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with optional Tanzania Extension Kenya, Sept 15-29, 2000 
*Early mornings and late afternoons for the best light and wildlife activity. *Generous days in the field. *Excellent driver-guides who are sensitive to the needs of photography groups. *Time out of the vehicles with opportunities for you to explore on your own.Land Transportation Travel will be by Land Rover, equipped with roof hatches for game viewing. We put a maximum of only four passengers in a nine-passenger vehicle, guaranteeing each person a window seat and ample access to the roof hatch. Guides and Staff In addition to Cathy Church and Herb Rafael, you will be accompanied by a professional driver-guide, who knows the best locations for wildlife and has experience with photographers. Tented camps and lodges have their own permanent staffs.  Accommodations
and FoodDeluxe tented camps offer the convenience and comfort
of a lodge, but give the feel of camping. Two of the camps are located
on private reserves. Your tent is canvas but has a thatch roof, a
concrete floor, and is supplied with electricity. You sleep on comfortable
beds and are provided with fresh sheets and towels. Each tent has
a small room off the back where you'll find hot and cold running water,
showers, and toilets. Tented camps have separate dining rooms and
bars, made of local materials. Food is served at table d'hote meals
and buffets. Nothing can compare to the feeling of sitting around
the campfire listening to the sounds of the African night! ITINERARYSEPTEMBER 15-16 USA - AMSTERDAM Your safari begins today as you fly from your US departure city to Amsterdam, where the group will assemble. After a brief layover, we'll board our flight from Amsterdam to Nairobi. We will be met at the airport on arrival, and taken to overnight at the NORFOLK HOTEL. September 17: Aberdare Mountains / Sangare Ranch Lakeside Cottages. We leave in the morning and drive north towards the Aberdare Mountains, past the town of Thika and then through heavily cultivated Kikuyu farm land. The Kikuyu people, the largest ethnic group in Kenya, inhabit some of the most fertile land, growing coffee, tea, sisal, pineapples, and vegetables as cash crops. We travel through several small towns and stop at an open-air market, where you can see how the Kikuyu are blending traditional and modern ways. (Recommended reading: Facing Mount Kenya by Jomo Kenyatta, and The Flame Trees of Thika by Elspeth Huxley.) Sangare is one of the most beautiful ranches in Kenya. Lying at an altitude of 6,000 feet in the foothills of the Aberdare Mountains, it offers 6,500 acres with spectacular views across the valley to Mount Kenya. This is a very picturesque part of the country, with wooded ravines, open meadows, dense thickets, and meandering crystal-clear trout streams.
Sangare Ranch provides a unique glimpse into Kenyan homestead life. Accommodations consist of attractive cedar wood cottages overlooking a small lake, encircled by yellow fever acacia trees, where elephant and buffalo are regular visitors. Each cottage has a twin room with an en-suite bathroom; a separate cottage contains a sitting room and kitchen with a veranda overlooking the lake shore. SEPTEMBER 18-19 LEWA DOWNS Lewa Downs is a private 40,000-acre ranch that has been home to the Craig family for three generations. It is now the Lewa Downs Conservancy, a private sanctuary that offers unique wildlife viewing and special nature activities. We will be among the few visitors who have exclusive access to this area. Lewa offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Kenya. To the south is towering Mount Kenya, providing a good backdrop for photography. To the north are the Matthew, Shaba, and Ndoto ranges. This is the northern bush country of the Samburu people. The dry habitat is home to a myriad of plains animals. The thinly striped Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe are common, as are Somali ostrich, warthog, impala, gerenuk, waterbuck, and eland. In addition, there are some less common species, such as greater kudu, kongoni, Chandler's and mountain reedbuck, and the rare sitatunga, a semi-aquatic gazelle that inhabits the swamps. Leopard and cheetah are the primary predators. A herd of two hundred elephants regularly visits the area, and there are three big bull elephants who are permanent residents. Lewa also offers perhaps the best place to see the endangered rhino, including white rhinos. Incorporated in the ranch is the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary, made famous by conservationist Anna Mertz. The sanctuary, which was started in 1983, has carried out a successful breeding program and has twenty black and sixteen white rhinos roaming free. Adding to the interest of this area are the opportunities for nature walks and night game drives. At night you can see wildlife that you normally do not encounter, such as porcupine, white-tailed mongoose, and lesser galagos (bush babies). Also seen on night drives are spotted hyena and black-backed jackal. During the day, you can leave the vehicles behind and walk in the company of a local guide. Exploring on foot in Africa is a special experience not to be missed. The Lerai Tented Camp is located in the heart of the sanctuary, with a beautiful view north to Samburu. The central building, where your meals are served, is a former manager's house built of local materials. On either side of the house are deluxe tented accommodations, each with extra-large twin beds and a private bathroom attached in the back. You will have the best of both worlds - creature comforts, with the true feeling of the African wilderness. Overnights at LERAI TENTED CAMP. SEPTEMBER 20-21 GREAT RIFT VALLEY / DELAMERE CAMP We leave in the morning and drive south to the Great Rift Valley, a giant gash in the earth's crust that stretches from the Middle East to southern Africa. On the shoreline of the alkaline Lake Elmenteita is one of Kenya's smallest, most exclusive permanent tented lodges and private wildlife reserves. The sanctuary and camp are located in the 80,000-acre Soysambu Estate, owned by the fourth Lord and Lady Delamere. Located in the heart of the Great Rift Valley between Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha, it has been home to generations of the historic Delamere family. The land was closed to the public for more than 85 years.
The Soysambu / Elmenteita Wildlife Sanctuary consists of a large area of natural acacia and grassland habitat, similar to the southern end of Nakuru National Park. It encompasses the northern, western, and southern shores of Lake Elmenteita, the only Rift Valley lake that has remained totally undeveloped. There is a wide variety of wildlife living here, including leopard, zebra, antelopes, and gazelle. The lake itself is truly a birder's paradise, similar to Lake Nakuru in the first part of the century. Some 350 species of birds are found here, including up to 30,000 pelicans and 200,000 flamingos, although as with the other Rift Valley lakes, the numbers fluctuate with the lake level. The aim of the camp is to provide alternatives to traditional game viewing, offering experiences that are not readily available anywhere else in East Africa. Because it is private land, there is a wider variety of activities to experience, giving a welcome rest from traditional game viewing in vehicles. It is an ideal place to get a closer look at the land and possibly see some species of wildlife that are more difficult to spot. Here are some of the unique opportunities that you will have (all included in the safari cost): Night game drives Many animals are most active at night, and you will have opportunities to make exciting night safaris in the camp's vehicle. It is not difficult to spot Cape hare, and dusky and montane nightjars. On most nights you can see also zorilla, genet cat, bat-eared fox, and white-tailed mongoose. Quite often you will find aardvark, bush pigs, leopards, and African wild cat. Occasionally ratels, porcupines, bush babies, serval cats, and puff adders are spotted as well. Nature walks You can make a safari on foot in the company of a professional naturalist. Open vehicles Both day and night game drives will be in an open-sided vehicle, with a hand rail and a canopy to protect from the sun, similar to those used in southern Africa. Day trips The camp is within a few miles of Lake Nakuru National Park and we have planned to include two visits. The camp itself has only twelve tents and is a complete "hotel under canvas" with a full service and maintenance staff. A few of the lodge furnishings have been donated from the Delamere home. The camp is designed to attract people who have the patience to quietly observe, who wish to experience the thrill of Africa up close, who will enjoy the scent of the acacia flowers, and the feel of the land that inspired the first Lord Delamere to make this area his home. Overnights at DELAMERE CAMP. SEPTEMBER 22-27 MAASAI MARA We leave early in the morning for our exciting journey to Maasai Mara, one of Africa's best game reserves. We drive through the Rift Valley, past the extinct volcanoes of Mount Longonot and Mount Suswa, sighting giraffe, gazelle, and other plains animals along the way. We'll also begin to see Maasai people herding cattle, and finally reach Narok, an administrative and trading center for the Maasai. The Maasai, perhaps the best known and most colorful African group, still follow their traditional ways as semi-nomadic pastoralists. Young warriors carry spears and decorate themselves with red ochre, and the women wear elaborate and beautiful beadwork. The social life of the Maasai makes them a fascinating and special people, and we shall see their herds and villages among the plains animals throughout much of our journey. (Recommended reading: The Maasai by Carol Beckwith and Tepilit ole Saitoti.) From Narok, we take an all-weather dirt road to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. The Mara is part of the Serengeti ecosystem, which extends southward into Tanzania for over 150 miles. The reserve's 700 square miles of parkland savannah and acacia woodland are the home of large numbers of wildebeest, hartebeest, topi, giraffe, and gazelle. It also has perhaps the highest density of lions of any place in Africa. Prides of more than forty have been seen here. Cheetahs are also commonly seen, as are hyenas, jackals, and bat-eared foxes. Fifty-three species of birds of prey have been recorded. We will go on morning and afternoon game runs and see it all. Nestled between the Oloololo Escarpment and the northwest boundary of Kenya's famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, on a beautiful forested area of the majestic Mara River, is one of Kenya's most charming permanent tented lodges. The Mara River Camp blends perfectly with its environment, the indigenous riverine forest, the croton thickets, and the wildlife. The resident hippopotami have ruled out the possibility of a swimming pool, while the roaming herd of bull elephants has long ago put an end to any exotic gardens. However indigenous shrubs are plentiful, the meals produced from the charcoal hearth kitchens delicious and wholesome, the staff and management very friendly. Mara River Camp offers such an unparalleled amount of individual attention and flexibility that it is favored by naturalists, wildlife researchers, film crews, photographers and conservationists alike. It is an excellent example of tourism in harmony with the environment, working with international visitors for the benefit of the surrounding ecosystem, the wildlife, and the semi-nomadic Maasai people. Overnights at the MARA RIVER CAMP. Optional balloon and fishing trips in Maasai Mara: Imagine soaring over herds of African animals in a hot-air balloon. You'll have the opportunity to make an exciting hour-long balloon ride in Maasai Mara. Also available is an optional half-day trip to Lake Victoria to fish for giant Nile perch. Catches of up to one hundred pounds are not uncommon. More details on these options will be sent when you enroll. SEPTEMBER 28 MAASAI MARA - NAIROBI - AMSTERDAM After a final early-morning game drive, we depart in the late morning on a forty-five minute flight back to Nairobi. (Our extra luggage will be transported back to Nairobi by road, at no extra charge. It should arrive early this afternoon.) You'll have the afternoon free in Nairobi to shop, pack, and make further explorations. This evening there will be a group farewell dinner, then we are off to the airport for our flight to Amsterdam. Dayroom at the NORFOLK HOTEL.If you are interested in the Tanzania optional add-on, call us for details. SEPTEMBER 29 AMSTERDAM - USA You arrive in Amsterdam early in the morning. After a short layover for stretching and visiting the duty-free shops, you will connect with your flight back to the States. Cathy and Herb and part of the group will be continuing to Tanzania instead. SAFARI COST: $4,990 LAND ONLY AIR FARE: $1,600 from New York (JFK) , Newark, or Boston. Please note this air fare is an estimated price for 2000. Add-on air fares are available from any city served by Northwest Airlines. You will be routed from your chosen city to Amsterdam via the best connection. In Amsterdam you will be met by Cathy and Herb, and the other participants. THE SAFARI INCLUDES: *Air and Land Transportation. All flights and ground transportation in East Africa. You will be escorted by a driver-guide in East Africa. * Accommodations and Meals All hotel, lodge, and tented-camp accommodations based upon two people sharing a room. Single rooms may be available at a supplementary cost, but are not guaranteed. Please consult the reservation form for the rate for a single-room supplement. American breakfasts and farewell dinner on last night in Nairobi and full-board table d'hote meals (some picnic lunches) are included while on safari. *Miscellaneous Fees and Tips. All porterage fees and meal tips, service charges, hotel taxes, and park entrance fees are included. *Flying Doctor Society Membership in the Flying Doctor Society is included, in the unlikely event that emergency transportation to a hospital facility is required. *Pre-departure Information. You'll receive information on all aspects of the safari, plus readings on the history, culture, and ecology of East Africa. THE SAFARI DOES NOT INCLUDE: Passport and visa fees; international air fare, air tax and foreign airport taxes; excess baggage charges; personal and baggage insurance; all items of a personal nature such as laundry, medical expenses, and room service; beverages (coffee and tea are usually provided with meals); film and processing. Any activities not specified in the tour itinerary, or those activities listed as optional; meals in Europe and lunches and dinners in Nairobi. Upon the completion of your safari, a modest gratuity to your driver-guide is customary. Your safari cost includes a driver guide in East Africa. Cathy Church and Herb Rafael will escort the group on the international flights between Amsterdam and Nairobi. FITNESS & HEALTH The trip is not strenuous, and anyone who is reasonably fit and in good health should be able to participate. You will, however, have long international flights and will be spending many hours in a vehicle on game drives. Land travel will sometimes be over very bumpy and dusty roads. The maximum altitude you will reach on this trip is about 8,000 feet above sea level. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in this trip, please contact Voyagers for more information. Although as a trip participant you are a member of the Flying Doctor Society, which provides emergency medical care to travelers, you should also be aware that medical services or facilities may not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication. Each participant must be covered by medical insurance which is valid overseas. We urge you to take out medical and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Cathy and Herb will supply you with information.To request your Trip Reservation form for this Special Africa Land Safari, please call Cathy and Herb at 345-949-7415. We'll fax or mail you one. Our regular trip reservation form is not applicable for this trip (you won't be diving!) |
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Located
at the Sunset
House Hotel, Grand Cayman, Cayman
Islands
by The JavaScript Source
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