Accommodated tours in remote destinations
Camping tours in remote destinations
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This safari endeavours to combine the highlights of both Kenya and Tanzania. We concentrate on the internationally acclaimed game parks that are known to be “the home of the Discovery Channel”. We will also visit lesser-known areas and will enjoy interaction with the local tribes, including the renowned Masai. Weather and road conditions will influence the route chosen on each safari and clients should be flexible in this regard. Clients should come prepared with an open mind and spontaneous disposition in order to best enjoy the superb offerings of the region.
Our new and improved experience
With some routing adjustments the tour now maximizes time to visit the highlights in Kenya and Tanzania. The Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Arusha, Serengeti and the ever popular Ngorongoro cater makes it the perfect 12 day highlights package.
Our tour of East Africa starts in the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi. We meet at a hotel in the heart of this busy, bustling, modern city. For those arriving early, there are a variety of optional tours and excursions on offer – these can be arranged on arrival at the hotel.
At 18h00 we meet for a pre-tour briefing before getting to know each other over an own expense dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner Own Expense
We dive straight into adventure and head directly for Masai Mara National Reserve. To get there the road climbs up to the edge of the Great Rift Valley, affording magnificent views over the Africa of our imaginations. The Mara is famous for the annual mass migration of wildebeest and zebra, during certain months of the year. This migration usually happens anytime between July to October every year and the movement of the herds are directly related to the rainfall received.
We arrive in the afternoon and spend the next two nights camping adjacent to the park. An accommodation upgrade is available, but this must be booked before departure to avoid disappointment.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We leave early for a full day of extensive game driving. The Mara is renowned for its abundance of plains game and the ever-present predators following the herds. We follow seasonal migrations when possible, our safari truck giving us an elevated view of the plains.
We stop for a picnic lunch between game drives and only return to camp in the late afternoon, tired and hungry, ready for a hearty meal around the camp fire.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activities
Leaving The Mara, we track back to Mount Longonot National Park, with its dormant volcano. We temporarily abandon our vehicle as our guide leads us on a hike up to the crater rim, for a view of the jagged-edged caldera and the forest within. It’s also a good spot for views of the Rift Valley. The volcano last erupted in the early 1900s but steam vents may still be visible, and on the way there is a variety of plains game to be seen while we walk. We will take a packed lunch along, for a picnic with a view.
Reunited with our safari truck, it’s only a short drive to our camp-site on the shores of Lake Naivasha, where we set up camp for the next two nights.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we drive the short distance to the famous Hell’s Gate National Park, named by 19th century explorers for a natural cleft in the high basalt cliffs. The dramatic scenery here was the inspiration for the the movie “The Lion King”, and it’s a great place to walk, with the chance of seeing zebra, giraffe and buffalo amongst various species of antelope. The adventurous have the option to explore the park on a bicycle (local hire, own expense). Hot springs are a reminder of the volcanic activity below our feet, and nearby Olkaria Geothermal Power station takes advantage of this.
We head back to camp for lunch, and follow this with an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Naivasha, to get close to hippo and some of the 400 species of birds that the lake attracts.
A final highlight in a busy day is a visit to Elsamere, the former home of the original “lion whisperers”, George and Joy Adamson, for high tea and to gain some insight into their fascinating lives.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activities:
Today we head for Tanzania and the town of Arusha, passing through the outskirts of Nairobi on our way south. Crossing the border, we catch glimpses of Mt Kilimanjaro through the clouds, and skirt the base of Mt Meru, Africa’s 5th highest mountain. Known as the Tanzania’s “safari capital”, Arusha is a busy cross-roads of safari operators and travellers from all over the world. It is also the seat of the East African Community and important regional diplomatic hub.
Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner Own Expense)
Our Tanzanian safari begins as we enter Serengeti National Park. The road climbs the flanks of Ngorongoro before descending to the flat plains of the Serengeti, the golden grassland dotted with flat-topped acacias. This is quintessential Africa, the scene of an annual migration when the grasslands turn black with the bodies of wildebeest. The game is abundant in every season and the predators that stalk the herds are never far behind. We will camp two nights on the Serengeti plain, spending our days game driving, living in one of nature’s greatest scenes, the nights around a camp fire with a star-studded sky overhead.
Rising before the sun for coffee around the camp fire, we leave for a full day of exploring the park as the day breaks. We have all day for game viewing as our guide explains the behaviour and habits of the animals we encounter. We stop regularly for comfort breaks, and have a picnic lunch in the wilds. Returning to our camp as the sun sets, we relax around the fire, swapping stories and photographs as the crew prepare a delicious meal.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At dawn we leave for our final game drive on the plains, returning mid morning to strike camp and have brunch. We then drive back up the steep slopes of Ngorongoro to the top of this extinct volcano. On the way it’s a little strange to see the Masai tribesmen herding their cattle amongst the wildlife, still living their customary lifestyle as they have for centuries. We camp tonight at the renowned Simba Camp, perched on the edge of the crater, with breathtaking views into the caldera.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At first light we board 4×4 safari vehicles to make the daring descent into the crater, a route too steep and precipitous for our safari truck. Here we explore the the crater, a marvel of nature with its steep forested walls, fertile grass plains, lake, salt pan and fever tree forest. It is a microcosm of the continent’s great safari destinations, with the possibility of seeing many of Africa’s mammals all in one place, including the rare Black Rhino. We take the steep route out of the crater to return to Simba Camp for lunch, exiting the park in the early afternoon and descending the escarpment to our camp for the night, in a village amongst the Masai people.
This afternoon we will tour the village with a Masai guide and hear about their way of life, their culture and how they fit into the modern world.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We awake to the bustling noise of village life, and after breakfast we make our way back to Arusha. We have lunch in town and then spend the afternoon exploring the markets and curio shopping for those presents to take home to family and friends. Tonight we will enjoy an own expense meal at a local restaurant to celebrate our safari and our final night together.
Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner Own Expense)
After breakfast, we set off to complete the circle back to Nairobi. Guests have the option to end their tour here or continue back to Nairobi with the Drifters truck. This road travels through some spectacular scenery, and on a clear day we have a second chance to see mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. En-route to Nairobi city, the transfer will pass via the airport to facilitate those who are flying out today. Everyone staying on in Nairobi, or continuing their travels, will be taken into the city centre.
Breakfast (Lunch Own Expense)
Pre and post tour accommodation can be arranged at the Hotel la Mada in Nairobi, through Drifters or your travel representative. The Hotel la Mada is located within close proximity to Nairobi’s city center in a secure, serene and conducive environment; they offer fully serviced en suite bedrooms. Amenities include a restaurant, swimming pool, laundry, gift shop, etc.
Pre-Departure Information Kenya/Tanzania Tour
Visas for both Kenya and Tanzania are required by most nationalities, these are the client’s own responsibility and you are advised to pre-arrange these with the respective authorities. Seasonal precautions against Malaria are advisable. The recommended currency for this tour is the US Dollar and notes in small denominations should be brought along for expenses not included. A small daypack is advisable. Our price includes transport – Nairobi to Nairobi, accommodation, entry fees, Park fees, permits, group equipment, professional guides, and most meals. Drinks, bottled water, curio’s, tips, taxes, visas, and optional excursions are for the client’s own expense.
Before departure clients will be required to enter into an agreement pertaining to our booking conditions and general information.
Clients are required to have their own comprehensive personal travel insurance.
Please give us a call on our 24-hour emergency no +27 82 293 7384 if you encounter any issues.
Departure Point
The 12 Day Kenya / Tanzania Tour starts from the Hotel La Mada at 18h00 on the first day and ends back at the city centre or Hotel La Mada in the afternoon, at around 15h00. Please confirm should you need pre or post tour accommodation at the Hotel La Mada.
Please note that we strongly advise against flying out on the day that the tour ends. Drifters will not be held responsible for missed flights on this day. We generally travel long distances and late arrivals are common.
Hotel La Mada
Thika Road, Nairobi.
• Tel (+254-20) 856 1041 or 856 1598.
• Nairobi Town
Please note that clients are advised to bring their own sleeping bags as we do not hire them out.
Accommodation on Tour
Please note that linen will be provided at Hotel La Mada, BUT you will need a sleeping bag and pillow for the rest of the tour.
• Batteries can be charged from a 220 volt source pre tour departure and every day on the truck while the truck is driving from a 12 V inverter.
• Currency exchange opportunities on tour: Arrival at Nairobi Airport, Day 6
• Limited Laundry facilities: Hotel La Mada (Essential washing only)
• Internet facilities: Locally in Nairobi
On Safari
All our tours require participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp.
Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind will greatly contribute to an enjoyable safari.
We are travelling in developing countries therefore please do not expect the punctuality you have come to expect in first world countries. Things do not always run according to plan, however we do en
Drifters Wish You an Enjoyable African Experience!
Please Note:
Travel documents
Please ensure that you are in possession of valid travel documents for all the countries – (Kenya and Tanzania) – That you will visit.
Please note that clients will now require an E-Visa to enter Kenya. This e-visa needs to be purchased on-line prior to travelling to Kenya.
All travellers need to produce a printed copy of the e-visa at check-in. E-visas can be applied for via http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html (Mobile-friendly website)
If you have any queries in this regard, please do not hesitate to contact us. Although we will endeavour to assist, we do not accept any liability or obligation for your travel documents. Please ensure that you have proof of further travel arrangements if you do not have a Kenyan- passport, permanent residency permit, work permit or study permit. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your tour.
Telephone numbers:
• High Commission of Tanzania in Pretoria is: (+27) 12 342 4393
• High Commission of Kenya in Pretoria is: (+27) 12 362 2249
Or visit:
Kenya Tourism at www.tourism.go.ke
Tanzania Tourism at www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
Make 2 photocopies of valuable documents such as your passport, tickets and visas. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
Foreign currency
Upon arrival in any respective country we operate in, you will be able to find a Bureau de Change OR ATM Facilities at the airport or in the Town/City the tour is departing from. It is advised to bring any major world currency (US Dollar, Euro or British Pounds) in small denominations and not dated older than 2009. It is advised to get a small amount of local currency upon arrival just to get around until your tour starts.
On Tour:
Please be advised that our guides will inform and show you the best places to exchange any Major World Currency with the best possible exchange rates either before your tour starts or during the course of the tour. Our guides will brief you exactly on where to exchange and roughly how much you will need to exchange after discussing possible optional activities, own expense meals or possible curio stops. Drifters trucks have safe-keeping facilities for extra cash/flight tickets/passport.
The preferred currencies are as follows:
• US Dollar – in small Denominations ($10,20 or 50) and dated 2009 or later
• Euro – In small Denominations (€5, 10 or 20)
Credit cards are not favored in most parts of East Africa so please ensure you will have enough cash to buy good and possible gratuities.
Insurance
It is compulsory that all passengers make arrangements for adequate travel insurance to financially safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact us. Drifters do not accept responsibility for any loss, injury, damage, accident, fatality, delay or inconvenience experienced whilst on tour. You will be required to complete and sign a full indemnity prior to your tour departure.
Your insurance should include all the countries and territories that your tour will pass through. You must ensure that you have sufficient cover for medical and evacuation costs, and should base this on advice from your insurer. A minimum benefit of USD 60 000.00 is recommended for evacuation from any area in which Drifters operates in Africa to South Africa, with further benefits for medical costs in South Africa, and for possible repatriation to your home country. Please note that you will be required to furnish details of your travel insurance to Drifters before you will be allowed to travel with us. Please ensure that these details are completely and accurately recorded in order to facilitate a claim should this be necessary.
Weather conditions
Please note that East Africa weather conditions vary tremendously from season to season. During summer months temperatures of up to 40°C can be experienced. During the winter months of June, July and August the nights are very cold, temperatures may drop well below 0°C – although the day temperatures will be pleasant at around 20°C. Please take weather conditions into consideration when choosing a sleeping bag for your tour. Please note that the wet season is during the months of February to May.
Clothing & personal effects
Herewith a recommended guide of what to bring along:
For walking, hiking and Safaris
For general travelling (to keep yourself entertained on the longer drives)
Our vehicles are well equipped with charging facilities while driving. A Two-pin charger is perfect.
General Accessories
Luggage and Packing space on our vehicles
** Luggage should be limited to a maximum of 20kg’s. Each Drifters Traveller have their own locker on our trucks which is accessible even while driving. Backpacks, Barrelbags or Soft Suitcases are strongly advisable as your standard Hard Suitcases sometimes don’t fit into the lockers.
*** Refreshments can be purchased en-route on the first day of the tour, and at regular intervals throughout the tour.
Meals and refreshments
Meals are provided as indicated in the brochure/website. We do not provide meals on the first day of your tour. We do however stop en-route; therefore it is always possible to buy something along the way. Soft drinks, bottled water and alcohol are for your own expense; there is ample opportunity during the tour to buy refreshments. The guide will advise when you need to stock up for a couple of days.
Personal expenses
A reasonable amount of personal spending money must be brought on our tours. This is to cover own expense meals as indicated in our Drifters Brochure, bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, sundry goods purchased- such as suntan cream etc., curios, optional extra excursions, airport tax, transfers and tips.
In Africa things work a little different to the rest of the World. Tipping or gratuity, unless otherwise specified, is not included in the price you pay for services delivered. This accounts for restaurant meals, casual help and the services of the guide or guides that you will meet on your tour.
In Southern and East Africa it is classified as a common courtesy to TIP “casual help (guides)”.
This TIP is not something that is forced upon you by any means, but in many industries of tourism it is customary. It works as follows: if you believe your guide has lived up to your expectations and has performed his/her job in a way that you respect and are happy with the services rendered, an amount of 10 Euros per day or equivalent amount of 10 Euros per day in any major currency per person per day would constitute a fantastic tip. Remember that this is just a guideline and is not by any means compulsory, but seen as common courtesy in Southern and East Africa.
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