Accommodation
Hotels (2 nights), non-participatory camping (12 nights).
Transport
Safari vehicle, 4WD safari vehicle, shuttle bus, walking.
Meals
All meals while camping.
Staff
All operator group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting, especially when tracking and identifying game - we think it's the best of both worlds. Our guides are chosen for their leadership skills, and most importantly have a passion for Africa and its people.
This tour is lead by two separate teams of experienced leader/drivers and local crew, Kenyan staff in Kenya and Tanzanian staff in Tanzania.
Optional Activities
We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by operator nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with operator.
Karen Blixen Museum, Nairobi - KSH800 or US$14
Giraffe Centre, Nairobi - KKSH700 or US$12
NNP Animal orphanage & Safari walk, Nairobi - KSH640 or US$10
Carnivore Restuarant, Nairobi - Lunch: KSH1795 or US$30 / Dinner: KSH1990 or US$33
Bomas, Nairobi - KSH600 or US$10
National Museum, Nairobi - KSH800 or US$14
Village Visit, Samburu - US$20
Boat cruise, Lake Navaisha - US$50 per boat (price dependant on numbers interested)
Masai Mara village visit, enroute to Masai Mara - US$20
Balloon ride, Masai Mara- US$450 (must be pre-booked see Important Notes)
Balloon ride, Serengeti National Park - US$500 (must be pre-booked)
What To Bring
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking though, you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage (please see below for exceptions), and though you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Suitcases are not recommended for operatorlers! Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags with wheels are acceptable, although we recommend your bag has carry straps as well, as you may be required to negotiate bus and railway station steps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks and day trips.The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by bringing a water purification method. Some of the options are:
- Refill from water dispensers when available at some of our accommodation.
- Water purification tablets available from camping stores or pharmacies.
- 2% tincture of iodine available from pharmacies - used at 4 drops per litre of water and left for at least 20 minutes. Longer in very cold weather.
- Personal water filters available from camping stores. (Bottles with filters built into the cap are lightweight and easy to use. Water is forced through the filter by squeezing the bottle as you drink.)
Baggage on this tour is limited to your locker space (length 80cm, width 30cm, height 34 cm) There is also room in the overhead rack for your sleeping bag and a small daypack.
A sleeping bag (we recommend a 3–4 season). If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather.
A travel pillow - pillows are not provided so please bring one along.
A simple plastic bag/waterproof toiletries bag (with a hook you can hang on a nail on the back of a door!) will be useful to keep your clothes dry inside basic camp shower structures.
A head torch is a really valuable camping item.
If you prefer another hot drink rather than instant cofee or tea bags you may wish to bring these from home.
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case.
Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply wit