EXPERIENCE KENYA-MAASAI MARA AND BEYOND

NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK: Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place. Although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are some fascinating attractions, namely its café culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city center, wild lions and buffalo roam in the Nairobi National Park.

THE EMAKOKO
1 night at The Emakoko in a standard room on a full board basis.

The Emakoko is a luxury lodge artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River, bordering the Nairobi National Park. Great care has been taken to incorporate the beautiful fig trees which grow on the cliff where the lodge is situated. All rooms look straight over the river and into the Park. The Emakoko allows people to start and finish their safari in the wildlife environment they have travelled so far to enjoy. Within 20 minutes of clearing customs they can now be viewing game in the amazing Nairobi National Park. The only “transfer” delays en-route to or from The Emakoko are the natural pauses to watch a pride of lions or waiting for a rhino or journey of giraffe to cross the road.

Whether you are enjoying an Emakoko cocktail in the viewing area or simply a coffee by the pool overlooking the river, relaxation is assured. There is also the chance to see the resident hippo, who also likes to keep an eye on you. He can be seen grazing on the lawn outside the rooms in the early evening or the morning.

The Chyulu Hills National Park was formed between the Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks to protect this unique habitat and because of its significance as a water catchment area. A magical land of open grass plains and tree covered rolling green hills with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The Park is surrounded by miles of Maasai land, dusty, dry and stalked by scarlet cloaked herders and dust plumed cattle.

OL DONYO LODGE: 3 nights at ol Donyo Lodge in a standard pool suite on a full board basis. The Lodge is located on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, comprising 275,000 acres of wilderness between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, bordering Chyulu Hills National Park. This stunningly beautiful area is incredibly diverse, and often has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Ol-Donyo Lodge is a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic, merging the landscape into each suite. Designed for a wide appeal, the lodge is a perfect getaway for families, honeymooners or multi- generational groups. What makes it a standout is its variety of activities – from cultural visits, good quality wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking – Ol-Donyo Lodge is a place to feel Africa, and get out from behind the wheel. Add to this the lodge’s creature comforts of fine dining, massage, infinity pool, star beds and multiple lounges, and it is a place to relax and unwind for days.

Each suite has a private plunge pool, and two are connected for a ‘villa’ concept, perfect for families or couples traveling together. Constructed of local thatch and gunnite, the suites blend with the environment despite their commanding design.

The lodge’s main lounge, complete with grand stone fireplace, a small library, inviting open bar and expansive verandah are the place to rendezvous with new friends, and the local staff. The attached dining area as well as the nearby pool lounge/dining is where sumptuous meals are served, and good times abound. The main infinity pool, curio shop and office provide other diversions should exploring the area not be enough.

MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE: 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.

The greater Maasai Mara Reserve offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention just a few. Aside from traditional open game drive vehicle safaris and hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential and you can even do a horseback safari.

MARA EXPEDITION CAMP: 3 nights at Mara Expedition Camp on a luxury tent on a full board basis.

Mara Expedition Camp set on a small bend in the Ntiakitiak River, is a magical revisiting of the past, drawing from the designs of Africa’s original explorers and designed for those who search for East Africa’s romantic safari era. Here, guests experience the best of both worlds: the intense action of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, as well as access to the more private 70,000-acre Mara North Conservancy.

Mara Expedition Camp is safari chic with five light and airy, spacious canvas tents, each with en-suite bathrooms where you enjoy piping hot water from huge brass ‘safari showers’ to a chorus of hippos lazing nearby. It is set down low, hidden from lights and noise and any sign of mankind. Under the grove of Africa ebony trees, its humble main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design, but just enough for all the comforts. This camp’s ambiance and ‘back to the classics’ safari design will be a sure hit with private groups, and safari aficionados.

The camp is locally famous for its leopard residents wandering the riverbanks. And is positioned to take best advantage of two migrations – the famous annual Serengeti migration and the green season migration from Loita Plains, an additional 50,000 wildebeest and over 100,000 zebras vying for grazing rights. Mara Expedition Camp is a place for the ardent safari-goer. Full days, with picnic breakfast
(and often lunch, too), traversing some of Africa’s richest game country, renowned for extraordinary predator density and frequent hunts. Access to both the Maasai Mara Reserve and Mara North Conservancy give guests options of more privacy.
Mara Expedition Camp’s two specially designed Land Cruisers are totally open-sided (a rarity in the Mara) offer 300-degree views which provide ideal opportunities for photography. Under the guidance of our top guides, each vehicle comes fully-equipped with a stocked fridge.

Hot-air ballooning over the Maasai Mara is available at additional cost, and is a truly stunning way to experience the landscape and an unforgettable sunrise. If culture is of interest, then visits to Maasai bomas as well as local school and community projects (supported by Mara Expedition Camp) are possible, and a wonderful insight into the region’s colorful people.

THE RATES INCLUDE

The Emakoko: Full board accommodation in a standard room, (lunch, dinner and breakfast), soft drinks, beer, house wine, non-luxury spirits, laundry, statutory taxes, shared airport transfers (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and / or Wilson Airport), two game drives in Nairobi National Park and excursions to Giraffe Centre / The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (time permitting). Entrance charges for excursions payable direct.

Ol Donyo Lodge: Full board accommodation, scheduled activities (including horseback riding), meals, Big Life conservation fees, daily laundry, return Chyulu airstrip road transfers, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (excluding premium spirit brands and champagne), Mandatory conservation levy and scheduled flights between Wilson Airport and Ol-Donyo Lodge.
Each vehicle includes one pair of Swarovski HD binoculars for guest’s complimentary use.

Mara Expedition Camp: Full board accommodation, scheduled activities on the Mara North Conservancy and the Maasai Mara Reserve, all meals, laundry, return ol Kiombo airstrip road transfers, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (excluding premium spirit brands and champagne), conservation/park fees (amount subject to change without notice), scheduled flights between Wilson Airport and Mara Expedition Camp.

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.