10 Days December 20 - 29, 1996
INCLUDEDMEALS
Departure day
Friday Dec. 20
Saturday Dec. 21
With thoughts of big adventure and big game, board a British Airways flight for London. Saturday, spend the afternoon at the London Gatwick Hilton where day rooms are provided for your comfort. Perhaps you'll want to unwind in the leisure center before your evening flight to Nairobi.
Arrive Nairobi, Kenya
Sunday Dec. 22 B D
Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya's capital. Your rooms at the Norfolk Hotel have been booked since last night so you may settle in and rest as soon as you arrive. This afternoon, enjoy a game drive through Nairobi National Park. Tonight, join your tour manager and fellow travelers for a get-acquainted reception and dinner, followed by a presentation of the East African Wildlife Society. You are now a member of the society, as well as the Flying Doctors' Society. NORFOLK HOTEL.
Mount Kenya Safari Club
Monday Dec. 23 BLD
With the weather's cooperation this morning, you'll be able to see snowcapped Mount Kenya as you head for Mount Kenya Safari Club. The afternoon is free to stroll through the elegant club grounds, where many exotic birds roam freely. A performance by Chuka tribal dancers and drummers provides tonight's entertainment. Enjoy your luxurious accommodations at MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB.
During your stay at Kenya's reserves and national parks, enjoy some of the best accommodations available like the plush Mount Kenya Safari Club.
Aberdare National Park
Tuesday Dec. 24 BLD
Drive to Aberdare Country Club, one of Kenya's old colonial hotels. Enjoy lunch at the hotel, then continue into the verdant Aberdare National Park. Overnight at the world-famous game viewing lodge, The Ark, known for its salt licks and water holes where animals congregate. Spend the evening on the deck watching these animals in "your own back yard." THE ARK.
Lake Nakuru National Park
Wednesday Dec. 25 BLD
Merry Christmas! Head to the Great Rift Valley and Lake Nakuru National Park to see one of Kenya's most spectacular sights: thousands of birds, in large part flamingos, lining the banks of the lake and stretching out across the water in a pink haze. Lake Nakuru is the only park in Kenya where it is possible to see the Rothschild giraffe. Recently designated as a rhino sanctuary, it is also one of the few places to see these magnificent creatures. Enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner at LION HILL SAROVA LODGE.
Masai Mara
Thursday Dec. 26 BLD
After a scenic drive to Nairobi, board a twin-engined aircraft for the short flight to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. This park was a big game hunters' paradise until 1961 when it was designated as a reserve to protect the animals. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in this most famous of Kenya's game parks located in the northern part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Spend two nights in luxury tented camp accommodations at-the Mara Intrepids Club. The surrounding countryside is a mixture of savannah plain and riverine forest, excellent viewing ground. Watch for the big five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino. MARA INTREPIDS CLUB.
Masai Mara Game drives
Friday Dec. 27 BLD
For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, make reservations for the optional early morning hot-air balloon ride over the Serengeti Plain. During today's safari game viewing, we'll explore the Mara's savannah plains, home to herds of elephants and giraffes, prides of lions and thousands of plains game including impalas, zebras, wildebeest and gazelles. MARA INTREPIDS CLUB.
Nairobi London
Saturday Dec. 28 BL
After breakfast and an early morning game drive, take the short flight back from the wilds of the Masai Mara to Nairobi. A special farewell luncheon is served in the private home of Colonel Danver. The remainder of day is at leisure for last minute gift or souvenir shopping. Your room at the Norfolk is held for late departure. Late this evening, depart on a British Airivays flight to London.
Return home
Sunday Dec. 29
Arrive in London and connect with your British Airways flight home. We hope you've enjoyed this unique safari holiday in Africa. Thank you for traveling with Maupintour. Join us again soon.
OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
Imagine drifting slowly and silently over the vast African plain, as the sun breaks on the horizon. Spread beneath you is a panorama of African wilderness that surpasses anything you have seen before. After about an hour aloft, you descend to be met by your ground crew and a champagne breakfast in the bush. Balloon trips are available in the Masai Mara National Reserve. The cost is approximately $400 per person. In order to make the necessary arrangements and reserve the limited space available, this option should be requested when you make your tour reservations.
LAND /AIR RATE per person is $4150 twin and $4890 single basis and includes:
SINGLES NOTE: Because of demand and lodge management policy in the reserves, singles may need to share. If so, appropriate refunds will be made upon your return home.
TAXES: Foreign airport departure taxes of $20 U.S. per person are additional and paid directly to Maupintour.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT per person is $350 plus (optional) $100 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection.
FULL REFUND when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Please see the For Your Information section.
VISA is required.
Maximum elevation: 7,500 feet Average temperature: Hi 74, Low 55
TOUR NUMBER: CIK-445