Classic Luxury Under Canvas Best of Kenya

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Classic Best of Kenya features among the most attractive Kenya’s parks and reserves. Starting from Amboseli National Park known for its great view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants, to Nakuru National Park one of the greatest ornithological sites in the world and a great rhino sanctuary in Kenya, to the Masai Mara Game Reserve the arena to one of greatest spectacle on earth, the wildebeest migration.

Accommodation is carefully selected and is ideal for families, couples and small groups.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF:

PRICE BASED ON A SAFARI 4 X 4 LANDCRUISER INCLUSIVE OF INTERNATIONAL KENYA AIRWAYS RETURN FLIGHTS FROM THE USA, NEW YORK J.F KENNEDY AIRPORT

International flights included
KQ 003 JFKNBO 1255 1025+1

KQ 002 NBOJFK 2255 0655+1

Inclusions

• Accommodation as stipulated in the itinerary.
• Transportation in a shared chauffeur driven custom made safari 4 X 4 land cruiser throughout the safari. (a private vehicle available on request at an extra supplement).
• International return flights from New York J.F Kennedy Airport to Nairobi as indicated above.
• Services of an English-speaking 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 (maximum 6 pax per safari land cruiser).
• 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.
• Domestic flights which can be quoted on request.
• Excess baggage charges levied by Kenya Airways.
• Meals and beverages, other than specified.
• Any local or international flight and departure taxes.
• Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary.
• Visa fees – you can apply a visa to Kenya online easily through the following government website. www.ecitizen.go.ke
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the above listing.

*Please note that the itinerary sequence is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change

DAY 1 : USA/ENROUTE
Your journey begins as you board your flight from the USA, New York – JFK international airport on KQ 003 at 1255hrs, enroute to Nairobi, Kenya.
(Meals Aloft)

DAY 2 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.

You can choose to rest in your hotel the whole day as you enjoy the facilities at your hotel or enjoy optional Nairobi excursion at an extra cost of USD $ 165 per person where you will visit the Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage which has a nursery and rehab center for infant elephants that have lost their families, as well as the occasional rhino, zebra and other wildlife. Daphne was the first person to successfully raise an orphan infant elephant, discovering a formula that has now been used widely. The widow of the famous naturalist and warden of Tsavo from 1948 to 1976, David Sheldrick, Daphne has dedicated her life to conservation. These infants are eventually released into the wild at Tsavo East National Park and end up in the care of other orphans who have been successfully reintroduced to the wild.
Lunch will be served at Utamaduni Restaurant before proceeding to the AFEW Giraffe Center, visit a nature center run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife. An elevated observation walkway allows you to get face to face with 18-foot-tall Rothschild’s giraffes. In 1974 Jock Leslie-Melville, grandson of a Scottish earl, and his wife Betty founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and proceeded to move five babies of the highly endangered Rothschild giraffe to their property where they have been successfully reared and have since produced their own offspring. Betty chronicled these events in her book, Raising Daisy Rothschild.
Visit the Kazuri beads factory /optional shopping in Karen. Later returning to your hotel for your overnight.

Accommodation: Panari Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

This morning 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.
Arrive at Amboseli in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game viewing drive in the park.
On your next day you will 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: Zebra Plains Amboseli Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

Continue with your journey this morning as you drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. The park boasts a huge variety of animals, including leopard which is often found snoozing on the branches of the magnificent yellow-barked acacias, lion, buffalo, hippo, waterbuck, warthog, baboon, the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe only found in this park in Kenya, white rhino and the rare black rhino which is protected and guarded here.

Arrive in time for lunch followed for a late afternoon game drive.
Accommodation: Flamingo Hill Camp

Meal Plan: Full Board

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. Arrive in time for lunch at your camp.

Spend the afternoon on safari in Kenya’s most popular reserve. Arrive back in camp in time for campfire cocktails and dinner.

Overnight: Zebra Plains Camp Mara

Meal Plan: Full Board

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.

Overnight: Zebra Plains Camp Mara

Meal Plan: Full Board

After breakfast 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 Elementaita 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 late afternoon.
Lunch is your own arrangements and spend time doing last minute shopping or city excursions at an extra cost.

Drop off airport bid farewell to your driver guide until the next time. At 2250hrs you will board your KQ002 flight to J.F Kennedy in New York.

This morning at 0655hrs your flight lands back in the US bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of Kenya

See you soon in yet another exciting & memorable expedition!

In order to book please send us the below information: –

• Full names as per your passports
• Passport copy
• Dietary requirements and allergies
• Special requests e.g. birthday, anniversaries etc.
• Contact number whilst travelling (if applicable)
• Please indicate how you will be sharing the rooms .i.e. double room (1 big bed) or twin room (two separate beds) or triple (1 big bed and a separate single bed)
• Please indicate single accommodations, if available, and will pay the single supplement additional cost
• Please indicate if you need assistance in securing a roommate. You also understand if Classic Journeys cannot locate one for you by final payment date, you agree to pay the additional single supplement. Let us know if you prefer to share with Smoker or Non- smoker.
• If you make your own air or flight arrangements and please provide us with the flight itinerary before trip departure so that we can arrange your airport transfers in Nairobi

Once you send us the booking details, we will send you an invoice in which we will require a USD $ 750  to secure the space then the balance at least 2 months (60 days) prior to your safari.

You can pay us direct via bank wire transfer or online via PayPal by or Pesapal by use of credit or debit card.

See following link https://payments.pesapal.com/classicjourneysafrica.

NAMES
a. Final names due 60 days before departure

NAME CORRECIONS:

1. Allowed free of charge before ticketing
2. Once ticketed, name changes permitted with USD100.00 penalty only in the following cases.

*Misspelled names, limit to two characters only
*Last name and first name used in reverse order
*Married name to maiden name v.v (with marriage certificate as proof)
CHANGES
Any change requested regarding date of travel, routing or flight modification for each passenger or entire group will be subject to a revised fare evaluation as per availability.
Fare difference is to be collected if a higher fare is quoted.
A change fee of USD250.00per change is required in addition to the fare difference if any.

CANCELLATION / REFUNDFEE

• Tickets are non refundable.

FARES & TAXES

• All fares quoted are net. All taxes, fees, surcharges are additional
• Taxes are as of today and subject to change unless ticketed
• Kenya Airways is not responsible for any tax, fee surcharge increases

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:

More than 61 days’ notice Deposit refunded less 5% handling fee
Less than 60 days’ notice 33%
Less than 30 days’ notice 100%

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).

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.

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

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-CEPARTURE INFORMATION:
upon receipt of your registration and deposit, we will send a pre-departure packet to you. This packet contains all the information you need to prepare for your tour., including the 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.

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.

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 from the USA 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.

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

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.