Incredible Kenya Wildlife Safaris

Nairobi, Lake Nakuru and Maasai Mara

Tour Code : TIA010

Validity : 15-Dec-17 to 15-Dec-19

Minimum : 02 pax

Departure : Any day

Vehicle : 1 x 7 Seater 4×4 vehicle

Starts : Nairobi

Ends : Nairobi

Meals : as indicated on itinerary at a glance

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE 

Day Location Accommodation Board Activity

1 Nairobi City Nairobi safari Club LDBB P

2 Lake Nakuru N.P L. Nakuru Sopa Lodge LDBB P

3 Maasai Mara National G.R Mara Sopa Lodge LDBB AP

4 Maasai Mara National G.R Mara Sopa Lodge LDBB AP

5        Maasai Mara, Nairobi

L-Lunch, D-Dinner, BB-Bed and breakfast, LDBB-Lunch, dinner, bed and breakfast, Trsf-Transfer, E-Early morning game drive, A-Morning game drive, P-Afternoon game drive, HDS-Half Day sightseeing, FDS-Full Day Sightseeing

FULL ITINERARY 

Day 1 – Nairobi

Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport met and assisted by an ORANGE ADVENTURES representative.  Transfer to your hotel.  Overnight at Hotel  Nairobi safari Club LDBB

Day 1 –Jommo Kenyatta Airport-Nairobi safari club

You will be picked up by an Orange Adventures representative then transferred to your hotel. Depending on the time your flight shall arrive on this very day your safari briefing will be conducted in the evening at your hotel by your Tour Guide. No much activities is scheduled for this day as it all depends on your time of arrivals but still various optional activities can be planned within Nairobi depending with your request and your expected time of arrival.

Dinner and overnight stay at  Nairobi safari club LDBB

Day 2 –Nairobi-Lake Nakuru National Park 

After breakfast you will be collected for the day’s drive taking you to Lake Nakuru National Park. It is a beautiful drive taking you through the breathtaking scenes of the Great Rift Valley where you will be able to have a quick photo stop. You will arrive in good time for Lunch at your lodge. After Lunch you will proceed on an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. The Lake has good density of game and it is one Park that within few minutes of game drive, you will achieve quite a lot in terms of sightings. It is also a bird watchers haven. After the game drive proceed back to your lodge.

We will combine both afternoon and evening game drive to achieve the shooting of wildlife during the “Golden hours” of late evenings.

Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge LDBB

Day 3 –Lake Nakuru N.P- Maasai Mara National G.R 

We will try and have an early morning game drives too in order to achieve the morning golden hours. After breakfast, drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve offering wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. Arrive for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drives until sunset.

Meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge (LDBB) 

Day 4-Maasai Mara Full day

Full day is dedicated to game spotting in this sprawling reserve. You can watch a lion, cheetah or leopard hunting or feasting on its kill. Option of a visit to a Maasai village or a hot-air balloon ride that starts at 06.00 am and ends with a Champagne breakfast on the plains. What an exhilarating experience! All meals and overnight at the Mara Sopa with firsthand the Maasai culture.

Meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge (LDBB)

Whole day in Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives.  Mid morning you will visit a Maasai village to experience After breakfast, drive to the Maasai Mara National Reserve offering wonderful scenery and plenty of game. It is perhaps the only region left in Kenya where the visitor may see animals in the same super-abundance as existed a century ago. Arrive for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive until sunset.   Meals and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge (LDBB)

Day 5: Maasai Mara G.R-Nairobi Disposal 

After breakfast still do a game drive enroot as you depart the park for a drive back to Nairobi? Arrive for lunch at –Nairobi Carnivore. After lunch, depending with the time we will be able to schedule optional activities in Nairobi.

NATIONAL PARKS & RESERVES INFORMATION

Lake Nakuru National Park

Originally declared a national park because of a superbly diverse bird population, which includes many migrants, the park is also a favorite place for travelers to seek the rare black rhino. However, it is for the flamingos that the lake is best known, and it was for their protection that the park was

originally created. The level of the blue-green alkaline waters here varies and this, with other accompanying environmental changes, causes considerable variation in the flamingo population, but when they are present, en masse, the whole lake turns a gorgeous rosy pink.

Although protection of the flamingo population on the lake was the original rationale for the inception of the national park, further land was included in the early seventies and it is now about 190 sq m. This expansion, which took in a large grassland area, has allowed the park to protect further species. Buffalo, zebra, antelope and both lion and leopard are to be found. The rather less ubiquitous reedbuck and waterbuck are also here as is the glamorously leggy Rothschild giraffe. Temptingly, the black rhino breeding program, started in the late eighties, has proved successful and this is an excellent place to view them.

Lake Nakuru is a small national park. There is no need to stay in the area in order to see all that is to be seen. A good day trip may be enough and these can easily be organized from the Lake Naivasha area.

Maasai Mara National G.R

Probably the most famous of the reserves, the Maasai Mara, in Kenya’s south western corner, boasts an astonishing amount of game. Unfenced, the Mara is bounded in the east by the Ngama Hills and in the west by the Oloololo or Siria Escarpment. Gazelle, wildebeest and zebra graze in large numbers and where prey is found so are predators. Not only is  this a great place in which to find game, but the wide greenly-gold  savannahs spotted with thorn trees make it ideal for photography. The Mara, as it is known in Kenya, is ravishingly beautiful and also offers long, undisturbed views and utterly dramatic panoramas. The weather really means something here. The sun may beat down unforgiving, huge clouds in fabulous shapes may sweep across the widest of skies, and the wind ripples the grasses as though they are stroked by a giant hand. The landscape is stunning.

The famously black-maned Mara lions are possibly the stars of the Mara show, but cheetah, elephant, kongoni, topi, Thompson’s gazelle, waterbuck, hyena, and primates are all here too. As with the rest of Kenya, the birding is good. There is no settlement within the reserve however; the Mara is in theory owned by the Maasai, pastoralists and, in earlier times, renowned lion-killers. Lodges and hotels offer the opportunity to buy their beadwork, checked cloths and copies of their spears. It is said that if lions scent approaching Maasai on the breeze they move swiftly in the opposite direction.

Famously, the Mara is the northerly end of the Great Migration, that great primeval surge of wildebeest, zebra and antelope that sweeps in from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara as the Tanzanian grass starts to fail. The large predators that pick off the weak, the stragglers and the young track them. The great herds, nearing their destination by July, mass along the Mara River, pushing, shoving and fantastically noisy, just waiting for the first animal to cross so that they can all follow, lemming-like, on the final leg of the journey. However, crocodiles lie in wait, sluggishly cruising the waters, fully prepared for their best meal of the year. Many fail in the life-and-death struggle – drowned, eaten by the crocodiles or, made careless or weak by their stressful swim, brought down by lions.  The Maasai Mara is terrible yet wonderful, and not to be missed

OPTIONAL MASAI MARA BALLOON SAFARI STARTING FROM USD 450 PER PERSON:

 Close your eyes, and for a moment feel your body lift up, with you having no control over it, and there is a certain part of you, inside you, saying to yourself, I am crazy for taking this balloon safari. This is what most people feel, when the excitement of a Maasai Mara balloon safari crosses one’s emotion of self-control and independence.

Don’t stop! Tell me more about my Maasai Mara Balloon Safari in Kenya?

The feeling is indescribable, crispness of the African air, chill in the wind that hits your face as your Mara hot air balloon gradually raises, smoothness in the exhale of your breath, and the excitement to see and learn more. One’s physical presence can be felt on the plains of the Maasai Mara when reading this.

You trip begins when you get your wakeup call at your safari lodge or tented camp in the early hours of the morning, as you yawn away, and thoughts about your wildlife viewing from an elevated position begins to stir your mind. The fresh Kenyan traditional hot tea and coffee quickly awaken you, in fact preparing you for a “mission”.

By 6.15 a.m. you are almost arriving at the hot air balloon site in the Maasai Mara. As you approach the site, the balloon seems bigger than you expected, the experience is one that has never been visited, and you are about to have a trip of a lifetime.

Liftoff! Up and away we go! At 6.30 a.m., the hot air balloon safari starts. The captain asks you to relax and experience the wonders under the African sky. As you finally start to get a grip on the elevation, an inner smile that resonates on one’s face does not need an explanation. The wildebeest moving in large numbers across the Maasai Mara plains, the beauty of the landscape when the rising sun’s bright orange colors are displayed, the elephants at the water pool, and the gazelles and zebras scampering away, just if it was their first time to witness an alien object in the sky.

By 7.30 a.m., one is very content with balloon safari, and it is almost touch down time. There is a celebration, and for those who prefer a toast, champagne is served, as hot breakfast in the bush is being prepared. You ask yourself, is this true? I am really doing this trip of a lifetime in Kenya? In the Maasai Mara? As the sweetness and aroma of the African coffee surrounds you, with fresh eggs being served as you like it, you hope for another ride, and wish that such luxury never ended.

By the time you finish your breakfast, you have made up your decision to immigrate to Kenya because such life is only found here. You begin to question yourself, and you feel an urgency to seek, live and enjoy this pristine beauty, a once in a lifetime “thing”.

By 9.00 a.m., you have been declared a champion, a mighty certificate of completion handed out to you which you hope to display in your home country, to family, friends, coworkers. Clapping and participation by everyone present makes you proud to have achieved a trip as wonderful as this.

By then you hear a blaring sound of music or even an annoying buzz, you turn around and switch of the alarm clock. Your eyes wide open, you know that you have to get back to Kenya, to Maasai Mara, again otherwise the recurring dreams will drive you mad.

The Package Includes:

• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• 3 Nights accommodation at Mara Sopa Lodge on full board basis
• 01 Night accommodation at Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge on full board basis
• All game drives as per itinerary
• All park entrance fees
• Transport in 1 x 7 Seater 4×4 vehicle
• Services of a qualified English Speaking Driver Guide
• 1 Litre bottle of mineral water per person per day while on a road safari in an Orange Adventures vehicle
• Maasai village

The Package Excludes:

• All International Flights + Taxes
• Visas
• Travel & Personal accident insurance
• Tips & personal expenses such as telephone calls…etc.
• Excursions not detailed in above program
• Included flights: No flights included

*****END OF SERVICE*****

Cost if using Custom Safari Van

•    Current Season US $$$$ PER PERSON SHARING

N/B The cost is as per the properties we are spending in and can be reviewed either upward or downward depending on either you [our clients] have decided to use upgraded or downgraded properties respectively.

NOTES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Luggage:

PLEASE be reminded to inform your clients that the luggage allowance on our schedule flights is strictly 15KGS PER PERSON and that SOFT BAGS are highly recommended, if not essential.  In light aircraft the baggage area and weight allowance is limited. Hard Samsonite type suitcases do not fit into the cargo compartment easily, if at all. Due to limited space available for storage in safari vehicles, we strongly recommend use soft duffle bags rather than hard suitcases.

Your contract

A binding contract will come into existence once Orange Adventures and you agree on the itinerary and quote provided for the same.  The booking will then be considered confirmed when an invoice is issued.  Your contract for the services chosen will be direct with the relevant supplier(s).  Your supplier contact will be governed by the laws of the country in which the supplier is located and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of that country.

Reservations, Payment and Deposits

When Orange Adventure has accepted your booking, the date of the confirmation invoice activates the terms and conditions of the contract.  Confirmation of services is subject to payment of a non-refundable deposit of 25% of the total invoiced amount.  The balance is to be paid not later than 60 days prior to commencement of the services.  When bookings are made within 60 days prior to the departure date, full payment is required immediately on written confirmation.  If payments are not received within the above time frame, Orange Adventures reserves the right to cancel the tour which has been booked and retain any deposit received to set against expenses incurred in the booking of such a tour.

 Bankers Draft will only be acceptable if payable in a bank in Nairobi.

 Payments by personal Cheques Not Accepted.

All bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking and cannot be guaranteed.

Prices

Prices in this brochure are quoted in US dollars.  All prices are subject to change without prior notice.  Should prices or costs from suppliers increase due to inflation, currency depreciation and fuel surcharges, then Orange Adventures will not have any other option than to pass on the same to you.  All suppliers reserve the right to increase prices at any time of the year when costs increase outside the control of the supplier.

Please note that when the clients’ itinerary overlaps two seasons, the price will be prorated over the two seasons.

Rates include but are not limited to the following services specified in the itinerary.  Accommodation with meals, tours, transport, driver/guide, park entrance fees, hotel taxes and service charges.

Rates exclude (Unless otherwise specified), Medical Air Rescue services, Porte rage, domestic Air Charters, Visa fess, beverages, laundry, telephone calls, scheduled flights, gratuities and all expenses of personal nature.

NB: Flying doctor services are Optional at USD 30 per pax (Subject to change and vendor terms & conditions).

Child rate: – is only applicable to one or two children under 12 years sharing a room with 2 adults. In the case of 02 children sharing a room with parents, the two children will share a bed, as most hotels/lodges cannot accommodate a fourth bed.  01 child sharing a room with 01 adult will be charged full adult rate.

Single Room Policy

Single rooms are available at supplementary cost but the suppliers do not guarantee singles.  Single rooms are scarce and cannot be guaranteed even if paid for at twin sole use rate.  Where this occurs an appropriate refund will be made by the supplier to the client.  Suppliers will only allow a maximum of 3 single rooms per group at a single room rate except for OATS properties where single rooms are limited to only 02 singles.

Booking Alterations

(a) Should you wish to make any changes to confirmed booking arrangements, Orange Adventures will Endeavour to assist.  This will only be allowed if you notify the Company in writing at least 65 days before you utilize the Company’s services. Such alteration may be subject to US$ 50 per person to cover administration costs and any further charges incurred or imposed by any of the suppliers in making the requested alteration.

(b) Orange Adventures reserves the right to make changes to the brochure details, holiday arrangements and to correct errors both before and after you have booked the holiday.  Orange Adventures reserves the right to substitute hotels of comparable status and make any changes in the itinerary where deemed necessary.  In this event, Orange Adventures will inform you at the earliest opportunity.

Cancellation Policy

If you wish to cancel your holiday you must notify the Company in writing as soon as possible. Your notice of cancellation is only effective when it is received in writing. In such case the following cancellation charges will be payable:

 If cancelled out of 60 days, full deposit will be forfeited.

 If cancelled 60 days and under, 100% cancellation charges will apply

 Unused portion of any Safari or Tour is not refundable.

Although it rarely happens, and Orange Adventures will do their utmost to avoid doing so, Orange Adventures must reserve the right to cancel tours and other arrangements.  Where your holiday is cancelled (other than due to your default in payment) due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control e.g. over bookings, Vintage Africa will offer you the choice of purchasing an alternative holiday (and paying or receiving a refund in respect of any price difference) or receiving a full and immediate refund of all monies paid to them.

Force Majeure:

The expression “force majeure” means any event which the supplier(s) in question could not have foreseen or avoided even with all due care.  Such events may include war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, government action and all similar circumstances outside the supplier’s control.  In these circumstances the suppliers shall not be liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses or losses you incur where supplier is forced as a result to cancel, delay, curtail or change your holiday arrangements in any way or where the performance or prompt performance of the supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected.

Complaints: –

In the unlikely event that a tour member has a dispute whilst on safari this must immediately be brought to the attention (and put on record) of the local representative, Hotel, Lodge or Camp management. It is likely that the tour member’s complaint will be satisfactorily resolved there and then. If, however, this is not the case and the tour member wishes to pursue the matter on their return from safari, it is essential the complaint be communicated in writing to Orange Adventures within 21 days of the end of tour quoting tour reference, destination and departure date. Orange Adventures regrets cannot accept responsibility of any complaints, which are not notified entirely in accordance to this clause.

Responsibility of Orange Adventures

Orange Adventures acts only as the Agent for the suppliers and shall not in any event be liable for any negligence, breach of contract or acts of omission on the part of suppliers, their employees or any other Agent, it shall be the responsibility of all customers including (without limitations) Tour members, Tour Operators and Travel Agents, to read and familiarize themselves with the terms and conditions of suppliers. Orange Adventures’ liability for its own negligence or breach of contract shall be limited to the Tour price.

Transportation

Safari Minibuses, Cars, Land Cruisers and coaches will be provided according to the route and number of participants. Orange Adventures reserves the right to employ services of sub-contractors.  Multi-lingual driver guides are provided on request.

For flying packages, clients will share vehicles with other guests booked at the hotel.  For exclusive use, please check with Orange Adventures for supplements, which will be subject to availability.

Insurance

The hazards of travelling in Africa may inevitably rise to some risks and dangers. It is therefore a condition of booking that all tour members must have sufficient and appropriate travel insurance for the duration of their tour. Such insurance (which is not supplied by Orange Adventures) should fully cover all personal requirements including death, personal injury, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness, cancellation or curtailment of the tour members’ personal property.

Hotel Bookings

As a general rule, Vintage Africa does not make hotel or lodge bookings only. In special circumstances assistance can be given but it’s subject to a booking fee of US $50 per reservation per hotel.

Special Requests

Any special requests (e.g. for single rooms or particular diet) must be notified in writing when the booking is made.  Whilst the supplier will endeavor to meet such requests they cannot be guaranteed and any failure to comply will not be a breach of contract.

ORANGE ADVENTURES Services include flight re-confirmation and airport assistance within East Africa if clients are provided all services by Orange Adventures.  In cases whereby Orange adventures  is providing part of the services and then clients have other arrangements on own, then Orange Adventures will only reconfirm where forwarding address or contacts are provided.