Kenya Safari 2024 Ol Pejeta & Masai Mara Conservancies

SUMMARY

Date: Thursday Oct 24th to Sat Nov 2nd 2024

Guide: Alison Mees with a driver from Gamewatchers Safaris

Base : You stay in 3 places

24^th October 1 night Eka Hotel, Nairobi

25^th October 4 nights Rhino Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy

29^th October 4 nights Cheetah Camp, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Mara

Price: £4850 or US Dollars $5960 pp sharing a tent as advised whilst on Safari 

Single supplements are available for those who would like their own tent.  Otherwise single travellers will be paired with another single traveller of the same gender.

What is Included:

• 1 night Nairobi Hotel on B & B basis, to reduce the stress and rushing on arrival in Kenya.
• Flights to and from the Masai Mara/Ol Pejeta from Wilson Airport
• Airport transfers on arrival and to Wilson Airport (departure day from Wilson Airport the transfer is extra)
• 8 nights accommodation, meals and safari activities at the camps.
• Local alcoholic beverages at the camps
• Exclusive 4 x 4 vehicles, giving us full control over our activities.
• Park fees
• 1 visit to a Masai Village
• Optional walking safari & night drives
• Flying Doctor emergency medical service

 What is not Included:

• International Flight
• Kenya Visa (currently $50)
• Travel Insurance
• Items of a personal nature and gratuities
• Additional nights in Nairobi or another camp/Conservancy

DETAILS

A safari is on many of our WalkingWomen’s trip of a lifetime. Our guests who went last year would all highly recommend it.

Alison has spent over 3.5 years living and working in the Mara and know the Conservancies and some of the lion prides and cheetahs well.

For October 2024 Alison is leading a safari to Kenya where camps are based in Conservancies, close to the action and far less crowded. The crowds of 30+ vehicles per sighting that can be seen in the Reserve are never at risk in the conservancies.    Knowledge of the animal’s behaviour is a key component to wildlife photography and this allows us to often predict where the animal will be in a few minutes time when we are on a sighting.  This allows the animal to come to us which is a much better experience and most importantly for the wildlife as it puts them at ease (no chasing). As with any natural environment, the wildlife comes first and us second.  We ensure that the welfare of the wildlife is not compromised or impeded by our presence.

Using small tented camps giving an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.  Meals are freshly prepared each day, so any diet requirements can be catered for.  Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta has a waterhole in front of the camp and the added bonus of a hide where you can sit and watch what comes and goes from the waterhole.

Vehicles

Using open sided 4×4 vehicles with a maximum of 4 people in a vehicle.  Giving you plenty of space to move around when needed.

The Camps:

Rhino Camp

This small and intimate safari eco- camp is located within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a vast 90000-acre wildlife area between the Aberdares and the majestic Mount Kenya. The conservancy is home to a variety of animals including the “Big Five”. It is the largest sanctuary in East Africa for the endangered Black Rhino and is also a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees.

Rhino Camp is in a secluded valley, on the banks of a seasonal river and under the shade of acacia trees. The Kenyan safari camp in Ol Pejeta consists of just eight spacious and comfortable guest tents, one of which is a two roomed family unit.  The camp also features the only photographic hide in the conservancy. The hide overlooks a busy watering hole at the front of the mess area. Each tent has been carefully sited to take advantage of the wonderful surrounding views and is tastefully furnished and has solar-power lighting and en-suite hot shower and flush toilet.

Cheetah Camp

Cheetah Camp is located in a unique and stunning setting within Ol Kinyei Conservancy, with yellow bark acacia trees around the camp. This area borders Naboisho Conservancy, giving us the chance to game drive in both areas, and is home to an abundance of animals including the Mara’s renowned Big Cats. There is unsurpassed game-viewing within the conservancy due to its unspoiled natural state and the Porini Lion Camp – with just six tents ensures guests have a genuine “away from it all” experience deep in the African bush. The Ol Kinyei Conservancy ensures a true wilderness experience with one of the lowest tourist densities in the Mara region and the highest lion densities.

ITINERARY

These safaris are flexible with the itinerary starting early each morning as this is the best light to photograph in, but also the time when the predators are more active.  During the trip you will take a walk across the open plains, game drives morning, afternoon and a night drive, spend time at the waterhole/hide at Ol Pejeta.  As a wildlife photographer Alison will also be available to give advice and support for those wanting to improve photography skills.