M U ENC H SA FA R I D ESI GN E D BY JA M E S RO BE RT S O N
1 9 th
K E N YA - 2 8 th 2 0 1 9
J U LY
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
HOG HOUSE - REKERO CAMP - NABOISHO CAMP - HOG HOUSE NAIROBI - MASAI MARA - NAIROBI
19th - 21st July 2019: NAIROBI
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to Hog House on the outskirts of Nairobi. You will be based here for three nights.
2 2 n d - 2 4 t h J u l y 2 0 1 9 : M A A S A I M A R A N AT I O N A L R E S E RV E
After breakfast we will transfer you down to Wilson Airport. Here you will meet Pete White who will �ly you to the Mara and include an extra half hour of scenic �lying time. He will drop you at Ol Kiombo where you will meet your guide and private vehicle. You will be based at Rekero Camp in the heart of the Reserve for three nights.
2 5 t h - 2 7 t h J u l y 2 0 1 9 : N A B O I S H O C O N S E R VA N C Y
On 25th July 2019 you will be driven to Naboisho Conservancy which lies on the northern border of the reserve. You will be based at Naboisho Camp for three nights.
2 8 t h J u l y 2 0 1 9 : N A I R O B I A N D T R A V E L D AY
You will return to Nairobi by scheduled �light and we will transfer you back to Hog House for the rest of the day. We will transfer you to JKIA in time for your international �light.
R E G I O N S M U E N C H S A FA R I 2 0 1 9
This 10 day safari begins with a relaxing three nights in Nairobi at Hog House, which, as always will be all yours.
D AY 1 - 3
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
D AY 4 - 6
Lake Turkana
MASAI MARA REKERO CAMP
Lake Logipi
D AY 7 - 9
MASAI MARA
NABOISHO CAMP
D AY 1 0
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
We then take you to the Maasai Mara where you will have six nights. Flying there will be with Pete and he will include an additional half hour scenic �lying.
Lake Baringo
Ewaso Nyiro River
Samburu
Shaba
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
You will have three nights at Rekero Camp which is located in the heart of the reserve with some of the very best Big Cat viewing in Africa. You will then move to Naboisho which is in it’s own private conservancy to the North of the reserve. Here you have freedom and can also walk and night drive.
Equator
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Your trip is at the perfect time for the Great Migration and the wildebeast should be �looding into Kenya and massing on the banks of the Mara River.
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
We have booked a private car and guide throughout the trip. You will return to Nairobi by scheduled �light and have the remainder of your last day back at Hog House.
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
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.”
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
SCENIC
F LY I N G
Flying is not just about getting between destinations on safari but very much a part of the entire experience!
As soon you take off from the airport in Nairobi you begin to appreciate the mosaic environments which make up this country.
We always choose experienced pilots who make �lying fun and can show you the
dramatic cleft in the Earth’s crust that is the Great Rift Valley, the spine of volcanoes that
forms it’s centre, the chain of lakes that lie
in it’s base and the impressive escarpments
that de�ine it’s edges. The rift’s high shoulders are home to lush indigenous forests and are the headwaters for our major rivers �lowing either west through
the Maasai Mara and into Lake Victoria, or east through Tsavo and towards the Indian Ocean.
After having �irst seen and photographed it from ground level, nothing beats the thrill of photographing from high above the
wildlife and endless beautiful landscape of Africa.
Scenic �lying in a Cessna 206 with veteran
pilot Pete White adds another dimension to a photographic safari. The rear door comes
off, and two photographers are seated and strapped in with full access out of the open
door. We �ly at low level and are able to capture amazing scenes of the wildlife in the
landscape below. Typically we �ly for 30-45
minutes each, at sunrise and sunset when the light levels are lower and with soft golden hues.
“A t h r i l l i n g w a y t o
A P P R E C I AT E T H E D I V E R S I T Y o f K e n y a i s f r o m t h e a i r.”
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
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
N A B O I S H O
N a b o i s h o C a m p i s f a v o u r a b l y l o c a t e d a t t h e h e a r t o f t h e 4 9 , 4 2 0 a c r e N a b o i s h o C o n s e r v a n c y, which lies to the far east of the internationally acclaimed Masai Mara eco-system.
As part of the Narok South district, the Conservancy comprises of riverine acacia forests, savannah grasslands and rolling hills which welcome one of the highest densities of game in Kenya. 8 canvas tents featuring stone verandas, are set amidst the lush plains dotted with acacia and the forms of various ungulates from eland to buffalo. Each tan structure is spacious and uncluttered, possessing a well-appointed ensuite bathroom complete with safari style bucket shower. The decor is understated yet luxurious, re�lecting the hues of the bush in soft tones of beige, crisp white and the deep russet of the wooden furnishings – the ideal simplistic sanctuary. Dining is enjoyed alfresco with delicious bush�ire cuisine savoured to the sound of bird calls as the night draws closer. The distant roar of a lion or barking zebra and the setting sun provides an unforgettable show.
Traversing the plains by vehicle offers the opportunity for a high number of up close sightings, whilst guided walks provide a more personal and intimate perspective.
Boasting over 100 lion and numerous observations of the sleek form of the leopard, coupled with a reputation for sightings of up to 11 cheetahs in a 2 day period, predator activity provides an unmistakeable highlight in this area.
“Naboisho Camp offers all the magic and inspiring wildlife
viewing which characterises the b e s t t e n t e d s a f a r i e x p e r i e n c e .”
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.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
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