Author: monika

Eburru Escarpment, Lake Naivasha The Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort borrows its name from the stunning land it sits on. The Great Rift Valley is one of the greatest natural structures on earth, visible from outer space, stretching 5,500 kilometers, spanning two continents from Jordan in the Middle East, through Kenya in East Africa to Mozambique in Africa. No country can boast of such vivid panoramas of the Great Rift Valley as in Kenya. Straddling the rim of the mighty Eburru, every view from the room shows a facet of the Valley’s dynamic vistas. Built around an 18-hole golf course, the lodge is leisurely set on a wide expanse of the massif – each villa and room opening to surreal settings. The Lodge Rooms On a quick break out of Nairobi or enroute from safari, the Rift’s rooms are spacious with a lounge and fireplace and private balconies overlooking the Aberdares, Kenya’s longest mountain massif stretching 160 kilometres, the Kinangop plateau lying a tier below the Aberdares and the plains of Eburru littered with black obsidian stone telling its volcanic past. You can choose between twin beds or a double bed. The mountain’s slopes full of indigenous plants attract an assortment of birds, which makes for bird watching from the comfort of your private balcony fun – and at night, looking out for constellations of stars and planets in the celestial skies exciting. The Longonot Villas Set on beautifully landscaped gardens of succulent plants and ponds, the Longonot Villas open out to the mighty mountain that is Longonot, an extinct volcano from the bygone ages of the Rift’s turbulent past filled dramatic earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. On clear days, the mountain takes a double take, reflected in the fresh waters of Lake Naivasha, the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Each of the 40 villas is a three-tier three-bedroomed house – a home away from home, a designer’s delight complete with every modern amenity to make the traveler feel right at home. The living room, dining room and kitchen take the entire floor with the master bedroom on the top tier. The ground floor with the two bedrooms open to the garden with every floor giving that unforgettable view of the mountain and the lake. The villas are ideal for families and friends wanting a home atmosphere with a choice of home cooking or eating out at the lodge’s restaurants. Restaurant & The ’19th’ Hole Sitting 7,000 feet on Eburru, the highland air and active lifestyle at the lodge works up appetites, making each meal to look forward to. Fresh salads from the lodge’s eco-garden, succulent meats and fish fill the buffet tables of the main restaurant. With a choice ranging from ten different salads from the lodge’s organic eco garden, the cuisine is specially prepared with your health in mind. Only the best ingredients are used to prepare every dish. There’s something for everyone on the menu ranging from the Continental buffet to African cuisine with favourites like irio – made with fresh vegetables – to spicy Indian delights like chicken tikka. Those on a special diet need only to alert the chef for their requirements. You are spoilt for desserts. There’s fresh, zesty fruit salads and rich puddings like chocolate mousses and strawberry tarts complemented with ice cream or fresh cream with a selection of cheeses to end every meal. If you want to dine al-fresco under the skies, just let the chef know. Golfing at the high altitude can be demanding. The exclusive bar and restaurant featuring quick snacks and main meals keeps the golfers energised. Meet up at the main bar on cool evenings to enjoy the fireplace. There’s a choice of liquors, spirits and the barman’s special cocktails like the Eburru Sunset complete with the feisty colours of the sun and delicious array of fruits and juices – with or without the alcohol. ctivities Drive to the Natural Steam Vents in the Highlands The Eburru sits on grand vistas, enticing the active to discover its secrets. Sandwiched between the two walls of the Great Rift Valley, the massif’s underbelly is still active, spewing vents of steam into the air.The Maasai call the mountain Ol Donyo Opurru, meaning mountain of smoke. Soaring 9,365 feet high, it is marginally higher than Longonot, which makes it the highest point in the Rift Valley. Drive or hike through the farmer’s fields to the steam vents, where you can hear the water simmer below the surface, releasing hot steam into the air.It’s easy to boil eggs here.The Eburru high vales are still clothed in ancient forests with some of the rare species of wildlife like the shy, nocturnal bongo – an antelope that was once common in the mountain forests.Eburru is also filled with craters, one with a natural steam bath in the forest – carry your swimsuit with you.Eburru’s peak is one of the few to give you a panorama of the three Great Rift Valley lakes so famous for their flocks of pretty pink flamingoes – Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementeita and Lake Naivasha. Riding on top the Horse or Camel Riding the ancient land of Eburru is an awesome experience.An early morning ride to the plains is an unrivalled experience, the best time to watch the plains game like the giraffes, zebras, warthogs, impalas, gazelles and perhaps the late hippo making it back to the lake.The light breeze scents the air with the fire-resistant leleleshwa bush.Enjoy your picnic breakfast in the land of Eden before riding back to the lodge.The scythes lead the horses and camels, so even if you’re a novice, you can enjoy a ride on the wild side. Bird Watching The diverse landscape from the plains to the peaks makes Eburru a bird watchers delight.There are 215 recorded species – fast fliers like the Pallid harrier to the elegant goshawks; from the colourful sunbirds flitting on the flowers to the superb eagles scanning the vistas for a prey.Keep your binoculars at hand. Nature Walks The Lodge’s naturalist is highly skilled in natural history and every walk turns into an animated discovery channel as the naturalist unearths everything from secret moth cocoons to scats of zorillas (not to be confused with gorillas).Get fascinated as the naturalist transforms the trees, shrubs and flowers into a pharmacy of natural medicines, food for the pallet or things to craft stuff from.A walk on the wild side does wonders for the brain and body. Golfing The good game of golf has been around since the 1400s, something you will learn while at the bar (which for golfers doubles up as the 19th hole). The Great Rift Valley Golf Resort on Eburru is both challenging and exciting, with golfers having to give right of way to the wild animals who have taken residence on the lush fairways and tiny islets in the ponds.Flocks of Egyptian geese, little grebes, squacco herons and blacksmith plovers nest on the islets and sun themselves on the greens without batting an eyelid at the golfers.The narrow fairways, freeform greens, uneven terrain and light wind makes the golf course extremely challenging.The 18th hole at 598 metres is the longest in Kenya. Conferencing Just an hour and a half away from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, the Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort has one of the best conferencing facilities in the country with three conference rooms set in beautiful grounds overlooking the Aberdares and Longonot. The rooms can sit 150, 80 or 50 people away from any distractions save for the resident birds and the views. The conference rooms are fitted with all the conferencing amenities including audio-visual materials. There’s also a boardroom for smaller groups of 20 people, which is conducive for strategic planning or smaller gatherings. Nobody has an excuse to be late to the conferences or workshops because there are no traffic jams to delay you. Plan your next conference right now.

Lamu Island, Kenya A place of fresh air and perfect peace Located on the ancient Arabian island-paradise of Lamu, Kipungani is one of Africa’s most remote, relaxing, and richly romantic coastal hideaways. Overlooking the tranquil waters of the sheltered Kipungani Channel, on the remote southwestern tip of Lamu Island, Kipungani is a dream destination for those seeking a true away-from-it-all desert island holiday. After a 90-minute flight from Nairobi, you will be met at Manda Island and transported by boat to the lodge, which is located two degrees south of the Equator, on the edge of a near-deserted 12-kilometre beach. Accommodation Our 16 spacious bandas sit at one end of Kipungani Bay, which is Swahili for ‘the place of fresh air’. Shaded by the palm trees that line our 600-metre beachfront, the bandas are constructed entirely from local materials, with mkeka palm floors and makuti thatch roofs woven by the residents of neighbouring Kipungani village. The large interiors are a picture of rustic simplicity, with giant king-size beds and furniture all handmade from local mangrove and palm woods. Each banda has an ocean-facing veranda with local funzi sofas and chairs piled high with colourful cushions. Amenities include freshwater showers, flush toilets, and separate dressing areas with wash basins. Restaurants & Bars The sunset-facing lounge and bar at Kipungani are furnished for complete relaxation, with cushion-piled driftwood furniture, hanging moon-beds, and a variety of natural discoveries ‘combed’ from our shores. The dining room sits in a small tropical garden, with an adjoining library offering guests a selection of books, magazines and board-games. In front of the building is a horizon-touching swimming pool, which offers the perfect venue for the ultimate romantic sundowner! Activities Snorkeling and swimming with ‘Africa’s friendliest dolphins’ on the reefs of Kinyika and Manda Toto Waterskiing and kayaking in the Kipungani channel Sailing and sunset cruises aboard our Arab dhows Barracuda fishing from beach, dhow or speedboat Deep sea game fishing (please book in advance) Crab-catching excursions with expert fishermen Bird walks around the property and beach dunes Visits to Lamu’s historic mosques, markets and museums Day trips to the ruined 14th century fort on Manda Island Tours of local boat-building and mat-weaving industries.

Voyager Beach Resort is a ship-themed resort ‘moored’ 7 km north of Mombasa town on the up-market Nyali beach-line. This cruise docks on different ports every evening, with themed cuisine and ‘on-board’ family entertainment – including classic Broadway musicals – and animations to match each port of call! The liner is ideal for family groups, with enthralling Adventurers and Young Rangers’ Clubs for the younger ‘sailors’, honey-mooning couples, youthful sailors, as well as older sea-farers!

North Coast, Kenya

The Liveliest Location on Africa’s East Coast
Kenya’s most popular and dynamic beach resort overlooks the sparkling white sands of Nyali Beach.

Moored seven kilometres north of Mombasa city centre, Voyager Beach Resort’s convenient ‘berth’ gives guests easy access to a huge variety of historical, sporting and cultural attractions, including Africa’s largest crocodile farm and the world-famous Haller Park (formerly Bamburi Nature Trail).

The vibrant, ship-themed resort is famous for hosting some of Africa’s finest family entertainments and animation programmes, including unique themed journeys across the seven seas, culinary extravaganzas, and special music, fashion, comedy and acrobatic shows.

There are daily themes, adult and kids programmes. All these schedules are fortnightly and therefore repeat after every second week.

ccommodation

Voyager Beach Resort offers 232 spacious cabins, including 68, 96 garden-view cabins, 12 Superior sea-view cabins, 51 Superior garden-view cabins.

The Voyager’s Cabins are built with private balconies fitted with glass floor to ceiling sliding doors to give you uninterrupted views of the spread of the ocean and the tropical gardens. Depending on your taste, there is a selection of four cabin types to choose from with your comfort as the underlying principle.

Cabins on Board – Superior Sea View, Superior Garden View, Standard Plus Garden View,
Standard Garden View

Restaurants

Dining on board The Voyager is a feast for the senses. On a typical fourteen-day cruise, you will dock at various ports of call, savouring local tastes and entertainment. Three days are spent on the high seas with the captain of the ship inviting guests to the high table.

The Voyager’s main restaurant, the Mashua invites passengers for dinner, the menus featuring the cuisine of the destination

The Smuggler’s Cove is set in a natural cove of coral that was once under the sea, is a beautiful hideout for intimate romantic dinners or an exclusive family affair. The speciality seafood restaurant offers the best seafood with fresh lobsters, prawns and calamari cooked in Swahili style with coconut, or grilled and accompanied by mouth watering sauces and chutneys. You simply cannot miss out on dining in the cove – Smuggler’s Cove an experience to remember.

The Minestrone Restaurant enjoy a meal under the dazzling star filled skies of Africa indulging in Italian pizzas and pastas, meats and seafood with a cool sorbet to refresh the taste buds before embarking on the next course.

Kaskazi Snack Bar you can never go hungry on board Voyager – the Kaskazi snack bar offers delicious snacks all day. So if you sleep in late or miss lunch, there’s always the Kaskazi to head to where you can indulge in all time favourites like fish and chips and pizzas. And to keep cool there’s always ice cream available.

Pub Crawling

Kaskazi Bar keep in top form by the sports pool. Enjoy a refreshing drink and then head back to the pool for water aerobics or whatever is on the timetable. Working out under the tropical sun means that you need to keep hydrated for your muscles to work well.

Harbour Bar – 24 hours Enjoy the ambience of the Harbour bar by the quayside where you can meet almost everyone on the cruise or simply find your corner for a quiet drink.
Sports Bar for cocktails set in the Lighthouse, enjoy tantalizing cocktails at the Sports bar which features a TV screen for your favourite sports channels. The Lighthouse also features the cyber café for quick connections to friends, family or business.

Lookout Bar high on the cliff, the Lookout Bar looks over its private bay with stunning panoramas of the Indian Ocean. The bar is open till the last patron leaves.

‘I Do’

Celebrate one of your life’s most important milestones, your wedding by the sea. You can take your vows on the beach, the artificial rooftop beach, in the gardens or even on the reef. Your every wish is ours to make your wedding a wonderful day and to mark the occasion, you plant an indigenous tree marked with a nametag in the garden.

Standard wedding – US$ 1,140
✓ Local legal fees (Legal requirements)
✓ Registrars fees
✓ Ministers fees
✓ Marriage licence and certificate
✓ Wedding ceremony
✓ Wedding co-coordinator
✓ Decorated location
✓ Bouquet for bride
✓ Button hole
✓ Bottle of sparkling wine (SA)
✓ Wedding cake
✓ 2 T- shirts” I got married at the Voyager Beach Resorts”
✓ Dinner @ the romantic cove restaurant
✓ Upgrade to sea view room upon availability.
✓ Tree dedication
✓ Best man/ maid as witness if required.
✓ To publish their wedding photo in the local dailies

Deluxe wedding includes all the above plus – US$ 1,710
✓ 36 color prints plus negatives
✓ Thirty minutes Video CD
✓ Traditional dancers

We have various locations from which the couple can choose, including:
✓ Artificial beach – at the rooftop of the one of the decks with a panoramic
view of the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean. It is a perfect choice for
those who would love beach weddings.
✓ Green Gardens – with the resort spread out on 22 acres of land with well-manicured gardens.
The lawns are overgrown with coconut palm trees hence you get the congratulations message
from the whispering palms as you take your vows.
✓ By the ship wreck – with Voyager themed after a ship, what is more appropriate than an old rustic
ship- wreck set between three fountains in pond a few meters from the entrance. It is a shift
that will forever linger-on any time you went down the memory lane.
✓ The Pavilion – this is a beautiful roof-top deck, thatched with makuti with a spectacular setting
and particial of the Indian Ocean. It is next to the artifical Beach.

All venues are always nicely decorated with plaited palm tree leaves with fresh tropical flowers.

Ahoy Mates! Planning to be on-board during the Festivities? This is what we have lined up for you.

Fun for Landlubbers

✓ Daily entertainments and family shows, with very special Christmas &
Easter ‘round-the-world’ tours
✓ Two tennis courts and a sand volleyball court
✓ Daily volleyball and Tug-o’-War competitions
✓ Table tennis, pool tables, dartboard & video games
✓ 18-hole golf at nearby Nyali Golf & Country Club*
✓ Visits to Haller Park (formerly Bamburi Nature Trail), Mamba Crocodile Farm,
Gedi Ruins, Fort Jesus, Mombasa Old Town and Harbour.*

On the Ocean Wave

✓ Professional scuba-diving instruction with Kenya’s leading dive centre
and most qualified instructors*
✓ Special dives on East Africa’s largest artificial reef
✓ Big game fishing on our state-of-the-art fishing boat*
✓ Water sports Centre with modern range of water sports
✓ Full fleet of windsurfers, Toppers, canoes & fun-boats*
✓ Organised weekend sailing camps for young mariners
✓ Glass-bottom boat rides over magical coral reefs*
✓ Low-tide reef walks with special marine guides*
✓ Romantic dhow safaris with picnics and sundowners.

Adventures for the Kids

✓ Supervised kids’ activities and days out with Africa’s best-known and
most experienced children’s safari club
✓ Marine education centre with salvaged shipwreck displays
✓ Regular talks by knowledgeable local conservationists
✓ Hands-on beach conservation for eco-conscious kids
✓ Unique sports in our Beach & Pool Olympic Games
✓ Special kids’ programmes during Christmas and Easter
✓ Guided tours of Haller Park and natural & historical sites.*

Professional Diving at Voyager

Discover the secrets of the sea. The warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean are home to a stunning array of coral gardens and a rich diversity of coral fish in every size, colour and shape imaginable. For deep sea diving, the Buccaneer Dive Centre has qualified instructors to accompany you on the most fascinating diving sites along the coast. Closer to shore is the Mombasa Marine Park where you can snorkel in the company of the beautiful coral fish or simply watch them through the glass bottom boat. The dive center owns its own shipwreck, the MV Dania sunk in the deeper waters where you can dive to the ghost ship which has been colonized by the coral life. Night dives can be arranged on request.

The dive center offers PADI courses to both beginners and also to children – the only requirement is that you have to know how to swim.

For sporty sailors, go kayaking or sail the catamaran or the fun boat – if you are a novice, the instructors will guide you. All you got to do is sit back and enjoy the sea mist or join in and learn how to handle the ropes. The paddleboat is the easiest, requiring no skills but is great for the leg muscles. Enjoy the sea – it’s not only a fascinating world of the blue planet that we are on, but also great for the body and soul.

The Buccaneer Diving Centre works with local conservation groups involved in marine conservation such as the turtle and whale-shark groups, collecting data to monitor their movements so as to come up with strategies to safeguard their movements in the sea. You can sign up for the specialty digital underwater photography, turtle and shark awareness courses offered at the dive centre.

The dive center is also involved in the artificial reef project, investing in ‘reef balls’ made of cement and sunk at various points in the sea to create artificial reefs for the coral fish to habitat. The divers are also continually searching for new dive sites and have discovered secret alcoves of sea horses where only divers with Buccaneer are taken.

The Buccaneers collect rubber flip flops washed ashore for the Flip-Flop project. This innovative project has received worldwide acclaim as local artisans have built a life-size whale from the flip-flops washed ashore and other arty objects depicting sea life.

Passengers can join in the clean up activities in the sea or on beach. Competitions are arranged for the most bizarre object picked from in the ocean and the biggest haul collected. You make you mark as a concerned citizen of the world when you join us.

Tsavo West National Park, Kenya

With a spectacular view of mystical Mount Kilimanjaro, and easy access to the wild attractions of Tsavo West National Park, Voyager Ziwani offers a tranquil retreat in one of the wildest places left on Earth. Located on a private 30,000-acre farm on the western edge of Tsavo, the camp sits on a secluded dam on the Sante River – home to turtles, crocodiles and hundreds of basking hippos.

The 25 tents guarantee a high level of privacy and personal attention, and have made the camp one of Kenya’s most popular honeymoon destinations. Voyager Ziwani offers a host of exciting safari activities, from game drives in Tsavo West, night drives among the resident game, walks with highly qualified naturalists, and trips among the battlefields and colonial relics along the Tanzanian border.

Accommodation

Of the camp’s 25 tents, 16 sit on the southern bank of the Sante River and nine on the northern.
The spacious tents offer the classic ambience of a traditional African camping safari, with large secluded verandas overlooking the wildlife-rich shores.
Each tent is comfortably furnished with double or twin beds and has a modern en suite bathroom with a flush toilet and piping hot shower.

Our five special deluxe tents lift the luxury even higher, with huge king-size beds, classic furnishings, and spacious bathrooms with all mod cons.

Restaurants & Bars

With a spectacular view of Mount Kilimanjaro, the big game of Tsavo on our doorstep, and a unique historical journey among the legendary battlefields on the Tanzanian border, Voyager Ziwani offers one of Kenya’s most exotic and fascinating wilderness retreats.

The main building overlooking the Ziwa Dam houses our bar and dining room, with a long veranda where breakfast is usually served. In the evening candlelit tables are arranged on the lawn so that guests can dine out under the night sky beside a roaring campfire.

Activities

Escorted game walks with our experienced naturalists

Night drives to view grazing hippos and nocturnal game

Boating among crocodiles and turtles on the Ziwa Dam

Walking and horse trails around historical Grogan’s Farm

Trips to the mystical twin volcanic lakes of Chala and Jipe

Visits to the historical tower and tombs of Grogan’s Castle

Tours of the World War II battlefields on ‘Slaughter Hill’

Bush breakfasts and barbecue dinners in our sanctuary

Nightly entertainment by Maasai, Kamba and Taita dancers

Informative talks and slideshows on local wildlife and culture

Childrens’ games and activities with our Adventurers’ Club.

Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya

Dry, rugged and stunning, Samburu’s landscape is at once stark and sensual, with its iconic loaf shaped Lolokowe Mountain and hills spreading in every horizon. Its life lung is the Usao Nyiro River coursing through its craggy terrain full of stone, thorn bush and the forked doum palms. In this arid zone where water is scarce and the land baked by the eternal sun, herds of elephants and the big cats roam the plains with the Samburu special – the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the long necked antelope, the gerenuk easily seen despite its harsh climes.

Located 345 kilometres north of Nairobi, the journey to the camp involves a 50-minute flight to the Samburu airstrip followed by a 20-minute drive through the reserve.

Accommodation

This luxurious tented lodge offers 30 modern and newly refurbished tents with a private view over the wildlife-rich riverbanks.

All the tents are large and spacious under palm-thatched roofs with netted screens to allow for the river breeze to keep them cool and give you stunning views of the land that is Samburu. Each tent sits on a raised deck overlooking the brown river where the elephants sometimes make an appearance or the crocodiles come out to lounge by the river’s banks. You can also choose to have private candlelit dinners on the deck of your canvas villa and should it get a trifle too hot, all tents are fitted with fans.

For families with children wanting more space, you have a choice of the family tents, an ensemble of two tents with a spacious lounge and a wide deck complete with lounging chairs and tables, ideal for relaxing and private meals. Beautifully styled with ethno-African and modern pieces, they are simply superb for family stays.

The bathrooms also offer twin washbasins, flush toilets, and sockets for shavers and battery charging.

Restaurants & Bars

Because of the warm climate, Samburu Intrepids’ public areas are all palm-thatched and open to the elements, raised on stilts to catch the cooling breeze blowing off the river.

The main dining room has a seating capacity of 60, and opens onto an outdoor terrace where buffet breakfasts and lunches are served overlooking the river. (Meals can also be enjoyed on your private veranda or at one of a series of specially selected ‘bush sites’ close to camp.)

Intrepids also boasts a spacious lounge and bar area, where our naturalists deliver fascinating slideshows on most evenings, and an intimate conference room with a television for viewing wildlife documentaries.

Behind the bar, surrounded by a shady sunbathing area, is our freeform swimming pool – a soothing drop of blue in this otherwise arid land.

Activities

Game Drives
Samburu is simply stunning – a photographer’s delight with its surreal settings and different lights to photograph it in. Guests at Samburu Intrepids can enjoy game drives in Samburu game reserve and the adjoining Buffalo Springs game reserve where you will see the natural spring pool believed to have medicinal properties.

Guests enjoy two game drives everyday in the reserve – the early morning from 6 am to 9 am; and the late afternoon from 3.30 pm returning to camp at sunset. Or you can indulge in a half-day game drive with breakfast on the plains and return to camp by mid-morning because after that it’s too hot even for the animals to come out of the shade.

Nature Walks
With its unique blend of flora and fauna, a nature walk in Samburu is a must. The naturalist will tell you about everything that comes in the path whether it’s a bird (of which there are more than 350 species in Samburu) or the history of the land. The varied landscape – from the river to the forest and than the arid plains offer a rich profusion of birds and one can record more than a hundred species in a day.

Cultural Visits
The Samburu are a regal people related to the Maasai. Like the Maasai, the Samburu have a rich history, a people who tracked down the Nile many centuries ago and separate form the Maasai. Traditionally a pastoral people in search of water and grazing land for their god given cattle, the Samburu are also adapting to life in the 21st century.

Guests at Samburu Intrepids can visit the Samburu manyattas or kraals where a local Samburu guide will give you an intriguing account of the Samburu of their past and present with an eye to the future.

Star Gazing
Samburu’s skies are stunning. Close to the equator and lying on the edge of the northern hemisphere so close to the southern hemisphere, the resident naturalist can take you on a celestial journey helping you to identify more than 60 constellations of the 88 known ones. You can spot the Southern Cross, the Scorpion and the Seven Sisters to countless others depending on the time of the year. The Samburu are respected star-gazers with many stories relating to the heavenly bodies, including the planets. Our guides will keep you looking at the heavens and make you night out in Samburu a celestial affair. more on Stars in the current months

Camel Rides

A ride on a camel is a biblical affair crossing the Uaso Nyiro to the Samburu villages on the land opposite the reserve. With a high vantage point, you may chance upon the giraffes or the tiny dikdiks of the dry lands or have to cut back your ride when the elephants block your passage. But it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the Samburu villagers whose camels you are riding and by doing so, helping them to raise income for their community projects like building schools and taking their children to school.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

On the vast savannah grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve with the Talek flowing past, Mara Intrepids Camp is set in deliciously wild country.

Few places on earth can rival the setting of Mara Intrepids on the vast savannah grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This world famous reserve is the northern extension of the sprawling Serengeti of Tanzania and the two ecosystems make for the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet – from the million or more wildebeest migrating with changing seasons between the Mara and the Serengeti to the flocks of birds from Eurasia; from the prides of black-maned lions to herds of elephants; from sparring hippos in the rivers to the insouciant crocodiles lying in wait of prey.

The Mara is home to the stars of BBC’s Big Cat Diary and Big Cat Live following Shakira the cheetah, the Marsh lions and Bella the leopard with their families as they try to raise them in a world defined by predators and prey; by the hunters and the hunted.

Built on the banks of the Talek River, which joins the Mara River and eventually drains into waters of the Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake and source of the mysterious Nile, the Mara Intrepids is for the intrepid traveler who wants to be away from the crowds and explore Africa’s wild kingdom.

The Luxury Tents

Every tent is raised on stilts, and opens to the Talek River with that signature view of the endless plains. Recently refurbished to accommodate the modern, discerning safari traveler, the tents are large and spacious with private verandahs to enjoy the river and the plains, giving infinite views of the Mara. It’s luxury in the wild.

In addition there are two family luxury tents, gorgeous homes under canvas. Beautifully decorated in stylistic African ethnic and modern pieces, the two bed-roomed family tents include a spacious lounge and an outside deck looking out at the river and the plains beyond. All have ensuite bathrooms and washrooms.

For quiet moments, you can escape to the high tower in the forest glade and scan the tree canopy of the riverine forest and the plains. It’s a great vantage lookout point for any wildlife that strolls by or stalks the prey.

The Restaurant

Dining al fresco on the outside patio of the restaurant is a delight under the canopy of towering trees and untouched gardens. Every meal is a feast. The kitchen boasts its own vegetable garden where the freshest of homegrown herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown. Guests are spoilt for choice with a-la-carte menus and gourmet bar-be-ques under sunny blue equatorial skies or on the inner deck of the shaded thatched dining room. The food fare ranges from continental to traditional African and Asian foods. The desserts are to die for with chocolate mousses and cinnamon tarts, fresh fruits and cheeses presented on platters to wet anyone’s appetite. Nothings too hard for the chefs to turn out any dish ranging from vegetarian to seafood platters on request, including favourite recipes provided by you.

The resident genet and greater bushbabies drop in during dinner, sometimes shy and curious, giving many a newcomer their first sighting of these nocturnal animals. Diners are treated to Maasai dancing by the Maasai morans from the neighbouring manyattas and those daring enough can join in to challenge the Maasai leaps.

For the wild at heart
If dining at the camp proves a tad too tame, you can head out to wilder settings and enjoy sumptuous bush breakfasts and dinners in the bush including sundowners within sight of a lion or a herd of elephants or the hippos snorting in the river below. It’s the ultimate African appetizer.

The Bar

Overlooking the Burrungat plains, drinks at the bar – alcoholic or non-alcoholic –can be exciting. The very eagle-eyed can catch sight of an elephant quietly slipping through the riverine forest or the occasional leopard making a kill. The bar is open all day till the last patron retires.

Enjoy the unique blend of bar cocktails like the Tides of Mara or the Migration Fever. If you’re concerned about safety, the river cuts across the bar and plains, so you can relax and toast a drink to Africa’s wilderness. A bonfire is lit every evening where stories of the day’s adventures are traded and on most evenings, the resident naturalist will give a power point presentation of Mara’s dynamic seasons, each bringing with it its own vibrant changes, forever drawing the Mara enthusiast like a magnet to its sprawling savanna. Guests are advised not to jump into the river from the suspended bridge that connects the plains to the bar – for the river is only reserved for the residents – that means the local hippos and crocodiles.

‘I Do’

Take your vows in some of the world’s most spectacular wild country within earshot of the elephant’s trumpet or a lion’s roar. You can choose a traditional wedding according to your customs, or dress in the local finery of the indigenous people such as the Maasai. Everything from the smallest detail can be arranged – from the vows to the celebration party for family and friends – all you have to do is present your wish list – for your wedding in Africa.

Standard wedding – US$1,750
• Local legal fees (Legal requirements)
• Registrars/ministers fees
• Marriage licence and certificate
• Wedding ceremony
• Wedding co-coordinator
• Decorated location selected by the couple
• Bouquet for bride
• Button hole
• Bottle of sparkling wine(Moetet Chandon)
• Wedding cake
• Best man/maid as witness if required.

Optional extras at a cost:
• Maasai Dancers and Guard of Honour – US$ 160
• Complete Maasai wedding attire for bride & groom plus necklace and ornaments – US$ 350
• Champagne (per bottle) – US$ 150

We have different locations from which the couple can choose to host their ceremony:
• Hippo pool
• Lounge observation tower
• Lounge gardens
• Masai Manyatta
• Sundowner site

Activities for Young and Old

Game Drives
Three game drives everyday in the reserve – the early morning from 6 am to 9 am; the midmorning after breakfast and finally the late afternoon from 3.30 pm returning to camp at sunset. Or you can indulge in a full day game drive to the Mara River with a packed picnic breakfast and/or lunch. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan your visit with us.

The Adventurers’ Club
Recommended for children accompanying their parents on safari this family program provides an fun and exciting opportunity for the kids to learn about the wild from our Maasai naturalists who specialize in plants, wildlife and survival skills. Children will be edu-tained through various activities and facilities on-site including an obstacle course that portrays the challenges wild animals face, don’t be suprised if you child comes out looking like Mowgli from Rudyard Kipling’s all time favourite Jungle Book. more the Heritage family programs

Balloon Safaris (upon request)
Enjoy the thrill of an early morning hot air balloon ride where you can enjoy the spectacle of the Masai Mara sunrise and the arial view of big game scattered across the rolling plains of the reserve.more on Balloon Safaris

Photographic Safari (upon request)
Led by our trained guides, some of whom are active photographers themselves we are able so ensure that your safari goes beyond your expectation. The 4×4 safari jeeps are specially modified to allow for more legroom and roof racks open for the best game viewing and photography, with accessories such as beanbag mounts for cameras available upon request. The vehicles are also fitted with mini-bars for cold beverages to ensure your comfort. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan you visit with us.

Fly day trip – Mfangano Island, Lake Victoria (upon request)
Take a 40 minute flight from Mara Intrepids Camp to Lake Victoria crossing over the expanse of the Mau forest – one of Kenya’s biggest indigenous forests – and the famed green tea plantations of Kericho to Mfangano Island sitting on Lake Victoria. more on Mfangano Island day trip

Nature walks
A two-hour nature walk with our Maasai naturalist will see you identify more than 30 species of plants, spot a variety of birds and pick up some survival tips like knowing how to behave in the presence of wild animals.

Cultural Visits
Guests at Mara Intrepids can visit the Maasai manyattas or kraals where a local Maasai guide will give you an intriguing account of the Maasai people and the traditions that have stood the test of time and still prevail on the plains.

Star Gazing
Take a detailed tour of the African sky with our expert guides at Mara Intrepids. The Equator slices Kenya almost in half making it one of the very few places in the whole world where you can observe both the northern and southern hemisphere skies from one location. more on star gazing with Heritage

Birding
A visit to the Masai Mara isn’t only about seeing the “Big 5”, the game reserve also boasts a bird list of over 450 species. These range from the large and highly conspicuous Common Ostrich, to the small (but still conspicuous) Cardinal Quelea. A bird walk is a must for every bird lover or simply someone curious to see the rich profusion of birds, keen birders can record more than a hundred species in a day.

Big Cats of the Mara

Over the last few weeks, the Ridge Pride was seen roaming around the southern base of Rhino Ridge, Mara Intrepids and the Mara River area. There is one female with three-month-old cubs and one with two-month-old cubs. The females made easy kills when the wildebeest were all over their territory, which meant the cubs were well fed.

Leopards

Olive, our star female leopard and her three-month-old cubs are still around the junction of the Talek and Olare-Orok Rivers. They have lately been moving between this place and the little forest between Mara Intrepids and Explorer camps.

Binti and her daughter are downstream from where Olive is. They also took the opportunity to hunt the wildebeest when they were streaming down south through their territories and we saw a few young wildebeest’ carcasses up in the trees along the river.

Cheetahs

Shakira, who for the past two years has been our star female cheetah, is still around with her three daughters. She has had some easy hunts because of the many gazelle fawns born in the past three weeks.

Honey’s three male cubs, continue to roam far and wide from Musiara to Paradise Plains and south to Burrungat Plains. There is another cheetah between Talek and Olkiombo airstrip with three very tiny cubs. This is not Alama, who we reported earlier. In general cheetah sightings have been the best this season.

Wonders of the Mara

“Between May and June, the plains are full of long grass,” says Paul Kirui, the head guide at Mara Intrepids. “It makes it difficult for the smaller animals to browse. It’s mostly the big animals like giraffes and elephants and the bigger antelopes that you can see around.

And it makes hunting difficult for the cats so they come up with strange strategies. You’ll see lions and cheetahs trying to climb trees and anthills to get a high vantage point.

Cheetahs don’t usually climb trees because their claws do not retract like those of the other cats’ but because they need to locate prey, they’ll try anything, even hunting zebra.”

Cheetahs are not strong so they hunt smaller antelopes, which they chase to exhaustion. This helps the diminutive cat to go for the jugular of the exhausted prey to make a quick kill.” Full article – (Daily Nation, June 5 2009)

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Simply Stunning The Masai Mara is world famous for its black-maned lions and the annual migration of the wildebeest, listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the modern world. Set in this wild milieu, is the ultimate getaway, the Mara Explorer. The luxury canvas getaway poses on its own private peninsula with the Talek meandering around it. Pods of hippos lounge in the muddy waters during the day and it’s not uncommon to see the occasional crocodile sunning itself on the sandy beaches edging the riverbanks. Just as the name implies, Mara Explorer is for those who want to explore the wild tapestry of the Mara. There’s the Rhino Ridge, the Topi Plains and the lifeline of the wild paradise, the Mara River. The 1,510 square kilometer reserve will keep you enchanted with its rich plethora of wild flora and fauna. Children below the age of 12 years are not allowed in the tented camp making it ideal for couples or parents who want quite time and of course for honeymooners to celebrate one of life’s most beautiful moments. The Luxury Tents With only ten luxurious tents on the peninsula, each tent opens to the river below with the stunning spread of the savanna. This superb location makes for wonderful game-watching from the comfort of your bed, bath or verandah. It’s best not to try impersonating Tarzan here for the resident hippos and crocodiles like their privacy too. Earth pathways lead to your tents through the natural flora, each spaciously apart for complete privacy. Borrowing a leaf – or more practically a spear – from the Maasai, guests can put the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the path for complete privacy. With the private luxury afforded, soaking in a bath-tub on the open deck with uninterrupted views of the river and the savanna is truly for the ethereal senses – whether day or night with the evening soak offering a dazzling display of stars in the sky. It gives a new meaning to stargazing. Otherwise, there’s always the shower inside. Restaurant & Lounge Restaurant The dining area shares the deck with the lounge and features an exclusive menu of the freshest home produce from the kitchen garden complimented with a gastronomical journey of foods – succulent meats and tangy fish; delicious vegetarian dishes and refreshing salads; a wicked selection of deserts followed by a variety of cheeses. If you prefer your own menu, all you have to do is inform the management well in advance. Lounge Fashioned along the days of big game safaris, where no creature comfort was spared to make wild living beautiful, the lounge is a sophisticated mix of ethnic African décor and classic pieces. African masks and sculptures grace the spacious lounge with comfortable sofas and divans for you to relax. Try a hand at the ancient game of bao played across the continent or relax by the bar and try the cocktails specially concocted for the Mara experience, while chatting with friends or making new friends. Otherwise simply snuggle up on an easy chair to browse through the coffee table books and wildlife magazines as the river below continues its journey to meet the Mara and eventually Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. At night a beautiful camp fire is lit on the deck drawing everybody to its warmth. I Do’ Weeding Take your vows in some of the world’s most spectacular wild country within earshot of the elephant’s trumpet or a lion’s roar. You can choose a traditional wedding according to your customs, or dress in the local finery of the indigenous people such as the Maasai. Everything from the smallest detail can be arranged – from the vows to the celebration party for family and friends – all you have to do is present your wish list – for your wedding in Africa. Standard wedding – US$1,750 • Local legal fees (Legal requirements) • Registrars/ministers fees • Marriage licence and certificate • Wedding ceremony • Wedding co-coordinator • Decorated location selected by the couple • Bouquet for bride • Button hole • Bottle of sparkling wine(Moetet Chandon) • Wedding cake • Best man/maid as witness if required. Optional extras at a cost: • Maasai Dancers and Guard of Honour – US$ 160 • Complete Maasai wedding attire for bride & groom plus necklace and ornaments – US$ 350 • Champagne (per bottle) – US$ 150 We have different locations from which the couple can choose to host their ceremony: • Hippo pool • Lounge observation tower • Masai Manyatta • Sundowner site Activities Game Drives Three game drives everyday in the reserve – the early morning from 6 am to 9 am; the midmorning after breakfast and finally the late afternoon from 3.30 pm returning to camp at sunset. Or you can indulge in a full day game drive to the Mara River with a packed picnic breakfast and/or lunch. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan your visit with us. Bush Dinner & Bush Breakfast Dinning al-fresco in the Mara is exciting whether by the river’s edge with hippos grunting below or in the plains with unlimited views of the big game country. You have a choice of a bush breakfast or dinner, which means that after your early morning or late evening game drive you can continue with the Mara experience by dining out. No creature comforts are spared as you are welcomed with hot towels to refresh yourself and a nice cold drink from where you are shown to your table in the wilds of Africa to make for an unforgettable African dining experience. For a whole day on the plains, sumptuous picnics can be packed, to enjoy under the shade of a solitary tree or by the river – leave it to your driver-guide to find the best spot to have relaxed midday meal in the Mara. Photographic Safari (upon request) Led by our trained guides, some of whom are active photographers themselves we are able so ensure that your safari goes beyond your expectation. The 4×4 safari jeeps are specially modified to allow for more legroom and roof racks open for the best game viewing and photography, with accessories such as beanbag mounts for cameras available upon request. The vehicles are also fitted with mini-bars for cold beverages to ensure your comfort. kindly view the month by month activities highlights from the wildlife section as you plan you visit with us. Sundowners Instead of meeting at the bar for a drink, why not meet somewhere in the Mara for a sundowner where you can sip a cocktail by the campfire and watch the sun melt in the horizon. Evenings in the Mara come alive with the night animals like the bat-eared fox, the owls and the big cats like the lion and the leopard stirring to hunt under the cover of darkness. You simply cannot miss to drink a toast to Africa’s incredible diversity of wildlife. Nature walks A two-hour nature walk with our Maasai naturalist will see you identify more than 30 species of plants, spot a variety of birds and pick up some survival tips like knowing how to behave in the presence of wild animals. Cultural Visits Guests at Mara Intrepids can visit the Maasai manyattas or kraals where a local Maasai guide will give you an intriguing account of the Maasai people and the traditions that have stood the test of time and still prevail on the plains. Star Gazing Take a detailed tour of the African sky with our expert guides at Mara Intrepids. The Equator slices Kenya almost in half making it one of the very few places in the whole world where you can observe both the northern and southern hemisphere skies from one location. more on star gazing with Heritage Birding A visit to the Masai Mara isn’t only about seeing the “Big 5”, the game reserve also boasts a bird list of over 450 species. These range from the large and highly conspicuous Common Ostrich, to the small (but still conspicuous) Cardinal Quelea. A bird walk is a must for every bird lover or simply someone curious to see the rich profusion of birds, keen birders can record more than a hundred species in a day. more on birding with Heritage. Other excursions available at the camp upon request Balloon Safari|Trip to Mfangano Island

The Lodge The lodge is built atop raised ground allowing panoramic views of distant Samburu hills to one side and El Ndonyo Keri (Samburu name for Mt. Kenya) on the other. Location Samburu Sopa Lodge is situated 325 kms from Nairobi, in the middle of the park, next to the new Oryx airstrip. It is accessible from the main Isiolo – Moyale road at both Ngare Mara as well as Archers post junctions. Reception The public areas are airy and spacious with views of the surrounding area. The reception is decorated with local artifacts, and rich earth colours typical of the Samburu area have been well blended. Lobby The lodge is the only one with a waterhole in Samburu which will allow animal viewing right in front of the lobby and can also be seen from bedroom verandahs especially during dry seasons. Accommodation Thirty cottages forming buffalo horn pattern converge at the public facilities area, leaving the open end to free movement of the wildlife to access the waterhole. The architecture blends in with the area, to keep up with the style of the housing by the local Samburu people. Each cottage has two tastefully appointed bedrooms, each with two queen size beds, shower and private verandah. Local material has been used in the construction, furnishings and interior decoration. High ceilings and space ensure that the rooms are airy and comfortable. Two rooms next to the reception and public areas are designed for the physically challenged. Bar Located next to the lobby, it has a an uninterrupted view of the surrounding area. Dinning The dining room has a beautiful view and once again the same theme is carried through, including the furniture which is unusually carved, and the chairs have a cow horn shape on the back rest. Local stones and materials are tastefully displayed bringing nature into the lodge. Ammenities & Services Parking Gift shop Laundry Swimming pool Evening turn down service Baby sitting Visit to Samburu village Guided nature walks Bird watching Samburu cultural talks Incentives Bush breakfast Bush breakfast with champagne Bush lunch Bush dinner/bbq The venue is approximately 10 km from the lodge in a private area, with huge rocks at the top as a back drop. Tents are erected with chairs and tables. The buffet is set up on one side and the other, a bar. At night, oil lamps are placed on the rocks and all over the area, a bon fire is lit in the centre, giving a beautiful romantic set up. Toilets are set up at the back, covered by manyatta style erections. Mock Masai attack can be set up to add on to the atmosphere. Coastal buffet African buffet African night + khanga Gala dinner Are arranged within the lodge grounds, and decorated according to the theme. Sundowner + bar snacks Sundowner + canapés Sundowner + canapés + 45 minutes open bar The venue is an open area which has a magnificent view of the stunning sunset.

The Lodge Naivasha is a Masai name given to the area where the resort is located, denoting the characteristics of the lake including size and its tendency to roughness when windy. The history of the area has always been important as it formed the main route of the slave trade from Uganda and the highlands of Kenya, including in 1884, the Scottish explorer Joseph Thompson’s epic journey through Masai land – where he writes in his journals of his time in Naivasha. Location Situated by the shores of Lake Naivasha, a sweet water lake approximately 177sq kms in size, and home to many varieties of flora and fauna. The resort is on 120 acres of prime land. The drive to the reception centre is through beautiful green lawns which bring you to the entrance. Crossing a little walk way with a small pond on one side surrounded by plants, is the reception desk and cashier on one side. Right in the centre is a tree trunk that has been converted to beautiful table with a beautiful floral arrangement in the middle. Hanging above it is a magnificent conical wrought chandelier. Lobby A charming area, crescent shaped with a mixture of comfortable sofas in different fabric including leather. Surrounding the lobby, are glass windows which open out to a small terrace with beautifully manicured grass on the side with plants and colourful flowers. In this area there are 3 fire places with huge inverted copper funnel shaped chimneys. The roof is high, wooden, with glass panels allowing a lot of light, and these panels have birds cleverly input with blue glass mosaic work. There are beautiful wrought iron chandeliers in this whole area, and walls decorated with intricately carved wooden panels. There are 2 desks where guests can check in while sitting in comfort. On one side of the lobby is the main bar with high stools and on the other is the main dining room. Accommodation 21 cottages built in a crescent shape, and each has 4 rooms, 2 on the ground and 2 at the top, which totals to 84 rooms. 2 of these rooms are suitable for the physically challenged. 6 of the 21 cottages have inter-connecting rooms on the ground floor. Part of the pathway from the reception to the rooms, is lined with giant cactus and different kinds of plants with colorful flowers. Little rock gardens are scattered along and these too have vibrant coloured flowers which gives it a beautiful contrast with the greenery of the well manicured lawns. Monkeys are playfully rolling on the lawns and different species of birds chirping in the trees and some building their nests. Colobus monkeys are easily spotted as well. The rest of the pathway is in the open lawns and rock gardens are strategically placed, and frangipanis, aloes, proteas to name are few, are growing in abundance. The acacia trees are plentiful in this area and are growing everywhere, providing shade. The exterior walls of the cottages have stone walls giving it character and creepers and bougainvilleas add a lot of colour. The same stone work is carried into the rooms, and is the exterior bathroom wall. The banister going up the top floor is wrought iron as well and the same creepers and bougainvilleas are entwined around them. Ground floor rooms have 2 queen size beds and a sunken living room at the front which opens out on to the beautifully manicured lawns. They also have sunken bath tubs and bidets. Top floor rooms have 1 king size bed and in front of it a balcony which has a beautifully designed wrought iron railing and furniture to match. This faces the lawns as well. The bathrooms on this floor have shower cubicles and bidets. All 84 rooms are tastefully furnished with mahogany coloured furniture, from the beds, side tables, dressing table, wardrobe, luggage rack and cabinet. As a contrast to the mahogany colour, the walls are peach in colour and the fabric used for curtains and bed linen, match perfectly including the carpet. The walls have paintings and locally woven sisal pieces placed in embedded concrete frames which form part of the wall. The rooms are spacious, airy and light as, the windows are all glass. There are mini bars in all the rooms, TV’s in 48 out of the 84 rooms, telephones and safes. Ammenities & Services Parking Gift shop Laundry Swimming pool Children’s swimming pool Evening turn down service Baby sitting on request Mini bars Safety deposit Tea/coffee making facilities Foreign exchange Dinning The main restaurant is located at one side of the lobby. In the centre, hanging from a high wooden paneled ceiling, is a huge intricately done wrought iron chandelier and smaller light fixtures complimenting it around the rest of the dining room. The colours are a rich dark green, which is carried through the upholstery, carpet, and to break this are maroon coloured table cloths and napkins. A dispense bar sits on one side and on the other, the buffet and tea/coffee station. A tree grows right by the buffet area and adds on to the character of the dining room. This room opens out to an area where guests can sit and enjoy the garden in front of them, and have their pre or after dinner drinks and coffee. Pool snack bar – serves a light a la carte menu with a pizzeria next to it to compliment it. This is a very pleasant and relaxing area with the swimming pool next to it and the beautiful gardens right in front. Bar The main bar is in the lounge area, with the second one being the dispense bar in the dining room and the pool bar. Weddings at the Lodge The large green lawns with rock gardens, with different plants and brilliantly coloured flowers are an ideal venue for small and intimate or elaborate weddings. Incentives Bush breakfast Bush breakfast with champagne Bush lunch Bush dinner/bbq Mock Masai attack can be set up to add on to the atmosphere. Coastal buffet African buffet African night + khanga Gala dinner Are arranged within the lodge grounds, and decorated according to the theme. Conferences Sundowner + bar snacks Sundowner + canapés Sundowner + canapés + 45 minutes open bar The venue is an open area which has a magnificent view of the stunning sunset. The resort conference venues can accommodate 24 to 100 pax, with PA system, over head projector, LCD, TV/Video, flip chart, internet, writing material and pens. Suswa – is the smaller conference room which can accommodate a maximum of 24 pax. Theater style – 24 U shape – 15 Board room – 24 Longonot – is the larger conference room and can accommodate up to 120 pax. This room has a large area where the delegates can have their breaks and refreshments. Theater style – 120 U shape – 60 Classroom – 80 Boardroom – 50 Next to this are 2 breakaway/secretariat rooms. A separate area is designated for team building exercises for the conference delegates.