M O S KO W I T Z FA M I LY SA FA R I I T I N E R A RY W I T H T HE COAST
1 8 th
K E N YA - 3 0 th AU GU ST 2 0 1 8
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
G I R A F F E M A N O R - L E WA W I L D E R N E S S - S A L A’ S C A M P - K & D L U X U R Y C A M P - I B A M B E H O U S E - H O G H O U S E NAIROBI - LAIKPIA - MAASAI MARA - AMBOSELI - INDIAN OCEAN - NAIROBI
Day 1: 18th August 2018 - NAIROBI
On arrival you will be met and transferred to Giraffe Manor on the outskirts of Nairobi for one night.
Days 2&3: 19th & 20th August 2018 - LAIKIPIA
You will share breakfast with Rothschild’s giraffe after which we plan to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah. We �ly you north, by private charter, past Mt. Kenya to Laikipia, you will be staying at Lewa Wilderness for two nights.
Days 4-6: 21st - 23rd August 2018 - MAASAI MARA
We will �ly you west, across the Great Rift Valley to perhaps the best known area on the World for Big Game - the Maasai Mara. In August the wildebeest migration will be at it’s most spectacular - you will be here at the perfect time to witness this wonder of the natural world. You will be based at Sala’s Camp for three nights.
Days 7-9: 24th - 26th August 2018 - AMBOSELI
Today we �ly you south east, along the Tanzanian border and into the shadows of our continent’s highest mountain - Kilimanjaro. You will be staying in our luxury camp for three nights, set up in our private concession on the edge of Amboseli National Park. Here you will have the privelege of spending time with the Kisongo Maasai with whom we share this wildlife rich area.
Days 10-12: 27th - 29th August 2018 - INDIAN OCEAN
Finally we take you down to the Indian Ocean where we have booked a private villa for you in the sleepy town of Watamu. Ibambe House is located right on the beach and is fully kitted out with all the watersports equipment you could want, and we lay on a seafood chef too. You will be here for three nights. This will be a superb way to �inish your safari with some well deserved relaxation.
Day 13: 30th August 2018 . NAIROBI
Today we �ly you back to Naiarobi and you will have the remainder of your last day at our home, Hog House. Before your �inal sundowners we will take you to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. We will transfer you to the international airport in time for your �light home.
R E G I O N S
M O S K O W I T Z FA M I LY S A FA R I 18th - 30th AUGUST 2018
This fabulous 13 day safari combines four of Kenya’s very richest wildlife destinations. From beauty of Laikipia to the vast lush savannahs of the Maasai Mara, to the swamps of Amboseli and the azure blue Indian Ocean we will show you a diversity of scenery that can hardly be believed.
D AY 1
NAIROBI GIRAFFE MANOR
D AY S 2 & 3
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA
L E WA WILDERNESS
Lake Logipi
D AY S 4 - 6
MAASAI MARA
S A L A’ S C A M P D AY S 7 - 9
AMBOSELI
K & D LUXU RY CAMP D AY S 1 0 - 1 2
INDIAN OCEAN
IBAMBE HOUSE, WA TA M U D AY 1 3
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
Kenya’s abundant wildlife remains unmatched and you will be ideally placed to witness the Great Migration as well as remarkable behaviour and interactions between predator and prey. You’ll enjoy Big Cats, the giant pachyderms (elephant and rhino), myriad herbivores and a plethora of birds of every colour.
Lake Baringo
Ewaso Nyiro River
Samburu
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
Equator
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Our tribal cultures remain intact and on this safari you will spend time with both the Maasai, and experience an ancient culture that survives in harsh conditions following time old traditions.
Shaba
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
You’ll be staying in a combination of luxury tented camps, boutique lodges and true bush homes. We use national parks, private ranches and concessions. The latter allow us to walk, night drive and really explore thereby developing a deeper understanding of the environment. Three days at the end of your trip at the coast will be a wonderful wind down after a busy safari.
As much a part of the experience is the �lying from place to place, we use Cessna Caravans and chose pilots who make the journey fun and fascinating. Sam Stogdale, your guide, is a talented photographer, knowledgeable and fun and will take care of you throughout your safari.
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
G I R A F F E
M A N O R
The exclusive boutique hotel, built in the 1930’s, is famous for its magni�icent herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffes and the manor offers personal and unmatched experiences with these endangered mammals. Giraffe Manor is beautifully located on a private 12 acre property on the outskirts of Nairobi. Amidst half a square kilometre, dry upland indigenous forest displaying Olea africana, Albizzia gummefera and Ficus thonningii trees, this is home to over 180 bird species.
Set within a lush garden and shaded by arching trees, the 2-storey stone house is characterised by parquet �looring and a sweeping staircase. The decor tells of a bygone era with its dark wood furnishings, velvet curved chairs, plush cushions and stylish art. The accommodation is comprised of 2 luxury suites, complete with double and twin rooms and a lounge area, and 8 further bedrooms each boasting a �ireplace and beautifully appointed ensuite bathroom with shower and bath. The extensive windows offer views of the Ngong Hills as well as the garden-roaming giraffes, warthog, dik dik and bushbuck.
Dining is sensational. Breakfast is served in the sun room with giraffes comically poking
their heads through the windows, whilst dinner is savoured either alfresco lit by lanterns or, in the wood panelled dining room at the long table.
Activities vary from a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the author of “Out of Africa”, to walks along the nature trail in the Giraffe Centre or, for a unique treat, watch the feeding and bathing of baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. The highlight however of Giraffe Manor is the ability to touch, feed and photograph the giraffes from the comfort of your breakfast table, bedroom window or the front door – a remarkable opportunity.
“English grandeur meets AFRICAN MAJESTY a t G i r a f f e M a n o r.”
L A I K I P I A
I n t h e c e n t r a l h i g h l a n d s o f K e n y a , s t r e t c h i n g f r o m M o u n t K e n y a i n t h e e a s t t o t h e R i f t Va l l e y i n t h e w e s t is a 2.149 million acre area of semi-arid grassland and bush savannah known as the Laikipia Plateau.
This region serves as a portal to Kenya’s remote and wild, Northern Frontier and is a patchwork of cattle ranches and tribal lands that have been amalgamated under the umbrella of eco-tourism.
The Laikipia Wildlife Forum promotes this collaboration and is an incredible example of successful conservation whereby ranchers and pastoralists encourage the practical co-existance of people, livestock and wildlife. The desire to truly understand all the inhabitants of this natural environment is illustrated in the large number of research and community conservation projects within the area. Straddling the Equator at altitudes of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, this secluded part of Africa is incredibly scenic, comprising of magni�icent escarpments which descend into open grasslands, basalt hills, lonely kopjes and riverine forest, fed by rivers sourced on the slopes of Mount Kenya. This diversity attracts considerable animal numbers and is home to the highest number of endangered species in East Africa. Half the population of black rhino, Kenya’s second largest elephant population, the fastest growing wild dog population on the
continent and the globally threatened Grevy’s zebra have all found their home in Laikipia. This is a unique and fascinating wildlife experience when adding the animals that occur solely in central and northern Kenya, such as the reticulated giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. With such an array of plains game come the predators and Laikipia is home to signi�icant numbers of lion, cheetah and the ever elusive leopard.
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
Masai Mara
Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Kilimanjaro N.P
Ts a v o N.P
L E W A
W I L D E R N E S S
Lewa Wilderness rests on the northern foothills of Mount Kenya,
the second tallest mountain in Africa with the Batian peaks standing at 17,057 feet. Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari ventures.
Situated on Lewa Downs, the privately owned 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located on the Laikipia plateau, a 2 million acre amalgamation of semi-arid grassland, ridged escarpments, basalt hills, small kopjes and riverine forests.
The lodge has 9 exclusive rooms: 6 thatched cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking Lewa’s Eastern Marania Valley, and 3 thatched garden cottages set in the beautiful green lawns. Each cottage is tastefully decorated with antique and handmade furniture, giving rustic charm and the character of a ranch homestead. Canopied beds, patterned cushions, crisp white linen and wooden furnishings, comfort is at the heart of the decor.
Due to the private land ownership and minimal restrictions, a wide variety of activities are available, including camel rides to a nearby animal orphanage. The main lodge offers
a refreshing saltwater pool, tennis courts and an elegant dining area where organic cuisine may be enjoyed indoors or alfresco. Walking safaris with Maasai guides and night and day drives, offer views of endemic wild life such as gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. With the highest concentration of rhino in East Africa, notable numbers of lion, cheetah and the reclusive leopard, wildlife sightings are sure to amaze. Or, accompanied by knowledgeable Maasai guides and with a red sun setting in the distance, experience the Kenyan bush on horseback.
“Lewa Wilderness Camp offers a doorway to rare wildlife and a
culturally rich people from the comfort
o f a n A f r i c a n s a n c t u a r y.”
THE
G REAT
RIFT
VAL L E Y
T h e G r e a t R i f t V a l l e y, a l a n d s c a p e i n t u r m o i l , t o r n a p a r t b y t h e t w i s t i n g a n d b u c k l i n g o f t h e E a r t h ’ s c r u s t . I t i s a l s o a l a n d s c a p e o f h u g e u n p r e d i c t a b l e c h a n g e , t h a t f o r c e s a n i m a l s d a y b y d a y, s e a s o n b y s e a s o n t o gamble with their lives, but for those that win, this is one of the most fertile landscapes on Earth. The Great Rift Valley was the name given by British explorer John Walter Gregory, to the continuous geographic trench, approximately 6,000 kilometres in length, running from northern Syria to central Mozambique in South East Africa. The East African Rift Vally has two branches – the Eastern branch which runs through Kenya and Northern Tanzania, and the Western branch through DR Congo, and Western Tanzania. The Western Rift is edged by some of the highest mountains in Africa including t h e V i r u n g a M o u n t a i n s i n Rwa n d a , a n d a l s o includes the Great Lakes. These are some of the deepest lakes in the world and all of the African Great Lakes were formed as the result of the rift.
In Kenya, the valley is at it’s most dramatic to the north of Nairobi, the ancient volcanoes of Longonot and Suswa are easy to see from the road. Most lakes in northern Kenya are shallow and poorly drained and therefore have become alkaline. Their waters are rich in blue - green algae which
David Attenborough
feed insect larvae, small crustaceans and massive �locks of �lamingos. The Kenya Lake system is also a key location on a route followed by huge numbers of birds in their annual migration from breeding grounds in the north, to wintering places in Africa. The lands around the lakes include large populations of Black rhino (Lake Nakuru), Rothschild's giraffe, Greater kudu, lion, cheetah and wild dogs. Lake Turkana
GREAT RIFT VALLEY Shaba N.P Buffalo Springs N.P Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Mt. Kenya N.P Nairobi
Amboseli N.P
Ts a v o N.P
M A S A I
M A R A
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. Almost 450,000 acres of rolling grasslands make up the Maasai Mara and its surrounding conervancies, 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. An estimated one and a half million wildebeest make the annual migration up from the southern Serengeti plains into Kenya and remain here from late June into October. You will be staying in one of the quitest parts of the Mara, a conservancy. Even during migration season you can be away from the crowds. 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.
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
S A L A ’ S
C A M P
Sala’s Camp is a tented camp that combines tradition with comfort and it’s a model of understated,
i n t i m a t e l u x u r y, r e n o w n e d f o r c o m b i n i n g a n a u t h e n t i c s a f a r i e x p e r i e n c e w i t h h o s p i t a l i t y a n d � i n e d i n i n g . Exclusively located at the heart of the Masai Mara, at the centre of magni�icent wildebeest migration routes, Sala’s Camp is ideally set on the meeting point of the Sand and Keekorok rivers. As one wonders of the Natural World, the migration is truly a sight to behold, with views of the northern corridor portraying the �irst glimpses of this phenomenal movement.
Tucked away within a shaded forest, the camp consists of 7 luxury tents, including 2 honeymoon tents & 2 family units, private plunge pools and all complete with ensuite bathrooms and idyllic views of the northern Serengeti. The spacious canvas tents are elegant and comfortable. A tempting hammock beside each tent, welcomes an afternoon laze in the thorny trees.
Dining at the main camp may be experienced indoors or alfresco, but for something special bush picnics can be arranged. A gift shop provides the opportunity to purchase Kenyan memorabilia, a permanent reminder of
African adventures. At the end of the day, a crackling camp �ire awaits welcoming tales of sightings or, for a wondrous experience, sundowners may be enjoyed in the heart of the bush.
The focus, however, is on the wildlife. With the extensive grasslands displaying a wide variety of animals, including various predators and birdlife and thousands of plains game, morning, evening and full day game drives provide the opportunity to view them all, as well as buffalo and the mighty elephant lumbering across the open veld.
“Sala’s Camp is a
tranquil and rich haven, A T H R I V I N G PA R A D I S E with an unforgettable vision of Africa’s
m a j e s t i c w i l d e r n e s s .”
A M B O S E L I
Against the magni�icent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro lies Amboseli, a national park and ecosystem. Meaning the ‘salty earth’ in the language of the Maasai, Amboseli is aptly named after the alkaline volcanic ash that spewed from the now dormant volcano Kilimanjaro. The 1.2 million acre ecosystem lies on Kenya’s boarder with Tanzania and incorporates habitats of dry lake beds, savannah grasslands, woodland and swamps fed by springs emanating from Mount Kilimanjaro.
The area is home to grassland dwellers such as buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, gazelle and warthog, while the resident predators include lion, cheetah and hyena. Amboseli is also a birding hotspot, with over 600 species recorded. The principal attraction at Amboseli however, is the large herds of free roaming elephants made famous by Dr. Joyce Poole who, through the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, put these intelligent giants on the map. Her long running large mammal research project in Africa combines 30 years of uninterrupted study and chronicles Amboseli’s elephant herds, from new born calves to 60 year old matriarchs and old bulls that carry some of the longest tusks in Africa. Contiguous with Amboseli National Park is the Kitirua Wildlife Conservancy, a partnership between a local Maasai community and the private sector.
Designed to protect wildlife, this private and exclusive conservancy enables both day and night drives, walking and an unparalleled opportunity to meet members of the Maasai community in a welcoming and culturally sensitive manner.
This is a quintessential African landscape of elephants and traditional tribes with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds behind. Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
Masai Mara
Nairobi
AMBOSELI N.P
Kilimanjaro N.P
Ts a v o N.P
A M B O S E L I
M O B I L E
C A M P
The raw beauty of this diverse landscape and astounding ecosystem complete with the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, is unsurpassed.
Amboseli Mobile is located on a 30,000 acre private conservancy belonging to the Kisongo Maasai people. Lying in the Amboseli area and adjacent to the National Park, the mobile camp has undisturbed views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Amboseli eco- system comprises open grasslands, woodlands and swamps, which are watered by mountain springs.
The purpose of Amboseli Mobile is to forge a temporary, yet ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. The tented camp is equipped with all the necessities required for a unique getaway, its simplicity adding to the experience. The presence of the mobile camp supports the conservancy, the local community and the conservation of the Amboseli ecosystem. When the camp leaves, it leaves nothing behind, the land being left to the wildlife and their Maasai custodians. Being a mobile camp, all activities, be that on safari or choosing when to eat, are completely �lexible. Generally the day revolves around an early m o r n i n g g a m e d r ive , fo l l o we d by a l a te morning drive after breakfast. There is a healthy population of lion in the area with
the chance of spotting cheetah, as well as good numbers of general game.
It is also possible to walk, and a late afternoon stroll as the sun sets across the plains towards Kilimanjaro is spectacular. Another unique opportunity is to be able to spend time with the Kitirua community and learn about their rich culture. Ker & Downey has nurtured a relationship over 30 years with the Kisongo Maasai, as a result, respect and trust have developed for one another making trips to the local school and homesteads possible. One of the highlights of the Amboseli Mobile however, is the opportunity to view large herds of magni�icent elephant, many of the bulls still carrying some of the longest tusks on the African continent.
“A m b o s e l i M o b i l e C a m p
is a natural gateway to the w i l d A f r i c a n b u s h .”
M A A S A I
T h e M a a s a i t r i b e s p e o p l e o f s o u t h e r n K e n y a a n d n o r t h e r n Ta n z a n i a
are a Nilotic ethnic group who arrived in this area about 300 years ago from the North. They are among the best known, and most distinctive tribes living in the semi arid lands along and beside the Great Rift Valley and close to many well known national parks and reserves. Their cousins North of the Equator are the Samburu, with whom they share many customs. The Maasai occupy a total land area of 39.5 million acres and number around 1.5million. They are semi-nomadic herding cattle over large areas of communally owned land. Their family encampments are comprised of a circular boma (fence) of Acacia to protect livestock from predators. Inside the boma they build small loafshaped houses made of mud, sticks, grass and cow dung. The women are responsible for building houses, supplying water, collecting �irewood, milking cattle and cooking. The young men or warriors (Moran) enforce security while boys are responsible for herding livestock. The elders are directors and advisors of day-to-day activities and make decisions for the whole community. On the western boundary of National Park lies Kitirua – concession shared between Downey and the local Kisongo
Amboseli a private Ker and clan. We
have nurtured a relationship over 35 years such that we are welcomed into their homes to learn something of their traditional way of life. By the same token we welcome them into camp thereby creating a unique opportunity for guests to interact. K&D sponsors two local schools in the area. The Ngararambuni Nursery school is on the edge of Kitirua Conservancy and caters to children between 4 & 10 years old. It is still set up underneath a large spreading Acacia tortilis and has three dedicated Maasai teachers. We helped to set this little school up in 2003, before this the children would have to walk 7km through an area rich in big game to get to school.
Whilst in Amboseli we encourage as much interaction with local people as possible. Even though we do not share a language it is extraordinary to watch our children play with theirs as the common language of fun transgresses these boundaries. Learning to throw spears and how to use bows and arrows, digging for water, and donning traditional garb are all a part of being with these colourful, friendly, fun and fascinating people.
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
I N D I A N
O C E A N
A C T I V I T I E S
The following activities are included for guests staying at Ibambe house K AYA K I N G | B O D Y B O A R D I N G | S U N D O W N E R S | M A S S A G E S
We have access to a �leet of different boats depending on the activity in question as well as partnerships with various other operators along the coastline to ensure that every activity is possible. We can organise the following activities at an extra cost.
Bicycle trips into the Arabuko Sokoke forest and other areas around the coast Trips to the Watamu Turtle Watch, Bioken Snake Park, Zinj Community Project and various other conservation and community projects along the coastline
World class Big Game �ishing charters
Shopping trips to the local markets Reef/creek �ishing (can also organise trips aboard local �ishing dhows or dugout canoes)
Golf Day trips to the Arabuko Sokoke
Scuba Diving Scenic �lights along the coast Birding trips into Mida/Kili�i creek Waterskiing, wake boarding, doughnuting Sundowner Cruises Dolphin watching trips Kitesur�ing
Note certain activities are dependant on time of year and tides. The Kaskazi monsoon (October-March) is generally better for deep sea �ishing trips and other activities that are on the open ocean. Certain activities will be suggested depending on the tides once the trip dates are con�irmed.
I B A M B E
H O U S E
Nestled among tropical coastal indigenous forest, Ibambe has idyllic beachfront views
through a palm tree grove, gently sloping away from the house to the warm Indian Ocean beyond. A brand-new beach house completed in late 2016, Ibambe is imaginatively designed, beautifully built and furnished and expertly managed. Ibambe sits in a quiet, elevated and secluded position with direct private access to Turtle Bay – the quietest and most exclusive of Watamu’s 3 beaches. While the house is peaceful and self-contained, all the attractions of Watamu are nearby. This elegant, 5 bedroom villa is spacious and luxurious with the perfect mix of Swahili design and modern furnishings, with an eclectic mix of in�luences from around the world with all the comforts of a home.
On offer will be an impressive variety of dishes, prepared with only the �inest and freshest ingredients. The fresh �ish and seafood offerings are unparalleled and only purchased from sustainable sources using traditional �ishing methods.
Beyond the fresh-water swimming pool a private path slopes gently down through indigenous forest and palm groves to the beach. Unspoilt and spectacular, it is regularly voted one of the very best in Kenya. In Kiswahili ‘Ibambe’ means to keep enjoying life and having fun – a very appropriate name for this lovely, bright and very happy holiday home.
“This stunning little escape
boasts powder white beaches bordering the crystal clear
coral waters of the protected W a t a m u M a r i n e P a r k .”
K E R
&
D O W N E Y
“ S o m e t h i n k t h e b e s t l a r g e - s c a l e o p e r a t i o n a f t e r t h e w a r…
was the one launched over a drink or two on the veranda of the Imperial Hotel in Addis Ababa” – Bartle Bull, Safari: A Chronicle of Adventure, 1
Like so many great ventures, Ker & Downey Safaris was born from a chance encounter. Donald Ker and Syd Downey, two big game hunters from Kenya, had been �ighting with the British in Ethiopia shortly before the fall of Addis Ababa in 1941. Syd had just been released by the Italians and was celebrating at a local hotel when he bumped into Donald Ker. With one car and a lot of bravura, the pair made a plan to establish “the best safari company the world has ever known”.
and 70’s, the company continued to grow – extending its reach across southern Africa, east to the jungles of Congo, and north into the deserts of Ethiopia and Sudan. By 1977, when hunting was of�icially banned in Kenya, K&D had transformed itself into the leading provider of customised mobile photographic safaris in Africa.
In 1962, shortly before Kenya’s Independence, Ker & Downey spread its wings to Botswana, with Harry Selby and a couple of other guides offering safaris in this ‘new’, uncharted corner of Africa. Through the 60’s
“Because we’ve been doing
It was not until January 1946 that Syd and Donald, newly discharged from the army, took out their �irst safari. They were hired to run a camp in the Maasai Mara for the production of “The Macomber Affair”, the United Artists blockbuster starring Gregory Peck and Joan Bennett. It was the beginning of a long love affair with Hollywood, which would see “K&D” out�it some of the biggest �ilms ever to come out of Africa.
Today, Ker & Downey is celebrated as the longest-existing safari out�itter in the world, and the standard-bearer for unsurpassed luxury in some of its last great wild places. So successful has the “K&D” name been that it has been brazenly borrowed by a number of copycat companies in Africa and the West. Yet to this day, no one has come close to emulating the luxurious standards, the rich experiences, or the peerless guiding of “The Original Ker & Downey Safaris”.
t h i s f o r 7 0 y e a r s . . .”
K E N YA
WILD LIFE
T RU ST
Fo u n d e d by a g ro u p o f Ke r & D ow n ey g u i d e s , Ke nya W i l d l i fe Tr u s t
is here to protect the country’s predators through a network of high-impact conservation initiatives In 2007, a small group of private guides decided to form a Trust, as a way to raise funds through their safaris for grassroots conservation projects around Kenya. The result of that pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit is Kenya Wildlife Trust.
Our long-term partnership with Ker & Downey re�lects the fact that the best private guides have conservation in their DNA. What we offer to both guides and visitors is a trustworthy pair of hands, focused on putting the right boots on the ground rather than into big of�ices. Remaining close to a range of safari partners, we are uniquely positioned to connect visitors from abroad to effective, grassroots conservation. Over the years, our team has developed a curated portfolio of high-impact conservation initiatives, with a strong focus on big cats. Since 2013, our two �lagship projects - the Mara Cheetah Project and Mara Lion Project - have been monitoring big cats with the long-term aim of stabilising the populations of both cheetah and lion. During your safari, you will spend time with both of our project teams at the Tony Lapham Predator Hub in the heart of the Masai Mara, learning about their focus, methods and �indings.
By raising funds through safaris, we can award grants to those projects (and people) achieving meaningful results across the three ‘pillars’ of Predator Conservation, Community Development and Conservation Education. Undertaking robust monitoring and evaluation of all our grants, we are the donor’s eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring every penny ends up where it should. Our team understands the importance of balancing scienti�ic research with community engagement, as well as the value of investing in people who live near wildlife. After all, conservation is really about people. “By donating to Kenya Wildlife Trust through their UK charity, I know and trust that my money is going straight to the cause.” Donor to The Friends of Kenya Wildlife Trust
Thanks to a sma ll number of donors who c o ver our c ore c osts, 100 % o f e v e r y d o n a t i o n g o e s d i r e ct l y t o o u r p r o g ra ms .
Moreo ver, for e ver y £1
we spend on c ore c osts, w e ra is e a t l e a s t £ 4 .
F R O M 2 0 0 7 T O 2 0 1 7 - C E L E B R AT I N G
1 0 Y E A R S O F C O N S E R VA T I O N I M PA C T.
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