KENYA AND EGYPT SAFARI

SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS. 

KENYA & EGYPT SAFARI

KENYA.
Day 1 – Overnight flight Cairo, Egypt to Nairobi, Kenya.
Day 2 - The Nairobi Serena Hotel - Nairobi
Day 3 - Samburu Serena Lodge - Samburu Nat. Reserve
Day 4 - Samburu Serena Lodge - Samburu Nat. Reserve
Day 5 - Serena Mountain Lodge – Mt. Kenya Nat. Park
Day 6 - Sarova Lion Hill Lodge - Lake Nakuru Nat. Park.
Day 7 - Mara Serena Lodge - Masai Mara Nat. Reserve.
Day 8 - Mara Serena Lodge - Masai Mara Nat. Reserve.

EGYPT.
Day 9 – Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – Cairo
Day 10 – Nile Cruise
Day 11 – Nile Cruise
Day 12 – Nile Cruise
Day 13 – Nile Cruise
Day 14 – Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – Cairo
Day 15 – Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – Cairo
Day 16 – Cairo and departure.

DAY 1 – OVERNIGHT FLIGHT FROM CAIRO, EGYPT TO NAIROBI, KENYA.

Take your Kenya Airways overnight flight no. KQ … departing for Nairobi at ….hrs.

Overnight on board.

DAY 2 - ARRIVAL IN NAIROBI, THE NAIROBI SERENA HOTEL.

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport - Nairobi on board flight…… at ……hrs, go through the passport control then down to the luggage collection hall. Collect your luggage from the conveyor belt and walk out to the arrival concourse. Someone shall be waiting for you holding a folder written 'TRAVEL CONNECTIONS'.

Drive from the airport to Nairobi Serena Hotel and check in. Rest of the day at leisure.

The Nairobi Serena is a beautiful garden hotel. The hotel's clean white silhouette rises at the edge of Nairobi's extensive Central Park. Surrounded by its own tropical garden, the hotel's rather stark lines are softened by cascades of plants and flowers growing on terrace areas and individual balconies. From the gardens, terraces, swimming pool, and many of the rooms, there is a striking view of modern Nairobi's distinctive skyline, especially beautiful at night.

The Mandhari is one of Nairobi's finest a la carte restaurants. The elegance of the food, fine linens and silver is perfectly complemented by the inspired use of Kisii stone from western Kenya. The popular and more informal Café Maghreb is North African in style with arched recesses displaying pieces of brass and copper, and colourful tapestry screens separating tables. The Kisima Bar is decorated to reflect the importance of water themes in Swahili coastal life. 'Kisima' means watering hole in Swahili. There are low divans and stools, Swahili implements and murals on the walls.

Overnight at Nairobi Serena Hotel - bed and breakfast.

DAY 3 - NAIROBI TO SAMBURU NATIONAL PARK.

After a sumptuous breakfast at the Thorn Tree Café drive north. Drive past the densely populated central province. Cross the equator at Nanyuki, drive by the western side of Mt. Kenya, then down to Isiolo and further to Samburu Nat. Reserve.

Depart on an afternoon game drive.

Dinner and overnight Samburu Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 4 - SAMBURU NATIONAL GAME RESERVE.

This day is dedicated to game viewing in Samburu National Game Reserve.

The Samburu National Game Reserve extends for an area of 105 square kilometers north of the meandering Ewaso Ngiro or 'Brown' river. It is part of a lava plain that includes a varied landscape of red dirt, thorn scrub, broken volcanic rock, dried river beds, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings, some large enough to be called mesas. Following the river curves, a riverine forest of doum palms, acacia, and tamarind is a magical contrast of cool green. It is attractive to the region's wildlife and visitors alike. There are elephants, hippos, crocodiles and leopards, as well as plains game, other small mammals and birdlife. The region is home to the rare Grevy Zebra with large furry ears, gerenuk antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with their distinctive blue legs, and the shy oryx beisa.

Lunch and dinner at the club. Overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 5 - SAMBURU NATIONAL PARK TO SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE (180KMS - 3 HRS)

After breakfast drive to Isiolo which is 40kms away on the rough dirt road. Head back towards Mount Kenya passing by large wheat farms before arriving at Nanyuki town. Continue to the foot of Mount Kenya arriving at Serena Mountain Lodge for lunch.

The rest of the afternoon at the lodge.

Serena Mountain Lodge is located in the indigenous forest 7200 feet up in the foot hills of the Mount Kenya National Reserve. The lodge is a four storey boxlike structure built in 1970. It overlooks a natural waterhole and salt lick surrounded by dense forest. On a clear day, you can see the jagged peaks of Mt. Kenya's summit through the trees.  Each of the bedrooms faces directly over the waterhole. This is what makes Mountain Lodge appealing. You can view the game in the comfort and privacy of your own room - no need for a midnight dash to a public are in order to see the animals. Each room has a private bathroom and either an open balcony or a large picture window.

Game most frequently seen include: buffalo, elephant, rhino, forest hogs, suni, red duiker, spotted hyena, genet cat, and if you are lucky, a leopard or the big male lion who makes his appearance every now and then. Since the lodge was deliberately located beside a route animals travel between Mt. Kenya and the lowlands, it is not uncommon to see very large herds of animals. At night the waterhole area is lit by floodlights.

Dinner and overnight at Serena Mountain Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 6 - MOUNTAIN LODGE TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK (200 KM - 4 HRS)

Drive along the Aberdares Ranges to Thompson's falls at Nyahururu for a short break. Continue down the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Lake Nakuru Lodge for lunch inside the Lake Nakuru National Park.

Depart on an afternoon game drive.

Created as a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru National Park features more than 400 species of birds, many from Europe and East Asia. The park includes a large savanna area to the south. A shallow blue-green alkaline lake famous for its flocks of pink lesser and greater flamingoes. The tilapia grahami fish has been introduced to provide food for the pelicans who also call Lake Nakuru home. The blue-green color is because of the presence of blue-green algae called spirulinga. The level of the lake goes up and down with the amount of rainfall and the color is dependent on the conditions for the growth of algae. There have been up to two million flamingoes on the lake at one time. When disturbed the birds lift gracefully into the air in a solid moving pink carpet.

Nakuru has proven to be an excellent and safe sight for the Rothschild giraffe and black rhino. It is an excellent spot also to photograph the hippo, reedbuck and defassa waterbuck.

Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 7 – LAKE NAKURU NAT. PARK  TO MASAI MARA SERENA LODGE (320KMS-5HRS).

After an early breakfast drive via Narok to Masai Mara Nat. Reserve to arrive in time for lunch at the Sarova Mara Camp. Continue in the afternoon with a leisurely game drive to arrive at the Mara Serena Lodge late in the afternoon. 

This popular lodge is set high on a ridge within the reserve. It commands magnificent uninterrupted views down across the Mara plains and over two water holes. The Mara Serena's unique architecture and décor suggest a fantasy Masai manyatta - rounded spaces, earth tones, natural furnishings and tribal touches. A swimming pool has been positioned to take advantage of the wonderful view.

Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 8- MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE.

This day is solely reserved for game viewing in the vast Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Masai Mara is the most popular game reserve in Kenya. It is an extension of the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania, and offers the best game viewing in Kenya. On these wide open rolling grasslands you can often see an incredible variety of different animals at one time. Perhaps a cheetah mother sits on a termite mound with her punky-looking cubs, while beyond, gazelle, antelope and zebra placidly graze. Giraffe might peer curiously through the trees, while elephants pass on silent feet and vultures circle above. Every year millions of wildebeests migrate north from the Serengeti to the green grass of the Mara. This exciting spectacle usually occurs sometime between July and August.

Even when animals are not highlighting the scene, the views by themselves are worth the trip. Visits to a Masai manyatta can be arranged between you and the driver. Another popular 'excursion' is a romantic hot air balloon trip where you view animals from above and then touch down for an extravagant breakfast in the bush. Pricey but memorable, at a cost of USD 425.- per person this can be arranged directly before or upon arrival with Travel Connections.

Lunch, dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Lodge - fullboard.

DAY 9 - MASAI MARA TO NARIOBI (5 HRS – BY ROAD), THEN FLIGHT TO CAIRO, EGYPT.

After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi arriving around 13:00hrs.

Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Int. Airport for your Kenya Airways flight departing to Cairo, Egypt at …hrs.

EGYPT.

Arrive at Cairo Int. Airport at ….hrs where you will be met by your escort who will assist with immigration, luggage and customs, and then you will be transferred to your hotel, overnight.

The stunning Le Méridien Pyramids resort, nestled between the city and the wilderness, boasts unparalleled views of the majestic, ancient splendor of the Giza Pyramids. A mere glance out your window reveals the secrets of one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Le Méridien Pyramids is surrounded by luxuriantly landscaped gardens, providing a respite of greenery amidst golden sands. 

With a peerless choice of restaurants and cuisines, a Royal Club floor, wireless connectivity and magnificent swimming pool and spa amenities, Le Méridien Pyramids is conveniently located only twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre and the ideal place to explore the ancient mysteries of Egypt.

Overnight at Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – bed and breakfast.
 

DAY 10 – FLIGHT TO LUXOR THEN NILE CRUISE.

Breakfast at hotel and check-out, transfer to airport for a short one hour flight to Luxor.

Meet and greet at Luxor Airport then escort to your Nile cruise which will be your home for the next 4 nights.

In the morning you will Cross the River Nile to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings housing tombs of the Kings of the XVIII Dynasty. Continue on tour to El Dier El Bahari Temple of Queen Hatshipsut one of the strongest women in the Egyptian history that went against the rules and ruled Egypt for more than 18 years.  On your way back to the East Bank stop by the Colossi of Memnon of King Amenophis III, once stood in front of his Temple.

Lunch on board (the boat)

In the afternoon visit the great Temples of Karnak the largest temple man ever made to view the Avenue of the Sphinxes, the many Pylons, the Hypostyle Hall with it’s. 134 gigantic columns and the Sacred Lake.
Continue on tour to visit the Temple of Luxor built by King Amenophis III (The magnificent) one of the greatest Kings of XVIII Dynasty, overnight and dinner on board.

Overnight on the cruise – fullboard.

DAY 11 – NILE CRUISE.
 
Sail to Edfu crossing Esna lock.

Overnight on the cruise – fullboard.

DAY 12 – NILE CRUISE.

In the morning you will go by horse carriage to visit the Temple of Horus The Falcon God of protection, that beautiful temple which is considered the only well preserved temple in a perfect condition dates back to the Ptolemaic period.

Board the horse carriage back to your boat and continue sailing to Kom Ombo

In the afternoon arrive at Kom Ombo, walk to the beautiful unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, which was, dedicated to the two Gods Sobek the Crocodile God. And Horus the Falcon God, This is a Greeco Roman Temple, where you will view the oldest Calendar in history, as well as the surgical instruments used in operations in ancient Egypt.

Back to your boat and sail again to Aswan.

Overnight on the cruise – fullboard.

DAY 13 – NILE CRUISE.

Morning is free.
 
Afternoon you will have a Felucca (sailing boat) paste Aswan islands; where you can view the. Mausoleum of Agha Khan and Aswan Islands while sailing, rest of day free.

Overnight on the cruise – fullboard.

DAY 14 – CAIRO.

Disembarkation and check-out after breakfast then tour to see the High Dam, the Temple of Isis in Philae Island and the granite quarries where you will see the unfinished obelisk.

Transfer to airport to fly back to Cairo.

Arrive at Cairo Int. Airport and transfer to your city hotel.

Overnight at Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – bed and breakfast.

DAY 15 - CAIRO CITY TOUR.

After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities housing the largest collection of Egyptian monuments in the world 250,000 items.

Also see the jewelry of the famous King Tut Ankh Amun, dates back to 1352 B.C.

In the afternoon visit Giza Pyramids to see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Giza pyramids built by the IV Dynasty Kings Cheops, Chephren and Mycrinus 2559 B.C.

Proceed on tour to see the Valley Temple where they used to mummify the body of the dead King also to see the mysterious Sphinx guarding the cemetery for almost 5000 years. Back to your hotel and overnight.

Overnight at Le Meridien Pyramids Resort – bed, breakfast and lunch.

DAY 16 – DEPARTURE.

Transfer to Cairo Int.Airport for your flight ….. departing for home.

COST:
LOW SEASON – 01 APRIL TO 30 MAY 2008.
USD 3,590.- PER PERSON SHARING

HIGH SEASON – 03 JANUARY TO 31 MARCH AND 01 JUNE TO 15 DECEMBER 2008.
USD 3,970.- PER PERSON SHARING

Included in Kenya-

• All transfers
  Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary

• Safari minibus with pop-up-roof-top for your exclusive use.

• Experienced English speaking driver guide during the safari

• Game drives

• All park entrance fees.

Included in Egypt:

• All sightseeing tours throughout (including entrance fees) with private licensed English speaking guide

• All airport transfers and ground transportation in a/c vehicle as stated in the program.

• Regional flight: Cairo to Nairobi to Cairo – tax inclusive

• Egypt domestic flights: Cairo to Luxor & Aswan to Cairo – tax inclusive

• 01 lunch in Cairo during tours

• 04 nights in Cairo including breakfast

• 04 nights including all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner as mentioned in the program) on board 5* Cruise.

Not included in Kenya-

• International flights and taxes i.e. Home/Cairo

• Visa fees for Kenya

• Personal insurance policy

• Personal effects and toiletries

• Laundry and telephones.

• Drinks

• Tips.

Not included in Egypt:

• Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc.

• Egypt visa

• Tips

• International airfare i.e. Cairo/home

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• CURRENCY

Kenya money is called Kenya Shillings, abbreviated as Kshs. 100 cents makes 1 shilling. 1 US$ is equivalent to about Kshs. 70/= but this may change from more to less from bank to bank and lodge to lodge depending on the percentage of the commission taken.
Most banks in Kenya open between 09:00hrs and 15:00hrs. There are however bureau de change in every urban center and the open as earlier as 08:00hrs and close at 17:00hrs. Hotels and lodges change currencies as well.

• VISA/MASTER CARDS

      Most lodges and hotels included shops accept the use of Visa/Master cards.

• WATER

On the whole safari, it is recommended that you use only mineral water for drinking. Tap water may be used for shower and brushing of teeth, but we do not recommend that you drink it. The hotels and lodges have enough mineral water and you may also purchase this en-route when you make short breaks between the destinations.

• WEATHER

January is quite hot in East Africa. Summer runs from December to March and rain, if any will be little. The nights could however be cool. You will require warm clothing during the evenings i.e. jackets, long sleeved blouses and shirts, trousers etc. For the day, you may need casual clothing as t-shirts and shorts.

• PHOTOGRAPHY

Generally, photography is allowed in Kenya and Tanzania. (The animals get a monthly wage for posing for the photos, so you are encouraged to take as many shots as you wish). Do not take photos of strangers, police officers, military personnel, presidential motorcade, masai herdsmen and women or any other traditionally dresses persons. You may seek permission first before taking shots of strangers and masai people. Your driver will be at your service for any assistance that you may need.

• POWER VOLTAGE

All regions in Kenya and Tanzania are supplied with 240 volts. Almost all sockets you will find on safari are those that take in the rectangular prongs plug. You may however need to carry an adaptor just in case the two bottom holes are too wide apart for the charger prongs to go in. Most lodges and hotels will provide you with an adaptor if you do not have one. It will be very rare to find sockets with rounded prongs.

• TIPPING

As a sign of appreciation, you may offer some tips to those who offer services at the hotels on the entire safari. However, tipping remains entirely on you. Should you feel like tipping for services rendered, we recommend that porters and waiters be given at least US$ 1.- For the driver-guide, we recommend a tip of between US$ 5.-  to US$ 7.- per person per day.

• DO'S AND DON'TS IN THE NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES.

• Do not throw litter or leave litter. There are litter bins at designated places or you may leave them in the bus.

• Do not feed the animals, i.e. monkeys, baboons etc

• Do give the animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife

• Do not take any plant or animals, dead or alive.

• Do not start fires or throw cigarettes

• Do stay in your vehicle except at designated viewing points

• Do not shout, laugh loudly, play radio or cassettes as this will keep away the animals.

• Do enjoy yourself to the fullest

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON EGYPT

Currency in Egypt:
The Currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound  and it is divided into 100 piaster. Egyptian pound is referred as LE.
The Egyptian pound is called genaeh in Arabic. Here you will find 25 and 50 piaster notes and various sized coins down to the 5 piaster. At present  1 $ dollars is equivalent to 6.2 Egyptian pounds
-In Egypt most of the banks open from Sunday to Thursday, working hours are 8:30 to 2 PM. However, banks at the airport and the majors entry ports are open 24 hours daily.

Credit Cards.
Most the the major credit card names such as American express, master card,  all euro cards and JCB  are widely accepted in various hotels and shops To use  an ATM  machine, they mostly accept visa master and cirrus cards, if you don't find an ATM machine in your vicinity;  you  can still obtain cash if you go to  any of  Misr Bank braches. Banks are unwillingly to accept US$100 notes issued before 1992. You can use US$ and  English sterling or Euros  to exchange, as they are  accepted in many places and banks.

Electricity :
The electricity current is 220 volts, 50 Hz, North American travelers are advised to bring a converter, sockets are designed for round pronged plugs, if you are coming from the UK, you will need an adaptor for your plugs.
The power plugs used in Egypt are 220 volts. if you are coming from a country using 110 please don't forget to bring you converter, the socket pins in the wall are the two holes type !

Customs at Cairo Airport :
You are allowed to bring 250 grams of tobacco two cartoon of cigarettes  One liter of alcohol and personal stuff.  if you are planning to bring your own pet make sure  you have a veterinary health certificate and it should include a valid rabies certificate.

Tipping
10 to 12 per cent is added to hotel and restaurant bills but an extra tip of 5 per cent is normal. Taxi drivers generally expect 10 per cent.

Electronic gadgets
Persons traveling with valuable electronic equipment such as cameras, video cameras or computers may be required to list these in their passports to ensure that they will be exported on departure.

Travel Connections wishes you all an unforgettable Africa safari.