Cheetah Holidays

Introduction

Kenya is a land as diverse as your imagination, from a lion's roar to a bird's chirp, a Masai warrior to a fisherman, snow-capped peaks to thick forests and silver beaches to grassy plains. At the heart of East Africa, straddling the equator, is a land of wildlife documentary heaven and a sunbather's paradise! The country plays host to the largest animal movement in the world during the annual migration into the Masai Mara, which is home to the 'big five' - elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard, and has a heritage and culture which fascinates all those who visit.

The magnificent country of Kenya is also famed for its vast numbers spectacular big cats, which include the elusive Cheetah. This holiday will focus on offering the best opportunities for viewing this beautiful creature, the world’s fastest land animal.

Overview

This 7-night safari includes accommodation in the Masai Mara at the magnificent new Ashnil Mara Camp. It offers wonderful hospitality together with great game viewing experiences and good food.

This itinerary starts in the Aberdares Range at the Outspan Hotel, followed by Samburu, home to some of the most unique wildlife in Kenya and a host of birds. Your stay is at the deluxe Ashnil Samburu Camp, spread out along the shady banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, under a thick stand of doum palms and acacia trees that are a feature of the area.

Safari route takes you to Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru where thousands of pink flamingoes tint the horizon. Around the lake a game reserve has been created where the endangered black rhino is protected and may be seen along with antelope, giraffes, lions and hyenas.

Finally, the magnificent Masai Mara, famed for its vast numbers of plains game and the spectacular big cats. Here you stay in the newest addition to the Masai Mara, the luxury Ashnil Mara Camp, which offers an unrivalled position for wildlife spotting, and is close to the action during the annual wildebeest migration.

This safari operates from 01 Nov 2010 onwards.

1 night Aberdares (Outspan)
2 nights Samburu (Ashnil Samburu Camp)
1 night Aberdares (Mountain Lodge)
1 night Lake Naivasha (Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge)
2 nights Masai Mara (Ashnil Mara Camp) 

DAY 1 FRIDAY OR SUNDAY HEATHROW - NAIROBI
Fly from Heathrow overnight to Nairobi.

DAY 2 SATURDAY OR MONDAY ABERDARES
On arrival transfer to the Somak Safari Lounge, where you can freshen up and store any additional luggage before departing for the Aberdares and to the Outspan Hotel (180 kms). After lunch an opportunity to relax or an afternoon nature walk with the resident naturalist (weather permitting). Dinner and overnight at the Outspan Hotel. (l,d)

DAY 3 SUNDAY OR TUESDAY SAMBURU
Drive north across the equator to the Samburu National Reserve and to Ashnil Samburu Camp arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive. Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp. (b,l,d)

DAY 4 MONDAY OR WEDNESDAY SAMBURU
Morning and late afternoon game drives in this open savannah which is traversed by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The river is populated by hippos and crocodiles, whilst the park is home to a host of animals including several species which are rarely seen in numbers elsewhere, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffes and long-necked gerenuks. Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp. (b,l,d)

DAY 5 TUESDAY OR THURSDAY ABERDARES
Drive to the slopes of Mount Kenya and check in to Mountain Lodge (240 km) where lunch has been arranged. Spend the afternoon viewing game from the lodge or join a nature walk (payable locally and weather permitting) led by a local guide. Overnight: Serena Mountain Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY OR FRIDAY LAKE NAKURU / NAIVASHA
After breakfast descend into the Great Rift Valley and continue on to Lake Nakuru for lunch and an afternoon game drive. Continue to Lake Naivasha. Overnight: Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 7 THURSDAY OR SATURDAY MASAI MARA
Drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve (320 km). Arrive for lunch at the Ashnil Mara Camp. Afternoon enjoy a game drive. Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp. (b,l,d) 

DAY 8 FRIDAY OR SUNDAY MASAI MARA
Enjoy an early morning balloon flight over the Mara, followed by a 'bubbly' bush breakfast (optional extra), or an early morning game drive followed by breakfast at the lodge. After lunch, at leisure with time to relax by the pool. Late afternoon game drive. Overnight: Ashnil Mara Camp. (b,l,d)

DAY 9 SATURDAY OR MONDAY EXTENSION OR HEATHROW
After breakfast return to Nairobi (300 km), proceed with your chosen beach extension or return to Heathrow. (b)

Option to fly from the Mara to Nairobi on day 9 or from the Mara to Mombasa (includes lunch in the Mara) - prices on request.

The Outspan Hotel and Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge are 4 Sun lodges.

Light aircraft baggage allowance - 15 kg.

Destination Information

Climate

Throughout Kenya, the hottest months are December to March. The coastal areas are tropical, with particularly high humidity in April and May, but tempered by monsoon winds. The lowlands are hot but mainly dry, while the highlands are more temperate with four seasons

 

Visa

Adults who hold a British passport need a visa to enter Kenya.  Kenyan authorities state that you need sufficient space in your passport for your visa. If you arrive with a passport that is full you will be refused entry. We advise that you have two blank pages in your passport on arrival.

For a single entry business / holiday visa, the fee is currently $25, £20 or 20 Euros.

For a transit visa, the fee is currently $10, £10 or 10 Euros.

Children under the age of 16 who hold a British passport do not currently require a visa to enter Kenya but will receive a gratis stamp in their passport on arrival.

Visas may be obtained on arrival by air (using any of the currencies above) or in advance (using Sterling only) from the Kenya High Commission.

You require six month's remaining validity on your passport to enter Kenya.

 

Health

For up-to-date health advice for Kenya, please consult your GP.

 

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this – please contact a member of the Leisure team for further details.