KENYA
FLY-IN SAFARIS

You may ask yourself if a safari in Kenya is a good choice outside of the 'migration' months. The answer is definitely 'yes'.

Many of the guide books create the impression that Kenya's Masai Mara is pretty empty outside of the "migration season". That is misleading. All the animals that can be seen during the migration, can be seen all year round. And they can be seen in big numbers. The big prides of lions do NOT migrate with the wildebeests, only the bachelors without a home range do. Most leopards and cheetahs are territorial too and do not migrate either. Many animals are actually moving out of the Mara during the migration, because the big herds of wildebeests compete with them for food.

According to an article by Stelfox (Herbivores in Kenya, Journal of Wildlife Management), this is how the wildebeest migration effects other species:

As can be seen, for almost all species the numbers are actually higher in May! Only wildebeests and zebras seem to migrate in really big numbers, even the number of gazelles is higher in May than in June.

Here is what a client of ours (regular visitor to Kenya) had to say about this:

"I was in the Masai Mara for a few days towards the end of February last year. During that short time I saw more animals than I had during a longer stay in July two years ago. This Feb. I saw many elephants, including a herd of several dozen with babies, a number of cheetahs...one teaching her young to hunt antelope, hippos, many female lions with their young, monkeys, baboons, quite a few giraffe, warthogs, buffalo, etc. and have some wonderful photos to prove it."

KENYA 'RIFT VALLEY' FLY-IN SAFARIS

The itinerary includes 3 nights each at 3 different camps, in each of East Africa's major ecozones namely the Masai Mara, the Rift Valley and the Dry North. This will enable you to experience considerable habitat diversity, with resulting diversity of wildlife.

SAFARI OVERVIEW
Kenya is renowned for its unparalleled wildlife, habitat diversity and fascinating cultural heritage. A wide range of ecological zones, including semi-arid plains and vast savannahs, tropical mountain forests, a rugged Northern Frontier, and the Great Rift Valley, provide for a tremendous array of fauna and flora. On safari we explore the best known and most distinguished parks and reserves in East Africa. Our itineraries combine superlative wildlife viewing with comfort and attentive service, resulting in the feel of a classic nineteenth-century expedition. We stay in Kenya's finest safari lodges and luxurious, permanent tented camps, as we explore, in depth, this magical land.

A unique program at a glance:

• 3 Distinct Eco Systems
• Departures Daily for Flying Safari
• Experienced, qualified English-speaking Guides throughout
• View 40+ Mammal Species
• As many as 350+ Bird Species
• Interact with the proud Samburu and Maasai tribes learning about their customs, folklore and way of life
• Samburu and Maasai Mara National Reserves
• Lake Nakuru National Park

Samburu: This rugged northern reserve has it all: light, scenery and easy-to-view game (Leopard and Elephant are common here) and a fantastic cultural experience.

Lake Nakuru: Rhino & bird sanctuary with stunning flocks of lesser Flamingo that turn the lake shore pink... fantastic wildlife - a beacon for leading ornithologists, scientists and wildlife film-makers.

Maasai Mara: simply the best wildlife spectacle in Africa: watching so many wild herds spread out across the vast rolling plains is mind blowing.

Photography: this is the perfect trip for photographers: professional or amateur. The breadth of scenery, environment and endemic wildlife is amazing plus the comfort of customized 4WD safari vehicles, every seat with a window view and open-roof access and a knowledgeable driver-guide who also understands photography angle and light requirements.

Culture: the Samburu and Maasai tribes are cousins divided by geography but their customs, dress and traditional way of life have adapted to their respective environments– this safari gives an intelligent insight into Kenya’s cultural heritage.

The outline itinerary is as follows:

Rift Valley Flying Safari (camp share game drive) (Classic Safari Camps)

Day 1: NAIROBI
Arrive, meet, transfer, overnight Karen Blixen Cottages - Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: SAMBURU
Fly schedule charter to Samburu - 3 night Full Board & activities

Day 5: LAKE NAKURU
Fly schedule charter to Naivasha drive to Lake Nakuru - 3 nights FB & activities

Day 8: MASAI MARA
Fly schedule charter to Mara - 3 nights FB & activities

Day 11: DEPARTURE
Fly schedule charter to Nairobi, Dayroom Blixen, Carnivore dinner, depart

COST ESTIMATE FALL OF 2004 AND 2005
From and back to Nairobi

1. Fall of 2004: Oct & Nov
   3 nights each in each of 3 locations - Samburu, Nakuru, Mara US$3,310.00 p.p. sharing in twin
2. In the low season (1 April to 15 June)
   3 nights in each of 3 locations - Samburu, Nakuru, Mara. US$ 3,165.00 p.p. sharing in twin

The above costs fully inclusive of:

• ALL accommodation and meals on safari
• ALL government hotel taxes and service charges
• ALL Land transport in custom built safari vehicles
• ALL internal air transport as specified in itinerary
• ALL National Park / reserve entrance fees
• ALL airport assistance
• Temporary Flying Doctor (AMREF), emergency evacuation to Nairobi

Not included: (Unless specifically requested)

• Personal Laundry, beverages and other personal expenses
• Tips to bar staff for personal beverages or room service
• Gratuities to your driver / guide
• Visa fees

PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS

SAMBURU GAME RESERVE
The Samburu Game Reserve, located in Kenya's Northern Frontier District. Unique to this harsh, but picturesque, region are Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Yellow Baboon, Guenther's Dik-dik and Reticulated Giraffe. This is the land of the Samburu pastoral people distinguished by the women's layering of beads in choker fashion around their necks, and men's colorful adornments and high-jumping dance. Arid, rugged and savagely beautiful, the area is protected as the Samburu National Reserve and the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, together covering an area of about 300 square kilometers. With less than 300mm of rain a year, the wildlife depends for its very existence on the Uaso Nyiro river, whose headwaters rise in the Aberdare Mountains, 300 kms away. The region is noted for several wildlife species not found in other Kenya parks south of the equator, the most striking of which include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx. Bird life is particularly abundant in this region with more than 400 species being recorded. Lion, cheetah and leopard are also found here, and elephant are plentiful. Samburu is also home to the colourful Samburu people, cousins to the Masai. They share much in common with the Maasai including their language, Maa, their dress and most particularly, their love of cattle.

SAMBURU INTREPIDS CAMP
Samburu Intrepids is shaded by tall acacias fringing the Uaso Nyiro river, the lodge is cool oasis in the desert surrounding. Only 50 minutes flight from Nairobi, this luxury tented lodge has been designed to recreate the romance and charm of an East African safari as undertaken in the early years of the century. Samburu Intrepids is arguable the last word in luxury tented camps. On first appearance it is more reminiscent of a fantasy tree house set on stilts with its vaulted thatched roofs and sprawling wooden terraces. Set under the shade of trees, the 25 tents are elevated on individual decks overlooking the river and shielded with thatched roofs. They are the best that Samburu has to offer: spacious, comfortable, handsomely furnished with hand crafted mahogany furniture, oversized four poster beds, ensuite bathrooms with showers, twin hand basins, running hot and cold water, flush toilets and electricity. They are even equipped with large overhead ceiling fans to cool the tents in the heat of the day: Bottled spring water, umbrellas, flash lights and early morning tea and coffee service are also provided. Game drives start at 6.30 a.m, earlier you will have had morning Tea or Coffee served in your tent. After a late breakfast you can laze by the swimming pool or take an escorted camel safari across the river. From the elevated wood-decked bar you can even do a bit of bird watching. Most evenings the Club's resident naturalist is on hand to explain the various species you will encounter. You can also join him for walking safaris conducted outside the reserve followed by a bush breakfast or a sundowner cocktail. You will be tempted to browse in the shop filled with interesting artifacts and local craft work. Full English breakfasts and buffet luncheons are served from gleaming chafing dishes under the dappled shade of trees on an elevated deck. A more formal candlelight dinner is served under the airy thatched roof of the main dining room.

MASAI MARA
The Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It is the Africa of your imagination - endless reaches of acacia-dotted grasslands studded with hazy hills. Everything is big in the Mara Reserve, from the herds of zebra and wildebeest, which originate in the Serengeti, to the many prides of lion that rest and laze in the shade. Your driver points out the sights that his trained eyes see long before you do. Suddenly your vehicle stops to allow a huge, ivory-tusked elephant to lumber across the road in front of you. One of the laws of the land in East Africa's parks is that animals, not people, have the right of way at all times; it is their world, we are the guests.

During the annual migration (July through October), millions of animals make a hazardous trek across the Serengeti to seek out fertile grasslands. The migration is a story of life and death. Thousands of new calves are born along the way, while countless others fall prey to lions, leopards and hyenas. It is a fascinating struggle for survival that repeats itself every year. The Masai Mara is home to over 80 species of mammals, including the big five (elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino) and over 300 species of birds. It is a vast area, covering over 1500 square kilometres. In Maa, the language of the Masai, the word Mara means spotted: referring to the verdant landscape of rolling hills pierced by a mosaic of bushes and small forests. It is here that you can really get the feel of the wide open spaces set against the deep blue African sky. The Mara is the ancestral home of the ancient warrior people - the Maasai. Fiercely proud and self-reliant, they are traditionally pastoral nomads, who have clung to their ancient way of life, living in harmony with their environment and the wildlife, together with their cattle, with whom they share a strong, almost mystical bond.

MARA INTREPIDS CLUB
Sheltered in an indigenous forest bordering the Talek river, its location for game viewing is second to none. This luxury tented lodge has been designed as a 'fly-in' camp with its own paved airstrip. Flying time from Nairobi is only 35 minutes. Access by road is via tracks only passable with 4WD vehicles, ensuring almost total exclusivity from the melee of minibus tours. The Mara Intrepids Club offers you a very special window on the wilderness. The club's guidelines comfort with style recreate the romance and charm of the old safari experience. Set under the shade of trees along the banks of the river, the only 30 tents are arranged in small clusters of twos, threes and fours making a number of mini-camps within the Club grounds. They are arguable the best the Mara has to offer: spacious, comfortable, handsomely furnished with custom milled African mahogany furniture, oversized four poster beds, ensuite bathrooms with showers, running hot and cold water, flush toilets and electricity. Bottled spring water, umbrellas, flashlights and hot water bottles are also provided. Early morning tea and coffee is served in your tents by unobtrusive stewards.

Game drives start early at 6.30 a.m in rugged 4WD game viewing vehicles. Usually there are opportunities to go out three times a day. Some of the game drives take place on the other side of the river which is reached by a suspension footbridge. You can opt to forego the midmorning drive and instead relax on a sunbed around the small sparkling swimming pool.

Alternatively, you can browse in the wildlife library or shop at the well-stocked gift boutique. The Club's resident naturalist is on hand to explain the various species you will encounter. You can even join him for walking safaris conducted outside the reserve followed by a bush breakfast or a sundowner cocktail. Sipping your favourite drink in the evening from the elevated wood decked bar, overhanging the river, you might chance to see the nocturnal genet, bush baby and almost always a baited leopard. At the other end of the camp is an elevated viewing deck where sunset views over the plains are unforgettable during the annual wildebeest migration. Full English breakfast and buffet luncheons are served from gleaming chafing dishes under the dappled shade of tress and to the sound of chattering monkeys. A more formal candlelight dinner is served under the vaulted thatched roof of the camphor decked dinning room.

KAREN BLIXEN COTTAGES
Next door to the Karen Blixen Museum, the Coffee Garden is located on the original estate of the Swedo African Coffee Company. The original property - Swedo House was built in 1912 and is maintained in its original form and a great venue for dining as a private party. Nestled among stately indigenous trees are 17 elegantly appointed cottage suites. Each is decorated in its own theme portrayed in the works of some of Kenya's talented local artists. With a wonderfully stocked curio shop, a choice of eating outside under the shade of a huge gum tree, in Swedo House or in the safari bar where many of Nairobi's safari characters come to dine, this is a welcome resting place after a travelling to Africa. This afternoon you may wish to visit the Karen Blixen Museum, the African home of Karen Blixen from 1917 to 1931. When she left Kenya her farm was auctioned off and now forms part of the famous suburb of Karen. Today the house offers a fascinating insight into colonial life in East Africa between the wars and a few of her original possessions remain. Later proceed to the Giraffe Centre to visit and feed by hand the Rothschild giraffes protected by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife.

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
The Great Rift Valley, the world's largest fault, is 900 meters, 30 kilometres wide and some 2,500 kilometres long. Visible from 90,000 miles in space, the Great Rift is a gigantic fault stretching from Mozambique in Southeastern Africa to the Jordan Valley in the North. Estimated to have widened by only one foot every 2,000 years, this massive chasm bisecting Kenya is 20 million years in the making. Volcanic activity occurring simultaneously with this rifting resulted in major changes to the Earth's landscape-lava flows, some 10,000 feet thick, blanketed the Earth's surface; groups of volcanoes, such as the Crater Highlands in Tanzania, were formed; and huge escarpments, including Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon, rose singularly and dramatically from the Rift Valley floor. In Kenya it is home to lakes such as Magadi, Nakuru, Elmenteita and Bogoria that have no outflows and therefore accumulate mineral salts brought from the highland areas which form an alkaline soup rich in algae. It is this "soup" that attracts millions of Lesser and Greater Flamingoes. Other lakes, such as Naivasha and Baringo, with outflowing rivers and resulting fresh water have their own diverse birdlife. Lake Nakuru National Park, described by Roger Tory Peterson as the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world. Certainly, the thousands of pink flamingos and fishing fleets of white pelicans are testament to his claim. Although birds are a major attraction over 400 species have been recorded here the acacia woodland surrounding the lake are amongst the finest examples of acacia forests in the region.

LAKE NAKURU LODGE
Located in the south eastern area of Lake Nakuru National Park & Rhino Sanctuary, the lodge is comfortable but not luxurious with accommodation for 120 people in family rooms, cottages or suites. Excellent views out over the lake, a refreshing swimming pool, and evening entertainment with a choice of bars and spacious dining area make this a comfortable hide-out inside the park itself and the perfect base to explore this beautiful park all day long.

• BOTSWANA
  KENYA
  MALAWI
  MADAGASCAR
  NAMIBIA
  SOUTH AFRICA
  ZAMBIA
  ZIMBABWE

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Fish Eagle Safaris
11152 Westheimer #150
Houston, TX 77042
Tel 1-800-513-5222 (USA and Canada)
Tel 713-467-5222 (from outside North America)
Fax 713/467-3208
E-mail: info@fisheaglesafaris.com