United Holidays Pty. Ltd.

Kenya
SPECTACULAR
United
holidays pty ltd
UNITED HOLIDAYS KENYA SAFARI
United Holidays Pty Limited, with experience stretching back well over 30 years, assures you full attention to all
those little details that turn a safari into a great and memorable vacation.
We know from experience that an African safari is one important event in life. It is worth keeping in mind that no one will show you firsthand
the wonders of Kenya (and the wider East Africa) better than the people who live and work in this country, the original safari destination. We
have devoted staff and guides who are experts in their field and speak fluent English.
United Holidays Pty Limited invites you to discover Kenya, home of Safari, where daybreak in the African wilderness ushers in a world quite
apart from what many of us would call the norm. An amphitheater where the show does not end and for which there is not a script. The lion,
buffalo, rhino, leopard, elephant, wildebeest, zebra, baboon, hippo...the list is endless, and they all have a unique part to play.
Geography
Kenya lies astride the equator on the eastern coast of Africa. It is a mediumsized country by continental standards covering an area of about 586,600km
sq. Inland water bodies cover some 10,700km sq, the bulk of this in Lakes
Victoria and Turkana. The coastline, about 550km long, faces the Indian
Ocean. Kenya has tremendous topographical diversity, including glaciated
mountains with snow-capped peaks, the Rift Valley with its scarps and
volcanoes, ancient granitic hills, flat desert landscapes and coral reefs and
islets. However, the basic configuration is simple. Coastal plains give way to
an inland plateau that rises gradually to the central highlands, which are the
result of the relatively recent volcanic activity associated with the formation
of the Great Rift Valley, home to Kenya’s world beating middle and long
distance runners.
Language
The national language of Kenya is Kiswahili. English is the official language,
used in business, the media, parliament and as a medium of instruction in
schools and colleges. Kiswahili is the most widely spoken African language.
Kenyans speak a total of 42 African languages, some of which are dialects of
the same language. The average Kenyan therefore speaks at least 3 different
languages.
Religion
70% of Kenya’s population are Christian (40% Protestant and 30% Roman
Catholic), 7% are Muslim who mainly live along the coast, whilst the rest
comprise adherants of indeginous African religions.
Credit Cards
All banks and major tourist establishments accept credit cards.
Money
The official currency of Kenya is the Kenya Shilling (Ksh). Bank notes come in
denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000Ksh.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Kenya for driver guides and game lodge and hotel
porters. $20 Australian per day is customary for driver guides. You may tip
hotel and game lodge porters anything between $2 and $4 per service, which
is usually upon arriving and leaving a hotel or game lodge. Please note,
tipping is not widely practiced outside game lodges and hotels.
Clothing
Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. Clothing
should be of neutral colour, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing
avoided. Studies have proven that most African game animals are able to see
bright blue over any other colour!
Useful Phone Numbers
Tamasha Afrika
Phone: 254-20-4451074/5 and 254-723-944-530
Fax: 254-20-4451075
Web Address: www.tamasha-afrika.com
Visas
All citizens of Australia and New Zealand (both adults and children) are
required to hold valid visas to enter into Kenya. Visas are obtained from the
Kenya High Commission in Canberra. Short term visas are valid for ninety
(90) days. We can, upon request, arrange your visa for you.
Average temperatures in degrees Celcius
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Nairobi
27 2827 2625 24 232327 2725 25
Mombasa 32
32
33
31
29
29
28
28
29
30
31
32
Average Rainfall in Millimeters:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Nairobi 49
36
85
153
126
32
13
18
21
48
132
75
Mombasa 17
10
30
108
149
54
34
47
46
62
66
32
The Kenya Expedition 10 Night/11 Day Safari
Price $8888 per person
Price is based on twin share accomodation.
Package includes:
~ Return Economy airfares ex Sydney including all taxes.
~ All transfers to and from airports in Kenya.
All expenses related to the itinerary as follows:
~ All lodges and hotel accommodation with all meals as per the itinerary.
~Hotel arrangements on a full board basis while on Safari
unless otherwise stated.
~Air costs for regional charter flights if indicated in
the itinerary.
~Entrance fees to all places of interest and to all wildlife reserves included in the itinerary.
~Safari car with an English-speaking driver guide.
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions may be purchased up to 30 days prior to
departure or while on tour. The optional excursions include a
balloon safari in the Maasai Mara, a short visit or stay at the
Giraffe Manor in Nairobi and a visit to a Maasai village.
Day 1 - Sankara Hotel
You will spend your first night in Kenya at the Sankara
Nairobi. With ample shopping options available close by,
Sankara Nairobi combines international 5 star standards with
personal service and the authentic flavour of the new Africa.
Sankara Nairobi are about contemporary style with signature
regional references. Genuine works of modern East African
art are exhibited.
Day 2 & 3 - Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is at the foot of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. Situated 280 km from Nairobi,
the 320sq km National Park provides breathtaking views of wildlife against the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro,
creating one of the finest photogenic backdrops to a game park. Much of Amboseli is dry and desert-like. In
dramatic contrast to the dry areas of Amboseli, are two swamps, both fed by underground streams from the
melting snows of Mt Kilimanjaro. Wildlife on the plains of the park is easy to spot, attracted by vegetation fed by
the underground streams. Elephant, buffalo, lion, gazelle, cheetah, wildebeest, hyena, jackal, warthog, giraffe,
zebra and baboon are all present.
Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli
Situated in the heart of the Amboseli National Park with views
of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ol Tukai Lodge is one of the best spots
in the world to watch elephants. The lodge is a high-class
tourist resort in one of East Africa’s most fascinating wildlife
and nature parks, and continues to be very popular with
international tourists. The design concept of the property was
inspired by the beautiful topography to take full advantage of
the flat planes on one side and the lush acacia tree forest on the
other. The property also overlooks the Amboseli plains to the
south. Writers have described Ol Tukai and the surrounding
Amboseli National Park ‘as a home for the Gods’. Ol Tukai
is an Eco-rated lodge having excellent outdoor and indoor
facilities with its unique collection of African art. The property
receives overwhelming reviews from the international and
local tourism market.
Day 4 - Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park was created in 1968 to protect the huge flocks of over a million the lesser flamingo that breed
and nest at the edge of lake, giving it the characteristic pink rim at times. Located at an altitude of 1,220 - 1,757 meters
above sea level, the park covers 188 sq km. The vegetation is mainly wooded and bushy grassland with a wide ecological
diversity. Situated within this park is Lake Nakuru, one of the soda lakes on the basin of the Rift Valley. The normally watercovered surface of the lake occupies about a third of the park. The lake water supports a dense bloom of the blue-green
Cyanophyte Spirulina Platensis from which it derives its colour and which is the major food source for the flamingo. The
park is home not only to the lesser flamingo but to over 400 species of birds, and one of the few places in which to see the
endangered white rhino. Other wildlife at the park include lion, leopard, zebra, gazelle, eland, giraffe and the rock hyrax.
A magnificent and breath taking sunset can be seen from the top of the Baboon Cliffs.
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge
Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge is nestled along the Lion Hill
overlooking Lake Nakuru. Its location affords panoramic
vistas of the lake. A short two hour drive from Nairobi, the
lodge is a favourite with residents and visitors to Kenya. The
lodge incorporates natural landscaping with tall acacia trees,
winding walkways and greens dotted with bird feed. It is a
natural haven for bird life and attracts over 50 species of birds
amongst the 400 species that inhabit the Park.
Day 5 & 6 - Maasai Mara Game Reserve
The Maasai Mara, located to the South-West of Kenya, occupies 1,672sq km of designated wildlife reserve and forms part
of the Mara-Serengeti complex. These endless plains of East Africa are the setting for the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle
where, from the vast Serengeti plains to the champagne colored hills of Kenya’s Maasai Mara, over 1.3 million wildebeest
and 200,000 zebra and gazelle, relentlessly tracked by Africa’s great predators, migrate in a clock wise fashion over 2,800
kms each year in search of rain ripened grass.
The Maasai who live within close proximity of the park enjoy a peaceful co-existence with the wildlife, as they have done
over many centuries.
Bird life is prolific here and includes some 50 or so birds of prey. Vultures may be seen often hovering above a kill, waiting
for remnants of the carcass. Maasai Mara is the perfect wildlife sanctuary. Many who have visited this reserve share our
opinion. The temperature is never too hot, nor too cold. The rolling plains are not covered by too much vegetation so that
the animals are never too hard to find.
Mara Sopa Game Lodge
The Maasai Mara boasts a number of wonderful lodges.
One of the oldest, the Mara Sopa Game Lodge, is located
on the slopes of Oloongams Hills. The bulildings are
based on traditional African architecture, with varied and
beautiful flora (including large desert cacti and sweet
smelling jasmine flowers) all around. Visitors may relax by
the pool prior to the afternoon game drive, watch a Maasai
Warrior dance after dinner, then from a safe distance on
the balcony, witness the feeding of the hyenas.
Day 8 & 9 - Samburu National Reserve
Situated in semi-arid Northern Kenya around the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu National Reserve is one of the lesser known
parks. It nevertheless has abundant wildlife. The reserve is characterised by open savannah plains that are broken only
occasionally by small rugged hills. Samburu is becoming one of the most popular game parks in Kenya after the Mara,
partly due to its close proximity to Nairobi - 350 kilometres.
The game park’s permanent water supply attracts numerous wildlife species in the dry season. These include the rare
northern species such as the Gravy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx, a group sometimes
referred to as the “Samburu special five” The reserve is also popular with elephant, leopard and lion. Samburu National
Reserve is famous for the lioness Kamunyak (Blessed One) Kamunyak adopted at least 6 oryx calves, fighting off predators
and lion prides which attempted to eat her charges. She suffered starvation, since the calves would not act like lion cubs
and wait somewhere while she hunted. Crocodiles are a common sight along the rivers, and wild dogs may also be seen
here. The reserve offers excellent bird-watching opportunities for the bird lover.
Samburu Simba Lodge
Samburu Simba Lodge enjoys an unobstructed view to
the Uaso Nyiro River bank and waterhole from where you
may witness elephants and other animals coming insearch
of water. Birding enthusiasts would not be disappointed
as there are numerous birds around the lodge including
vereaux’s eagle-owl, night heron bristle-crowned starling
and orange-bellied parrots. The lodge offers some 70
single rooms, double and interconnecting rooms, and
Photograph by N. Ndiba
tarraces facing the river.
Day 10
Fairmont Mount Kenya
Safari Club
Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder,
William Holden, the Club’s illustrious former members
have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby. There
are many recreational activities available, including
horseback riding, golf, croquet, a bowling green, table
tennis, swimming and much more.
With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club Resort’s 120 luxuriously
appointed hotel rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort and relaxation after
your safari. Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club is the ideal base for a truly superb holiday in Nanyuki, Kenya.
SAFARI ITINERARY
NAIROBI – AMBOSELI – L. NAKURU – MAASAI MARA –
NAIROBI – SAMBURU – MT. KENYA - DEPART.
Day 1: Nairobi (Sankara Nairobi – BB)
relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
check in, lunch is served. Rest.
You will be met at the airport on arrival and
Available: Swimming pool, Gift shop, indoor bar.
• 1600hrs: Afternoon game drive begins.
driven to Sankara Nairobi for bed and breakfast
Attractions: Rhinos, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Leopard,
• 1830hrs: Arrive back at the lodge for accommodation.
Flamingo.
relaxation, dinner and overnight stay
Available: Gift shop, business centre, indoor
Road condition: Dirt road for 80kms, Tarmac road
Available: Swimming pool, gift shop, indoor
and outdoor bar, swimming pool.
for 370kms.
and outdoor bar.
Attractions: Gravy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe,
Road condition: Tarmac for 20kms.
DAY 5: Maasai Mara National Reserve
oryx, Somali ostrich.
Day 2: Amboseli National Park
(Mara Sopa Lodge – FB)
Road condition: 320kms tarmac, 30kms
(Ol Tukai Lodge – FB)
• 0600hrs: Morning call, breakfast served.
dirt road.
• 0600hrs: Morning call, breakfast served at • 0730hrs: Leave Sarova Lion Hill for Maasai Sankara Hotel.
Mara. You will make a brief stop at Narok Town Day 9: Samburu National Reserve
• 0730hrs: Check out of the hotel. You will be then proceed on to Maasai Mara. There will be (Samburu Simba Lodge – FB)
picked up from the hotel by our driver, leave a long stretch of road where you will be driving • 0600hrs: Early morning game drive.
for Amboseli. Take a short break at Namanga on the floor of the Rift Valley, exit the valley on • 0830hrs: Back to the lodge for breakfast. Rest.
Town. Namanga is the border town between the western edge then drive through Maasai
• 1230hrs: Arrive at the lodge. Rest. Lunch
Kenya and Tanzania.
Country to Maasai Mara.
is served.
• 1230hrs: Arrive at Ol Tukai Lodge. Check in. • 1230hrs: Check in at Mara Sopa Lodge.
• 1600hrs: Afternoon game drive begins.
Lunch is served. Leisure time.
Lunch. Rest.
• 1830hrs: Arrive back at the lodge for • 1600hrs: Afternoon game drive begins.
relaxation, dinner and overnight stay
• 1600hrs: Afternoon game drive begins.
•1830hrs:
Arrive
back
at
the
lodge
for
• 1830hrs: Dinner and an overnight stay at Mara relaxation, dinner and an overnight stay.
Sopa Lodge.
Day 10: Mt. Kenya (Mt. Kenya Safari Club – FB)
Available: Swimming pool, gift shop, indoor and
Available: Swimming pool, gift shop, indoor bar.
• 0600hrs: Morning call, breakfast served.
outdoor bar.
Attractions: The big five – Lion, Leopard, Buffalo,
• 0800hrs: Leave Samburu Simba Lodge, drive to Attractions: Awsome views of Mt Kilimanjaro,
Elephant and Rhino. Magnificent scenery.
Mt. Kenya region.
huge heards of elephant, balloon safari.
Road condition: Tarmac road for about 240kms,
• 1100hrs: Check in at Mt. Kenya Safari Club. Road condition: Tarmac road for about 200kms,
dirt road fo 80kms.
You will have some free time before lunch.
dirt road for 80kms.
• 1230hrs: Lunch is served. More leisure time. Day 6: Maasai Mara National Reserve (Mara
You will spend the whole afternoon relaxing.
Day 3: Amboseli National Park
Sopa Lodge – FB)
• 1930hrs: Formal dinner – Ladies are required
(Ol Tukai Lodge – FB)
• 0600hrs: Early morning game drive.
to wear dresses and gentlemen are required to • 0600hrs: Early morning game drive.
• 0830hrs: Back to the lodge for breakfast.
wear Jackets and formal pants and shoes.
• 0830hrs: Back to the lodge for breakfast. • 1030hrs: Leave the lodge with picnic lunch for No sneakers.
Leisure time.
an extended game drive to the Mara River.
Available: Heated Swimming pool, Golf, Spa,
• 1230hrs: Lunch is served at the lodge.
• 1230hrs: Break for lunch at the Mara River.
Animal Orphanage, Horseriding, Trout fishing,
Leisure time.
• 1330hrs: Game drive continues.
Fireplaces in room.
• 1600hrs: Afternoon game drive begins.
• 1700hrs: Arrive back at the lodge for relaxation,
Attractions: This is a relaxing five star facility after
• 1830hrs: Arrive back at the lodge for
dinner and an overnight stay.
a long safari. Awesome views of Mt. Kenya.
Road condition: 20kms dirt road, 160kms
relaxation, dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Nairobi (Sankara Nairobi – BB)
tarmac road.
Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park
• 0600hrs: Morning call, breakfast served.
(Sarova Lion Hill Lodge – FB)
• 0730hrs: Drive back to Nairobi.
DAY 11: Depart
• 0600hrs: Morning call, breakfast is served.
• 1230hrs: Enjoy lunch at Haandi Restaurant.
• 0630hrs: Morning call, breakfast served.
• 0730hrs: Leave Amboseli, drive back to • 1400hrs: Drive to Sankara Hotel for check in • 0800hrs: Leave Mt. Kenya Safari Club drive Nairobi. You will stop for lunch in Nairobi.
and relaxation. Accommodation at Sankara
back to Nairobi.
• 1200hrs: Lunch at Tamambo restaurant in Hotel on Bed and Breakfast basis.
• 1230hrs: Lunch at Carnivore Restaurant. Apart from your normal, beef, chicken, lamb etc Nairobi.
• 1330hrs: Continue on to Lake Nakuru.
Day 8: Samburu National Reserve
Carnivore does serve wild meat e.g. Crocodile • 1600hrs: Arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park. (Samburu Simba Lodge – FB)
and Ostrich. You will later be driven to the Proceed to do a game drive. Visit the baboon • 0600hrs: Morning call, breakfast served.
cliff and make a stop at the lake to take a picture
• 0730hrs: Leave Nairobi, dirive to Samburu
airport to catch your flight home.
with the flamengoes.
National Reserve.
• 1830hrs: Check in at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, • 1230hrs: Arrive at Samburu Simba Lodge; ITINERARY CHANGES
Whilst every effort is made to adhere to confirmed itineraries, our Associated
Companies or Agents reserve the right to make reasonable changes in the
itinerary when deemed advisable for the comfort and safety of passengers,
which includes but is not limited to the substitution of hotels, alteration of the
itinerary, and reversing the order of the places to be visited. Our associated
Companies or Agents also reserves the right to employ subcontractors to
carry out all or any part of the services agreed upon.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENTS
All prices quoted are on a twin share basis. To make a reservation, a deposit
of 50% of the total amount of the tour together with a signed booking form is
required. Please read the conditions carefully before completing the booking
form, which will be sent to you upon request. The remaining balance must
be paid at least 60 days before departure. Payment by credit card could incur
a surcharge.
A late fee of $100 will apply to all payments made after the due date unless
an arrangement has been made with the management.
High season may incur a surcharge for flights.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
In case of cancellations, please notify us in writing. No refund will be paid if
cancellation is made. This applies both to deposit and full payment.
No refund is available after the safari has commenced, in respect of any
service not utilised.
438 Princess Highway Rockdale 2216
Phone: 02 9556 2665
Fax: 02 9556 2757
Country or Interstate callers
Toll Free: 1800 610 710
Email: united@unitedholidays.com.au
Website: www.unitedholidays.com.au
Licence No. 2TA5707
ABN 82 107 248 162
United
holidays pty ltd
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is highly recommended. United Holidays Pty Ltd is an
authorised representative of Aussie Travel Cover (underwritten by Allianz
Australia Insurance) and will be happy to arrange your insurance for you.
RESPONSIBILITY
United Holidays Pty Ltd and it’s associated Companies or Agents, give notice
that we act as Booking Agents only for the persons or companies providing
or offering the means of travel, conveyance, transport, accommodation, or
other services and all receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange orders
are issued subject to the terms and conditions under which transport and
other services are provided. United Holidays Pty Ltd shall not be liable for
any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irrecularity that may be caused
to person or property. It is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure that
he/she is in possession of the proper travel documents and that they are
in compliance with the current government and transportation companies
regulations.
NOTE
All prices are based on current exchange rates. United Holidays reserve the
right to alter these prices in case of fluctuation in exchange rates, increases
in land and air fare costs or any additional taxes imposed by Australian and/
or Kenyan authorities. United Holidays Pty Ltd has no control over airline
schedules, which, if altered, may result in additional costs to passengers.