African Safari
January 12 - 22, 2013
Travel with Travel West founder Jim West as we head off on an 11-day Africa Expedition. Take in over five incredible animal safari drives, visit remote villages, all with unbelievable sightseeing and much more!
Itinerary:
Saturday, January 12th
We begin our Travel West Africa Expedition with an overnight flight from the United States. During our evening flight, dinner will be served on board the plane. D
Sunday, January 13th
This morning, because there are no direct flights to Nairobi, we will change planes in London and continue our journey to the continent of AFRICA. We will fly to NAIROBI in Kenya, arriving late in the evening. During our flight, a dinner snack will be served on board the plane. Upon our arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,Here we will be met by our tour guide and coach driver, who will take us to our deluxe hotel, the Nairobi Serena Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World. We will check in and retire for the evening. B, D
Monday, January 14th
This morning, following a restful sleep and hearty breakfast, we will meet our safari guides who will provide us a briefing about our Safari Expedition. Today we will visit the renowned Karen Blixen Museum, home of famous novelist Karen von Blixen. The house contains many of her original pieces along with some pieces donated by the makers of the film “OUT OF AFRICA.” From here we will travel to the famous Nairobi Giraffe Center where we will be able to feed semi habited giraffes from a raised wooden platform. We will have lunch together before visiting the extraordinary Kazuri Bead Factory. Here we will have an opportunity to see how they make beads by hand and also have some time to shop in their gift shop. We will return to our hotel and relax before going to dinner. B, L, D
Tuesday, January 15th
This morning following a delicious breakfast, the day will be yours to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight we will enjoy dinner together and the remainder of the evening is at yours. B, L, D
Wednesday, January 16th
This morning, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and board our safari vehicles as we begin our drive north to the NANYUKI Region. Our drive will take us approximately four hours, and we will stop along the way for restroom breaks and regional shopping. Upon our arrival at the deluxe Sweetwaters Sanctuary, we will check into our very unique tents, where we will stay for the next two nights. This is no ordinary tent, but rather a deluxe facility, complete with toilet, shower, sink, desk and all the comforts of home. What makes this experience so incredibly special is that it is located in the heart of game park, so animals are easy to spot and close at hand, but kept at a safe distance.
After we settle in, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and relax in the afternoon. Later in the day, we will board our safari vehicles and explore the game reserve for our first game drive. We will return back to camp and enjoy dinner together. B, L, D
Thursday, January 17th
This morning following a delicious breakfast buffet, we will board our safari vehicles and enjoy an early morning game drive. Following our drive, we will visit the Nanyuki Spinners and Weaver complex, and see the spinners at work. We will learn more about these ladies and why this organization was started and how it is funded. There will be time for shopping for hand made woolen carpets, wall hangings and arts and crafts gift. We will return back to camp for lunch. Later in the day, we will board our safari vehicles for an afternoon game drive. Dinner will be served back at the camp and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, L, D
Friday, January 18th
This morning, following breakfast, we will check out of Sweetwaters Camp and drive north to the Samburu Game Reserve and the Samburu Serena Lodge. We will check into our rooms and enjoy a relaxing lunch together. Following lunch, there will be time to relax before enjoying an afternoon game drive.
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves are three of the best animal game reserves in the entire region. Lying 225 miles from Nairobi, they are adjacent to each other, in effect forming an incredibly large area that makes up a total of 633 square miles.
During our game drive it is possible we may see wildlife species rarely found anywhere in the entire continent of Africa, including Grevys’ Zebra, the long-necked Gerenuk and the Reticulated Giraffe. As the area is so arid, the game is concentrated around the Ewaso Nyiro River which runs through the park, making game viewing particularly good. We will return back to our hotel later in the afternoon. Dinner will be served at the lodge and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, L, D
Saturday, January 19th
Today, following breakfast, we will have an opportunity for an early morning game drive before breakfast. Be sure you have your camera ready to capture the colors, textures and design of the plains. All the ingredients to create a unique quilt! Following lunch, for those who are interested, we will visit a local Masai village for an unbelievable encounter. Here we will learn firsthand about their way of life, so be sure to bring your cameras for some great photo opportunities. Tonight, following a delicious dinne. B, L, D
Sunday, January 20th
This morning, we will check out of our lodge and drive south to the Mount Kenya Region, on our way to the popular Mt. Kenya Safari Club. The Mt. Kenya Safari Club is operated by the Fairmont hotel chain, and is situated along the Equator line in a glory of luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid manicured lawns and decorative ponds. Upon our arrival, we will check into our rooms and enjoy a delicious lunch. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, we will get together for dinner. Please note: Smart casual dress is required for dinner. B, L, D
Monday, January 21st
Today is a complete day of leisure. The hotel will offer all kinds of great optional tours for you to participate on. Also, the hotel has a wonderful massage and spa area to enjoy as well as its own zoo. This afternoon, before dinner, we will all meet for a drink and recap our day. B, L, D
Tuesday, January 22nd
Today we will check out of our hotel and drive back to NAIROBI. Upon our arrival, we will check into day rooms at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. There will be time for lunch, to purchase any last minute souvenirs and repack our luggage. Tonight, we will meet with the rest of the group and enjoy a special “farewell dinner” at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant, renowned for its variety of delicious exotic meats, as well as other dishes. Following dinner, we will transfer to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our flight back to the United States. B, L, D
