Kenya Wildlife & Birding Safari
Feb. 3-19, 2012, with optional Uganda Gorillas and Birding extension Feb. 19-26

Guide: Peg Abbott and Preston Mutinda (local guide)

Sun., Feb 5*** Arrival in Nairobi, Kenya
***Please note: to arrive in Kenya on February 5, flights often have to leave
the USA on Feb. 3 or 4, depending on route...
After a long flight, our local guide Preston Mutinda has chosen a hotel for us that is a real treat. Lovely accommodations with a view of Nairobi National Park!  Enjoy views of native animals at a waterhole as you unpack, and from the restaurant, bar or roof-top swimming pool.  This hotel is just minutes from the airport and away from hustle and bustle of the city. We will recommend flights if you wish to travel with the group.
Accommodations: Ole-Sereni Hotel, Nairobi. (B,L,D)

Mon.-Tues., Feb 6-7 Amboseli National Park
We drive southeast today to reach one of Kenya’s premier national parks, most famous for its elephant herds and stunning arid landscapes with a view ofMount Kilimanjaro. We search for birds and mammals in a 150 square-mile landscape of contrasts: expansive dry, shining lake beds and lush papyrus swamps bordered by palm forests and open acacia woodlands. Along with elephants we should find Buffalos,Impalas, Lions, Cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, Burchell’s Zebras, wildebeests, Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Dik-diks, mongooses and Lesser Kudu. Over four-hundred species of birds have been recorded here, among them 40 birds of prey. Rare Wild Dogs exist here.

Birdlife International recognizes Amboseli as Important Bird Area and lists 42 trigger species, among these Eastern Chanting Goshawks, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Red-bellied Parrots, White-bellied Go-away-birds, Abyssinian Scimitarbills, two hornbills, Black-throated, Red-and-yellow and D’Arnaud’s barbets, Kenya Violet-backed and Hunter’s Sunbirds, Straw-tailed Whydahs and more.

Cynthia Moss conducts her long-term research on elephants (current herd estimated at 900-1000 animals) and other wildlife here. Several large ranches border the park andecotourism is an important part of their income. Pastoral Maasai people live in and around the park and their needs are part of park management.

Amboseli is a beautiful introduction for our time on safari in Kenya. We know you’ll enjoy your spacious, luxury tents here, not your run-of-the-mill tents, with your own private verandah and ensuite bathrooms (flush toilet, hot showers). Mid-day between game drives you may enjoy the spa and pool, and meals are served in a lovely setting, with animals close at hand.
Accommodations: Sentrim Tented Camp, Amboseli National Park. (B,L,D, both days)

Wed.-Thurs., Feb. 8-9 Kenya’s Great Rift Valley/Lake Nakuru National Park
The Great Rift Valley is a stunning geologic feature and extensive agricultural area of Kenya. Lake Nakuru is a large alkaline lake, surrounded by woodland and grassland. Lake Nakuru National Park is famous for Hippos and astounding numbers of Lesser Flamingos.  It is one of Kenya’s earliest-established parks, and today is one of its Rhino Sanctuaries, with both Black and White rhinos occurring. Rothschild’s Giraffes, plentiful Waterbucks, and warthogs are here, along with a great variety of wildlife in the upland areas. The lake and wetlands team with species including Pied Kingfishers, Hammerkops, African Fish Eagles and rarer Goliath Herons. Over 450 birds species have been recorded, and Birdlife International lists over 30 trigger species, including Little and Black-necked grebes, African Spoonbills, Great White Pelicans, Lesser Kestrels, Hempich’s Hornbills, Grey-crested Helmet-shrikes, Bronzed and Golden-winged Sunbirds and Purple Grenadiers.

Our tented camp here is an intimate one, with just 25 tents. As in Amboseli, we have electricity, lovely furnishings and textiles, and wonderful food and service, all while being as close to nature as possible.
Accommodations: Flamingo Camp, Lake Nakuru National Park. (B,L,D, both days)

     

Fri.-Sat., Feb. 10-11 Mt. Kenya National Park
Knock, knock. It’s time to wake up in your tree-top lodge for something special has been sighted at the waterhole!  This venerable lodge is one we’ve stayed at on all our Kenya journeys. With its view of spectacular Mt. Kenya, its location in lovely forest with trails, and its ambiance are hard to equal. The lodge works hard at maintaining a light ecological footprint in its prime location within Mt. Kenya National Park. African Buffalos are often at the waterhole, as are groups of elephant, often some with very new youngsters at their side.  Bushbuck and Waterbuck approach carefully, always alert for dangers of lions and other predators. Close to the lodge, Spotted Genets often come in after dark, and guests must be careful not to invite Sykes Monkeys into your room by leaving a window open!

In addition to mammals, we find some wonderful birds in the forests, and from the rooftop deck of our lodge. Birdlife International lists 55 trigger species, including Mountain Buzzards, beautiful Hartlaub’s Turacos, Abyssinian Owls, Bar-tailed Trogons, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, six species of sunbirds, and others.

What is this place like?  We find a good description on Mountain Lodge’s website: “Raised on stilts above the forest canopy, a timbered drawbridge leads from the forest and up on to the wooden ‘decks' of the lodge. Inside, the impression of having boarded a ship is perpetuated by a combination of log paneled walls, timbered game-viewing decks and winding stairs leading to a selection of snugly comfortable, cabin-styled rooms.”
Accommodations: Mountain Lodge, Mt. Kenya National Park (B,L,D, both days)

Sun.-Tues., Feb. 12-14 Samburu Game Reserve
Larsen’s Tented Camp, located on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River is one of our all-timefavorite lodges. Wildlife and birds are so prolific on the grounds that it’s hard to peel yourself away for a game drive! Here the rhythm of safari life kicks in – early game drive, back for breakfast,morning game drive, back for lunch, rest-nap-photograph in camp- late afternoon game drive, sundowners, dinner, night sounds and stories by the fire…

In this arid, northern part of Kenya, we find a host of new mammals. Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx are signatures of this beautiful landscape. Grant’s Gazelles, Reticulated Giraffes and three cats: lion, leopard and cheetah are often seen. One year we found and got photos of a highly secretive Caracal here!

The bird life of this area is also grand, with sightings of Somali Ostrich, Grey-headed and other kingfishers, and ever-present, colorful Lilac-breasted Rollers. Birdlife International lists over 60 trigger species here, including Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Bee-eater, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Pringle’s Puffback, several larks, Somali Crombec, several starlings, sunbirds, and social-weavers, and more. This is an excellent place to observe Kenya’s impressive large eagles, and most of its guild of vultures, including rare Egyptian Vulture.

Our camp is small, just 20 tents, and its grounds invite relaxation. Troops of Baboons may visit the river, birds abound. Delicious meals are served in a variety of atmospheres, on the river bank under a canopy of fig trees, on the river front deck, by the camp fire, or on the tree deck overlooking a water hole.  With three nights here, we have ample time to explore, and to pamper ourselves a bit with some relaxation inherent to safari.
Accommodations: Larsen's Camp, Samburu Game Reserve. (B,L,D, all days)

Wed., Feb 15 Ol Pejeta Conservancy/Night Wildlife Safari
For years we have wanted to add a night game drive to our Kenya trip, as few national parks allow one to be out past sunset. Our guide, Preston Mutinda, has found the perfect place. Ol Pejecta is a private sanctuary, an oasis surrounding a water hole. Once a colonial farm, the restaurant in the former manager’s home holds history and ambiance as we dine. This is a small camp, 39 tents, and it boasts a higher density of wildlife than many of the national parks.  It is a leader in community-based conservation, located on the Laikipia Plateau of central Kenya. Aardvark, Servel Cat, African Wild Dogs, Bat-eared Fox, Eland, Bohor Reedbuck and Jackson’s Hartebeest are some of the mammals we may find. Some 400 species of birds reside here, including Bateleurs, Bearded Woodpeckers, Black-bellied Bustards, African Paradise Flycatchers, and MANY more. A sanctuary for orphaned and injured Chimpanzees is part of a project with the Jane Goodall Institute.

Our tents are placed under thatched roofs, they have ensuite bathrooms and private verandahs.
Accommodations: Sweetwater’s Tented Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (B,L,D)

Thurs., Feb 16 Flight to Governor's Camp/Wildlife Safari - Masai Mara
The Governor’s Camp website asks, “When is the last time you visited a place that touched your soul?” We visited there in search of colorful turacos and vowed one day to return. With three nights here, in what is Kenya’s most fabulous wildlife area, we have ARRIVED. Taking the flight in, we use the camp’s vehicles during our stay, but avoid a long, hot, dusty traverse to southern Kenya to get here.

Governor’s Camps are working with the Mara Predator Project to help protect the Mara’s lions. They have an excellent environmental record, have been established for over 30 years, and are committed to retaining traditional safari values of hospitality and quality wildlife viewing. Established in 1972, the camp offers an oasis of large trees that are magnets for birds, while affording sweeping views of the African plains and easy access for prime game viewing.  As with all our locations, tents have their own private bath. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here.
Accommodations: Governor’s Camp, Masai Mara (B,L,D)

Fri.-Sat., Feb. 17-18 Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is considered to be Africa’s premier reserve. There is simply no place like it on Earth! The Mara is situated in southwest Kenya, adjacent to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park Reserve. The Mara is fascinating year-round, and while we are not there during the huge late-summer influx of wildebeest there is much to see. Preston has an exceptional eye for Leopards. We often find a hard-working cheetah with her young, surveying herds of Thompson’s Gazelles. Topi are numerous here. The Mara itself is some 600 square miles, and it is nested in a much larger ecosystem between the Great Rift Valley escarpment to the vast reaches of the Serengeti. Long-term lion and Spotted Hyena work has been done here, as well as extended observation on packs of Wild Dogs, which are extremely rare now due to distemper outbreaks and other canine disease. 

Birding is legendary in the Mara, between mammal sightings one can find dozens of species!  Over 500 species have been recorded, with 53 birds of prey and Secretary Birds among them. Some of the memorable species include colorful Saddle-billed Storks, African Openbill Storks, Lappet-faced Vultures, Tawny and Martial eagles, Kori Bustards, Meyer’s Parrots, Verreaux’s Eagle Owls, Malachite and African Pygmy Kingfishers, Chinspot Batis, Fork-tailed Drongos, Beautiful Sunbirds, Golden-breasted Buntings and so many more!  Click here for a list of the region.

While in the Mara, we can arrange a hot-air balloon ride for you (additional cost). Peg may have to do this to celebrate her birthday!
Accommodations at Governor's Camp, Masai Mara (B,L,D)

Sun., Feb 19 Flight Masai Mara/Nairobi/Return Flights or Gorillas Extension
Connections to return flights to USA, or continue with an afternoon flight to Uganda for our spectacular Gorillas extension. (B)

 

UGANDA: Gorillas, Great Birds & Landscapes, Shoebills & More!
Feb. 19-26, 2012
Details coming soon!

Sun., Feb. 19 Uganda/Kampala
We take an afternoon flight to the modern city of Kampala, and freshen up from safari at our lodge.
Accommodations: Cassia Lodge, Kampala (D)

Mon., Feb. 20 Kampala/Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodations: Mantana Tented Camp, Lake Mburo National Park (B,L,D)

Tues., Feb. 21 Morning game drive Lake Mburo NP/Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodations: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable NP (B,L,D)

Wed.-Thurs., Feb. 22-23 Incredible Gorilla Tracking
Accommodations: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable NP (B,L,D) 

Fri., Feb 24 Return to Mantana Tented Camp/Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodations: Mantana Tented Camp, Lake Mburo National Park (B,L,D)

Sat., Feb 25 Mabamba Swamp (in search of rare Shoebill Stork)/Kampala
Accommodations in Kampala (B,L,D)

Sun., Feb 26 Mabamba Swamp/Mabira Forest
Evening transfer to airport for International flights. (B,L)

 

Our Guide: Preston Mutinda
Naturalist Journeys’ owner Peg Abbott has been a friend and colleague of Preston’s since her first Africa adventure in 1992. He is by far the top wildlife spotter she has encountered in thirty years of guiding, and he is a generous, knowledgeable, fun person to travel with; one that can keep us safe, find key species and share knowledge of Kenya’s history, ecology and culture with us as we travel. He has selected a trusted colleague in Uganda for seeing gorillas and birding there, and will accompany the group.

Preston Mutinda was born in Eastern Kenya in the tribe Kamba. He dreamed of venturing into Wildlife protection when he was a young boy. That dream came true when he graduated from Kenya Utalii [tourism] College in 1978. He has a Diploma in Safari guiding and Ornithology. He worked for East African Ornithological Safaris and Origins Safaris for many years.

Preston expanded his passion for leading safaris when he started a Safari company called Preston’s Birding & Wildlife Safaris one of the top leaders in the safari industry. [www.prestonsafaris.com]. It specializes in customized adventures appealing to all budgets where he is the Safari Director. Preston has travelled extensively in seventeen USA states doing Wildlife presentations. In 2001 he received a scholarship for a 4 months internship at Brukner Nature Center [www.bruknernaturecenter.com] with the help of Troy Rotary club in Ohio State. When he returned he started a Community Center called Mutinda Wildlife Education Center with support from Troy Rotary Club and many friends from USA.

The long experience he has in Safari guiding has reinforced a lifelong commitment to Wildlife Conservation. He is also currently an Alternate Director of Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association.

PLAN AHEAD! Protect yourself with Access America Travel Insurance. Offset your Carbon Footprint. Show us the receipt and we'll take 50% - up to $50.00 - of your carbon offset fee off your final payment. COST OF THE JOURNEY Cost of the main journey is $7055.00, double occupancy, from Nairobi (Kenya*).  Cost of the extension – (can be booked separately) is $3750.00 from Kampala (Uganda). The cost of the main journey includes accommodations for 14 nights, all meals from dinner Feb. 5 through breakfast Feb.19, airport welcome and transfers, internal country flight from Nairobi round trip to Masai Mara, land transport in safari vehicles (essential for wildlife watching), professional Kenyan guides/drivers, a host from Naturalist Journeys, park and preserve entry fees, pre-departure trip materials and miscellaneous program expenses. Cost of the extension includes accommodations for 7 nights, all meals from dinner Feb. 19th through breakfast Feb. 26th (one lunch between main tour and extension can readily be purchased at the Nairobi airport while you are involved with check in for your flights). It includes airport welcome and transfers, land transport by small motorcoach or van, professional Ugandan guides/drivers, our Kenyan guide (with sufficient enrollment), a host from Naturalist Journeys, park and preserve entry fees, GORILLA TREKKING FEES, pre-departure materials and miscellaneous program expenses. Please note that Gorilla Trekking Fees are expensive and must be booked early to insure that we get them, so please plan ahead. This is an incredible experience, and the permit fees assure their conservation by bringing income to local communities. Cost of the Journey and extension do not include your air travel from the USA, and for those going on the extension, or the connecting flight from Nairobi to Kampala (we will let you know flight numbers to arrange this one with the group, best to ticket with your international air).  It does not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone or drinks from the bar.  It does not include customary housekeeping and service tips you can leave at your discretion with the various lodges upon departure. It is also customary to tip our safari guides upon our departure, again at your discretion (guidelines will be given). TRAVEL INFORMATION Please plan to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya on February 5th.  You may chose your travel route and airline and we can help make recommendations. For those that do not want to extend the trip with time in Europe, we highly recommend the route direct to Africa from the USA (Atlanta to Johannesburg and on to Nairobi) for ease of travel. The Johannesburg airport was redone for the World Cup and is a modern, easy airport to use. Plan to depart on afternoon (or later)  flights from Nairobi on February 19th. Those going on to the extension will fly to Kampala (another modern airport) on the afternoon of Feb. 10th. Plan to depart Kampala, Uganda on evening flights out February 26th (or later). Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery. Photo Credits: Guide photo - Preston Mutinda, Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association - www.safariguides.org; Larsen's Camp lodging, www.wildernesslodges.co.ke; Sentrim Tented Camp, www.sentrim-hotels.com; Flamingo Camp accomodations, www.flamingohillcamp.com; Mountain Lodge accommodations and Sweetwater’s Tented Camp, www.serenahotels.com; all other photos by Peg Abbott.

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