Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi

Cnr Parklands Rd and Msapo Close

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 374 0920

Fax: +254 20 374 8823

Nairobi. Upon arrival you will be met at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International airport by a Local Representative. Transfer to the hotel will take approximately 40 minutes. There will be a pre departure meeting at 6pm in the hotel to meet your fellow travellers, and for a safari orientation by your local guide.

Pleease ensure that you provide us with your flight arrival details so that we can arrange your arrival transfer. 

Sweetwaters to Samburu.  After an English buffet breakfast at the camp, we set out for a game drive in the sanctuary. We visit Morani, the tamed orphaned black Rhino who has been reared by hand and can even be touched and cuddled! Children love to have their photo taken with him. We also visit the Jane Goodall chimpanzee sanctuary, home to over 40 chimpanzees rescued from Burundi. The chimpanzees are reared for reintroduction back into the wild. Depending on time, you may be able to take an optional camel ride.

After lunch at the camp we check out and depart. Our drive takes us further north to Samburu national reserve. After registering at the park gate we proceed with game viewing en-route to our camp. Samburu wildlife reserve is situated in the arid and rugged part of the country, north of Mount Kenya and the Equator. It is watered by the river Uaso Nyiro which apart from supporting life in this dry area, is home to an impressive population of crocodiles, usually seen sunning themselves on the river banks. Along the riverbed the rare Doum Palms dot the otherwise scrubby, dry landscape adding to the beauty of the scenery. Rolling hills form a stunning backdrop to the landscape making this a photographer’s paradise.

There are rare species of animals found only in this region and these include the reticulated Giraffe, the Somali Ostrich and the Grevy’s Zebra. Other game include Elephant, Buffalo, Impala, Gazelle, the long necked Gerenuk, the beautiful Kudu, Dik Dik, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and Oryx. It was in Samburu national reserve that a Lioness adopted an Oryx  baby three times protecting it from other predators and seemingly affording it motherly love. Scientists have since been investigating this strange and abnormal behavior by the beast. Birdlife in this area is prolific. Over 300 species have been identified. 

On arrival at the Intrepids Tented camp we check in. Dinner is taken in the camp. The luxury tents all have en-suite facilities, with verandahs overlooking the riverbanks where elephant and buffalo regularly come in to drink. (B,L,D)

Samburu to Lake Nakuru.  This morning, we have breakfast at the lodge before checking out. We cross the Equator and skirt the Aberdare mountain ranges to the great Rift Valley. We stop off at Kenya’s longest waterfalls – the Nyahururu Falls where we have a picnic lunch. Then we continue in a westerly direction to Lake Nakuru National Park. After registering at the park gate, we begin our game drive in the park and around the lake.

This park is an all time favourite for vistors as well as locals. It is an ornithologist’s paradise, as hundreds of thousands of flamingos live on this lake feeding on algae, their main diet. Lake Nakuru National Park is also famous as its large population of pink flamingos, featured in the movie “Out of Africa”. The fishing pelicans are also seen in large colonies swimming amongst the flamingos as they go about their fishing errands. Stilts, cormorants, Goliath heron, egret and Masai ostrich are just some of the birds to be found around the lake. The park around the lake was recently designated as a Rhino sanctuary. Here, both the black and the white Rhino are regularly seen with ease. Although not native to this park, these animals were introduced since the park offers good security from poachers.  The rhinos are involved in an active breeding program to maintain and improve gene pool diversity. It is also the best park to observe leopard whose population here is impressive. This is home to the rare and endangered Rothschild Giraffe. Other game include cape Buffalo, Waterbuck, Impala, Gazelle, Common Zebra and Lion. So don’t forget your binoculars!

We check into our lodge in the early evening, and have dinner at the lodge. (B, L, D)

Masai Mara. After our wake up call, we have tea, coffee and some pastries before we join our driver/guides and set out for an early morning game drive in the reserve. This is the best time to go out in search of game as during the early hours temperatures are low and so comfortable for the animals to roam the vast savannahs. It is the best time to chance catching lions and leopards on their hunting trails.

The reserve is home to the largest population of lions to be found in Kenya, as well as huge herds of elephant and antelopes. The area is bisected by the Mara River which every now and then comes into tumultuous flood, and which is boarded by a section of luxurious riverine forest. Hippo laze in its waters, while drowsy looking crocodiles sunbathe on the banks, mouths agape. Birdlife is prolific with over 400 species easily identified.

We return to the camp for breakfast, and the rest of the morning is spent at leisure in the camp. Again there are plenty of activities in the Adventurers and Young Rangers Clubs.

We have lunch in the camp, and later in the afternoon, we set out on our afternoon game drive in the reserve, returning to the camp before nightfall, and for dinner.  (B, L, D)

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Please note the following are approximate prices and can vary, however this should help you with your budgeting.

Kenya - All passport holders are required to obtain a visa; this can be done at the airport on arrival - $25 USD payable in US$ cash only. The visa fee has now been waived for all those under 16 years of age.

Also, if your flight departs Kenya, you may need to pay $40USD Departure tax. Please check with your travel agent.

Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.

• Do not take unnecessary valuables with you.
• A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
• DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Africa, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Likewise do not leave your valuables in your tent - there is a safe available on the truck.
• Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care.
• Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
• Kumuka vehicles have secure doors but it is never foolish to be cautious.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$100-200 per week for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). 

Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques.

Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities and in Southern Africa; they are, however, useful in case of emergency.  Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa.

Please do NOT rely on using ATM’s. They are not widely available or reliable though this situation is slowly changing.

How much should I take?· 

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com