W E NT WO RT H
SAFA R I
K E N YA MARCH 2 0 1 8
R E G I O N S
W E N T W O R T H S A FA R I
NAIROBI - MAASAI MARA - NAIROBI This 9 day safari is a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of conservation challenges in and around Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara.
D AY 1
NAIROBI
GIRAFFE MANOR
D AY 2 & 3
Lake Turkana
MAASAI MARA S A L A’ S C A M P
MAASAI MARA REKERO CAMP
MAASAI MARA NABOISHO
D AY 9
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
Your �irst night in Nairobi will be at its most famous hotel - Giraffe Manor. You will then spend seven nights in the Maasai Mara, widely accepted as Africa’s premier destination for Big Cats and large game. This extraordinarily beautiful and diverse Reserve is home not only to all the big �ive (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) but also to many other predators (cheetah, African wild dog, hyena, jackel), myriad prey species and a staggering display of birdlife.
Lake Logipi
D AY 4 & 5
D AY 6 , 7 & 8
You will be guided by Allan Earnshaw, Chairman of Kenya Wildlife Trust and Director of Ker & Downey Safaris Ltd.
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
This bespoke safari offers you a chance to learn much more than most visitors, as you will spend time not only with in�luential conservationists but also with real people; the local Maasai who share the outlying areas with wildlife. You will hear from lion and cheetah researchers how human/wildlife con�lict manifests itself here, as well as learning what Kenya Wildlife Trust is doing to protect the area’s iconic big cats. You will be accommodated in three luxury camps, two within the Reserve and in the award- winning Naboisho Conservancy. Nothing beats being under canvas, deep in the bush with nothing but the sounds of Africa around you.
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.
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
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 - S A L A’ S C A M P - R E K E R O - N A B O I S H O - H O G H O U S E NAIROBI
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MAASAI MARA
D AY 1 : G I R A F F E M A N O R ; N A I R O B I
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to Giraffe Manor for one night.
D AY S 2 & 3 : S A L A’ S C A M P ; M A A S A I M A R A N A T I O N A L R E S E R V E
After sharing your breakfast with Rothschild’s Giraffe you will be transferred to Wilson Airport where you will �ly by private charter west, across the Great Rift Valley landing at Keekorok in the southern part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Your specially adapted safari vehicle and guide will be there to meet you. You will spend two nights at Sala’s Camp.
D AY S 4 & 5 : R E K E R O C A M P ; M A A S A I M A R A N A T I O N A L R E S E R V E
Today you will be transferred through the Maasai Mara Reserve to Rekero Camp located on the Talek River. You will spend two nights at Rekero. On one of your days here you will cross the Mara River and drive into the Mara Conservancy. You will be given an exclusive brie�ing by Conservancy Manager and KWS board member, Brian Heath.
D AY S 6 - 8 : N A B O I S H O C A M P ; N A B O I S H O C O N S E R VA N C Y
Today you will be transferred to the Naboisho Conservancy located north of the Reserve. You will be based at Naboisho Camp for three nights. You will visit Kenya Wildlife Trust’s two �lagship conservation projects, the Mara Cheetah Project and the Mara Lion Project, based in the neighbouring conservancy at the Tony Lapham Predator Hub. At the Predator Hub, you will meet the team, including project directors, �ield researchers and community engagement of�icers. Once back in Naboisho, owing to its location outside the Reserve, you can explore the bush on foot with Maasai rangers. There will also be opportunities to visit local Maasai bomas and meet with guides from the Greater Mara. You will gain exposure to pioneering conservation work, and also develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary Maasai pastoralism and transformation, learning about the dynamics and prospects for the long-term survival of the Greater Mara Ecosystem.
D AY 9 : H O G H O U S E ; N A I R O B I
Today you will �ly, again by private charter, back to Nairobi. You will be based at Hog House in Langata for the remainder of the day. There will be opportunities to meet with other Kenya Wildlife Trust personnel and to shop at local craft centres. In the evening you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in time for your �light home.
-
NAIROBI
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,
a picturesque and
u n f o r g e t t a b l e e x p e r i e n c e .”
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
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
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 .”
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 .”
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.”
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 . . .”
A L L A N
E A R N S H A W
47 years after guiding his �irst safari, Allan is Chairman of Kenya Wildlife Trust , a Director at Ker & Downey Safaris and an in�luential leader of the movement in community-led conservation.
A fourth generation Kenyan whose family came to Kenya in 1896, Allan is a unique and revered safari guide, with decades of experience and a reputation for being one of the industry’s most entertaining and dedicated characters. With a Masters Degree in Human Sciences from Oxford University, Allan is extremely passionate and highly informed about conservation; his sound understanding of the challenges we face, and their potential solutions, has taken him to the coalface of the East African conservation sphere, establishing Kenya Wildlife Trust with a small group of guiding colleagues in 2007.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Mzee’ by the many Maasai tribesmen who have known him well over the years, Allan’s attitude and soul remain steadfastly youthful. Having guided his �irst safari clients in 1970, Allan spent 10 years building his career before joining Ker & Downey Safaris in 1980. Having become a Director in 1982 and then Chairman of the Board in 1987, Allan was a key player during the industry’s ‘Hollywood’ years, most notably participating in expeditions that informed the production of Oscar-winning �ilms Out of Africa and The Lion King. A safari with Allan is a safari like no other. His passion and enthusiasm for wildlife knows no bounds, whether he is talking about an enormous elephant or a tiny beetle. Having grown up in the heart of Kenya, Allan is at one with nature and thrives on showcasing its best assets to his safari groups, both young and old. From delighting children with his sense of fun and adventure to inspiring older generations to see the natural world in a brand new way, Allan will bring his truly inimitable style to your safari. Beyond Allan’s guiding expertise and his role with Kenya Wildlife Trust, he is a member of several other boards, including the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association and Asilia Africa, holding an advisory role in the latter’s Positive Impact conservation programme. In recent years, he also served on the boards of Kenya Wildlife Service, Camp�ire Conservation and the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, amongst others.
TEL: +254 720 911143
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