Classic Kenya
Duffle & Compass Exclusive 2010 Safari
A 12-day private safari escorted by founder Carol Oken
September 30 to October 11, 2010
BOOKING NOW!
Limited to 10 persons
This classic East Africa safari takes us to three different areas of Kenya beginning in Amboseli, with snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro as the dramatic backdrop. Here we’ll observe the most-studied herds of elephants in the world, and learn about their intelligence and social dynamics. We’ll sit silently in the Shaba Reserve and watch how the river draws the animals to drink in this oasis in the midst of arid lands. Winging our way to the Masai Mara may give us a chance to see the massive herds of the great wildebeest migration from the air. Once on the ground we’ll search out the predators and have a front row seat for the show! Our classic 1920s style camp is reminiscent of a long ago era of safari-going. This is an adventure of a lifetime!
Thursday, September 30 Nairobi
You will be met upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and transferred to Macushla House where you will have dinner before retiring for a good night’s sleep. The Macushla House is located just outside the city center, in a peaceful garden setting.
Friday, October 1 Amboseli
After an early breakfast we’ll head to Wilson Airport for our flight to Amboseli. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to Tortilis Camp.
Amboseli is best known for its unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro and the local elephant population which numbers over 1,000 and includes some of the largest elephants in Africa. The spacious, en-suite tents have wooden floors, bathrooms with hot running water, stone floors, shower and flush toilet. Each veranda has a view of Kilimanjaro. Game drives, walks, sundowners and bush meals take place both inside the park, and within a private 30,000 acre game concession.
Saturday & Sunday, October 2 & 3 Amboseli
We will visit the Amboseli Elephant Research Project headquarters founded by Dr. Cynthia Moss, a world-leading expert on African elephant family structure, life cycle, and behavior. This American woman began her work in 1972 and this is now the longest study of wild elephants in the world. The elephant population in Amboseli National Park is one of the few that has been able to live a relatively undisturbed existence in natural conditions. This rare situation is primarily due to two factors – the presence of researchers and tourists in the park, and the support of the local Maasai people. Another day, our local Maasai guides will take us walking and introduce us to their culture.
Monday, October 4 Shaba National Reserve
This morning we’ll look upon the awesome Kilimanjaro for the last time as we wing our way north to the Shaba Reserve in the eastern corner of the Samburu. Upon arrival we’ll be transferred to Joy’s Camp in time for lunch and perhaps a short siesta during the heat of the day. Later we’ll head out in our 4x4 open vehicle for our first game drive here in this arid landscape and see what might cross our path.
This reserve is located in the eastern corner of the Samburu ecosystem, an arid landscape dotted with lush springs and rocky river gorges. The secluded camp overlooks a large natural spring where elephant and lion jostle for watering rights with herds of buffalo and the rare desert species of Beisa Oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. Joy’s Camp was built on the site of Joy Adamson’s home. The author and conservationist is best known for Born Free. The white, en-suite tents feature verandas, bedroom area, stone-floored bathroom with flush toilet, hot running water and shower.
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 5 & 6 Shaba National Reserve
Our days at Joy’s Camp will be filled with game drives, guided bush walks and learning about Joy Adamson’s life in Kenya. We’ll enjoy bush breakfasts and sundowners along the river. If there are nomadic tribes in the area, we will visit their village. The camp features a swimming pool, so don’t forget your bathing suit!
Thursday, October 7 Masai Mara
This morning we’ll be transferred to the airstrip for our light aircraft transfer to the Masai Mara. Upon arrival we’ll be met and transferred to Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp in time for lunch.
Cottar’s is situated in an exclusive concession area of the Masai Mara bordering Tanzania’s Serengeti and Loliondo reserves. The area guarantees privacy, which can be hard to come by in the Masai Mara, and an abundance of wildlife. Accommodations are in authentic white canvas tents, which are spacious and luxuriously furnished with original safari antiques from the 1920s. Each en-suite tent consists of a main bedroom, private dressing room and bathroom, and outdoor veranda. 
Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is a 4th generation, family run, safari outfitting company originally registered in British East Africa in 1919. Activities include day and night game drives, guided bush walks, bush meals & sundowners, cultural visits, line fishing and swimming in the spring-fed pool.
Friday & Saturday, October 8 & 9 Masai Mara
The Great Wildebeest Migration depends on rain to green 
the plains for the estimated 1.3 million wildebeest to graze. The annual migration is generally found in the Masai Mara anytime from July through October. The spectacle of these enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra along with their predators – lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and the massive crocodiles that wait in the rivers for crossings -- provide a front row seat for the cycle of life.
Sunday, October 10 Nairobi
This morning we will be transferred to the airstrip to catch our flight back to Wilson Airport in Nairobi. We’ll be met and transferred to Macushla House. After lunch, there will be time for shopping or catching up on your journal writing. This evening’s dinner is sure to be full of reminiscing over our adventures of the last ten days!
Monday, October 11 Nairobi
After breakfast our driver will collect us for a visit to Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage and the Karen Blixen Museum. After lunch, we’ll make shopping stops at UTAMADUNI Craft Centre, and Kazuri Beads & Pottery, among others.
We will have time to freshen up and pack before an early dinner and transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for our home bound flights.
Price
Estimated price is $6,800 per person/sharing (12 days/11 nights)
Estimated single supplement is $995
The estimated price is subject to some fluctuation based on the number of confirmed travelers, and any unforeseen fuel surcharges or increase in park fees.
Included in price:
- * All accommodations as specified on a shared basis
- * Nairobi accommodations, meals & activities as specified.
- * All safari camps are on an all-inclusive basis including all meals, bottled water, soft drinks, house wine, local brand spirits & beer, coffee & tea, refreshments on game drives, and laundry service.
- * All professional guide fees, conservation & community fees & activities as specified
- * All land and air transfers as specified
- * Flying Doctors Medical evacuation insurance
Not included in price:
- * International air
- * Gratuities for your safari guides & camp staff
- * Drinks at Macushla House in Nairobi
- * Optional Hot Air Balloon activity in the Masai Mara
- * Massage and spa treatments, and any items for personal use
- * Passport and visa fees
- * Travel insurance
- * Any pre- or post-safari plans
Reservations
This safari is limited to 10 persons and reservations are taken on a first-come-first-reserved basis.
Contact Duffle & Compass for current availability and further information.
