January 8 – 19, 2010

Click to View the Astronomy magazine Video

The Great Rift Valley, which runs through Kenya, is considered by some the cradle of civilization and is justifiably one of the world’s best organized safari destinations in Africa.  The traveler can see such a large variety of animals, including the Big Five:  lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, in such a short time.  It offers 1200 species of birds, including a million or more flamingos standing in a shimmering pink mass at Lake Nakuru, where the annularity will last for an incredible 8 minutes on January 15, 2010. Recommended Reading List

Enrichment Lecturers
Dave Eicher – Astronomy magazine
Dennis Mammana – SkyScapes
Photos © Dennis Mammana/dennismammana.com

Your Safari includes:

January 8/10—Depart U.S.A. – London/Nairobi
Depart USA with a connection in London continuing on to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.  You will be met and transferred to the historic Norfolk Hotel with a traditional Jambo welcome and drink.  Many safaris have departed from the verandah of the Norfolk Hotel including that of president “Teddy” Roosevelt.  The Lord Delamere Terrace is still a favored watering hole for the locals.  Norfolk Hotel (2-nights) Request a Brochure

January 11, 2010—Nairobi
After breakfast, a drive out to the Ngong Hills and Karen Blixen’s home brings memories of the early days of Nairobi’s development.  Continue to the Giraffe Center and shop at the Utamaduni Crafts Center. (B/L) Request a Brochure

January 12, 2010—Nairobi - Samburu
Our safari begins through the green highlands and coffee plantations to the vast semi-desert and red-dust plains of the Samburu Game Reserve.  Game abounds in the forested fringes of the Ewaso Niro River.   Game-viewing in search of Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, or reticulated giraffe. This is home to the Samburu people, “cousins” to the Maasai.  The young warriors’ colorful, red dress and ornamentation distinguishes them from other members of the tribe.  Samburu Serena Lodge. (2-nights)  (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

January 13, 2010—Samburu
Morning and afternoon game drives in the arid and scrubby National Reserve offer abundant wildlife such as the gerenuk, dik-dik, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, elephant, cheetah, leopard and lion.  Not to be overlooked are the 100 of species of birds.  (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

January 14, 2010—Samburu - Lake Nakuru
After breakfast continue through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its bird sanctuary and a haven for rhino, reedbuck and Rothschild giraffes. Lion Hill Lodge (2-nights) (B/L/D)     Request a Brochure       
                                               
January 15, 2010—Annular ECLIPSE – Lake Nakuru
Enjoy a leisurely morning stroll on the grounds of the Lodge, bird watching, or boating among the hippos before the annular eclipse of 8 minutes and 25 seconds.  Afterwards bring your cameras on an excursion to see thousands of pink flamingos feeding. (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

January 16, 2010—Lake Nakuru– Maasai Mara
Journey back to Nairobi for your flight to Kenya’s best game reserve – the Maasai Mara.  Your home in the Mara for the next three nights captures the spirit and romance of Kenyan wilderness.   Classic safari style tents with en-suite baths look out over the vast plains.  The camp is not fenced so elephants may stop by for nocturnal munchies and hippos for grazing.  The game drives are in Governor’s own 4WD vehicles which bring the Maasai Mara to you.  Main Governor’s Camp (3-nights) (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

January 17, 2010—Maasai Mara
A full day game viewing and exploration of this fine reserve of over 60 species of wildlife, including the Big Five:  lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo.  Explore for rhino in the thorn thickets, giraffe and elephant in the riverine woodlands, and masses of buffalo, wildebeest, and antelope on the savannas.   The cheetah, leopard and the reserve’s lion prides roam freely among the rolling hills and plains of the Mara.  (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

January 18, 2010—Maasai Mara
You may wish to take an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vast plains, dropping down for champagne and beef Wellington breakfasts served on the open plain on white linen draped tables or enjoy relaxing at camp.  Governor’s Camp site was once reserved for the exclusive use of Kenya’s colonial governors and royal guests.  It truly is a special location.  (B/L/D) Request a Brochure

January 19, 2010—Maasai Mara - Nairobi
One final game drive before flying back to Nairobi, where dayrooms are provided for your convenience.  Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.  You may wish to continue your safari with one of the extensions.  (B/L) Request a Brochure

How to Prepare for this Trip

Click on the following link for a detailed list of preparations: Preparing for this Trip

Recommended Reading List

Interested? Request a Brochure