Monthly Archives: March 2012

SPECIAL OFFER @ $ 660 Per Person sharing

SPECIAL OFFER @ $ 660 Per Person sharing (FROM JULY – OCT 2012) MIN 4 PAX.

THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION SPECTACLE AT MAASAI MARA RESERVE.

Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara National Reserve

• At 08h30, in the morning, you will be Met and greet by our driver guide at JKIA / Hotel
• Depart for Maasai Mara Reserve with a stopover at the Great Rift Valley View Point.
• Proceed arriving at Mar…a in time for Lunch at the Sentrim Mara Luxury Tented Camp or similar.
• After a short siesta, enjoy an afternoon (15h30 – 18h30) game drives in the reserve in search of the Big five and other plains game animals.
• Dinner and Overnight at the Sentrim Mara Luxury Tented Camp

Day 2: Maasai Mara National Reserve

• Full day game drives in the reserve.drive as far as the crossing zones e.g Hippo pools where the great spectacle of wildebeest is witnessed.
• All meals in the camp.
• Dinner and Overnight Sentrim Mara Luxury Tented Camp or similar

Day 3: Maasai Mara – Nairobi

• At 06h00 – 09h00, enjoy an early morning game drives.
• Return for an appetizing hot buffet breakfast in the camp.
• After a short siesta depart for Nairobi
• Arrive in the afternoon and drop off at your city Hotel or at JKIA airport.

1) Our package for above arrangements includes:
– Accommodation in Sentrim Mara Luxury Tented Camp on full-board basis.
– Transport in a private 4×4 safari Van with a pop-up roof top for game viewing and photography.
– Park entrance fees to Maasai Mara national reserve.
– Game drives in Maasai Mara national reserves
– Government taxes
– Services of professional English speaking Driver-guides .
– Window seat is guaranteed

2) Our Package DOES NOT include:
– International flights
– International departure taxes
– Personal insurance cover
– Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks except mineral water while on safari
– Gratuities, tips, cigarettes, laundry
– Any item of personal nature
– Any other item NOT mentioned above
– Any deviation from above itinerary

Safari Cost:

In case you like this package or any other tailor made package and need more consultation,please don’t hesitate to alert the Safari Specialist below.
http://www.ettontravel.com

The Fourteen Falls

Fourteen Falls is located about 65KM away from Nairobi off Thika-Garissa road.The fall derives its name from their fourteen successive water falls along the famous Athi river,border between Thika and Machakos district.There is a lot to see and to do while in the scenic site,boating,fishing,photography,bird watching among other activities.Near the falls lies Kilimambogo a Swahili word for Mount of the Buffalo and home to the great philanthropist Sir Macmillan.Halfway up the hill you will find the graves of Sir Macmillan,his wife and their housekeeper.Its on the foot of the hill that Macmillan entertained on separate occasions Theodore Roosevelt,former president of the US,Sir Winston Churchill,former prime minister of the U.K

Balloon Safaris over the Maasai Mara, Kenya

Balloon Safaris over the Maasai Mara, Kenya

Float with us in the early light of dawn above the grazing herds of game in the Maasai Mara. This, Kenya’s best known Game Reserve is world famous for its herds of buffalo, prides of lion and the vast concentrations of wildebeest that migrate from the Serengeti Plains each year. The vast grassland plains are scattered with herds of Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelle, and Topi. With its gentle rolling landscape the Mara is surely the finest place on earth to go ballooning.

A gentle ascent lifts you well above tree-top level and the light soothing breeze allows you to enjoy a panoramic view of wildlife below and offers great and unique photographic opportunities. Apart from the hiss of the burners, the flight above the Masai Mara plains is magically silent.

Rutundu Royal Trek

Rutundu Log Cabins are unique to Africa. Located on the rim of Lake Rutundu and overlooking the northeastern face of Mount Kenya, these cabins are the perfect escape from the ‘safari circuit’ or the bustle of Nairobi. At 10,200 feet (3100 meters) above sea level, both the vegetation and the wildlife are distinctive
ACTIVITIES – WALKING, FISHING, BIRDWATCHING, HORSERIDING
Walking – The area surrounding Rutundu is a hiker’s paradise, and the staff at Rutundu can guide you. One of the most popular walks is a route of approx. 2 hours up to Lake Alice, through Giant Groundsel and Heather forests.
Fishing – Rutundu is not only a nature lover’s haven, but is also an ideal spot for fishermen. Both Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice are stocked with rainbow trout, and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The average catch is 2 to 3 lbs, with larger fish reaching up to 6 lbs. (It is not everyone who can claim to have caught a trout within 5 Km of the equator.) On Lake Rutundu a rowing boat is provided and there are also casting platforms. Previous experience in fly-fishing is not necessary. Near Lake Rutundu is the Kizita River Gorge, a crystal clear river with brown trout. Bird watching Due to Rutundu’s unique location there are ample opportunities for birdwatchers, not least from the breakfast table where scarlet-tufted malachite sunbirds (Nectarinia johnstoni) are seen most mornings.
Horse Riding
Neighbouring Kisima Farm now organises rides up through the forest and moorland to Rutundu. Overnight stays are then advisable. The horses are well-trained polo horses, however you need to be an experienced rider

Rutundu Camp is where prince William actually engaged Kate Middleton.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a small, flexible charity, established in 1977 to honour to memory of a famous Naturalist, David Leslie William Sheldrick MBE, the founder Warden of Tsavo East National Park in Kenya, where he served from its inception in 1948 until his transfer to Nairobi in 1976 to head the Planning Unit of the newly created Wildlife Conservation & Management Department. David died 6 months later but his legacy of excellence and the systems he installed for the management of Tsavo and wildlife generally in Kenya, particularly in the sphere of wildlife husbandry and ethics, lives on.

Charitable Status & How they Operate

Since its inception, the Trust has remained true to his principles and ideals, its modus of operation overseen by 6 competent and well versed Trustees assisted by an Advisory Committee of practical Naturalists with a lifetime experience of wildlife, local environmental conditions and the history of conservation in this country. In 2004 the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust attained US Charitable status enhancing its corporate funding capability under the guidance of the U.S. based Friends of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, all whom work on a voluntary basis. On 9th June 2004 it was incorporated as a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee in the U.K. and granted charitable status by the Charities Commission, its Charity No. 1103836. A Company Limited by Guarantee retains the overall jurisdiction of the Trust’s existing Trustees over the disbursement of funds generated in the U.K.
The Trust’s Conservation Ethics

The Trust has played an extremely significant role in Kenya’s conservation effort since it was founded in 1977, speaking out when necessary on controversial issues and stepping in unobtrusively and rapidly to bridge a gap or meet a shortfall that jeopardizes wildlife during times of Governmental economic constraints. Because in life David Sheldrick strongly censored the extravagance of exorbitant overheads, the Trust places great emphasis on minimal expenditure in this respect, thereby ensuring that donations given in support of wildlife reach their target in full in the most practical and positive manner. The reputation of the Trust is a proud one, as was the record of the man whose name it bears, thanks to the dedication and energy of a competent Staff committed to the example of David Sheldrick as their role model.

Aberdares

The Aberdares is best known for being home of the famous Treetops hotel in Nyeri.it was where the passing of her father in 1952,Princess Elizabeth became queen of England.part of the range is protected as the Aberdares National Park and encompasses all the land above 3200 metres as well as a portion of land towards the eat,known as the salient which reaches down to 2130 metres near Nyeri Town.The Aberdares forest is rich in wildlife e.g Elephant,rhino,warthog,dikdik,reed buck and the very and rare bongo

Aberdares

The Aberdares is best known for being home of the famous Treetops hotel in Nyeri.it was where the passing of her father in 1952,Princess Elizabeth became queen of England.part of the range is protected as the Aberdares National Park and encompasses all the land above 3200 metres as well as a portion of land towards the eat,known as the salient which reaches down to 2130 metres near Nyeri Town.The Aberdares forest is rich in wildlife e.g Elephant,rhino,warthog,dikdik,reed buck and the very and rare bongo

Masai Mara in Kenya

Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is known as Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserve, situated in southwest Kenya. Famous for the abundance of lion, the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Maasai people, well known for their distinctive custom and dress, it is without a doubt Africa’s most famous safari destination.

Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles) and raises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. The terrain of the reserve is primarily grassland and riverine forest with clumps of the distinctive acacia trees. It’s about 270 km from the capital city Nairobi and takes about 5-6 hours by road or 40-45 minutes by flight.

The Maasai Mara Ecosystem holds one of the highest lion densities in world and this is where over TWO MILLION Wildebeest, Zebra and Thomsons Gazelle migrate annually. Its hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds.

Samburu National Park

Samburu National Reserve is situated within the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Measuring approximately 104sq. kilometres (approx. 65sq. miles) in size, this unfenced savannah grassland is roughly 350km (217 miles) from Nairobi. It is relatively small in size compared to other Kenyan parks, such as Tsavo or Masai Mara.

Samburu national reserve derives its name from the Samburu people of Kenya who have lived in the area for many years.
The Uaso Nyiro River cuts through this reserve, drawing a big population of Kenya animals to the park. The river bustles with activity from its huge population of Nile crocodile.

The reserve’s topography is mainly open savannah (grassland) with clusters of acacia trees, forest, thorn trees and grassland vegetation.

Samburu National Reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness. Their story was made famous by the bestselling book and award-winning movie “Born Free”.
The game reserve is renowned for its rare species of animals unique to the park, namely: the long necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa onyx. The elusive Kenya leopard is often known to visit the park, especially in the evenings.

Other Kenyan wildlife present in the park includes cheetahs and lions, as well as elephants, buffalo and hippos.

Birdlife is as plentiful as wildlife at Samburu National Reserve, which boasts over 350 different species of birds including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, Somali ostriches and others. Share what’s interesting to you

Nairobi,Most dynamic city

Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, is known as the “green city in the sun” for many reasons. It is Kenya’s largest city with a population of nearly four million.

Nairobi is a city full of contrasts. It’s old enough so you can feel its past and multi-ethnic enough so you can experience Kenyan culture, yet it’s modern enough to get Internet access. It’s a city that blends people from all cultures and walks of life. Adorned with modern skyscrapers, world class restaurants, fully equipped hospitals, modern shopping malls, schools, abundant private and public transportation, and universities and colleges that provide local and international curriculum – you will find it all in Nairobi.

The city is also home to numerous local and international businesses and organizations. Nairobi bustles with activity. It’s a city that never sleeps; the rhythm is fast, day and night. There’s always something to do and see in Nairobi and its people are friendly and hospitable.
Welcome to Nairobi, Kenya!

Although it has many positive features, like any other large city, Nairobi has its fair share of problems and faces enormous challenges that range from congested roads and streets to crime and poverty in the neighboring slums of Kibera and Mathare.
History

Nairobi began in the late 1890s as a railway camp, where the British rested as they built the “lunatic express” – the Mombasa to Uganda railway line. It was originally named “Ewaso Nai´beri”, but the British had difficulty pronouncing this and, instead, coined their own name “Nairobi”. Because of its central location in Kenya, Nairobi later became the British provincial capital and, finally, the capital city of Kenya.
How to get there

If you are flying to Kenya, Nairobi is the perfect starting point for traveling to the various areas of the country. It’s centrally located, with an international airport and converging road network connecting it to most parts of Kenya. International airlines fly to Nairobi from Europe, the United States, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and other places. Nairobi is also the main airline hub to most other African countries and destinations. The main railway line also passes through Nairobi, and there are plenty of private and public transportation options for traveling between Nairobi and other Kenyan cities.
Attractions

Nairobi, being the capital of Kenya, is a central attraction for Kenyan tourism and local and international activities and events. Before you think of visiting any other part of the country, check out Nairobi’s wide variety of interesting attractions and sights.
Culture & Lifestyle

Everyday Nairobi life is a bustle of activity as people go about their business. Nairobians juggle work, and personal and family obligations, while still finding time to enjoy their social favorites and contribute to the community. For locals, a typical weekend in Nairobi is very busy, from business/networking functions, sporting events and recreational activities to family weddings, barbecues and church events. Nairobi never slows down.
Business

As the largest center of business and trade in East Africa, Nairobi is also the regional location of and headquarters for various international companies and organizations. The central business district also houses many of Kenya’s big businesses and banks, including the Nairobi Stock Exchange. Being the center of government and its organizations, Nairobi is the city where most business is transacted.
Shopping

Shopping in Nairobi is fun, easy, convenient and safe. With plenty of modern shopping malls, grocery stores, open-air markets, convenience stores and supermarkets located throughout the city, you will find enough choices to fit your budget and taste
Dining

Great places to dine in Nairobi range from fast food restaurants to restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Kenyan cuisine. Across the city and into the suburbs, there are plenty of regular and fine dining venues. Enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Indian, American, French, European flair and more.
Nightlife

Nairobi nightlife bustles with activity. You can enjoy a night out at one of the many Nairobi clubs, do karaoke, watch a movie or have dinner in a fine restaurant. At night, Nairobi offers abundant entertainment options catering to different interests.
Accommodation

From one to five star Nairobi hotels and lodges, budget accommodations, guesthouses, self-catering, lifestyle or apartment living, Nairobi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget, taste and lifestyle.
Getting Around

Nairobi is well served by a public transportation system comprised of buses, matatus, minibuses and taxicabs. You may also decide to use a car rental to get around.