AUTHENTIC AFRICA-TRAVEL FROM CAPE TO MAASAI-MARA IN KENYA

Ellerman House Private Chauffeur will meet you at Cape Town International Airport. An easy transfer to the Hotel will allow you time to absorb the beauty of the City that is sheltered by the majestic Table Mountain. Once checked in you can enjoy a light lunch on the Terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. 3 nights at Ellerman House in a superior house room, on a bed and breakfast basis.

Ellerman House is Cape Town’s most luxurious grand hotel. Situated in the prestigious Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay (only 10min from the bustling city center), this Cape Edwardian mansion demands your attention with its terraced lawns, outstanding art collection, unparalleled service and unique experiences. For over a quarter century, Ellerman House has been at the forefront hospitality innovation while embracing the classic elegance of the regal building. Prepare to be immersed in the rich South African culture while enjoying a leading South African art collection, tasting local flavors, enjoying the sounds of local musicians in one of countries most exclusive addresses.

With only 11 rooms, 2 suites and 2 three-bedroom villas, the property boasts two lounges, library, dining room, three dining terraces, spa, fitness center, heated swimming pool, brandy lounge, Wine Gallery, Contemporary Art Gallery and champagne cellar – all exclusive to its guests.

Transfer from Ellerman House to Cape Town International Airport for flight to Victoria Falls. Mpala Jena staff to collect you at Victoria Fall Airport and transfer you to Mpala Jena Camp.

2 nights at Mpala Jena Camp in a double luxury tent, with plunge pool, on a fully inclusive basis.

Mpala Jena camp is an exquisite and exclusive canvas tented camp, located on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park, just outside Victoria Falls.

The camp is named after the natural spring-line which runs through the center of the concession, and also means “White Impala”, following regular sightings of a “ghost-like” albino impala in the late1970’s.

Healthy and ever-increasing population if wildlife species abound, with higher concentrations of buffalo and elephant during the months June through to October. The area is good for bird watching throughout the year, with a higher diversity during the months of November through to April. This is the most environmentally and innovative camp within Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park.

The property is conveniently located 16 kilometers inside the Zambezi National Park which makes for easy access to Victoria Falls town and the wide range of activities there, but far enough away for the hustle and bustle that guests can relax and enjoy the incredible setting and wild habitat of the Park.

2 nights at Ol-Donyo Lodge in a pool suite on a fully inclusive basis with twice daily activities.

Ol Donyo Lodge is a Relais & Châteaux and National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World member property with seven suites located on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills overlooking Mount Kilimanjaro. Choose between day and night game drives, walking, exploring lava tunnels, horse riding, mountain- biking, sleeping under the stars on your roof-top bed, watch the big tusker elephants drink from the waterholes below the lodge, or just relax in your pool suite.

Set on the Mbirikani Group Ranch – 275,000 acres of immaculate, private wild Africa bordering the foothills of the Chyulu Hills National Park– Ol-Donyo Lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture and history of the people of this area, the indomitable Maasai. This is an area rich in wildlife, where some of Africa’s last giant elephant bulls roam freely, where the haunting calls of leopards interrupt the night and where lion are being pulled back from the brink of annihilation.

The lodge itself was rebuilt in 2008 and sits in thick woodland on a gently sloping hillside with views out over the plains to a distant Kilimanjaro. Designed to merge your outdoor and indoor living, a
series of unique suites and villas (no two are the same) appears to emerge from the arid landscape on either side of a palatial lounge and dining area. Six pool suites plus 1 two-bedroom family unit offers a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. All of the rooms have their own plunge pool and enjoy roof terraces where intimate “star beds” can be set up, allowing guests the thrill of sleeping in style under a canopy of endless stars while connecting with their sense of place and self.

2 nights at Mara Nyika Camp in a luxury tent on a fully inclusive basis with twice daily activities. Mara Nyika, meaning “Large Plains or Great Plains,” is an intimate four tent camp is set in a valley, straddling a small stream on the western side of the Naboisho Conservancy bordering the Maasai Mara. Mara Nyika’s four light-colored canvas tents were designed to sit under the canopy of umbrella thorn trees while still offering guests views out over the plains. Walkways from the tents to the main area evoke the feeling of a treehouse under canvas and the camp’s ethic and inspiration is one of exploration and adventure. Privacy is the key to Mara Nyika. Privacy to live, think, explore, be romantic and be pampered – all the while with one of the most spectacular backdrops Africa can provide.

As from 01 June 2020, Mara Nyika will be reconfigured and offer guests 5 Guest Suites as well as a private 2-bedroom Mara Nyika Jahazi Suite. This suite includes the services of a private butler, chef and services of a private game viewing vehicle and guide.

Mara Nyika allows guests to explore the private and exclusive 50,000-acre Naboisho Conservancy, the second largest conservancy in the greater Maasai Mara region. “Naboisho”, means “coming together” in the Maasai’s Maa language and represents the 500 local landowners who came together to establish the conservancy. The conservancy model combines the conservation of nature and cultural heritage, tourism and the enhancement of livelihoods for the local communities. Each guest’s stay supports over 500 Maasai families with a sustainable livelihood and helps to ensures the conservation of this vital corner Maasai Mara eco-system.

Many guests may opt to spend a few days in Mara Nyika combined with a stay at either Mara Expedition or Mara Plains Camp to get exposure to all three wildlife areas, namely the private Olare Motorogi and Naboisho Conservancies and Maasai Mara Reserve. Each wildlife experience from our camps is unique and offers a different face of the incredible Maasai Mara ecosystem.

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks. The image of acacia trees on endless wildlife filled grass plains epitomizes Africa for many, add Maasai warriors and the conversation need go no further. 3 nights at Mara Plains Camp in a luxury tent on a fully inclusive basis with twice daily activities. The greater Maasai Mara Reserve offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional open game drive vehicle safaris and hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara plains has become almost essential and you can even do a horseback safari.

Mara Plains Camp is a one of-a-kind, seven tented camp located in the private 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This intimate camp blends the finest wildlife viewing with outstanding hospitality and guiding.

No other camp offers the extensive traversing area of Mara Plains Camp, with access to a total of 100,000 acres of private conservancy land as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration.

Each of the seven tents has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. The well-appointed en-suite facilities (including a deep copper bath) plus the extensive private veranda complete what is genuinely a stunning concept. Each guest tent has a set of professional Canon camera and lenses available for guests to use on a complimentary basis. Add in a pair of Swarovski binoculars, and it is impossible not to see and capture the region’s incredible wildlife scenes.

The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is reputed to have the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region, while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. There is only one guest bed per 350 acres, leaving the land unadulterated for the wildlife to roam and thrive, as nature intended.

By day and night, the camp is a sanctuary for resident animals, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird species. After dark, larger mammals frequent the camp and Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their rooms. Hippos snorting and leopards barking often provide the night’s chorus.

Mara Plains also offers walking safaris and day & night game drives. Hot air ballooning is available and should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.

THE RATES INCLUDE

ELLERMAN HOUSE: Private Transfers between Cape Town International Airport and hotel; Breakfast; Drinks; Wine Tasting; Mini Bar; Pantry; Daily Sunset Experience; Snack Packs; Laundry; Shoe Cleaning; Art Tours; Zeitz Mocaa Entry; Internet; Gym & Spa Access; Parking, Security.

Rates Exclude: Lunch and dinner, wine/Champagne and invited guests’ meals and drinks.

MPALA JENA CAMP: Fully inclusive of accommodation, wildlife viewing activities, meals, daily laundry, return Victoria Falls International Airport transfers which may be a combination of road and boat transfers or purely road transfers, one return road transfer to Victoria Falls town, one entrance ticket to see the Victoria Falls per guest’s stay on a self-guided basis, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brand spirits and champagne), mandatory nightly conservation levy and park fees.

OL-DONYO LODGE, MARA NYIKA CAMP AND MARA PLAINS CAMP: Fully inclusive of accommodation, National Park fees, scheduled wildlife activities (including horseback riding at ol Donyo Lodge), meals, laundry and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding premium brands and champagne). Scheduled air transfers are included.

Rate does not include International flights from Cape town to Victoria Fall to Kenya.

Inquisitive Africa reserves the right to review published rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuations or increases in costs or taxes, which are beyond our control.

EXTENDING YOUR STAY WITH US: Inquisitive Africa has a variety of authentic experiences in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, Kenya and Dian or Mombasa, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in East and Southern Africa.