G E O RGE SA FA R I D E SI GN E D BY JA M ES RO BE RT S O N
K E N YA
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
M U T H A I G A C L U B - R E K E R O C A M P - B WA A 4 2 0 - H O G H O U S E NAIROBI - MASAI MARA - DIANI - NAIROBI
2 1 s t & 2 2 n d Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9 : NA I RO B I
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to Muthaiga Club (own plans) for two nights.
2 3 rd & 2 4 t h Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 9 : M A ASA I M A R A
We will collect you from Muthaiga Club early and transfer you to Wilson Airport for your scheduled �light to the Maasai Mara early. You will have two nights at Rekero Camp.
2 5 t h Fe b r u a r y - 3 rd M a rc h 2 0 1 9 : D I A N I
After lunch on 25th February you will be transferred back to Ol Kiombo Airstrip and you will �ly by scheduled �light south east towards the Indian Ocean landing at Diani. You will have 7 nights at Bwaa 420 (own plans).
4th March 2019: NAIROBI
We will �ly you back to Nairobi around lunchtime, again by scheduled �light. We will transfer you to our home, Hog House in time for a late lunch. You’ll be able to visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in the afternoon, or do a spot of shopping if you wish. We will transfer you after supper to the International Airport in time for your �light home which leaves just after midnight on 5th March.
R E G I O N S
G E O R G E S A FA R I I T I N E R A R Y This 12 day safari combines Nairobi, with a short stay in the Maasai Mara and a week at the idyllic Diani Beach on the shores of the Indian Ocean.
D AY 1 & 2
NAIROBI
MUTHAIGA
D AY 3 & 4
MAASAI MARA REKERO CAMP
Lake Logipi
D AY 5 - 1 1
DIANI
B WA A 4 2 0
D AY 1 4
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
When you arrive you will have two nights in Nairobi at the legendary Muthaiga Club, arranged by yourselves. We will arrange all transfers.
Lake Turkana
Lake Baringo
Ewaso Nyiro River
Samburu
Shaba
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
Equator
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
Your two night stay in the Maasai Mara will be a short but intense safari into perhaps the best known area in the World for Big Game. The sheer abundance of wildlife at all times of year is unparalleled. Herbivores of many species can be seen grazing the grassy plains. Rekero is located in the heart of the best Big Cat viewing and offers really superb sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah. Elephant are numerous too in the Mara so we hope very much that even in 2 days you’ll see the lot! We would encourage you to do as many game drives as you can �it in and really put the time in this allows for the best opportunity for observing incredible wildlife interactions. You will then �ly southwest to Diani, for 7 nights, which you have arranged yourselves.
On your last day we will �ly you back up to Nairobi in time for a late lunch with us at home, Hog House. We have booked you in for a visit to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. After supper we will transfer you to the international airport for your �light home.
K E N YA
‘ S A FA R I ’ i s t h e S w a h i l i w o r d f o r ‘ a j o u r n e y ’ a n d K e n y a e v o k e s n o s t a l g i a f o r t h e e a r l i e s t o r i g i n s
of the African safari. Romance and adventure are plentiful in the classic stories told in ‘Out of Africa’ a n d ‘ B o r n F r e e ’, i l l u s t r a t i n g K e n y a ’ s s c e n e r y, w i l d l i f e a n d p e o p l e , w h i c h h a v e e n d u r i n g a p p e a l .
Kenya is a sovereign state achieving political independence from the British in 1963. Since, anxious times have been de�ied, mainly due to its dynamic people who are amongst the most colourful in East Africa. Friendly and hospitable, the Kenyan people rely heavily on tourism.
Located on the east coast of Africa, the Equator bisects the country resulting in a tropical climate, although diverse geography provokes wide variations in temperature, rainfall and humidity. In relation to size, the assorted landscape is unparalleled and the multitude of national parks and reserves all have their own unique attractions. Marine reserves boast coral reef gardens with palm fringed beaches and turquoise oceans, while the savannah grasslands exhibit quintessential depictions of imagined Africa, harsh trackless expanses, solitary �lat - topped acacias and incredible concentrations of plains game.
Kenya remains one of the best places in Africa to see great wildlife – lions, elephants, leopards and of course the annual ‘wildebeest migration’ streaming into the Masai Mara from Tanzania. The East African Rift Valley runs through the country from top to bottom and provides stunning landscapes of giant volcanoes, hot springs and �lamingo sprinkled lakes.
Dominated by Lake Turkana, the ancient source of the Nile, the Rift Valley lakes are some of the most picturesque in Africa. The formation of the Rift created Mt Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa, some three millions years ago. “The spiritual home of safari, Kenya is where it all began. From the big cats of the Mara to the elephants of Amboseli, combined with traditional tribes, real tented camps and an unparalleled physical diversity, Kenya has it all. ”
Uganda
KENYA Lake Victoria Rwanda Burundi
Tanzania
Zanzibar
“A c o n t i n e n t i n o n e c o u n t r y ” Sandor Carter
N A I R O B I
Nairobi is the largest city in Kenya and its capital, having succeeded Mombasa for the title in 1963. T h e c i t y ’ s n a m e o r i g i n a t e s f r o m t h e M a s a i p h r a s e “ E n k a r e N a i r o b i ” m e a n i n g “ c o l d w a t e r ”.
Nairobi lies at an altitude of 5,889 feet with the outline of the Ngong hills as the eastern manifestation of the edge of the Great Rift Valley. Prior to 1899, the area consisted mainly of swampland, but with the construction of a supply depot for the railway which linked Mombasa with Uganda, the thickly vegetated and previously uninhabited area progressed quickly.
To this day, it is the only city with a national park on it’s doorstep; one of the many reasons why this unique hub has also coined itself the name “Green City in the Sun”. The breathtaking wilderness of the 28,963 acre Nairobi National Park welcomes travellers from all over the world. A mere 7 kilometres in distance from the tall skyscrapers which is home to one of Africa’s largest stock exchanges, busy restaurants mingling European and African nationalities, it protects a diverse ecosystem which welcomes 400 bird species and various wildlife. There is no shortage of alluring destinations to visit both in and around Nairobi. The suburb of Karen named after the author of ‘Out of Africa”, is home to the Karen Blixen Museum, a giraffe sanctuary
and the David Sheldrick Orphanage is a must.
Elephant
Known as the world’s safari capital by a reputation gained from a history of British hunting safaris in the early 1900’s, Nairobi is a vivid amalgamation of two worlds; one wild and untamed and the other bursting with culture and history.
Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
NAIROBI Masai Mara
Amboseli
Ts a v o N.P
M A S A I
M A R A
P r o b a b l y t h e b e s t k n o w n a r e a i n t h e Wo r l d f o r B i g G a m e -
t h i s e x t r a o r d i n a r y r e s e r v e i s f a b u l o u s f o r w i l d l i f e t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r. Almost 450,000 acres of rolling grasslands, make up the Masai Mara Reserve and Conservancies, bordered by mountains to the north and east and the Siria escarpment to the west. The permanent meandering rivers traced by deep forest snake across the savannah. The Mara’s proximity to Lake Victoria, which creates its own weather patterns, ensures that the area receives much higher rainfall than the Serengeti ecosystem.
This crucial fact enables millions of animals, including gazelle, zebra and antelope, to survive through the driest time of year. After the short rains the fresh grass attracts many herbivores, and predators! An hour can pass in nail-biting anticipation as a cheetah conducts a painstaking stalk of her prey, only to lose her meal at the last moment when the wind changes.
Only in the Mara does the whole spectrum of life and death, birth and growth seem to be there for you, right before your eyes. Most documentary wildlife �ilmmakers choose the Mara due to the abundance and easy access to wild animals here.
Watch the peculiar quality of the light, and the shadows of the clouds on the plains, the strange optical illusions of the distant herds silhouetted along the horizon. Light and shadow, rock and grassland, predators and prey, this is quintessential Africa.
Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
MASAI MARA
Mt. Kenya N.P
Nairobi Amboseli
Serengeti N.P Ts a v o N.P
R E K E R 0
T E N T E D
C A M P
R e k e r o Te n t e d C a m p i s f a v o u r a b l y l o c a t e d a l o n g s i d e t h e Ta l e k r i v e r w i t h i n t h e M a s a i M a r a G a m e R e s e r v e . This area is renowned as a prime area for viewing the annual migration, the camp being ideally positioned to witness the incredible abundance of wildebeest and zebra on their journey from the Serengeti. This area of 480,000 acres comprises the
Farm-style dining may be enjoyed alfresco,
Serengeti and Masai Mara eco-system.
will be taking you out on twice daily drives,
Reserve and neighbouring conservation
lands which shape the northern part of the Sheltered by a riverine forest near the convergence of the Mara and Talek rivers,
the 10 luxury tents, consisting of 8 doubles
and 2 family tents, each boast an ensuite bathroom with a shower. Characterised by fresh �lowers, raw wood tables, comfortable
couches and muted earth tones, the decor is natural
and
welcoming
re�lecting
its
outdoor surroundings. The private terrace offers the perfect location to relax and
unwind, with a view of the river and various
bird and animal species where elephant, hippo and leopard roam freely.
The main lodge provides a tented sitting room and gift shop for guests’ enjoyment.
indoors by candlelight or in the form of a bush picnic. All the guides are Maasai and
providing an opportunity to view mammals such as elephant, buffalo and topi, as well as
predators such as lion and cheetah. The true wonder of Rekero however, lies in the viewing of the great migration.
Between
late June and October, the camp lies a mere stone’s
throw
from
one
wildebeest crossing sites.
of
the
“ R e k e r o Te n t e d C a m p provides a doorway into the heart
o f t h e K E N YA N W I L D
and is an unforgettable e x p e r i e n c e .”
main
T H E
C O A S T
The coastline of Kenya is a long stretch of remarkable landscape where the African wilderness a n d I n d i a n O c e a n m e e t . T h e C o a s t h a s a l o n g a n d e x o t i c h i s t o r y, its calm blue waters being the traditional passageway of the Arabian spice trade. Long before Nairobi became the country’s capital, it was the coastal city of Mombasa that was the focus of Kenya’s political affairs. This harbour city attracted traders from Portugal, India and the Arab world and the prevailing cultural legacy left by Omani Arabs whose intermarriage with coastal inhabitants, formed the Swahili people. All along the coastline are the ruins of old Swahili trading posts and deserted forts. The major points of interest are Mombasa, Malindi, Watamu and Lamu, the last of which offers an authentic taste of Swahili culture. Kenya is famous for its wildlife safaris on land but the marine national parks are equally stunning. Fringing the shoreline are breathtaking coral reefs, which protect the beaches and calm the sea before it reaches the shore, radiating a deep sense of tranquillity. The reefs are wonderfully alive, teeming with a myriad of large and small species, presenting amazing snorkelling and diving opportunities. Between the months of November and March, whale sharks are common along the coast of Mombasa, also encountered are turtle, manta and even the humpback whale and dolphin. Closer to the shore, the perfect trade winds of the Kenyan coast are utilised in the modern day by kite surfers devoted to this
ocean borne adrenalin adventure. Along the untarnished stretches of idyllic soft sand beaches are private villas which offer the opportunity to enjoy the tropical waters, cool sea breeze and balmy warmth of the evening in undisturbed seclusion. This blend of natural beauty and living history has a powerful tranquilising effect, an exotic coastal paradise unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Mt. Kenya N.P
Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Ts a v o N.P
LAMU
WATAMU KILIFI MOMBASA
H O G
H O U S E
Hidden in the 130 acre Giraffe Sanctuary in Langata, Hog House is a private home with incredible views across to the Ngong Hills. Serene and peaceful you would hardly believe you are in one of Africa’s largest capital cities.
Located close to both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Wilson Airport, this unusual family home is an ideal place to begin or end your safari. Its rustic décor and the fact that it is surrounded by wildlife will help to ease you in, and out, of your time here on safari. The straw bale construction uses plantation cedar and fallen African olive and blends with the wooded sanctuary perfectly. The house itself comprises 2 double bedrooms and a triple, all ensuite. There are a further 2 cottages outside in the garden for larger groups. Hog House is only available for exclusive use. The large open plan sitting/dining is cosy with a warm �ireplace and lots of seating for all to congregate. Daytime meals we normally take outside in the shade of the Euclea trees in the garden, and a beautiful horizon pool beckons on hot afternoons. Walking in the sanctuary is the perfect way to loosen up stiff joints from long intercontinental �lights and you have
every chance of seeing Rothschild’s giraffe, warthog, dik dik, bushbuck, suni and Syke’s monkeys. Birds of every colour throng around the bird table and hyrax will doubtless entertain you at night! The Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, and many craft centres are all within a stone’s throw of Hog House.
“It is a privilege to stay in this unusual and
beautiful home within the G I R A F F E S A N C T U A R Y,
so close and convenient to all the classic
Nairobi attractions, and yet quietly tucked away in your o w n h a v e n o f s e r e n i t y.”
E L E P H A N T
O R P H A N A G E
Daphne Sheldrick was the �irst person in the entire world to successfully hand rear newborn fully
milk dependent African elephant orphans, something that spanned 28 years of trial and error to achieve. Located on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is home to some 20+ baby elephants. Ranging in age from a few weeks to several years, a visit here is a must for any animal lover.
To date, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully hand-raised over 200 infant elephants, and 17 black rhinos. It has also accomplished its long-term conservation priority by effectively reintegrating over 100 orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo. These hand-reared elephants are fully established and living free amongst their wild peers in Tsavo, some returning with wild born young to show their erstwhile human family. The older orphans are based within Tsavo East National Park at either of 2 established rehabilitation centres for the gradual process of the re-integration, with others in early infancy are at the Trust’s Nairobi National Park Elephant and Rhino Nursery.
The Trust has trained a team of competent elephant keepers who replace the orphans’ lost elephant family until such time as
the transition to the wild herds has been accomplished, something that can take up to
10 years, since elephant calves duplicate
their human counterparts in terms of development
through
age
progression.
Those that were orphaned too young to recall
their
dependent
elephant
longer,
but
family
all
the
remain
Trust’s
orphans eventually take their rightful place amongst their wild counterparts, including those orphaned on the day they were born.
“The world’s most emotionally h u m a n l a n d m a m m a l .”
Daphne Sheldrick
J A M E S
R O B E R T S O N
T h i r t y - � i v e y e a r s a f t e r l e a d i n g h i s � i r s t e x p e d i t i o n , J a m e s i s c h a i r m a n o f t h e b o a r d a t K e r & D o w n e y, and an in�luential leader of the new movement in community-led conservation.
Like the safari industry itself, James Robertson was born and raised in Kenya, where his appetite for adventure has earned him a reputation as one of the modern pioneers of the global safari business.
James’ dependability for never following the same itinerary twice, and for continually searching out new experiences for his clients, has won him admirers across the industry, as well as an army of repeat guests (including two families who have each travelled with him 26 times!). Among his long-standing Kenyan crew, he’s known as “Ndorobo” after the fabled hunter-gathers of northern Kenya – a tribe renowned for their resourceful bushcraft, and their complete absence of fear for wild animals. Although James’ �irst love and main base is Kenya, he is an “all-Africa guide” and just as likely to be found travelling through the game-rich parks, reserves and conservancies of eastern and southern Africa. In recent years, he has been supporting a number of Maasai and Samburu communities that have turned part of their grazing lands over to conservation – giving guests a chance to see some rarer wildlife species, and to experience an absolutely authentic immersion in two of the world’s oldest tribal cultures. In 2001, James was a founder of The Mara Conservancy, a ground-breaking and widely-admired partnership between conservationists and the county government, which established a new public-private template to protect the critical wildlife dispersal areas north of the Maasai Mara Reserve. He sits on the board of the (removed the MMWCT) Kenya Wildlife Trust , and his unrivalled contacts enable his guests to meet some of the leading conservationists and wildlife researchers in the world.
Having been raised on the edge of Kenya's largest National Park, Tsavo is close to James’ heart. His most recent focus is on protecting the last remaining Great Tuskers of which there are around 10 bulls each carrying in excess of 100lbs of ivory per side. He is working closely with the Tsavo Trust to protect these valuable elephants.
James and Abigail live within a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, where they host most of their guests personally. They work together as much as possible out on safari where their shared passions are apparent to anyone travelling with them.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
W W W. K E R D O W N E Y S A FA R I S . C O M