom have a negative impact on your safari.
• January & February – During these months, a dry spell in the rainy season occurs with less rainfall. How long the spell lasts and when it takes place exactly is unpredictable.
• March, April & May – ‘Long rains’: These months get the most rain, and there can be a downpour on a daily basis, although it seldom lasts the whole day. It’s very cloudy, especially in the highlands, including Aberdare NP and Laikipia Plateau. Humidity is higher and will be particularly noticeable in the coastal regions.
MERITS OF WET SEASON
- The scenery is beautiful and green
- Rates drop because it’s the low season
- Newborn animals can be seen, and in general, you will still see plenty of wildlife
- Migratory birds are present from September to April
- Except for March, April and May, rains are short showers in the afternoon or evening and will rarely compromise your safari
DEMERITS OF WET SEASON
•During March to May the rains can be continuous – some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season for renovations.
The best wildlife viewing months in Kenya are during the Dry season from late June to October. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.
TANZANIA WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Tanzania has a pleasant, tropical climate but has large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6.5°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). The hottest and most humid part of the country is on the coast. Other low-lying areas, such as the western and southern parks, are also hot but much less humid. The rest of the interior is much milder and cools down significantly at night. Tanzania is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, a Dry and Wet season.
Dry season –June to October
There is very little rainfall during the whole winter and humidity is very low. When water becomes scarce, wildlife will gather around predictable water sources.
• June, July, August, September & October – Afternoon temperatures are usually between 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F and vary greatly according to altitude and location. Most days have a fine, clear sky and sunny weather. It cools off at night; be sure to pack warm clothing because morning game drives will be cold- especially in the northern parks. These are the coldest and least humid months and the most pleasant time of the year to visit the coastal areas. There is very little rain in most of the country.
Merits of visiting during this season
• June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
• Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation
• There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain; skies are clear and most days are sunny
• Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still don’t feel crowded, except for the Seronera area in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater
Demerits of visiting during this season
• Mornings and nights get cold; it’s recommended to bring warm clothing for morning game drives during the months of June, July and August
Wet season –November to May
During most of the Wet season, afternoon temperatures are more consistent throughout the country (a bit above or below 30°C/86°F) but will be colder above 1,300m/4,265ft. Morning temperatures are more moderate, but still cold in most northern parks due to the high altitude. It is advisable to pack a windproof jacket and warm sweater for early morning game drives in open vehicles.
• November & December – ‘Short rains’ – A period of about a month of short rains which occurs sometime between November and December. Its timing is unpredictable and, in Northern Tanzania, it can even happen in October. The rains will rarely interfere with your safari.
• January & February – The northern parks and coastal areas tend to have a break in the rainy season with less rain around this time, but the exact timing of the dry spell is unpredictable. The other parks don’t really experience a dry spell. In Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi the rain gradually builds up from November to its peak in April. Gombe, Mahale and Katavi have one continuous Wet season.
• March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – These are the wettest months. It tends to rain heavily almost every day, although not often for the whole day. It is often cloudy, especially in the northern parks. Humidity tends to be high, especially in the hotter southern and western parks.
Merits of visiting during this season
• Late January to February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti, and an excellent time to see predator action
• The scenery is green and beautiful; it’s low season, meaning lower rates and less crowded parks
• Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you’ll still see plenty and most northern circuit parks offer good year-round wildlife viewing
• Migratory birds are present, and bird watching is at its best
• Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your trip
Demerits of visiting during this season
• March to May is the peak of the Wet season
• Most big wildlife has migrated out of Tarangire NP, and wildlife viewing in Katavi, Selous and Ruaha is clearly better during the Dry season
The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are the best months for seeing the migration, and February is the best month for the wildebeest calving. The dry months offer good wildlife viewing throughout Tanzania. Tarangire and the southern and western circuit parks (including Katavi, Selous and Ruaha) are best visited in the Dry season, from June to October
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SAFARI |
Participants:
- Must be able to climb in and out of, as well as move around in confined quarters within safari 4X4 vehicles, minibus, and small aircrafts unassisted. People need to be willing to rotate seats .
- Must be able to tolerate riding on uncomfortably uneven, bumpy roads (some with many potholes) for long periods of time (6-9 hours maximum) as well as some off-road experiences when opportunities allow.
- Must be able to stand and/or walk moderate distances when visiting villages, town, or other sites. This walking will be on uneven ground or uphill, often at altitudes many people are not used to.
- Should generally be in good health and prepared to travel in locations without medical facilities.
In General, this trip requires:
- Flexibility and good humor- unexpected changes and/or glitches will occur.
- A spirit of adventure and curiosity.
- Interest in and willingness to appreciate a destination with a modest infrastructure and a bending definition of comfort. That being said, some locations are nestled in absolute luxury where pampering is the norm.
Air Schedules.
Choosing the best possible air arrangements for our travelers is always a challenge. We work with many airlines that offer the best level of service, routings and value for our programs. While there may indeed be more direct routings available with another airline, the cost of these flights may not be within the budget that allows us to give you the best value possible. If you prefer to purchase your own international air, please feel free to choose the ‘land only’ rate for this program. The start and end city for the land only program is Nairobi, Kenya
DOCUMENTS
PASSPORT & VISAS: the onus is upon the guest to ensure that passports and visas are valid for the countries visited and for the applicable time period, as outlined by the U.S Department of State (travel.state.gov) or by the passport holder’s country. Classic Journeys, their staff and their agents cannot be held liable for any visas, etc. not held by the guests, nor for the cost of obtaining visas.
PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION:
upon receipt of your registration and deposit, we will send a complete itinerary, packing checklist, required documents, etc.
FINAL DOCUMENTS:
final documents and tickets will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure, provided all money has been paid in full.
TRANSPORTATION
OPTIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION: no air is included. Contact Classic Journeys for a quotation.
TRANSFERS: roundtrip airport transfers are included in the tour for guests arriving on group flights. If travelers make their own air arrangements, they will be subject to extra transfer fees.
DEPARTURE TAXES: please note the amount of departure tax reflected in the airfare is subject to change, at the discretion of governments and airlines and with no advance notice. Should this occur, you will be invoiced prior to departure for any additional taxes imposed.
TRIP DETAILS/
ACCOMMODATIONS: you will marvel at the wonderful accommodations provided throughout your tour. All rooms have private bathroom facilities and air conditioning and/or fans. All rates are based on double occupancy. Most rooms are twin-bedded, but king-size beds are occasionally available and should be requested in advance. Accommodations listed in this itinerary are correct at time of writing, but on rare occasions may be substituted for a different property of comparable quality.
MEALS: all meals as specified in the itinerary. Please notify us if you have special dietary needs or requests, and we will do best to accommodate.
INOCULATIONS: when it comes to vaccination and disease prevention, we suggest that travelers first review information provided by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(www.cdc.gov/travel) and then review those details with their personal physicians.
WATER: It is always advisable to drink bottled and/or filtered water when traveling overseas. Safe drinking water will be provided to travelers free of change in the vehicles and during meals.
BAGGAGE: on average, international flights allow one piece of luggage, not exceeding 50 pounds; however, we always recommend that you check your airline’s policy just before departure, as luggage limitations are always subject to change. Despite this, weight allowance, we always suggest guests travel light. Also, soft-sided duffel bags are ideal for this tour, as they stow best in vehicles and airplanes with limited space.
TERMS & CONDITIONS AGREEMENT
a) Final Payment
Final payment is due one month prior to departure. Costs of gratuities to driver guides, lodge/hotel staff, as well as any excursion not related to the safari, and other items of personal nature are not included.
b) Accommodation Substitution
Should the case arise whereby accommodation is not available at the quoted hotels/Lodges/Tented camps alternative accommodation will be provided at hotels/lodges/tented camps of similar caliber.
c) Diet
Guests with special dietary requirements are advised to warn us well in advance before your departure.
d) Luggage
Please keep your luggage light – soft duffel bags are preferable. Luggage is limited to 15kg per person on internal local flights.
e) Passport and visas
The onus is upon the client to ensure that passport and visas are valid for the countries listed. The company, its staff and its agents cannot be held liable for any visas etc. not held by the clients.
f) Photography
The company reserves the right without further notice to make use of any photography or film taken on safari by our staff for general purposes without payment or permission.
g) Check-in and check-out times
Rooms are available for check in at 1200 Noon on the scheduled arrival date. Rooms should be vacated by 1000Hrs on the scheduled departure date. Special consideration may be extended on departure time subject to anticipated arrivals.
h) Changes to Schedule
Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules it should be borne in mind that the Company reserves the right, and in fact is obliged, to occasionally change routes and accommodations on safaris as dictated by changing conditions. Such conditions may be brought by force majeure” or statutory directive, seasonal rainfall on bush tracks, airfields and game areas, or game migrations from region to another or reservation problems, etc. However, the company shall make all reasonable efforts in resolving the situation not limited to offering alternative
i) Airline Clause
Flight fares, taxes and schedules are subject to change without prior notification by the airlines. The company will not be held liable for these changes and delays. The airlines cannot be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their plane or conveyance. The passengers’ tickets in use by the airline or by other carriers concerned when issued, shall constitute a sole contract between the airline and the purchaser of these tickets and or passengers. Please note that the company subcontracts the flying services to independent charter operations, and they are responsible for the flying. The same will apply to train services.
j) Guide Substitution
If one of our guides is unable to take a safari due to illness or other reasons, we reserve the right to substitute with another guide.
k) Prices
We will do our outmost to keep the prices as quoted or published. Should fluctuation in statutory taxes, exchange rates, etc. force increases on us; we reserve the right to surcharge without notice, up to maximum of 10% of the tour rate.
l) Participant Incompatibility
The company may, at its discretion and without liability of its cost to itself, at any time cancel or terminate the passengers booking and in particular without limiting the generality of the forgoing, it shall be entitled to do in the event of illness or illegal or incompatible behavior of the passenger, who shall in such circumstances not be entitled to any refund.
m) Publicity Materials
The company reserves the right to use any photograph or film taken during the safari by any appointed representative of The Company, for the use in The Company’s advertising or publicity material, without obtaining further consent from the client prior to the departure of the client’s appointed safari.
n) Fitness
The client acknowledges that the safari can sometimes be demanding and it’s his/her responsibility to ensure that he/she is sufficiently fit and able to embark on the tour.
o) Authority of the Safari leader
Clients will accept the authority and decisions of the safari leader appointed by the Company. The final decision on the itinerary, accommodation and conduct on the safari will be taken by the safari leader appointed by the Company.
p) Liability
The company is insured against legal liabilities arising from any injuries which might be received by passengers in its vehicles. The Company’s liability to passengers carried in its vehicles is governed by the laws of Kenya and no other Country, and all claims subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Kenya.
The Company reserves the right to employ sub-contractors to carry out all or part of the Services agreed to be supplied and in the event of the exercise of such right the terms of clause relating to The Company is subject to the booking conditions and cancellation provisions of the Travel organizer or the airline concerned.
Neither the Company, nor any person acting for, through or on behalf of The Company shall be liable for any loss or damage including property whatsoever and without restricting the generality of errors or omission contained in the brochure or other literature, acts of God, late or non-confirmations or acceptance of bookings, loss or damage caused by delays, sickness or death whether occasioned by the negligence or not.
In addition, The Company shall have the right at any time at its discretion to cancel any tour or the reminder thereof or make alteration on route, accommodation, price or other details and in the event of any tour being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable by the weather, avalanches, strike, war, government or interference or any other cause whatsoever. The extra expense incurred as a result thereof shall be the responsibility of the passenger.
Please be aware that these safaris may take you into close contact with wild animals. Attacks by wild animals are rare, but no safari into the African Wilderness can guarantee that this will not occur. Neither the company, nor its employees, nor its agents can be held responsible for any injury or incident on the safari.
q) Governing Law
All terms and conditions of this agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance to the laws of Kenya, and any litigation necessary to resolve disputes between the parties shall be field in the courts located in Kenya where such a dispute cannot be solved through arbitration
TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI
Our professional guides are there to assist you every step of the way. Even though there is a general outline of your safari, your guide will talk with you regarding each day’s plans. He will tell you about the country you are visiting, its history, traditions, the area you are visiting, what you see; he will take you to the loveliest places, look after any formalities or negotiations with the local people, and take care of your safety and comfort. They all are proficient in bush craft, and can also tell you about the local traditions, wildlife, identify the birds, and help you learn more about the world around you. All our guides speak English as well as their local language and some speak French and Spanish as well. Days will vary depending on your specific schedule, road conditions, and what you would like to do. A typical day may unfold like this:
You will get up before dawn when hot coffee and tea are served. The air is cold as the sun rises and shimmers on the open plains. This is the best time to see the wildlife. Your camera is ready to go and you have layered your clothing to keep you warm. Head into the bush and search for lions, elephant, giraffe and plains game. Each turn will offer something unique – a lioness and her cubs, a herd of elephant moving to a waterhole, a cheetah stalking a gazelle. Your morning game drive lasts about two hours, depending on what you see. Return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast there is time to relax from being up at sunrise or now is the time to participate in any additional activities that the lodge may offer – such as walks, village visits, or bike rides.
Lunch is usually served in camp/lodge, unless you are out for a full day’s game drive, when they will have a picnic lunch. You will head out again in the afternoon; searching for the special species that may have eluded you. As the sun sets, return to camp for a hot shower. Then indulge in a delicious dinner and after dinner drinks in the lounge. There may also be a chance to sit around the campfire exchanging tales of the bush. Everyone retires early with great anticipation of the next day’s adventure!
When you are out on safari your schedule is flexible at most locations; however, some locations have set times for game drives or walks. You can always talk with the hosts of the camps/lodge to adjust schedules and they will try to accommodate you. The restriction will be to stay within park rules and travel times required to get you to your destination. Your guides will always give their recommendations but are there to listen to your needs.