THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
KENYA
SEPTEMBER 7-17, 2024
September 7th, 2024: Nairobi Arrival: Transfer to Hemingways.
Overnight at Hemingways
September 8th, 2024: Tour of Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, & Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage:
Our tour starts at the Giraffe Centre, an elevated treetop aerie where we may hand feed giraffes, quite literally face–to–face. The Centre has a feeding platform where they exchange kisses with visitors for pelleted food. Then we will proceed on to the Karen Blixen Museum. Karen Blixen Museum is located on the outskirts of Nairobi on Karen road. Its history dates back to 1914, during the First World War, with the arrival of Karen Blixen from Denmark. At the foot of Ngong Hills, Karen Blixen established herself as a farmer. After her departure in 1931, the suburbs retained the commemorative home of Karen. The Danish government donated the house, and the surrounding land to Kenya after independence. The house was restored by the Danish government, and was used during the filming of "Out of Africa" which immortalized Karen Blixen's book by the same name. The museum was opened to the public in 1986. From there we will go to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for our private visit with the baby elephants. Daphne Sheldrick is a world–class conservation figure and the premier authority on the successful raising of milk–dependent infant elephant and rhino orphans. During this time the baby elephants are brought out to play and to feed, and visitors can watch and interact with them. Wardens are on hand to explain the work of the orphanage and to answer any questions.
Overnight at Hemingways (BL)
September 9th, 2024: Fly to Ripoi Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve.
This morning we will fly from Wilson Airport to Siana Springs Airstrip in the Ripoi Conservancy. We will be met by our hosts for the next four nights, Salaash Morompia and Fred Ronko, who will see to our needs throughout our stay at Mara Siana. Here we will concentrate on the big cats and smaller animals of the Mara ecosystem.
Overnight at Mara Siana Camp (BLD)
September 10th, 11th, 12th, 2024: Masai Mara.
The Masai Mara National Reserve was named for the Maasai people who inhabit the area, and for the Mara River, which flows through this great reserve. It shares a border with Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is essentially a continuation of this park, forming the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. The Masai Mara is home to an excellent year-round concentration of game and is renowned for its annual visit by the two million animals that make up the Great Migration. Covering an impressive 1 115 km² (430 square miles), the Masai Mara is a land of breathtaking vistas, abundant wildlife and endless plains. The Masai Mara was made famous by the book Out of Africa by Karen Blixen, which was later made into a movie starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.Immortalized through famous tales of olden day safaris, the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the richest and most diverse wildlife areas in the world. Known as the ‘spotted land’ to the Maasai, the reserve is home to a vast number of resident wildlife, as well as part of the annual phenomenon of the Great Migration. The migratory wildebeest, zebra, kongoni and topi join abundant elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, lion and cheetah in the Mara. Leopard and serval are frequently encountered, while endangered black rhino can be found in the dense bush thickets. The Mara River is also famed for its enormous crocodiles, which lay in wait for the wildebeest and zebra during the excitement and drama of the migration. Six species of primates and over 450 birds add to the Mara’s incredible natural diversity. The newly formed Ripoi conservancy is home to year round game that doesn't migrate, as well as a large cheetah population and wild dogs.
Overnight at Mara Siana Camp (BLD)
September 13th, 2024: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve Conservancy.
This morning we will have a game drive transfer from Mara Siana to Tangulia Mara Camp in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where we will be hosted by Jackson Looseyia and his staff. Here we will concentrate our efforts on the wildebeest migration. We will try to see crossings of these beasts as they attempt to cross the Mara River as massive crocodiles await their arrival.
Overnight at Tangulia Mara Camp (BLD)
September 14th, 15th, and 16th 2024: Masai Mara.
After the rains when the first flush of grass turns the Masai Mara’s golden savannah green, the most mesmerizing wildlife spectacle anywhere takes place here: The Great Wildebeest Migration.Between the months of July and October one and a half million wildebeest, accompanied by vast numbers of zebra and gazelles make the long and dangerous trek from drier lands in Tanzania, northwards to this corner of Kenya.Lines of animals stretch as far as the eye can see across the plains. They come to give birth to their young and the grasslands echo with the sounds of the new-born.It is a time of plenty. But it is a time too when the predators are drawn from all around. High above on the hot winds the carrion birds, the vultures and eagles, soar. In the long grasses lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena prowl.Most dramatic of all is the moment when the migration arrives at the Mara River. They must cross it to reach the rich grazing. As the animals throng, crocodiles cruise the waters. Then the bravest takes the plunge into the swirling currents and thousands follow.
Overnight at Tangulia Mara Camp (BLD)
September 17th, 2024: Fly to Nairobi. Transfer to hotel for dayroom use.
Day rooms Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport (B)
Cost per Person Sharing:
Kenya Safari $13,500 US Dollars. Single supplement is $2000
Terms and conditions: All payments are non-refundable. Medical evacuation insurance is mandatory.
This includes:
1. Accommodation at Hemingways, Tangulia Mara Camp, and Mara Siana as stated above.
2. Dayroom use on the 5th of September at Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
3. Park and conservancy Entrance fees as per the itinerary.
4. Meals: All Meals beginning with breakfast on the 8th of September included except dinner on the 8th.
5. All airport and airstrip transfer in Nairobi and Masai Mara Game Reserve.
6. Transfer between Tangulia Mara Camp and MaraSiana Camp.
7. Bottled water in Nairobi and also on Safari
8. Flying Doctor Services
9. Internal domestic flight (Nairobi – Masai Mara – Nairobi on the dates indicated)
10. Nairobi Tour (Private visit to Daphne Sheldrick/ Karen Blixen Museum/ Giraffe centre)
Not Included:
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Roundtrip international airfare From the USA to Africa
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Visa for Kenya
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Tips to guides and drivers
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Cancellation and medical evacuation insurance
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Phone calls
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Sodas and Alcohol except where explicitly stated
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Laundry
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Dinner on the last night in Nairobi
Deposit of $2000 per person due to hold your space for safari. Final payment due April 30, 2024
About Hemingways:
A warm welcome to Hemingways Nairobi. A luxury five Star boutique hotel in Nairobi. We pride ourselves on providing exceptional guest experiences and service, ensuring the utmost comfort and luxury.
This 45-suite boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury for travellers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this plantation-style property is airy and spacious. Each of our 80m² suites have a private balcony overlooking the iconic silhouette of the Ngong Hills, a magical view which can also be enjoyed over sundowners at the Bar.
Our service is personal and sincere, offering a luxury experience from the moment you touchdown in Kenya.
Your dedicated butler will know that you prefer Earl Grey to Assam with your scones, and will remember which trousers you like pressed flat and which ones need a central crease.
So while you are indulging in the spa, relaxing beside the pool or meandering through the gardens, back in your suite, your butler will have dimmed the lights, adjusted your personalized pillows, set out your nightcap and arranged the morning’s outing down to the finest detail.
About Tangulia Mara Camp:
Tangulia Mara camp is a rustic and cozy tented bush camp perched on a leafy hill overlooking the Olotulo-Murt salt lick, by the Mara River. It is located on private land and has an emphasis on authentic safari and African experiences. Tangulia is a Swahili word meaning “to lead.” Our camp’s mission is to be the leaders in African Safari by allowing our guests a comfortable private stay with an array of unique safari experiences that will remain in your heart for a lifetime.
We have a total of 8 luxurious tents which includes one family tent. We accommodate up to eighteen guests at full capacity. The camp is set to remain quaint to give our guests the ultimate intimate experience.We have handmade king size beds in our tents and an additional single bed in some of our tents. The salt lick is a favorite spot for a lot of the wildlife in the area and this is the reason why we take advantage of this view. The Mara river view is seen from the front porch of most of our tents.
The leafy bushes surround the rest of our tents and leave each one feeling cool, private and intimate. Winding paths lead to each tent,and with our camp being unfenced, wildlife is welcome to roam freely around camp. Our camp askaris escort guests back to their rooms at night.
Running taps and hot showers are available throughout. Our baths and toilet areas are ensuite. Note that the water on the taps is ideal for washing up not for drinking. We provide clean drinking water in beaded glass bottles in each bedside table and bathroom vanity.
Our homey tents are cleaned every day with our dedicated team of staff and replenished with our eco-friendly handmade supplies. We source our incredible products locally and give our guests the best of hypoallergenic and gorgeously scented soaps and shampoos throughout their stay.
Solar lighting and a Wi-Fi hotspot complete the amenities.
Our chef takes great pride in his culinary expertise, learned over many years of catering to an international clientele.
We chose the name Tangulia – meaning “to lead” as our Vision Statement.
About Mara Siana:
Mara Siana Camp is a small tented camp currently under construction. Located in the newly formed Ripoi Conservancy, Mara Siana focuses on harmony between the wildlife and the neighboring community. Boasting resident wildebeest and a large cheetah population as well as wild dogs, the Ripoi Conservancy has an abundance of wildlife at your doorstep. There is also a waterhole just in front of camp for fantastic wildlife viewing at all times.
Comprising only eight tents, Mara Siana can cater to all needs and dietary requirements. Using 100% solar power in the tents, you will have 24 hour electricity for hot running water and charging. Our staff will cater to all of your needs and special requirements.
Being 50% Maasai and 50% female owned gives Mara Siana a unique ability to combine local culture with westrn standards.
About Jackson Looseyia:
Jackson was born in 1967 in the heart of the Masai Mara. He grew up surrounded by wildlife and from an early age found it a source of inspiration. Tracking wild animals is in his blood – he comes from a long line of master hunters and trackers.
Jackson's father was a particularly famous hunter who clashed with the park authorities and ended up being imprisoned for eight years. On his release he became the archetypal poacher turned game-keeper and was appointed head ranger in the Southern Mara.
It was at this time that Jackson was trained in the ways of the wild – his father took him into the heart of the bush for six months solid training. During this time he was shown how to track dangerous animals such as lion and buffalo. The trip had dramatic consequences as during the adventure, Jackson's father was attacked by a buffalo and had his right hand broken. Responsibility for the family was handed to Jackson.
As a young man, Jackson quickly rose to become one of the first Masai guides in the Mara and is now a partner in Tangulia Mara Camp.
Jackson has an intimate knowledge of all the wildlife in the Mara from the smallest insect to the largest predators, but the big cats are his particular favorites. especially the elusive leopard which Jackson describes as "an animal work of art". He has been ranked as one of the top 15 Legendary Guides in Africa by Conde Nast Traveler.
Jackson is probably most well known as a presenter on BBC's Big Cat Live and Big Cat Tales.
About Salaash Morompi:
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Salaash began his career as a waiter and quickly climbed through the ranks to become the incredible guide he is today. His desire to create memorable safari experiences knows no bounds, hence the huge demand for him with repeat guests. His love for nature started in his youth, so becoming a safari guide was the culmination of a lifelong dream. He loves guiding and sharing the incredible diversity of wildlife of the Masai Mara. His home is just a few kilometers from the Masai Mara conservancies. Salaash is hands down one of the best guides in the area and loves that he is always learning something new, describing the Masai Mara as a constant classroom. A multilingual host, he is known for his sense of humor, amazing knowledge and warm personality. As well as showcasing the incredible flora and fauna of the region, he offers a genuine insight into the Maasai culture and traditions that are part of his heritage.
About Fred Ronko:
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One of Kenya’s most long-standing guides, Fred is a truly exceptional Safari Fundi. He grew up in a village in the Greater Masai Mara and has guided in this region for over 20 years, making his knowledge of the different habitats and secret spots to seek out hard to beat. Growing up he dreamed of becoming a guide, and through meeting Jackson Looseyia and Ron Beaton, the founders of Rekero Camp, he got his chance. Fred’s superb guiding skills and charming manner means he has many repeat guests from all across the globe. Fred is excellent at finding ways to engage children of all ages on safari with the world around them, filling in time between game drives with tree-climbing contests and learning about termite mounds up close. As well as sharing insights into Maasai culture and what life is like in rural Kenya, Fred has guided many photographers and film crews over the years, and is an accomplished pro at anticipating the best places to view wildlife. As a wise study of wildlife behavior, he shares his insight with guests to make their safari experience a rewarding and fascinating one, as well as helping them take home some fantastic photographs or film footage as mementos. Fred is passionate about conservation and sustainable tourism, and he is always happy to discuss the challenges and triumphs he has seen in his time guiding in the Masai Mara, whether in the main reserve or the conservancies.