Arrival of your international flight into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Met by our representatives outside customs and immigration halls. Safari briefing and introduction to your driver guide. Depart for Aberdare’s Country Club. Arrive, check-in and lunch at Aberdare’s country club. Afternoon transferred to the ark Lodge. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the Ark (rustic forest lodges). Here guests can relax in comfort while observing the animals gather to drink at the floodlit waterhole in front of the lodge.
Breakfast at the camp. Morning drive through ever changing landscapes to the dry and remote Northern country of Samburu. Lunch stop and cross the Equator en-route. Late afternoon game drive in the reserve. Spend the next two nights at your lodge/Camp on full board.
Morning and afternoon game viewing in Samburu/Buffalo Springs reserve. This dramatically beautiful area of arid bush country is brought to life by the Uaso Nyiro River on which the wildlife depend. It's unique and compelling features are the stunning landscapes and unusual species of animal such as the handsome Oryx, long-necked Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra and Kudu. Along the river trails, marked by ancient Doum palms, Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Hippo and Crocodile may be found. All meals and overnight stay will be at your lodge/Camp on full board.
Breakfast. Depart for Nairobi. Arrive and transferred to Ole-Sereni hotel. - Optional: Lunch/dayroom use-to be paid locally. - Not included. Later met and transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight out.
Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, iconic and yes, quirky. The Ark overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick, which attracts a host of awesome wildlife. Resembling and named after Noah's Ark, The Ark comprises of three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide a superb location for wildlife to be seen. So that you don't miss any animal sightings, the night guard will buzz your room when special animals come to the waterhole. The Ark has four viewing areas for observing the ever-present animal activity. There is also a ground level bunker – the perfect hideout for the discerning photographer. This is a circular pillbox-like structure, and it is from this vantage point that pictures of animals on the salt lick only yards away may be taken through the view holes in complete safety."In this intimate recess one can almost, but not quite, pat the animals, hear their sounds and smell the aroma of the night. This is a magical corner, where there is close contact with the essence that tells of an unexplored Africa, and where, very often, the visitor may enjoy in solitary state the beauty of it all."- Monty Brown's book, Haven Under the Hill
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is in the Shaba National Reserve. This Reserve is part of a conglomeration of reserves in the Eastern Province, descending from Mt. Kenya, at the entrance to the vast scrub desert that reaches beyond L.Turkana, are situatedSamburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and the third contiguous National Reserve, Shaba. Deep in the arid North Country of Kenya; situated across the Great North Road, is Shaba National Reserve which forms part of a trio of reserves quite different from the ones found in Kenya. Shaba takes its name from Mount Shaba (1525 meters), a volcanic mountain that became extinct around 5,000 years ago and lies on the border of the reserve. The Ewaso Nyiro River whose origin is the northern slope of Mt. Kenya around the Nanyuki Township borders all the reserves. The river's name is derived from the local community's language. It means the river of brown or muddy water. This is the only lodge in the 239 sq. km Shaba National Reserve. The reserve was gazetted as a conservation area in 1976. Thirteen (13) years later, the lodge became officially operational. This Lodge basks in a legacy bequeathed by Joy Adamson of the 'Born Free' fame. She was the wife of a prominent conservationist, George Adamson, who was a senior game warden of the area. Joy raised her adopted animals next door to the current Sarova Shaba Lodge's site. She first came to Kenya in 1910 with her first husband whom she later divorced. In 1956, George, in his capacity as the game warden was compelled to kill a man-eating lioness, which had three newly born cubs. So orphaned before they could imprint on any animate object, they were taken in by Joy Adamson who became their foster mother. She named them 'Lustica', 'Big One', and 'Elsa'. She later found that she could not handle three fast-growing lionesses, therefore she reluctantly sent the cubs to by drop, Rotterdam when they were five months old.Located in the Semi-desert Shaba Game Reserve in Central Kenya the Sarova Shaba Lodge offers the guests a chance to see the bounty of unique wildlife made famous by the film “Born Free”. In March 1998, the Lodge played host to the cast and crew of the “Born Free”, true-life story of George and Joy Adamson and starred both Kenyan actors and International film stars. The majority of the filming took place in the Game Reserve but some of the scenes were actually shot in the lodge.
Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp is located in the heart of Mara North Conservancy, which enjoys the privacy and remoteness of only a few camps within it. Having undergone a rebuild and refurbishments, the tents are spacious and offer a choice of traditional Safari showers or the more modern 'plumbed' showers with running hot and cold water. Wildlife wanders across the plains in front of camp and at night, the roar of lions, call of the leopard and trumpeting of the elephants close by are reassurance of being at one with the wild…no fences, no boundaries.
While planning an East African Safari can seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be! Take the stress out of the experience with this helpful summary of the key things you need to think about before you jet off. Once you have all of them covered, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your safari adventure.
Note: While this is a general guide to vaccinations required for your East African safari, you should always visit your doctor before your departure to obtain the best advice. A pre-trip health check and discussion of what vaccines are necessary for you, as well as how to deal with any unique health concerns, is imperative for a safe and enjoyable safari.
On an East African safari, you should go for comfort and convenience when it comes to your clothing. Some of the things you should remember, include:
A full passport with at least six-month validity from the date of departure is generally required for travel. It is recommended that travelers contact the relevant Consulate/Embassy prior to travel for current visa requirements.
NEW VISA REQUIREMENT: From 01 January 2021 all visitors requiring a visa to enter Kenya will need to apply for an e-visa online, in advance before leaving their country or boarding the aircraft. No Visas will be issued on arrival in Kenya.
Click this link for more information about how to apply: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
$50 USD application fee
Applying for an East African Visa One of the greatest things to happen to East African tourism over the past few years is the introduction of the East African visa. This visa allows you access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it’s not only a time saver, but it also works out considerably cheaper than purchasing individual visas.
To apply for the East African Visa, you’ll need the following: A passport with at least six months validity One standard sized passport photograph A completed application form Tip: It’s important that you apply for the East African visa with the country from which you will begin your travels. The visa will be valid for 90 days from the date marked in your passport.
Cancellation Policy. In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of the programme cost will be assessed based on the number of days prior to programme departure that the cancellation was received:
Stay inspired and informed with our monthly travel digest. Subscribe now to receive exclusive deals, insider tips, and captivating stories from fellow adventurers around the globe.