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January
8 – 19, 2010
The
Great Rift Valley, which runs through Kenya, is considered by some
the cradle of civilization and is justifiably one of the world’s
best organized safari destinations in Africa. The traveler can see
such a large variety of animals, including the Big Five: lion, leopard,
elephant, rhino and buffalo, in such a short time. It offers 1200
species of birds, including a million or more flamingos standing
in a shimmering pink mass at Lake Nakuru, where the annularity will
last for an incredible 8 minutes on January 15, 2010.
Enrichment
Lecturers:
Dave Eicher – Astronomy magazine
Dennis Mammana – SkyScapes
Safari
includes:
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Roundtrip economy air from selected USA gateways
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Internal airfare in Kenya
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Airport transfers in Africa
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First Class Lodge and camp accommodations
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Three meals per day while on safari
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Morning and afternoon game drives
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Astronomical enrichment program and stargazing
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Daily game-viewing at all safari destinations
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First-class safari transportation
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Nairobi sightseeing featuring guided city tour with Karen Blixen
home
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Professional driver/guides, all experts in the wildlife and culture
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Handling of 1 piece of checked soft-sided luggage, 33 lbs.
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All park entry fees, hotel taxes and service charges
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Laundry service at Main Governors
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Flying Doctors service
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$25 donation to the Wildlife Fund
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Detailed travel tips, tags and safari handbag
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Protective glasses and eclipse information
ITINERARY
January
8/10, 2010—Depart U.S.A. – London/Nairobi
Depart USA with a connection in London continuing on to the Jomo
Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. You will be met and transferred
to the historic Norfolk Hotel with a traditional Jambo welcome and
drink. Many safaris have departed from the verandah of the Norfolk
Hotel including that of president "Teddy" Roosevelt. The
Lord Delamere Terrace is still a favored watering hole for the locals.
Norfolk Hotel (2-nights)
January
11, 2010—Nairobi
After breakfast, a drive out to the Ngong Hills and Karen Blixen’s
home brings memories of the early days of Nairobi’s development.
Continue to the Giraffe Center and shop at the Utamaduni Crafts
Center. (B/L)
January
12, 2010—Nairobi - Samburu
Our safari begins through the green highlands and coffee plantations
to the vast semi-desert and red-dust plains of the Samburu Game
Reserve. Game abounds in the forested fringes of the Ewaso Niro
River. Game-viewing in search of Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich,
beisa oryx, or reticulated giraffe. This is home to the Samburu
people, "cousins" to the Maasai. The young warriors’
colorful, red dress and ornamentation distinguishes them from other
members of the tribe. Samburu Serena Lodge. (2-nights) (B/L/D)
January
13, 2010—Samburu
Morning and afternoon game drives in the arid and scrubby National
Reserve offer abundant wildlife such as the gerenuk, dik-dik, Grant’s
and Thomson’s gazelles, elephant, cheetah, leopard and lion.
Not to be overlooked are the 100 of species of birds. (B/L/D)
January
14, 2010—Samburu - Lake Nakuru
After breakfast continue through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru
National Park, renowned for its bird sanctuary and a haven for rhino,
reedbuck and Rothschild giraffes. Lion Hill Lodge (2-nights) (B/L/D)
January 15, 2010—Annular ECLIPSE – Lake Nakuru
Enjoy a leisurely morning stroll on the grounds of the Lodge, bird
watching, or boating among the hippos before the annular eclipse
of 8 minutes and 25 seconds. Afterwards bring your cameras on an
excursion to see thousands of pink flamingos feeding. (B/L/D)
January
16, 2010—Lake Nakuru– Maasai Mara
Journey back to Nairobi for your flight to Kenya’s best game
reserve – the Maasai Mara. Your home in the Mara for the next
three nights captures the spirit and romance of Kenyan wilderness.
Classic safari style tents with en-suite baths look out over the
vast plains. The camp is not fenced so elephants may stop by for
nocturnal munchies and hippos for grazing. The game drives are in
Governor’s own 4WD vehicles which bring the Maasai Mara to
you. Main Governor’s Camp (3-nights) (B/L/D)
January
17, 2010—Maasai Mara
A full day game viewing and exploration of this fine reserve of
over 60 species of wildlife, including the Big Five: lion, leopard,
elephant, rhino and buffalo. Explore for rhino in the thorn thickets,
giraffe and elephant in the riverine woodlands, and masses of buffalo,
wildebeest, and antelope on the savannas. The cheetah, leopard and
the reserve’s lion prides roam freely among the rolling hills
and plains of the Mara. (B/L/D)
January
18, 2010—Maasai Mara
You may wish to take an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over
the vast plains, dropping down for champagne and beef Wellington
breakfasts served on the open plain on white linen draped tables
or enjoy relaxing at camp. Governor’s Camp site was once reserved
for the exclusive use of Kenya’s colonial governors and royal
guests. It truly is a special location. (B/L/D)
January
19, 2010—Maasai Mara - Nairobi
One final game drive before flying back to Nairobi, where dayrooms
are provided for your convenience. Transfer to the airport for your
homeward flight. You may wish to continue your safari with one of
the extensions. (B/L)
For
a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates
at tours@melitatrips.com
or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com
Please
note, individuals who sign up for a trip with reference to
the ASP will be added to our mailing list unless you email
us with a request to be removed. You can also view our
privacy policy for additional
information.
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