Connect with people and conservation projects on luxury journeys that give back to wildlife and communities

Your journey at a glance

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day philanthropic journey through the heart of Africa. Explore Nairobi, offering an abundance of exciting, diverse conservation experiences including adopting an elephant from the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and observing or hand-feeding the elegant Rothschild giraffes at the Giraffe Centre.

Duration:            12 Days, 11 Nights

Rate:                    From USD11 386

Region:                Nairobi / Chyulu Hills / Lewa Downs / Masai Mara

Meet individuals from the Community Leaders Education Fund bursary programme, who are developing natural leadership potential and improving their career opportunities by studying at a local college or university. Tread across vast plains at Chyulu Hills National Park accompanied by a Maasai warrior, with tribal knowledge that spans over centuries.

Learn the traditional Maasai way of life and discover how they live in harmony alongside Africa’s majestic wildlife. Cherish the sanctuary at Ol Pejeta and Lewa Downs conservancy, a safe haven for chimps and rhino, and delve into initiatives by the Africa Foundation and &Beyond, grounded in community participation and driven by local leadership.

• 2 night Nairobi


• 3 nights Kuku Group Ranch (near Chyulu Hills))


• 3 nights Lewa Downs Conservancy


• 3 nights Masai Mara

What we love about this journey:

• Cherish a private visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, embark on a tour of this wildlife orphanage, and meet the elephants that you have the opportunity to adopt


• Meet a Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) student


• Spend time with the team from the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust


• Walk with a Maasai and learn about his fascinating culture, and how his community is conserving wildlife areas


• Explore the Lewa Downs conservancy, learning about the history of the region and how the conservation model had developed


• Visit the Sweetwaters chimpanzee and rhino sanctuary on Ol Pejeta


• Witness one of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos


• Engage with a Maasai community, gaining insight into their way of life, challenges and their future


• Savour a day with the Africa Foundation program manager visiting schools and community projects, understanding how the Africa Foundation and &Beyond works with communities to enable sustainable development


• Join a conservation lesson with the &Beyond staff and children from one of the nearby community schools

Perfect for

• Individuals and families who have an interest in conservation and community development


• Wildlife enthusiasts

The spirit of Lewa Safari Camp

Nestled within the sprawling Laikipia plains, the charming Lewa Safari Camp is set on the privately-owned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy; home to a splendid array of wildlife, and some of Kenya’s most spectacular scenery. Spacious and luxurious, each of the camp’s thatch-covered tents boasts a comfortable bed, lovely ensuite bathroom and private veranda. The guest areas overlook a popular waterhole and include a dining room, library, bar and an inviting sitting area with a fireplace. In between game viewing adventures, guests can retreat to the coolness of a sparkling swimming or enjoy a spot of game viewing from the camp’s hide. Adventures include twice-daily game drives, guided walks, Ngare Ndare forest excursions, horseback safaris and camel rides, as well as enchanting cultural tours.

What we love about Lewa Safari Camp

• Experienced equestrians will delight in a tranquil horseback safari – a fantastic alternative to game drives.


• After an exhilarating game drive, treat yourself to a pampering massage.


• Tuck into a delicious bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness.

Campi ya Kanzi

The superb Campi Ya Kanzi eco-lodge is tucked away in a pristine, Maasai-owned private game reserve. Tented cottages and suites offer fantastic views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tsavo Hills and the Chyulu Hills. Constructed from canvas, stone and wood, each tent has a distinct and decidedly authentic character. All have private verandas that open out onto vistas filled with wildlife.

Like the menu itself, the dining area at the heart of the camp is a tasteful combination of European and Kenyan. Hearty Italian food (think homemade pasta, risotto and gelato) is accompanied by a wonderful selection of South African and Italian wines and is served in a cosy dining area that is open to the incredible landscape. Guests can sip on a sundowner and spy on game from the sitting room, which overlooks a nearby waterhole. Adventures include Maasai-guided walking safaris, game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, day excursions to Tsavo National Park or afternoons spent at the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust.

What we love about Camp Ya Kanzi

• Experience the thrill of tracking game on foot with the Maasai.


• Unwind on your private veranda with a refreshing sundowner, watching wildlife interact at a nearby waterhole.


• Ask your hosts about the forest walk or a picturesque picnic in the Chyulu Hills.

The spirit of &Beyond Bateleur Camp

Tucked away at the foot of the scenic Oloololo escarpment (the rim of the Great Rift Valley) in Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve, is the classic and elegant &Beyond Bateleur Camp.

Here, amidst the reserve’s astounding year-round concentration of animals, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, guests can experience an unsurpassed wildlife experience.

This romantic and totally private camp reflects the ambiance of Kenyan safaris of the ‘20s and ‘30s and is situated below the scenic location where the famous final scene of the movie Out of Africa was filmed.

Adventures at &Beyond Bateleur Camp include twice-daily game drives, including spot-lit night drives. The camp also offers a range of additional activities such as bush walks, hot air balloon safaris and community excursions that include soul-tickling interactions with the Maasai.

Why we love it

• Day and night game drives, bush walks and hot air ballooning available nearby


• Breath-taking views over the Masai Mara – set just below the spot where Out of Africa’s famous final scene was filmed


• Ambiance of classic Kenyan safari


• Community visit, including interaction with the Maasai


• Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, first time and repeat travellers, nature lovers, photographers, birders

Please click here to contact one of our consultants to assist you with a comprehensive itinerary

ENTEBBE | BWINDI | QUEEN ELIZABETH | KIBALE | SEMLIKI | KIDEPO

Uganda is a land of contrasts. In half a day you can drive from mist-shrouded volcanic mountains to hot hazy savannah, dappled with wildlife. Serene undulating hills of tea plantations, lush but ordered, give way to tangled jungle and rainforest with the musical accompaniment of chaotic, cacophonous birdlife. Uganda is alive with these contrasts:

The tiniest sunbirds, iridescent in the morning light, the massive lumbering yet silent elephant, disappearing like a vapour behind the trees, the chimpanzees crashing about the forest canopy, the lugubrious gorilla, chewing thoughtfully in the bamboo thicket. There’s the Nile, twisting its way north like a shimmering ribbon, through arid semi-desert and scattered about with rocky kopjes.

The Snow-capped peaks; the tropical, freshwater beaches and smiling faces everywhere, it’s all here, a feast for all the senses.

Let us show you the Uganda we know and love, this is Africa the way it should be!

Day 1: Guests arrive at Entebbe Airport to be met by your driver and guide for your transfer to Entebbe – the overnight accommodation is at the Boma Guest House.

Day 2: The early morning pick up at from your Hotel will transfer you to Entebbe Airport for a scheduled flight to Kisoro. From Kisoro you will have 2 hour road transfer to Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Southern Bwindi National Park. During the afternoon a high tea and visit to the Community in Nkuringo village is planned. Overnight at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Day 3: Today is a full day Gorilla tracking in Nkuringo area and overnight once more at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.

Day 4: After breakfast hike from Clouds through the Forest to Buhoma. Pick up by guide and transfer through to lunch at the Ishasha Wilderness Camp, followed by a journey to the northern sector of the park. An evening game drive and dinner with overnight accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge in a Deluxe Safari Tent.

Day 5: Early morning predator walk with Dr Ludwig in search of lions, then lunch at the lodge followed by an afternoon boat trip on Kazinga channel. Accommodation once again at the Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 6: Today’s scenic routes to Kasese are an hour by road with a stop at the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. Guests then hike at the foothills with lunch served at the Equator Snow Lodge followed by the drive towards Kibale National park for afternoon Chimpanzee tracking. The accommodation overnights is at the Kyaninga Lodge in Fort Portal.

Day 7: After breakfast depart towards Semliki Wildlife Reserve, for the afternoon primate/birding walk activity at Semliki followed by sundowners. Accommodation for the following three nights is at Semliki Safari Lodge.

Day 8: The morning boat ride on Lake Albert will be in search of the Shoebill, returning to the lodge for lunch and evening game drive with a sundowner.

Day 9: Today you are transferred to the airstrip for scheduled flight to Entebbe to connect to Kidepo. On arrival there will be a pick up from Kidepo airstrip by the Lodge vehicle with transfer to Apoka. Guests will enjoy an afternoon game activity followed by two nights at Apoka Safari Lodge.

Day 10: The daily at the lodges offers game activities in the morning and afternoon with a visit to the Lorukul village.

Day 11: This morning after a relaxing breakfast and morning at leisure, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe Airport for your international flight out.

When to travel:
The best game viewing months in Uganda are during the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Uganda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can't avoid rain completely. However, after heavy rain, the skies often open up to bright sunshine.

Priced from:
USD 10 866 per person sharing in a twin/double room, land quotation

Please contact us for the full itinerary, inclusive costs and terms & conditions.

Congo-Brazzaville is a green treasure of pure nature. The Congo Basin is home to the second largest rainforest in the world and is where the Odzala-Kokoua National Park is located. This park helps protect one of the most beautiful and intact rainforests on our planet where more than 500 different wildlife species are at home, in addition to thousands of plants. One important fact not known to many is that the Odzala also helps safeguard the very air that we breathe, and plays a role in ensuring the survival of life on earth.

Odzala-Kokoua lies in the North-West of the Republic Congo-Brazzaville. It is larger than the Bahamas, Jamaica or Puerto Rico, or the same size as three and a half thousand soccer fields! The region has been a National Park since 1935, making Odzala a senior member within the protected areas in Africa and one of the oldest national parks on the continent.

A distinctive feature of Odzala is the bais. Like islands these clearings lie in the middle of an ocean of trees: marshy areas typically between one and ten hectares in size. Even the shiest inhabitants of Odzala come here to drink. Gorillas and forest elephants leave the protection of the forest in search of the precious minerals and salts contained in the bais soils.

This vast, wild region holds globally significant populations of Western Lowland Gorilla and Forest Elephant as well as a plethora of other species: 430 bird species and more than 100 mammal species. It has the highest number (11) of diurnal primates for any forest block in central Africa, as well as central Africa’s highest density of Chimpanzees.

Other species include Forest Buffalo, Leopard, Bongo, Giant Forest Hog and Hippo. Clouds of spectacular butterflies are characteristic of the region. The trees are spectacular and delicate orchids cling to the branches, while the forest floor is littered with an incredible array of pods, fruits, flowers and fungi.

A visit to Odzala is enjoyable any time of year. June through September and December through February are the driest periods. During these periods the air can be relatively hazy and the humidity is lower, but rainfall during these times can still occur and be quite variable. During the wetter months, tropical rainstorms contrast with sustained periods of clear blue skies and beautiful limpid light for photography.

The Jewel of Diani Continues to Shine

Some destinations are timeless; others are often well kept secrets. Lying south of Mombasa, Kenya, on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Afrochic Diani is the perfect getaway for the discerning traveller who wants to simply ‘flop and drop’ and enjoy the spectacular views of exotic and ancient dhows in full sail.

Intimate and Singularly Personable
This exclusively intimate hotel - with only 10 guest rooms each with their own en suite bathroom, balcony and sun-loungers - is singularly personable and highly individual.

In these days of large inventory beach hotels, Afrochic’s unique and eclectic style of interiors and designs makes a refreshing change from the standard alternatives.

Genuine Warmth - Attention to Detail
From the moment you walk through the doors, you will be embraced by the understanding of what has made AfroChic the ‘sought-after’ destination for those seeking rest, relaxation and the personal touch.

Friendly and attentive staff is on hand to provide those little but special details that have become synonymous with an Elewana Collection property.

More Than Just an Incredibly Beautiful Beach
Miles of expansive and near deserted beaches await discovery, and for those who wish a more active way to spend the day, an 18 hole Championship Golf Course is within three minutes’ drive from the hotel. Local boutiques, spas, and craft markets are a short ride away, and day trips to Shimba Hills Reserve and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary add to the Kenyan coastal experience.

The Perfect Romantic Retreat
AfroChic is certainly one of Africa’s best kept secrets. It is a marriage of romance, African style and all that is best in East African hospitality. AfroChic is certainly a jewel in the Elewana Collection, and one that continues to shine brighter than ever.

Activities & Experiences

• Scuba Diving
• Golf
• Snorkeling Excursion
• Explore the Reef Life
• Water Sports
• Mombasa Island Tour
• Shimba Hills National Reserve
• Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
• Massage Therapy

John Coppinger of Remote Africa Safaris, has reported a sighting of truly wild Black Rhino in Zambia’s remote North Luangwa, spotted by a guide and guests from Mwaleshi Camp. They first thought they were looking at elephants in the distance but soon realized it was in fact a female black rhino with a calf.

These rare Black Rhino were last seen in the wild in Zambia in the very early 1980′s before they were poached to extinction. The North Luangwa Conservation Project, which is funded by Frankfurt Zoological Society, commenced a reintroduction programme and in 2003 the first animals arrived by air from South Africa. The translocation schedule culminated in the arrival of the final five animals last May. In the interim there have been two natural deaths and three births, resulting in a total population of 27 animals, believed to be a sufficient number to propagate naturally. Most of the rhinos exist in the 300 km2 sanctuary but some now appear to have moved out of the boma into the great wilderness. They are still closely monitored by the NLCP team and ZAWA (Zambian Wildlife Authority) scouts.

The North Luangwa is one of the last great wilderness destinations, an achingly wild place with hardly any visitors yet dramatic wildlife.

Segera Retreat lies on the grasslands of the Laikipia Plateau, its six timber and thatch villas raised above a profusion of botanical life looking out to Mount Kenya. Each large, en-suite bedroom has a private sun deck with sun loungers and a swing bed and a Jacuzzi bath, sunk into the deck outside the bedroom.

The gracious Segera House and Villa Segera boast even greater privacy and luxury. The main area comprises the Paddock House, Wine Tower and renovated stables, complete with bar and dining room filled with contemporary African art from the Zeitz Collection.

Wildlife at Segera Retreat

Laikipia forms part of the 56 000-square-kilometre Ewaso ecosystem with a wildlife population density comparable only to that of the Maasai Mara. As well as supporting the Endangered patas monkey, African wild dog and 40% of the world's remaining Grevy's zebra,  Segera has good densities of lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, elephant, buffalo, eland, reticulated giraffe and beisa oryx. There is also a wealth of plains game. The number of bird species recorded in the area totals 365.

Highlights

• Segera helps conserve the second-highest density of wildlife in Kenya
• An exclusive retreat which expresses just how luxurious sustainability can be
• At Segera, art and an aesthetic experience surround you at every turn 

Things to do at Segera Retreat:
All activities showcase their sustainability values.

• Engage with local cultures, learn about conservation and community, and experience the magical wildlife of Laikipia.
• The Centre for the 4Cs (C4C)

This interactive experience allows you to learn about the activities on Segera and beyond. Part natural history museum, part art museum, part dreamer’s exhibition, a comprehensive tour will inspire you about the possibilities of holistic sustainability.

• Game Drives

Wildlife can be viewed from 4x4 vehicles. Roaming freely through Laikipia, the area boasts the second highest density of wildlife in Kenya, including endangered species such as patas monkeys, Grevy’s zebra and wild dog.

• Guided Nature Walks

Set out under the African sun on foot and take in the beauty of the landscape and all the wildlife and birdlife it has to offer.

• Hides and Look out Points

Spend time at our hides or look-out points and watch as the natural rhythms of the savannah play out before you.

• Sundowners and Picnics

With such diverse and beautiful landscapes in the greater Segera area, it would be a shame to miss taking a picnic or sundowner out in the African bush.

• Cultural Visits

Visit the local community, which offers a unique opportunity to learn from and about the people of Laikipia, their centuries-old traditions and ways of life.

• Sleep-outs

Spend a magical and romantic evening out on your swing bed in the botanical garden or at the cattle ranch and soak up the African night.

• Wellness Centre

Our culture of wellness is an experience that nourishes your entire being. The spa suites are complemented by the Rasul Tower with steam bath, saltwater swimming pool at the Retreat and a gym with state-of-the-art equipment.

• Art Exhibitions

Enjoy regular exhibitions of locally and internationally acclaimed artists which allow you the rare opportunity to view the private contemporary African art collection of Segera’s owner.

• Dining

With many fantastic indoor and outdoor settings, dining is seen as an experience at Segera. What’s more, our internationally recognised chef delivers delicious healthy meals from home-grown, organic and free-range ingredients.

• Flying

Scenic light aircraft or helicopter flights can be arranged, offering a bird’s-eye view of the incredible landscape and insights into the ecosystem. Flying is one of best ways of appreciating the scale and diversity of the Laikipia Plateau.

Seasonality

• Green Season Highlights March/April/May/Oct/Nov
• The rains bring a clear air, lush surrounds and great photographic opportunities
• Views of Mount Kenya are good with less haze than the dry season
• Herds of grazers like plains zebra, gazelles and their predators move onto Segera's lush plains
• Dry Season Highlights Dec/Jan/Feb/June/Jul/Aug/Sep
• Game concentrates around the remaining water sources including the Ewaso Nyiro River and Segera's various waterholes
• Good sightings of predators and other wildlife

Where the Chyulu Hills stretch out and touch the plains of Kenya’s Amboseli lays a private wilderness for which time has no meaning…

It began with a conversation between friends and has evolved into one of East Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.  When Richard and Tara Bonham got together with Great Plains Conservation’s co-founders Dereck and Beverly Joubert to discuss a partnership proposal for ol Donyo Lodge, talk revolved around the conservation of this incredible, forgotten paradise.  Wedged between Kenyas Tsavo East and Amboseli National Parks in the heart of the Chyulu Hills, this is a place of timeless wild beauty presided over by the magnificent summit of Africa’s greatest icon – Mount Kilimanjaro.  Set on the Mbirikani Group Ranch – 275,000 acres of immaculate, private wild Africa bordering the foothills of the Chyulu Hills National Park – ol Donyo Lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture and history of the people of this area – the indomitable Maasai.

The group ranch is owned by 4,000 Maasai and is leased from them by Great Plains Conservation. The full lease fee as well as a per person conservancy fee goes directly to this community on the understanding that they will ensure the conservation of the ranch and the wild animals which call it home. The result is an area rich in wildlife, where some of Africa’s last giant elephant bulls roam freely, where the haunting calls of leopards interrupt the night and where lion are being pulled back from the brink of annihilation.

The lodge itself was rebuilt in 2008 and sits in thick woodland on a gently sloping hillside with views out over the plains to a distant Kilimanjaro. Designed to merge your outdoor and indoor living, a series of unique suites and villas (no two are the same) appears to emerge from the arid landscape on either side of a palatial lounge and dining area.  Six pool suites plus 1 two-bedroom family unit offers a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic accommodation, merging the landscape into each suite. All of the rooms have their own plunge pool and enjoy roof terraces where intimate “star beds” can be set up, allowing guests the thrill of sleeping in style under a canopy of endless stars while connecting with their sense of place and self.

SO YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO EXPLORE THE BEST OF KENYA, THIS CIRCUIT DOES IT IN STYLE!!

DAYS 1- 2 THE EMAKOKO, NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK

Nairobi is Africa’s 4th largest city and is a vibrant and exciting place.   Although it has developed a reputation which keeps tourist visits brief, there are some fascinating attractions, namely its café culture, unbridled nightlife, the National Museum, Karen Blixen Museum and most notably, just 20 minutes from the city centre, wild lions and buffalo roam in the Nairobi National Park.

Overnight: The Emakoko

The Emakoko is a luxury lodge artfully built into the side of a valley on the Mbagathi River, bordering the Nairobi National Park. Great care has been taken to incorporate the beautiful fig trees which grow on the cliff where the lodge is situated. All rooms look straight over the river and into the Park.

The Emakoko allows people to start and finish their safari in the wildlife environment they have travelled so far to enjoy. Within 20 minutes of clearing customs they can now be viewing game in the amazing Nairobi National Park. The only “transfer” delays likely to be encountered en route to or from The Emakoko are the natural pauses to watch a pride of lions or waiting for a rhino or journey of giraffe to cross the road.

Whether you are enjoying an Emakoko cocktail in the viewing area or simply a coffee by the pool overlooking the river, relaxation is assured. There is also the chance to see the resident hippo, who also likes to keep an eye on you. He can be seen grazing on the lawn outside the rooms in the early evening or the morning.

DAYS 2 - 5 OL DONYO LODGE, CHYULU HILLS NATIONAL PARK

The Chyulu Hills National Park was formed between the Amboseli and Tsavo West National Parks to protect this unique habitat and because of its significance as a water catchment area. A magical land of open grass plains and tree covered rolling green with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The Park is surrounded by miles of Maasai land, dusty, dry and stalked by scarlet cloaked herders and dust plumed cattle.

Overnight: Ol Donyo Lodge

ol Donyo Lodge is located on the Maasai-owned Mbirikani Group Ranch, this stunningly beautiful area is incredibly diverse, and often has spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

ol Donyo Lodge is a harmonious blend of contemporary and rustic, merging the landscape into each suite. Designed for a wide appeal, the lodge is a perfect getaway for families, honeymooners or multi-generational groups. What makes it a standout is its notable variety of activities – from cultural visits, good quality wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Add to this the lodge’s creature comforts of fine dining, massage, infinity pool, star beds and multiple lounges, and it is a place to relax and unwind for days. Each suite has a private plunge pool, and two are connected for a ‘villa’ concept, perfect for families or couples traveling together. Constructed of local thatch and gunnite, the suites blend with the environment despite their commanding design.

The lodge’s main lounge, complete with grand stone fireplace, a small library, inviting open bar and expansive veranda are the place to rendezvous with new friends, and the local staff. The attached dining area as well as the nearby pool lounge/dining is where sumptuous meals are served, and good times abound. The main infinity pool, curio shop and office provide other diversions should exploring the area not be enough.

DAYS 5 - 8 MARA PLAINS CAMP OLARE MOTOROGI CONSERVANCY, MAASAI MARA

The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife parks. The image of acacia trees on endless wildlife filled grass plains epitomises Africa for many. Add Maasai warriors and the conversation need go no further.
The greater Maasai Mara Reserve offers unparalleled game viewing opportunities; large rides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional open game drive vehicle safaris and guided walking safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Mara plains has become almost essential and you can even do a horseback safari.

Overnight: Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp is a one-of-a-kind, seven tent camps located in the private 35,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, just on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This intimate camp blends the finest wildlife viewing with outstanding hospitality and guiding.

No other camp offers the extensive traversing area of Mara Plains Camp, with access to a total of 100,000 acres of private conservancy land as well as the world-renowned Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration.

Each of the seven tents has deep canvas canopied ceilings, rough-hewn wood floors and accents of East Africa’s rich safari history. The well-appointed en-suite facilities (including a deep copper bath) plus the extensive private verandah complete what is genuinely a stunning concept. Each guest tent has a set of professional Canon camera and a lens available for guest’s to use on a complimentary basis. Add in a pair of Swarovski binoculars, and it is impossible not to see and capture the region’s incredible wildlife scenes.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy is reputed to have the lowest vehicle density in the Maasai Mara region, while also having the highest concentration of big cats anywhere in Africa. There is only one guest bed per 350 acres, leaving the land unadulterated for the wildlife to roam and thrive, as nature intended. By day and night, the camp is a sanctuary for resident animals, including many of the Maasai Mara’s 300 bird species.

After dark, larger mammals frequent the camp and Maasai warriors escort guests to and from their rooms. Hippos snorting and leopards barking often provide the night’s chorus.

Mara Plains offers walking safaris and day & night game drives. Hot air ballooning is available, but should be booked in advance and is subject to availability and additional cost. Departures are very early in the morning to allow time to transfer to the nearest launching point. Night drives are particularly prolific in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and while they take patience, sightings commonly include lesser known nocturnal mammals and even lion and hyena hunts.

DAY 8 SAFARI ENDS

Rates:

• 15 June – 31 October 2018
  Priced at $11,450 per person sharing
• 1 November 2018 - 19 December 2018
  Priced at $7,350 per person sharing
• 20 December 2018 – 10 January 2019
  Priced at $11,450 per person sharing

Fully inclusive of: accommodation (including Deluxe Pool Room at ol Donyo), conservation levy, scheduled wildlife activities (horseback riding is included in the rate at ol Donyo but excluded at Mara Plains Camp and Mara Expedition where is available at $250 per ride), meals, laundry, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding champagne), return airstrip road transfers, flights between the camps and based on the itinerary starting and ending in Nairobi.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is scenically located in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the dry Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld.

The camp consists of seven large tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish en-suite bedrooms with shaded outdoor decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay.

Things to do at Hoanib Skeleton Coast

Game drives:
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available as well as full-day excursions.

Nature walks:
Nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds as well as glimpse the vestiges of who dwelt here hundreds of years ago: the Strandlopers (Beachcombers). It is also a good opportunity to study the smaller creatures and the fascinating plant life of the concession.

Skeleton Coast excursion:
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. The fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields and Klein Oasis, while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and a few shipwreck remains. Weather dependent, a scenic flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.

Day trips to Desert Oases:
Day trips to Klein Oase and Auses Spring can be organised. These oases are a fascinating respite from the dry surrounds of the desert and offer the chance of seeing wildlife coming to drink as well as plenty of birdlife. These full-day trips are done in our semi-closed game drive vehicles, with a stop for a picnic at a scenic spot along the way.

Interaction with wildlife researchers:
Presentations and interaction with wildlife researchers at the Hoanib Research Centre are on offer when researchers are in camp. These cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work being done by Dr Flip Stander and his team on the unique desert-adapted lion.

Rwanda situated in East Africa is bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south and Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda’s sweeping landscape is made up of volcanoes, tea plantations and rolling hills, densely populated with lush vegetation and thick rain forests. With three national parks, a thriving capital city, spectacular mountain scenery and diverse wildlife, Rwanda has plenty to offer visitors.

The Volcanoes National Park in the north-west of the country is the most renowned of Rwanda’s three parks, famed for its resident mountain gorillas. One-third of the Gorillas can be found here, where visitors can enjoy the rare opportunity of tracking mountain gorillas through bamboo forests along the Virunga Mountains. Although Gorilla trekking is the main attraction, there are plenty of other primate tracking opportunities while on holiday in Rwanda.

The climate in Rwanda is temperate. There are two rainy seasons from February to April and November to January, whilst in the mountains it is possible to experience snow and frost.

Travelling to and from the region is accessed via the main airport, Kigali International Airport, located 10 km East of the centre of town. Kigali currently receives direct flights from Nairobi, Entebbe, Brussels, Amsterdam, Dar es Salaam, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Doha, Dubai and most recently 4 flights weekly into London, Gatwick.

Whilst visiting, not to be missed are some the most popular tourist sites - The Kigali Genocide Memorial and Inema Art Centre; National Museum of Rwanda; Volcanoes National Park; Akagera National Park; Nyungwe Forest National Park; and the Nyamata and Ntarama Churches.

Interesting facts:

• Plastic bags are outlawed in Rwanda due to the impact on the environment.


• In fact, they are so concerned about cleanliness that in Kigali it is compulsory for all residents to help clean their community on the last Saturday of each month!


• The official languages of Rwanda are French, English, Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili.


• From rural villages to the national parliament, women hold two-thirds of the seats, women in Rwanda are leading the rebuilding of their country. In the aftermath of the devastating 1994 Genocide, the challenge of creating a lasting peace depended greatly on the actions of women, who were the majority of survivors.


• A dramatic improvement in healthcare delivery and health outcomes has seen life expectancy in Rwanda rise by 10 years in the last decade.


• You can start a business in 48 hours in Rwanda. It takes 11.1 days on average in OECD high income countries.


• Rwanda is leading Africa’s digital revolution. The Smart Kigali initiative aims to create access to free wireless internet on public buses, in hospitals, taxi parks, commercial buildings and restaurants, while a partnership with Korea Telecom is creating access to 4G for 95% of the population.

Guests at the Islands of Siankaba in Livingstone, Zambia will soon be able to participate in a new eco activity – bamboo bike rides through the local villages! These bikes are made out of regionally grown bamboo and produced by a local business to help develop artisans in the community. The bamboo is extremely tough (some even say a replacement for carbon fibre), and yet it is very light so makes a perfect frame. The wheels etc are all assembled from imported parts. The company making them was started by a couple of Americans and is being run in such a way as to develop local craftsmen and promote Zambian business. The Islands of Siankaba have placed an order for a number of these bikes and they will be delivered in a couple of weeks. They will then be able to give guests the chance of going on a walk or a cycle through the local villages.

Another new development is the donation of a ‘Zambulance’ by the lodge to the local clinic to enable them to move patients back and forth from the clinic. At present some patients are ‘delivered’ to them in wheel barrows or precariously balanced on the back of a bicycle.