7 Day Migration Safari

12-15 August 2011
On arrival in the Mara on 12 August, we will be met by our lodge guides, who will transport us to the camp.
After lunch and settling into our tented rooms, we will be ready for our first afternoon game drive into the Mara.
The Masai Mara is world famous for its black-manned lions and the annual migration of the wildebeest, listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the modern world. Set in this wild milieu, is the ultimate getaway, the Mara Explorer.
The luxury canvas getaway poses on its own private peninsula with the Talek meandering around it. Pods of hippos lounge in the muddy waters during the day and it's not uncommon to see the occasional crocodile sunning itself on the sandy beaches edging the riverbanks.
With only ten luxurious tents on the peninsula, each tent opens to the river below with the stunning spread of the savanna. This superb location makes for wonderful game-watching from the comfort of your bed, bath or verandah. It's best not to try impersonating Tarzan here for the resident hippos and crocodiles like their privacy too!
While at Mara Explorer we will have three full days to explore the reserve and the Talek riverfront, photographing the wildebeests and zebras along with the resident predators of the region. We will focus on river crossings whenever the opportunity presents.

15-16 August 2011
Mara Sopa Lodge - Masai Mara (along the Mara river), Kenya

On 15 August after breakfast at Mara Explorer, we will take our morning game drive and head along the way towards Lodge near the Mara river. After our game drive and arrival at Mara Sopa Lodge, we will have lunch and settle into our rooms.
The setting at Sopa lodge is magical. So much so that almost a century ago it was reserved exclusively for special guests. Sopa lodge nestles in the forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with bird life, hippo and crocodile. Special care is taken to preserve an atmosphere in which today's traveler can share the same elemental landscape that inspired Hemingway and magnetized adventurers the world over.
All guest facilities are under canvas and keep the authentic, traditional safari atmosphere. The guest tents are large, light and bright, with beige canvas, spacious bathrooms and extended verandahs. Some of the tents have views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, while others look over the banks of the meandering Mara River. All tents are in the classic safari style, each with en-suite bathrooms with shower and basin, running cold and hot water as well as a flush toilet. Gas and paraffin lamps are used for lighting.
We will spend 2nights at the Sopa lodge and again spend our time out in the Mara on game drives. Our emphasis here is again on the big herds of the migration, the resident predators, and always on the look-out for river crossings!

Day 17
Head back to Nairobi to international airport at 1000hrs.

COSTS
The cost of this all-inclusive safari is $1500 per person. This fee includes accommodation (double occupancy) and all meals (except as noted above and in exclusions below). For a balloon safari an extra charge of $200pp will be required. Visitation to a Masai village a extra $80pp

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
WHAT IS INCLUDED
• Accommodation on a shared basis (singles available on a limited basis and dependent upon availability and at extra cost). 2 team leaders (FOC)
• 4x4 private safari vehicles(land cruiser) and guides in both Masai Mara camps.
• Luggage allowance on the scheduled air transfers between Nairobi and Masai Mara of 34kg (75 pounds) per person.
• All safari activities and transfers to/from the airports and the lodges
• Daily laundry.
• Masai Mara Game Reserve fees.
• Meet & Assist service on arrival in Nairobi.
• All meals and drinks (excluding premium brands)
• One full row per guest on game drive vehicles in the Mara.
• Lunch at The Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi on final day.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
• Visas
• Travel Insurance
• Personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls etc.)
• Gratuities for guides and hotel staff (at your own discretion).