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The Best Game Parks of Kenya A Special Safari for Photographers Led by John and Barbara Gerlach
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Note: We have lead dozens of previous photo safaris to East Africa. We think Kenya offers the most wildlife photo opportunities available anywhere in the world. It's a wonderful trip. We hope you'll join us!
A Special Safari For Photographers
This safari offers an in-depth view of the natural history of East Africa, with a special emphasis on large mammal, cat, and bird photography.
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What to Expect
]An itinerary designed for Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons for the best light and wildlife activity. Long days in the field. Excellent driver-guides who are sensitive to the needs of photographic groups. Time out of the vehicles, and great photographic opportunities with plenty of time for you to explore on your own.
]Land Transportation
Travel will be by Land Rover, equipped with roof hatches for game viewing. For the main expedition and the Mara extension we put a maximum of only three persons in a vehicle, guaranteeing you plenty of space, something essential for photographers. John and Barb Gerlach will take turns riding in each vehicle on a rotating basis. (Most of the safari vehicles that we use are long wheel base four-wheel-drive Land Rovers. For the Rwanda extension, the vehicles are used for transfers only and there are a maximum of 6 persons in a vehicle. John and Barb Gerlach will not be on the Rwanda extension.
]Accommodations and Food
You will stay in deluxe-tented camps, lodges and hotels. We much prefer tented camps wherever possible, as they offer the convenience of a lodge, but give you the feel of camping. Your tent is canvas, but has a thatched roof, a concrete floor with rugs and has electricity. The beds are very comfortable. Each tent has private facilities en-suite with cold and hot running water and flush toilets.
]Guides and Staff
In addition to John and Barb Gerlach on the main expedition and the Mara extension, you will be accompanied by professional driver-guides, who know the best locations for wildlife and have experience with serious photographers. Tented camps and lodges have their own permanent staffs. John and Barb Gerlach will not be on the Rwanda extension but you will be accompanied by professional driver-guides.
]Fitness and Health
The safari is not strenuous, and anyone who is reasonably fit and in good health should be able to participate. You, will, however, have long international flights and will be spending many hours in a vehicle on game drives. Land travel will sometimes be over very bumpy and dusty roads. The maximum altitude you will reach on this safari is about 8,000 feet above sea level. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in this trip, please contact International Expeditions, Inc. for more information. For the Rwanda extension you will need to be in very good shape to manage an hour or two of rough hiking.
]Pre-Departure Preparation
Extensive background readings and travel information will be sent to you upon your enrollment in this program.
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International Expeditions, inc.
& John and Barbara Gerlach
Kenya Photo Safari
A Special 15 -- Day Safari for Photographers
January 3 - 17, 2010
$7698 based on 16 guests All - Inclusive from Nairobi
Single Supplement - $1225
January 16 - 20, 2010 Optional 4 - Day Masai Mara Extension
$2650 based on 7 guests Single Supplement - $398
January 19 - 24, 2010 Optional 6 - Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
$3998 based on 3 guests
(Includes two gorilla trek permits per person at $500 each
permits must be purchased at time of booking and are non-refundable)
Single Supplement - $598
January 3 - 17, 2010
Kenya is renowned for its unparalleled wildlife, habitat diversity and fascinating cultural heritage. A wide range of ecological zones--semi-arid plains and vast savannahs, tropical mountain forests, a rugged Northern Frontier, and the Great Rift Valley--provide for a tremendous array of fauna and flora. On our photo safari in Kenya we explore the best-known and most distinguished parks and reserves in East Africa, with a special emphasis on landscape as well as wildlife photography.
Day 1 -- Sunday -- January 3 -- U.S. / En-route
Depart from your home town en route to Nairobi. (Meals Aloft)
Day 2 -- Monday -- January 4 -- Nairobi
Your safari begins when you arrive in Nairobi where we will be met at the airport and transferred to the Nairobi Safari Park Hotel for overnight. (Meals Aloft)
Day 3 -- Tuesday -- January 5 -- Nairobi / Sweetwaters Private Game Reserve
After breakfast, we drive to Sweetwaters Tented Camp, located on a private ranch, with views of snow-covered Mount Kenya. The day includes afternoon and evening game drives, with the chance of seeing all the "Big Five" animals, and a visit to Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Overnight Sweetwaters Tented Camp. (B,L,D)
Days 4 -- 6 -- Wednesday - Friday -- January 6-8 -- Mount Kenya / Samburu Game Reserve
After breakfast, we travel to Samburu Game Reserve, located in Kenya's Northern Frontier District. We enjoy the magnificent scenery of this region, exploring the area for wildlife characteristically found here. Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Yellow Baboon, Guenther's Dik-dik and Reticulated Giraffe thrive in this harsh but picturesque landscape. This is the land of the Samburu tribesmen, a pastoral people related to the Masai. The women wear layers of beads in choker fashion around their necks, and the men are famous for their colorful adornment and high-jumping dances. Morning and afternoon game drives allow ample time to explore this unique area and observe its abundant wildlife. We spend the three nights at Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 7 -9 -- Saturday - Monday -- January 9-11 -- Lake Nakuru National Park
We leave Samburu today and drive south into the Great Rift Valley, an immense geological fault in the earth's surface that stretches from Jordan to southern Africa. Morning and afternoon game drives allow us the opportunity to explore Lake Nakuru National Park, described by Roger Tory Peterson as the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world. Certainly, the thousands of pink flamingos and fishing fleets of white pelicans are testament to his claim. Although birds are a major attraction--over 400 species have been recorded here--we also expect to see Rothschild's Giraffe (rarely seen elsewhere), both Grant's and Thomson's Gazelles, Impala, Common Zebra, African Buffalo, Eland, Waterbuck and several other species of plains game, as well as Leopard. Recently declared a rhino sanctuary, Lake Nakuru is one of the best places in Africa to observe critically endangered Black and White Rhinos. We overnight at Lion Hill Lodge. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 10-13 -- Tuesday - Friday -- January 12-15 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve
We depart early this morning for our exciting journey to Masai Mara, one of Africa's best game reserves. This northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, one of the world's most rewarding wildlife observation sites, virtually throbs with life. The rich savannah is famous for its concentration of plains game and their predators, including Leopard, Cheetah and hyena. We drive through the Great Rift Valley, past the extinct volcanoes of Mount Longonot and Mount Suswa. We will begin to see Masai herding their cattle, and will arrive at Narok, an administrative and trading center for the Masai. The Masai, perhaps the best-known and most colorful African group, still follow their traditional ways as semi-nomadic pastoralists. Young warriors carry spears and decorate themselves with red ochre, and the women wear elaborate and beautiful beadwork. The social life of the Masai makes them a fascinating and special people, and we shall see their herds and villages among the plains animals through much of our journey. (Recommended reading: The Maasai by Carol Beckwith and Tepilit ole Saitoti.)
From Narok, we take an all-weather dirt road to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Our next four days will include both morning and afternoon game drives. You may decide to skip one of the morning game drives and take an optional hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara. In the evenings, we enjoy dinner beneath the star-studded African sky. We overnight at the Mara Intrepids. (B,L,D, Daily)
Day 14 -- Saturday- January 16 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve / Nairobi / En-route
All participants, except those staying on for the Mara extension will leave late in the morning on a short flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi we transfer to our dayrooms at the Panari Hotel. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner before our transfer to the airport. (B,L,D)
Day 15 -- Sunday -- January 17 -- U.S. / En-route
Arrive in the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Meals Aloft)
B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner
Optional Balloon Safari from the Masai Mara
During our stay at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, we offer the option of a Hot-Air Balloon Safari ($435 is the current 2009 price and is subject to change -- we do expect an increase for 2010). The balloon safari includes a champagne breakfast, as well as a game drive back to camp. Space is limited, so it is essential to book in advance.
PLEASE NOTE:
THE ITINERARY MAY VARY BECAUSE OF
CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
4-Day Extension -- January 16 - 20, 2010
Days 14 - 16 -- Saturday - Monday -- January 16 - 18 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve
We transfer to Kichwa Tembo Camp and have three additional days to photograph the magnificent Masai Mara Game Reserve. Overnights are at the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 17 -- Tuesday -- January 19 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve / Nairobi / en-route
Our morning game drive (time permitting) provides a final opportunity to spend time among the wild herds of this wonderful park. Afterward, we transfer to the nearby airstrip for our short flight to Nairobi. We check into our dayrooms at the Panari Hotel. This evening we join our safari guides for a farewell dinner before our transfer to the airport. (B,L,D)
Day 18 -- Wednesday -- January 20 -- U.S. / En-route
Arrive in the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Meals Aloft)
International Expeditions, inc.
A deposit of $600 plus $150 per extension, per person is required. The gorilla permits must also be purchased at time of booking. Permits included in the Rwanda extension price of $1000 per person are non refundable. Deposits can be made by check or credit card. If by check, please make payable to International Expeditions. Complete the enclosed reservation certificate and mail to
INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS, INC.
One Environs Park
Helena, Alabama 35080
Phone: 800-633-4734 or Fax: 205-428-1714
e-mail:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
* Services of International Expeditions, Inc., for complete pre-departure information, including a booklet on Kenya, a checklist of what to bring, bird and mammal checklists, luggage tags, and a passport holder
* All land and air transportation within Kenya as specified in the itinerary
* Accommodations in the finest lodges and tented camps, all with en suite facilities
* 4 X 4 Land Rovers- maximum of 3 participants per vehicle except for the Rwanda extension.
* All meals; tea; coffee; bottled water while on game drives
* All transfers (when arriving/departing on the group flights), hotel, lodge and tented camp service charges, taxes, porterage and national park fees
* In addition to John and Barb Gerlach, you will be accompanied by expert naturalist guides. John and Barb Gerlach will not be on the Rwanda extension.
* Membership in the Flying Doctors program
NOT INCLUDED:
* Round-trip international air transportation on Northwest/KLM Airlines from New York. Special add-on fares from your hometown or other KLM gateways are available (Please contact our full service air department for assistance with your airline arrangements).
* Passport and visa fees; U.S. and foreign departure taxes; tips to drivers, guides and camp staff.
* Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:A U.S. passport valid six months beyond your anticipated date of return to the U.S. is required. A visa is required to enter Kenya which can be obtained upon arrival.
GROUP SIZE: The main expedition is priced on 16 guests. The Mara extension is priced on 7 guests, and the Rwanda extension on 3 guests. If guest numbers require an additional vehicle to accommodate only one or two guests in a vehicle, a surcharge may apply.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:Additional: $1225 for Kenya, $398 for the Masai Mara and $598 for the Rwanda extension. Singles are limited to two.
FINAL PAYMENT: Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:Precautions against malaria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are highly recommended. Yellow Fever is REQUIRED for Rwanda. Please consult your physician, public health/travel clinic, or Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta for more information.
CLIMATE:Kenya's climate is ideal, with temperatures averaging 70 to 90 F by day, and rarely below 55 F in the evening. If traveling from June to September temperatures could range between 40 and 80 F.
INSURANCE:Comprehensive travel insurance has been specifically designed for International Expeditions, Inc., by the American International Group of Insurance Companies. Please note: For further details concerning coverage, limitations, provisions, exclusions and pre-existing conditions, please refer to the enclosed Description of Coverage which fully details the insurance offered. Since your personal insurance policies may contain certain limitations, we strongly recommend that you insure yourself and your property while traveling. All passengers are responsible for their personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellations and curtailment. PLEASE NOTE: Payment for insurance is non-refundable.
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HOW TO ENROLL
Please contact our tour packager, International Expeditions / One Environs Park/Helena, AL 35080. Call Kim Guth at (800) 633-4734 or fax (205) 428-1714. Our contact at IE is Kim Guth. You can reach her at kimg@parkeast.com You may also call our office at (208) 652-4444 or E-mail michele@gerlachnaturephoto.com
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To receive a Kenya Detailed Application Form Please Fill out the Information Request Form Below. Thanks!
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International Expeditions, inc.
& John and Barbara Gerlach
Kenya Photo Safari
A Special 15 -- Day Safari for Photographers
August 27 -- September 10, 2010
$8498 based on 16 guests All - Inclusive from Nairobi
Single Supplement - $1350
September 9 - 13, 2010 Optional 4 - Day Masai Mara Extension
$2950 based on 7 guests Single Supplement - $498
September 12 - 17, 2010 Optional 6 - Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek
$3998 based on 3 guests
(Includes two gorilla trek permits per person at $500 each
permits must be purchased at time of booking and are non-refundable)
Single Supplement - $598
August 27 - September 10, 2010
Kenya is renowned for its unparalleled wildlife, habitat diversity and fascinating cultural heritage. A wide range of ecological zones--semi-arid plains and vast savannahs, tropical mountain forests, a rugged Northern Frontier, and the Great Rift Valley--provide for a tremendous array of fauna and flora. On our photo safari in Kenya we explore the best-known and most distinguished parks and reserves in East Africa, with a special emphasis on landscape as well as wildlife photography. We will have the opportunity to photograph Nature's Greatest Spectacle, The Great Migration, in Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Day 1 -- Sunday -- August 27 -- U.S. / En-route
Depart from your home town en route to Nairobi. (Meals Aloft)
Day 2 -- Monday -- August 28 -- Nairobi
Your safari begins when you arrive in Nairobi where we will be met at the airport and transferred to the Nairobi Safari Park Hotel for overnight. (Meals Aloft)
Day 3 -- Tuesday -- August 29 -- Nairobi / Sweetwaters Private Game Reserve
After breakfast, we drive to Sweetwaters Tented Camp, located on a private ranch, with views of snow-covered Mount Kenya. The day includes afternoon and evening game drives, with the chance of seeing all the "Big Five" animals, and a visit to Jane Goodall's Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Overnight Sweetwaters Tented Camp.(B,L,D)
Days 4 -- 6 -- Wednesday - Friday -- August 30 -- September 1 --
Mount Kenya / Samburu Game Reserve
After breakfast, we travel to Samburu Game Reserve, located in Kenya's Northern Frontier District. We enjoy the magnificent scenery of this region, exploring the area for wildlife characteristically found here. Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Yellow Baboon, Guenther's Dik-dik and Reticulated Giraffe thrive in this harsh but picturesque landscape. This is the land of the Samburu tribesmen, a pastoral people related to the Masai. The women wear layers of beads in choker fashion around their necks, and the men are famous for their colorful adornment and high-jumping dances. Morning and afternoon game drives allow ample time to explore this unique area and observe its abundant wildlife. We spend the three nights at Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 7 -9 -- Saturday - Monday -- September 2 - 4 -- Lake Nakuru National Park
We leave Samburu today and drive south into the Great Rift Valley, an immense geological fault in the earth's surface that stretches from Jordan to southern Africa. Morning and afternoon game drives allow us the opportunity to explore Lake Nakuru National Park, described by Roger Tory Peterson as the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world. Certainly, the thousands of pink flamingos and fishing fleets of white pelicans are testament to his claim. Although birds are a major attraction--over 400 species have been recorded here--we also expect to see Rothschild's Giraffe (rarely seen elsewhere), both Grant's and Thomson's Gazelles, Impala, Common Zebra, African Buffalo, Eland, Waterbuck and several other species of plains game, as well as Leopard. Recently declared a rhino sanctuary, Lake Nakuru is one of the best places in Africa to observe critically endangered Black and White Rhinos. We overnight at Lion Hill Lodge. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 10-13 -- Tuesday - Friday -- September 5 - 8 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve
We depart early this morning for our exciting journey to Masai Mara, one of Africa's best game reserves. This northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, one of the world's most rewarding wildlife observation sites, virtually throbs with life. The rich savannah is famous for its concentration of plains game and their predators, including Leopard, Cheetah and hyena. We drive through the Great Rift Valley, past the extinct volcanoes of Mount Longonot and Mount Suswa. We will begin to see Masai herding their cattle, and will arrive at Narok, an administrative and trading center for the Masai. The Masai, perhaps the best-known and most colorful African group, still follow their traditional ways as semi-nomadic pastoralists. Young warriors carry spears and decorate themselves with red ochre, and the women wear elaborate and beautiful beadwork. The social life of the Masai makes them a fascinating and special people, and we shall see their herds and villages among the plains animals through much of our journey. (Recommended reading: The Maasai by Carol Beckwith and Tepilit ole Saitoti.)
From Narok, we take an all-weather dirt road to the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Our next four days will include both morning and afternoon game drives. You may decide to skip one of the morning game drives and take an optional hot-air balloon safari over the Masai Mara. In the evenings, we enjoy dinner beneath the star-studded African sky. We overnight at the Mara Intrepids. (B,L,D, Daily)
Day 14 -- Saturday- September 9 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve / Nairobi / En-route
All participants, except those staying on for the Mara extension will leave late in the morning on a short flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival in Nairobi we transfer our dayrooms at the Panari Hotel. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner before our transfer to the airport. (B,L,D)
Day 15 -- Sunday -- September 10 -- U.S. / En-route
Arrive in the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Meals Aloft)
B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner
Optional Balloon Safari from the Masai Mara
During our stay at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, we offer the option of a Hot-Air Balloon Safari ($435 is the current 2009 price and is subject to change -- we do expect an increase for 2010). The balloon safari includes a champagne breakfast, as well as a game drive back to camp. Space is limited, so it is essential to book in advance.
PLEASE NOTE:
THE ITINERARY MAY VARY BECAUSE OF
CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL.
Masai Mara Game Reserve
4-Day Extension -- September 9 - 13, 2010
Days 14 - 16 -- Saturday - Monday -- September 9 - 13 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve
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We transfer to Kichwa Tembo Camp and have three additional days to photograph the magnificent Masai Mara Game Reserve. Overnights are at the Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 17 -- Tuesday -- September 12 -- Masai Mara Game Reserve / Nairobi / en-route
Our morning game drive (time permitting) provides a final opportunity to spend time among the wild herds of this wonderful park. Afterward, we transfer to the nearby airstrip for our short flight to Nairobi. We check into our dayrooms at the Panari Hotel. This evening we join our safari guides for a farewell dinner before our transfer to the airport. (B,L,D)
Day 18 -- Wednesday -- September 13 -- U.S. / En-route
Arrive in the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Meals Aloft)
International Expeditions, inc.
A deposit of $600 plus $150 per extension, per person is required. The gorilla permits must also be purchased at time of booking. Permits included in the Rwanda extension price of $1000 per person are non refundable. Deposits can be made by check or credit card. If by check, please make payable to International Expeditions. Complete the enclosed reservation certificate and mail to
INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS, INC.
One Environs Park
Helena, Alabama 35080
Phone: 800-633-4734 or Fax: 205-428-1714
e-mail:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
* Services of International Expeditions, Inc., for complete pre-departure information, including a booklet on Kenya, a checklist of what to bring, bird and mammal checklists, luggage tags, and a passport holder
* All land and air transportation within Kenya as specified in the itinerary
* Accommodations in the finest lodges and tented camps, all with en suite facilities
* 4 X 4 Land Rovers- maximum of 3 participants per vehicle except for the Rwanda extension.
* All meals; tea; coffee; bottled water while on game drives
* All transfers (when arriving/departing on the group flights), hotel, lodge and tented camp service charges, taxes, porterage and national park fees
* In addition to John and Barb Gerlach, you will be accompanied by expert naturalist guides. John and Barb Gerlach will not be on the Rwanda extension.
* Membership in the Flying Doctors program
NOT INCLUDED:
* Round-trip international air transportation on Northwest/KLM Airlines from New York. Special add-on fares from your hometown or other KLM gateways are available (Please contact our full service air department for assistance with your airline arrangements).
* Passport and visa fees; U.S. and foreign departure taxes; tips to drivers, guides and camp staff.
* Items of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone calls, beverages, etc.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:A U.S. passport valid six months beyond your anticipated date of return to the U.S. is required. A visa is required to enter Kenya which can be obtained upon arrival.
GROUP SIZE: The main expedition is priced on 16 guests. The Mara extension is priced on 7 guests, and the Rwanda extension on 3 guests. If guest numbers require an additional vehicle to accommodate only one or two guests in a vehicle, a surcharge may apply.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:Additional: $1225 for Kenya, $498 for the Masai Mara and $598 for the Rwanda extension. Singles are limited to two.
FINAL PAYMENT: Final Payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS:Precautions against malaria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are highly recommended. Yellow Fever is REQUIRED for Rwanda. Please consult your physician, public health/travel clinic, or Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta for more information.
CLIMATE:Kenya's climate is ideal, with temperatures averaging 70 to 90 F by day, and rarely below 55 F in the evening. If traveling from June to September temperatures could range between 40 and 80 F.
INSURANCE:Comprehensive travel insurance has been specifically designed for International Expeditions, Inc., by the American International Group of Insurance Companies. Please note: For further details concerning coverage, limitations, provisions, exclusions and pre-existing conditions, please refer to the enclosed Description of Coverage which fully details the insurance offered. Since your personal insurance policies may contain certain limitations, we strongly recommend that you insure yourself and your property while traveling. All passengers are responsible for their personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellations and curtailment. PLEASE NOTE: Payment for insurance is non-refundable. | |
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HOW TO ENROLL
Please contact our tour packager, International Expeditions / One Environs Park/Helena, AL 35080. Call Kim Guth at (800) 633-4734 or fax (205) 428-1714. Our contact at IE is Kim Guth. You can reach her at kimg@parkeast.com You may also call our office at (208) 652-4444 or E-mail michele@gerlachnaturephoto.com
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To receive a Kenya Detailed Application Form Please Fill out the Information Request Form Below. Thanks!
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