The main highlight of this trip is visiting the Masai Mara, home to the greatest concentration and diversity of wildlife in Kenya. Returning via the Rift Valley, a visit to Elsamere, home to the late Joy and George Adamson, introduces a more cultural Kenyan heritage as well as some of the great conservation efforts which began in Kenya. Our final highlight is Lake Nakuru National Park, home to, at times, 4 million flamingos. A sea of pink can be seen on most visits, it is also known for the opportunity to spot the elusive leopard. A fantastic way to end this brief introduction to East Africa.

Masai Mara Game Reserve. This morning you will have the option of a hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara. It is an amazing experience, as you take off with the sunrise and float above the Game Reserve, viewing the wildlife for approximately an hour before landing in the reserve to enjoy a full breakfast with champagne under the shade of a tree on the plains. The wildlife looks on while you partake in this luxurious fare. (Please note this is an optional activity, and can be arranged in advance, or with your tour guide on the previous day, subject to availability. You will also have the opportunity to do this over the Serengeti when you reach Tanzania).

For those not partaking in the optional activity you will start the day early for a morning game drive in the Masai Mara. It is the most famous and prolific game park in Kenya, covering an area of 1672 square kilometers. It is classified as a Reserve as opposed to a National Park to allow the Masai people to use the area to graze their cattle. A highlight of the Mara is no doubt the annual wildebeest migration, when literally millions of these beasts stray north from the Serengeti in search of grass for food, before turning south again. The Masai Mara has one of the highest concentrations of lion in Africa and is a good place to try and spot the elusive leopard.

Game Parks are places where the enthusiastic use a lot of film so it is advisable to have some extra. Hopefully we should be able to spot prides of lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebra and hippo and other more common animals such as wart hog, giraffe, and baboon - almost every conceivable species of East African wildlife can been spotted here!

We return to the lodge for a buffet breakfast, after which you are free to spend the morning at your leisure.

In the late afternoon you are taken back out into the Mara for another chance to see the diverse range of animals that reside here. This evening, after dinner, there is the opportunity to learn more about the Masai and their way of life with a talk about their rich culture and an option to join them in traditional dancing.  (B,L,D)

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru. We depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving mid-morning for check in. On our way, we drive along tree edged roads through the town of Nakuru. This is the fourth largest city in Kenya and has an official residence for the President of Kenya. Nakuru is also the primary trading centre for the Masai, and the town is full of markets selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to sofas and coffins (yes, really!). It’s a truly unique place, full of the colour of the Masai.

You arrive at the lodge, where lunch is served. You will be taken for an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is most famous for its population of pink flamingos, which featured in the movie ‘Out of Africa’. Aside from flamingos, Lake Nakuru boasts a sizeable population of rhinos, both black and white. The more sociable white rhino is a common sight seen grazing on the open plains. However, it’s less sociable cousin, the black rhino often remains hidden in the dense bush. Although not native to this park they were introduced here because the park offered good security from poachers and they are being used in a breeding program to maintain and improve the rhino population and gene pool. This park is also home to lions, leopards, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, waterbucks, reedbuck, baboons and many other species of plains game as well as a large, diverse bird population, which was the original reason the park was established. (B,L,D)

Southern Sun Mayfair Nairobi

Cnr Parklands Road and Msapo Close

Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254 20 374 0920

Fax: +254 20 374 8823

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.

Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Please ensure you have US Dollars CASH to pay for any visas which may be available on the borders.

Please note the following are approximate prices and can vary, however this should help you with your budgeting.

Kenya - All passport holders are required to obtain a visa; this can be done at the airport on arrival - $50 USD or £35 GBP cash.

Also, if your flight departs Kenya, you may need to pay $40USD Departure tax. Check with your travel agent.

Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-250 per week for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money, however in countries such as Uganda and Tanzania the exchange rate is higher for large denomination notes.

Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques.

Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities and in Southern Africa; they are, however, useful in case of emergency. 

Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa.

Please do NOT rely on using ATM’s. They are not widely available or reliable though this situation is slowly changing.

How much should I take?· 

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

As a general rule when travelling, it is worthwhile being prepared for all types of weather.  Keep a lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho – this should prepare you for all seasons!

For detailed climate information about the areas you are travelling to, please visit our website www.kumuka.com

English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

If you are using print film, all supplies plus any filters and other accessories should be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

NOTE:- Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.  A good idea is to use an old tea towel or t-shirt to wrap your camera up inside it’s dustproof camera bag when not in use.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations

All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you.

On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com