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Kenya Panorama
Departs Washington September 15, 2018
Price: $5695 per person
Very fast paced trip with no downtime.
1 Night Nairobi / 2 Nights Ol Pejeta Conservancy / 2 Nights Soysambu Conservancy / 2 Nights Masai Mara
Highlights
- Explore the grand Maasai Mara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kenya’s top wildlife destination.
- Discover the wilderness of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, well known for its pioneering conservation projects.
- Experience a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, home to Black and White rhinos as well as the endangered Rothschild Giraffe.
- Enjoy a safari breakfast on the banks of the world-famous Mara River, where Maasai warriors greet you with a welcoming “Jambo”.
Accommodations
1. Nairobi Serena Hotel
Kenya, Nairobi
The Nairobi Serena Hotel offers an oasis of serenity amidst the bustle of one of Africa’s most vibrant capital cities. The interior décor reflects an entirely pan-African theme featuring art and inspiration from Ethiopia, the Maghreb, West Africa and East Africa. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, minibar, telephone, hair dryer, in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Offering a wide range of dining experiences, the hotel is renowned for its Mandhari Restaurant, universally acknowledged as one of Kenya’s finest. Other amenities include a variety of eateries, bars, a lounge, a heated swimming pool and sundeck and the exclusive ‘Maisha’ Health Club and Spa.
2. Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Kenya,Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a sheltered oasis, set in the pristine calm of the private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The canvas interiors and solid wood floors create the charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury. All of the tents have private verandas overlooking the water hole and each has an ensuite bathroom, with hot shower and flush loo. All the tents are equipped with bathrobe, slippers, tea and coffee making facilities. Electricity is provided by a 24 hour generator. Hairdryers and safe are available at the reception desk. The camp is clustered around a water hole and the main areas are designed to take full advantage of the views. The central dining room and bar features floor to ceiling windows and a blazing log fire. The dining room serves both regional and international cuisine. The Water Hole Bar is located in a traditional ‘hide’ which overlooks the water and offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing.
3. Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Kenya, Soysambu Conservancy
Exuding breathtaking beauty, Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp lies on the shoreline of the sapphire-blue Lake Elmenteita. The small and exclusive camp is within the Soysambu Conservancy, a unique wildlife sanctuary, home to the Rothschild giraffe and a breeding ground for the Great White Pelican. Styled to echo the area’s rich history, the camp blends elegance with modern luxury. Each of the luxury guest tents offer views of the lake with its own private veranda. Tent amenities include telephone, wireless internet access, mini bar, electronic safe, tea & coffee making facilities, a bathroom with his & hers showers, bathrobe, slippers and hairdryer. The central dining area overlooks the swimming pool and the waterhole, while the bar has views of the lake. Laundry service is available.
4. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Kenya, Masai Mara
Set high on a bush-cloaked hill with views over the savannah and down to the hippo-filled Mara River, Mara Serena Safari Lodge stands center stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas, offering a ringside seat for the “greatest wildlife show on earth”, the legendary migration of the wildebeest. Designed after a traditional Maasai manyatta, the lodge blends international sophistication with raw African beauty. Each uniquely-presented room is accommodated in its own stand-alone modular unit, with uninterrupted views of the Mara River, a private balcony and spacious seating area. All rooms feature a bathroom with bathtub and shower, mini-bar, satellite TV, hair dryer and safety deposit box (available in the reception area), wireless internet access, telephone, tea and coffee making facilities. Laundry service is available. The central bar and dining areas enjoy spectacular views, as does the swimming pool and sundeck.
Itinerary
Day #1
Washington Dulles / Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- Today you will begin your Kenya journey as you depart on Ethiopian Air for Nairobi, via Addis Ababa.
Day #2
Addis Ababa / Nairobi, Kenya-Jambo na Karibu! After a warm welcome, you’ll be transported to your lovely, centrally-located hotel. Relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Lodging: Nairobi Serena Hotel
Day #3
Nairobi / Ol Pejeta Conservancy-Begin your journey to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of East Africa’s largest rhino sanctuaries. Arrive in time for lunch and enjoy sweeping views of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. Meet your ranger for an afternoon game drive into the reserve and be ready to photograph a wealth of wildlife. (BLD) Lodging: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day #4
Ol Pejeta Conservancy-Today enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in one of Kenya’s best conservation havens. Ol Pejeta is a refuge to several endangered species, including the few remaining northern white rhino in the world. You’ll also have the chance to visit Sweetwaters Chimp Sanctuary, established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. (BLD) Lodging: Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Day #5
Ol Pejeta Conservancy / Lake Elmenteita-Awaken with birdsong as you leave Ol Pejeta Conservancy for Nyahururu, still referred to as “Thomson’s Falls” for its stunning 237-foot-tall cascade. Travel on to the Soysambu Conservancy and your luxury camp on the shores of Lake Elmenteita. Arrive in time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. Hidden Gems: With over 450 bird species on the Soysambu Conservancy, enjoy a birdwalk led by an experienced resident naturalist. (BLD) Lodging: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Day #6
Lake Elmenteita-After breakfast, you’ll meet your expert ranger and set out for a game drive along the shores of Lake Nakuru, renowned for its phenomenal birding. The shallow alkaline lake serves as the seasonal feeding ground for lesser and greater flamingo and is home to many water birds including the white pelican, greater cormorant, and sacred ibis. Your ranger will also seek out the bigger animals around the lake’s grasslands and rocky outcroppings, including waterbuck, baboons, and even the endangered white rhino. (BLD) Lodging: Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
Day #7
Lake Elmenteita / Maasai Mara Game Reserve-Enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for Maasailand and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. After stopping for lunch, continue with an afternoon game drive in the park, arriving at your lodge just as the sun sets. Gather for dinner under a blanket of stars. (BLD) Lodging: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Day #8
Maasai Mara Game Reserve-Set out early for your morning game drive. The Mara’s grasslands are frequented by huge herds of plains game; prides of lions, leopard and cheetah; herds of elephants and prolific birdlife year-round. Tonight, take in your last African sunset and join your fellow travelers in a toast to your unforgettable adventure. Hidden Gems: Crown your game viewing experience in the Mara with a “Bush Breakfast” by the Mara River Hippo Pools! With a charming ‘Jambo’, the chefs welcome you to a wonderfully set breakfast buffet of cold cuts, fruits, cereals and hot dishes with eggs made to your specifications as you wait. The hippos keep you company and only say ‘Kwaheri’ (good-bye) after you have had enough. (BLD) Lodging: Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Day #9
Masai Mara / Nairobi / Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-Enjoy breakfast, before traveling back to Nairobi’s bustling city center. Arrive in the afternoon in time for lunch, and the transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. (BL)
Day #10
Washington Dulles- Arrive home with a lifetime of memories!
MAGICAL SOUTH AFRICA
SEPTEMBER 09 – 2018
Price is $4,799.00 per person and includes flights to New York.
SEP 09 NEW YORK / JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Depart on your international South African Airways flight to Cape Town, via Johannesburg. From the moment you board your South African Airways flight you feel the warm and welcoming African hospitality in every detail of the world class service you are about to experience.
*New York / Johannesburg South African Airways flight #204
DAY 02 ARRIVE JOHANNESBURG / CAPE TOWN
Arrive in Johannesburg and take a short domestic flight to your Cape Town destination. You will be met by a representative at Cape Town Airport and transferred to your reserved hotel.
*Johannesburg / Cape Town South African Airways flight #327
With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most vibrant and beautiful cities in the world. The city is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting both the tastes of the past and more modern designs. Edwardian and Victorian buildings have been meticulously preserved, and many outstanding examples of Cape Dutch architecture are found in the city and its environs. Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat-roofed pastel homes of the Malay Quarter enhance the cosmopolitan ambience, while the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century.
ACCOMMODATIONS: VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL – Piazza facing room
Victoria & Alfred Hotel was built in 1904 as the North Quay Warehouse. Later in 1990, it was converted to a luxury hotel named in honor of the Queen of England and her son. The spacious, air-conditioned, en-suite bedrooms are spread over three floors. All the rooms have coffee and tea making facilities, with private bar, electronic safe, Satellite television, international plugs and wireless internet. In addition, every room has a view over the ever-awake Alfred Basin or Piazza. A stone’s throw from the water’s edge, the inviting Ginja Restaurant has one of the finest dining locations in the heart of the V&A Waterfront. Additional facilities include laundry services, 24-hour room service, a designer spa, gym facilities and a pool with manicured gardens at neighboring Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa.
SEP 10 CAPE TOWN
Few cities in the world offer as many potential activities as Cape Town. We’ve included a few Hidden Gems to enhance your Cape Town experience.
Hidden Gem – At 10:00am, you will be transferred to the helipad for a scenic helicopter flight over the city bowl, and the white sandy beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. The 8 minute flight gives you a bird’s eye view of the city’s breathtaking scenery and beauty. (The flight is subject to weather conditions.) Once you return to the V&A Waterfront you have the balance of the day at leisure to do some shopping and sightseeing. Please note that every helicopter has a weight restriction – usually 275lbs / 125kgs. You will be weighed (your weight will be kept confidential) to ensure you are within this restriction.
ACCOMMODATIONS: VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL (B)
SEP 11 CAPE TOWN
This morning meet your guide in the hotel lobby for your scheduled half day excursion to the Cape Peninsula.
Embark on a spectacular day discovering the pristine coastline and quaint towns along “The Fairest Cape.” Hug the cliffs as you snake along legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. You will have the opportunity to ride the Flying Dutchman funicular (optional and own account) to the old lighthouse for awe-inspiring views! Continue along the coast to the lively penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Then head back to the city via the naval village of Simon’s Town.
Enjy the afternoon at leisure.
Hidden Gem – Tonight, enjoy dinner accompanied by incredible views of Table Mountain at Ginja restaurant. Drinks and gratuities are for your own account.
ACCOMMODATIONS: VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL (BD)
SEP 12 CAPE TOWN
This morning you are met at the lobby and begin a full day shared excursion to the Cape Winelands.
Enjoy a superb day dedicated to celebrating the glorious grape. Learn all about the process of winemaking, from grape to goblet. Revel in the scenery…like the breath taking views of the Paarl valley and the picturesque little village of Franschhoek, first settled by the Huguenots. Take a stroll through historical, glorious Stellenbosch with its Cape Dutch architecture, absorbing the quaintness of this lovely university town. A trip to the winelands isn’t complete without a wine tasting, so a cellar tour and two tastings have been organized at different wine estates. Of course, you’ll be able to purchase your favorite wine to take back home! Lunch on your own account will be enjoyed at a leading wine estate.
ACCOMMODATIONS: VICTORIA & ALFRED HOTEL (B)
SEP 13 CAPE TOWN / PORT ELIZABETH / SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Port Elizabeth. Upon arrival, you will be transferred by road to your reserved lodge in the Shamwari Game Reserve for a three night safari.
Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. Stretching thousands of acres over a malaria free landscape, it offers an award-winning wildlife experience. Meaning “my friend” in Shona, the reserve is about conserving a vanishing way of life. It is a place where guests can exist in harmony with nature.
Relax at the lodge until time for your first afternoon game drive with fellow lodge guests. Return for dinner and a relaxing evening sharing your days experience with the other guests.
ACCOMMODATIONS: LOBENGULA LODGE
Lobengula Lodge is a beautiful and tranquil space tucked away in the depths of the valley bushveld. It is a place where your soul can rejuvenate and rest in supreme peace and comfort whilst the vibration of authentic Africa dances through your being. The lodge comprises 6 suites and mirrors a traditional African “kraal” enclosed by breath-taking views. Each air conditioned suite has an ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, private patio, hairdryer, electronic safe, international adaptors, international dial telephone, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The main lodge facilities include a swimming pool, relaxation retreat with treatment room and sauna, fitness room, library, wine cellar, gift boutique and Wi-Fi.
All meals, twice daily shared game drives, tea, coffee, water and game drive beverages are complimentary. Alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages and cellar wines with meals and while at the lodge are at an additional cost. (BLD)
SEP 14 SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
Here the graceful leopard, the powerful rhino, elephant and hippo share the domain with kudu, gemsbok, wildebeest, and zebra, as well as a paradise of bird, reptile and plant life. Shamwari strives to educate and promote conservation awareness and your ranger will ensure that your experience is both rewarding and informative.
ACCOMMODATIONS: LOBENGULA LODGE (BLD)
SEP 15 SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE
Fill your time between game drives with visits to one of the awareness centers. The Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary highlights the circumstances of wild cats confined in impoverished, captive environments. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre provides a first-hand encounter with Shamwari’s passionate on-site vets, who care for young, injured and abandoned animals, which are later released back into the wild. The Ian Player Rhino Awareness Centre is an educational awakening about the plight of this rapidly depleting species.
Your visit to Shamwari will directly help rhino conservation. We are passionate about protecting and conserving
vanishing wildlife and we will be donating $50 per couple towards the building of a rhino boma at Shamwari
Game Reserve. The rhino boma will be a safe haven to rehabilitate injured or orphaned rhino, until they are
strong enough to be released back into the wild.
ACCOMMODATIONS: LOBENGULA LODGE (BLD)
SEP 16 SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE / JOHANNESBURG / NEW YORK
After a morning game drive and breakfast, you are transferred by road to Port Elizabeth where you will board your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport, connect with your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA.
Port Elizabeth / Johannesburg
South African Airways flight #
Johannesburg / New York (JFK)
South African Airways flight #
Or, you may wish to add to your adventure an optional excursion to Victoria Falls, the world’s largest curtain of falling water. (B)
SEP 17 ARRIVE NEW YORK
Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime.
WELCOME HOME