Itinerary

Earth: Healing the Rift Day 1

Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi

You will be greeted on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where a private safari vehicle will whisk you off on the 20 minute journey to a hotel which holds a firm place in the pages of Nairobi’s history books, the legendary Norfolk Hotel. The Norfolk has been the premier hotel in Nairobi since 1904 and having recently celebrated its centenary has been completely refurbished. It is the ideal place to rest up after your flight before embarking on your safari tomorrow.

Earth: Healing the Rift Day 2-4

Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa Downs

Early this morning you’ll be transferred to Wilson Airport to catch your scheduled flight up to the northern bush airstrip to Lewa Downs.

The Laikipia region is a broad swathe of game rich grasslands and hills that reach Mount Kenya to one side and the wild deserts of the north to the other. Outside of the Maasai Mara, Laikipia can boast the greatest wildlife experiences in Kenya.

Lewa Downs are in the heart of the Laikipia region, a broad swathe of lava plateau that reaches the foothills of Mount Kenya on one side and in contrast, the wild deserts of the Northern Frontier District on the other. Outside of the Maasai Mara, Laikipia can boast the greatest wildlife experiences in Kenya.

Lewa Downs is probably East Africa’s finest conservancy and has been the home of the Craig family since the 1920’s. Delia, the grandmother, was awarded it in a post war colonial land lottery. She had qualified to enter the land hand out through her services as a nurse in the trenches. With a handsome chunk of Kenya to her name, she was soon married to David and they ran the area as a cattle ranch up in to the late 1980’s.

At this time and with the support of various benefactors, Royal and otherwise, they decided to concentrate on the conservation of game and are now one of the country’s great success stories. Having originally hunted out the rhino themselves, they now have over sixty, both black and white, on their property. They also have a thriving predator population and a plethora of plains game and smaller beasts.

You will stay at Lewa Tented Camp and will be looked after in fine style. Each tent is spacious, discreetly spaced from one another and has running hot and cold water and a flush lavatory. Before you arrive next year the camp will also have undergone a complete refurbishment so you will be amongst the first to enjoy the benefits of this.

It is an ideal base from which to explore the area on foot or safari vehicle, by day or night. We can also arrange to for you to horse ride if you are keen. Not only is the location exceptionally beautiful but the food is also excellent and every last morsel is an organic product of the farm.

Although it is a dusty and hot three-hour drive up in to the northern thorn tree country, it may be worth visiting the Il Ngwesi community on one of the days. They are a Laikipiak Masai clan of pastoralists who live for grazing pastures and rain. They lead their lives very much in their traditional manner. A visit to one of their villages gives an excellent insight in to their culture.

Earth: Healing the Rift Day 5-7

EARTH EVENT: Ol Ari Nyiro Ranch, Laikipia

After breakfast you’ll be driven to the airstrip to catch your charter flight across the Laikipia plateau to reach Kuki Gallman’s conservancy, Ol Ari Nyiro, on the eastern lip of the Great Rift Valley. Perched 3,500 feet above the Rift’s floor, the Cradle of Mankind, this beautiful conservancy commands spectacular views. Lake Baringo glistens below whilst the geological drama of the Northern Frontier and the impressive bulk of the Cherangani Hills provide awesome backdrops for incredible skies and sunsets.

It is Kuki’s vision to set the benchmark for African conservation, and to provide a platform of hope for the preservation of our environment for future generations. As such, there are a series of projects, both cultural and ecological, all involving local people, and all are well worth visiting.

You will be staying in luxurious mobile tents while you attend the EARTH event, mixing with artists and musicians from around the world. At dusk, on February 23, you’ll take your place overlooking the beautiful hills of the Great Rift Valley to witness a very special performance, improvised by the artists who have gathered at the conservancy for the week.

You will have plenty of time to explore the flora and fauna of this extensive property during the day

Earth: Healing the Rift Day 8-10

Olonana Camp, Maasai Mara

After breakfast an early morning flight will fly you down to Maasai Mara where you’ll be met at the Kichwa Tembo Airstrip by your driver/guide and taken on a game drive en route to Olonana. You may be rewarded with sightings of elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a host of other plains’ game.We have selected Olonana Camp for you accordingly for its privacy. Though it is a tented camp, it is certainly not how you would imagine a tent would be. Your room is canvas but a permanent structure, very spacious and has a flush lavatory, solar lights and a good hot shower.Olonana is at the forefront of eco-tourism in Kenya with solar power, bio degradable products and an ingenious wetlands project which allows for all used water to be totally recycled. The camp comprises just 12 spacious and airy en suite accommodation tents (all with 2 queen size beds, floor to ceiling mosquito net ‘windows’ and verandah) located on the banks of the Mara River, where the resident hippo pods spend their days wallowing.
The wildlife is abundant and the swaying grasslands ensure that animals are never out of sight. Elephants browse amongst the large herds of wildebeest and topi, eland and buffalo, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle. The plains offer a rich variety of food for the dominant predators: lion; leopard; hyena and cheetah. In the Mara River, hippos submerge to snort and grumble while crocodiles sunbathe, mouths agape, on the riverbanks.

There are also options for a morning balloon safari [at an extra cost].

As the balloon is inflated against the first rays of sunrise your pilot will go through safety procedures. It’s then time to climb aboard. Once aloft, the balloon floats gently over the plains, giving a bird’s eye view of the game below as the sun creeps slowly over the horizon. Spread beneath you is a panorama of Africa – elephants looking improbably small; giraffe browsing amongst the treetops; antelope grazing; a pair of lionesses stalking a herd of wildebeest; an eagle guarding his eerie; and cheetah glancing up as the shadow of the huge balloon crosses their paths.

After around one hour the balloon lands and nearby breakfast is already being prepared. The smells of bacon, sausages and eggs drift on the breeze as you begin breakfast with platefuls of exotic Kenyan fruits and homemade pastries and, of course, glasses of bubbly to toast your flight in a tradition initiated by the Montgolfier brothers.

Earth: Healing the Rift: Day 11-14

Manda Bay, Lamu

Today we’ll fly back up to Nairobi to catch the scheduled flight to Lamu.

Manda Bay is located on the North-Western tip of Manda Island, which forms one of the many unspoilt, idyllic islands found in the Lamu archipelago. Surrounded by miles of soft white sand Manda Bay is the perfect retreat for families and honeymooners. The cottages are all in keeping with the local landscape and are constructed using local materials. Six of the rooms are set right on the seafront and five are set in-between and slightly behind on higher ground. All the cottages have large ceiling fans and en-suite bathrooms. They all have their own private veranda overlooking the Indian Ocean. The central dining and bar area is also crafted using Lamu furniture and overlooking the bay is a separate lounge area. Manda Bay has its own private, fully fitted 60ft traditional dhow “Utamaduni”.

You have the time to yourself to explore Lamu Island and enjoy the glorious white sand beaches.

More often than not with the owners in residence, the personal attention to detail and clients is both discreet and attentive. Cuisine naturally features a marine flavour - freshly caught Tuna, Mangrove Crab or Prawns are the order of the day, but individual needs and flexible mealtimes are designed to fit in with guests requirements. The wishes of all guests, whether it be soul restoration, relaxation or more adventurous activities, are carefully considered and offered by some of Kenya’s finest hosts. Exploring nearby mangrove creeks and long-left ruins, visiting the many islets or deep sea fishing for the elusive Marlin or Sailfish are just a few of the many explorations to be taken. Marine life abounds with regular sightings of Dolphins, Turtles & the occasional Humpback whale. Families find Manda Bay most welcome since with gently sloping beaches and easy, safe snorkelling the water is warm, gentle and clear

Earth: Healing the Rift: Day 15

Departure

Morning at leisure. This afternoon transferred to the airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. You’ll be welcomed by our representative and transferred to the Norfolk Hotel to freshen up.

Thereafter transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

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