Philanthropy Safari August 4-16, 2012
HIGHLIGHTS
This is a superb African adventure that breaks the regular safari mold. While at times providing moments of sheer adrenalin exhilaration, this safari will also afford you an intimate and privileged access to the culture, wildlife and extreme geography of Kenya that the majority of travelers to this region fail to see. You will be able to give your time and love to the orphans of Makuyu. And witness the life changes that have taken place in Mithini after one year since Well Aware's 4th water installation in Kenya. We will have the honor and thrill of going to a Liani to witness the drilling of a new water well. Then off on Safari to 3 unique regions of Kenya.
Itinerary Price Inclusions About Well Aware About Your Safari
August 4, Saturday Departure
JB Journeys will be glad to assist you with your flight to Nairobi.
August 5, Sunday Arrive Nairobi
Evening arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you’ll be welcomed by an Abercrombie & Kent representative before transferring to Nairobi Safari Club.
Nairobi
Nairobi enjoys a spring-like climate. It is a modern city, yet its main avenues blaze with color from tropical bushes and vines. Nairobi became established by 1907 and quickly grew as a white farming community. It also attracted world attention as the centre of big-game safaris for the rich and famous. Perhaps the most famous was the safari of Teddy Roosevelt, which needed 500 porters to carry supplies and returned with 500 trophies. The nearby Nairobi National Park boasts the presence of all but one of the `Big Five'. Nairobi has a wealth of international restaurants. Cuisine of all types is available from Chinese to French and Italian. Nightlife varies from dining out to going to local nightclubs with discos and bands. Shopping in Nairobi varies from African clothing and craft shops to bazaar stalls and open-air markets. There are excellent museums, offering insights into the fauna, culture and history of Kenya.
Nairobi Safari Club is located within the central business district. The Hotel participates in various worthy causes ranging from Charity Golf Tournaments to Annual Marathons and visits to at least 3 Children's Homes annually. The donations are not only monetary but also in kind including toilets, bathrooms & classrooms, computers, cutlery, crockery and linen.
Night at Nairobi Safari Club
August 6, Monday Drive to Makuyu, and Watoto Wa Baraka Orphanage / Volunteer Service
This morning we will drive north about 2 hours, to the small village of Makuyu. Watoto Wa Baraka is a secure compound with dormitories for boys and girls as well as staff & volunteer housing. As a volunteer here, you will have the opportunity to work alongside Watoto Wa Barake, a local grassroots organization assisting needy children in the surrounding rural community. HIV/ AIDS has swept through rural areas, targeting adults ages 30-40 years old. Cultural and social conditions have created an environment where this disease has spread at an uncontrollable rate. This result is the elimination of the parent age of the core society. Parentless children and aging grandparents now compose many communities, unbalancing the socio-economic structure of the region.
The goal of the volunteer program in Makuyu is to give real hope to as many needy children as possible at the self-sustaining orphanage located there as well as the general community.
Watoto Wa Baraka’s focus is on agriculture, housing, feeding and educating these needy orphans and street children. By implementing sustainable programs and working with the community, our projects work to strengthen the present living conditions to allow all orphans and struggling street kids a chance to survive this crisis.
Here, you will be able to interact with and participate in the education of the 40+ orphans who live at Watoto Wa Baraka, as well as donate your labor and creativity to various other tasks around the property. This segment of the trip will not be the cushy part; you will get to truly contribute to the maintenance and growth of this remarkable project and live the way these beautiful children do for the three days and nights that you are there.
Watoto Wa Baraka is a partner organization of Well Aware. In August 2011, Well Aware installed a Solar Water Well for a new Self-Sustaining Childrens' Center and Community Development Center in Mithini; another of Watoto Wa Baraka's projects. Mithini is located about 20 km. from Makuyu, and we will drive over one day to visit the villagers, the well, and the impact it is making after one year of operation.
Night at Watoto Wa Baraka, shared dormitory (B,L,D)
August 7 & 8, Tuesday and Wednesday Watoto Wa Baraka Orphanage / Volunteer Service
Volunteer opportunities include childcare assistance, teaching and education, HIV/AIDS prevention training, sustainable agriculture and youth sports. On one of these days will will have the honor of visiting Liani and join with the community to watch as a new water well is being drilled!
Nights at Watoto Wa Baraka, shared dormitory (B,L,D)
August 9, Thursday Drive to Samburu Game Reserve
Drive to the Northern part of Kenya past the equator onto Samburu National Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at Trout-Tree Restaurant. Built in and around a huge Mugumo (Sacred Fig) tree, the Trout-Tree Restaurant serves char-grilled trout as fresh as it gets… right over the trout ponds. Two troops of Colobus monkeys are resident at the farm and the sound of constantly rushing water from the fish ponds under the restaurant further complement the meal - a full sensory feast.
Late afternoon game viewing drive in Samburu Game Reserve enroute to your lodge, the Samburu Sopa Lodge.
Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Game Reserve offers what is arguably Kenya’s greatest – and least changed – encounter with the wild Africa of yesteryear. This harsh, savagely beautiful wilderness depends on the steady flow of the Uaso Nyiro River for its existence; the river waters a wide variety of animal species not found south of the Equator, including the majestic Beisa oryx, the reticulated giraffe, the thin-striped Grevy’s zebra, and the ‘giraffe-necked’ gerenuk antelope, which stands on its hind legs to feed. Elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard can all be seen along the river, and the 400-plus species of birds are positively spectacular. Together with neighboring BuffaloSprings and Shaba national reserves, Samburu comprises 833 sq. km of protected semi-desert land. This is the home of the Samburu tribe, cousins of the Maasai, who share the same nomadic, cattle-herding existence, and an even stricter adherence to their age-old rites and customs.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Inside the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya, this is the only Lodge in the Reserve with a waterhole on site. This greatly enhances opportunities for game viewing from the comfort of the bedroom veranda or the public areas. The Reserve is home to rare animal species like the gerenuk antelope, Grevy’s zebra and Beisa oryx in addition to many others. The lodge is built atop high ground allowing panoramic views of the vastness of Samburu and the hills beyond. The sunset is a sight to behold and the star-studded African night sets in fast, the only interruption being the occasional lion roar, laughter of the hyena or the sweet flute melody courtesy of Samburu Warriors. The lodge is built to reflect the architectural heritage of the local communities who make up the majority of the workforce.
The Samburu Sopa Lodge is a member of Eco Tourism Kenya, holding a "Bronze Eco-Rating" , demonstrating a facility’s awareness and commitment to environmental conservation, responsible resource use and socio-economic investment.
Night at Samburu Sopa Lodge (B,D)
August 10, Friday Samburu Game Reserve
Full day in Samburu National Reserve with morning and afternoon game viewing drives.
Night at Samburu Sopa Lodge (B,L,D)
August 11, Saturday Drive to Lake Nakuru
After breakfast, join your driver guide and drive to the Great Rift Valley and onto Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive for lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge At around 4:00 p.m. enjoy an afternoon game viewing drive & birds watching drive around the lakeshore.
Lake Nakuru
The Lake Nakuru National Park is best known for its flamingos. There are also large flocks of pelicans. The parkland surrounding the Lake has acacia and euphorbia forests as well as areas of grassland and rocky cliffs. It is home to many animals including waterbuck , leopards , and Rothschild giraffe. Rhinos , rare in other parks and reserves in the country abound here. Situated at the heart of one of Kenya’s most densely animal-populated national wetlands (Ramser site). The lake is the second largest of only two freshwater lakes in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. An ornithologist’s paradise, the lake is home to 400 species of birdlife and an abundance of fish and the water life.
Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill overlooking the spectacular flamingo pink rimmed Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic views of the Lake and the picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park. A short two hour drive from Nairobi, Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is a favourite with residents and visitors to Kenya.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is cleverly laid out such that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the Lake and the Park. The Lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees, winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feeds. The Lodge is a natural haven for bird life and attracts over 50 species of birds amongst the 400 species that inhabit the Park.
Night at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (B,L,D)
August 12, Sunday Drive to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve
After breakfast, drive on the floor of the Great Rift Valley and Loita plains onto Masai Mara Game Reserve. Arrive in time for lunch at Mara Sopa Lodge.
At 4:00 p.m. partake in an afternoon game viewing drive.
Maasai Mara
The jewel in Africa's crown, Maasai Mara is host to the most spectacular array of wildlife. Her 750 square miles of open savannah, thick woodlands and tree-lined rivers creates an eco-system which supports huge numbers of bird and mammal species.
The western border of the park is the spectacular Siria Escarpment, and together with the acacia dotted plains, creates scenery of stunning beauty. Lion are found in abundance throughout the park as are elephant, giraffe, a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, if lucky, you may also find rhino. Game viewing is never dull in the Mara, and patience is often rewarded with unique sightings: a pride of lion stalking their prey; a solitary leopard retrieving its kill from the high branches of an acacia tree; male wildebeest sparring to attract females into their harem; or even a herd of elephant protecting their young from opportunistic predators.
The annual wildebeest migration traditionally is present in the Mara this month, with one of nature's finest dramas unfolding before your very eyes at every turn.
As well as wildlife, the Maasai Mara is also home to many members of the colorful Maasai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park - morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day.
The Mara Simba Lodge
The Mara Simba lodge sits overlooking a dramatic bend on the bank of the Talek, a tributary of the Mara River, gently blending into the surrounding wilderness. Stretching almost a kilometer along the river the grounds on the bank remain in their virgin condition, while the landscaped gardens filled with indigenous trees at the back draw a great variety of birds and butterflies. The lodge was conceived with an emphasis on exclusivity and comfort. It was designed to complement its surroundings and is decorated in Maasai traditional style. Wide, well-lit pathways connect the Public areas and rooms.
At the Mara Simba, special care is taken to conserve the environment. Mara Simba is only truly environment friendly lodge in Kenya as it has installed a sewage treatment plant. The plant provides crystal clear water that is used for irrigation.
Night at the Mara Simba Lodge (B,L,D)
August 13 & 14, Monday & Tuesday Maasai Mara Game Reserve
Two full days spent in Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives.
Nights at Mara Simba Lodge (B,L,D)
August 15, Wednesday Drive to Nairobi
Today our drive will last about 5 hours, as we return to Nairobi.
Night at Nairobi Safari Club (B)
August 16, Thursday Departure from Kenya
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight. (B)
Please read our terms and conditions here, and then follow with completing the form (link below).
In order to secure your reservation, we will ask that you please complete the on-line form and indicate if your deposit will be by check or credit card.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RESERVATION
PRICE
$3540 per person in double occupancy
$476 single room supplement
Based on minimum of 5 participants or maximum of 11 participants.
Rates will increase for 6-10 participants (rate is calculated on full vehicle occupancy)
Click here to read about the pricing and your safari company
Above costs include
All accommodations (11 nights)
Meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner)
All conservation and park entrance fees.
All transportation while in Kenya and game viewing drives as indicated
Exclusive use of 6-seater vehicle with English speaking driver/guide
Escorted by Barbara Baggett of JB Journeys, LLC. (with 11 participants we will add a professional guide)
Porterage of 2 pieces of luggage per person
Flying Doctors service for the duration of the trip
Government taxes and levies - but subject to change in case of any taxation/levy increases/changes effected by the government, airlines and or suppliers(ie fuel surcharges etc)
$100 per person donation to Well Aware
Above costs exclude
International air fare (JB Journeys, LLC will be happy to assist you with airfare)
International airport departure taxes
All expenses of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc
Tips and gratuities for the guides, driver/guides, hotel staff etc
Entry visa fees – currently USD 50 per person
Travel and medical insurance
Well Aware is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed in 2006 to provide life-saving water for those who have none. We are a grassroots group reaching out globally for a solution to the suffering caused by water scarcity in parts of East Africa.
We have recently grown to accommodate the construction of a greater number of water systems per year, more thorough oversight and due diligence, and more sustainable and realistic solutions on a case-by-case basis for each community in which we work.
Every community in which we are privileged to work has submitted a project proposal to Well Aware, which our Board of Directors has approved. While we are unable to service every community that seeks our assistance, we also work with Kenyan individuals to improve and/or build upon their proposals for our approval. We have found that it is necessary to know that each community is thoroughly invested in helping us help them, to ensure a self-sustaining community when our initial work there is complete.
We work with carefully selected nonprofit partners who add great value and sustainability to each community we serve in various other areas of needs that are specific to each area.
All of our public donations go directly toward out water projects, and the Kenyan community members contribute significantly in the planning, preparation, construction, funding and upkeep of these projects.
About the Safari Company and your Safari
Our goal is to bring you the best and safest Kenya travel experience available. To achieve this, we work directly with the Kenya office of Akorn Destination Management, an Abercrombie & Kent subsidiary. We will be traveling with an A&K driver, and if our group reaches 11 participants, we will have a guide with us throughout.
Why is our choice of tour operator important to you?
Many things can go wrong while traveling in Kenya. Most common are overbooking's (the lodge turns you away), vehicle troubles and potentially dangerous political based demonstrations. A&K is well equipped to deal quickly and efficiently with vehicle troubles since they have their own fleet of vehicles They are in constant radio contact with the vehicle, and can divert the itinerary from potential danger spots. Staff members are on call 24/7. A&K has considerable clout in Kenya; they have been operating in Kenya since 1962; lodges respect and honor their bookings.
Included in the cost of your safari, is a low cost temporary membership in AMREF Flying Doctors Service. In case of a medical emergency that requires an evacuation from a remote area, the Flying Doctor service will send in a medical team and an aircraft which can be converted into an airborne intensive care unit to evacuate you to Nairobi Wilson Airport where you will be transported by an ambulance to a hospital in Nairobi (the Flying Doctors do not cover the cost of hospitalization).
Although A&K is considered a deluxe tour company, your safari utilizes their choice of 'budget' accommodations. When you compare the cost of this safari with those of a budget tour company, remember the hidden costs to you.
Abercrombie & Kent's 2011 philanthropic projects in Kenya
Anne Kent Taylor Fund is helping preserve biodiversity with hands-on initiatives; our support funds 'chain link' used to fortify livestock enclosures traditionally made of wild-harvested wood, to reduce losses of domestic animals & human-wildlife conflict.
Elephant Partners is a "harambee" (Kiswahili: to work together for a common purpose) approach to the conservation of elephants, involving researchers, guides, rangers, students, visitors, camps & lodges, and local communities.
Friends of Conservation facilitate projects in the Greater Masai Mara Region with ongoing support from AKP, including Conservation Clubs in twenty schools, and a local Scout project supporting community outreach.
Sanctuary Olonana guests to visit its award-winning wetlands project, plant an indigenous tree within the Olonana Tree Nursery as a way to aid in reforestation efforts in the Masai Mara, and visit projects in the Enkereri Village.
TOP
Your information is confidential. We will not share your personal details with anyone.
