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BORN FREE SAFARI - MAY 2018

In The Footsteps of Joy Adamson

Almost every North American that I know, grew up watching Born Free, that Academy Award winning Walt Disney film, about conservationists Joy and George Adamson and their pioneering work reintroducing lions to the semi-desert wilderness, in the wide open spaces of Kenya’s northern borderlands, in what is now Samburu and Isiolo districts.

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Joy Adamson was a gifted painter, photographer, conservationist and best selling author. A fiercely independent feminist pioneer who married three times for love, her paintings are still on display at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi. Her house, Elsamere, still stands on the shores of Lake Naivasha in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, barely changed since the time she lived there. We will spend time there.

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For ten years I made Kenya my home. I visited all and every part of the country; its villages, game parks, rift valley lakes and northern deserts. Like Joy, I spent much time studying its many tribes, ethnic groups, history and prehistory. Wherever I went, Joy had been there before me and served as an inspiration for my own travel and research. As Director of the Department of Ethnography at the National Museums of Kenya, I made sure that her collection of paintings were well taken care of and available for public viewing.

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I invite you to join me for an off the beaten track wildlife and ethnographic tour of Kenya "in the footsteps of conservationists Joy and George Adamson."

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We will begin in Nairobi and then fly to the Northern Serengeti (the Maasai Mara), take in the big five-elephant, giraffe, rhino, buffalo and lion, stay over at Joy Adamson’s house on Lake Naivasha, watch the hippos on the lake from boats, hike through nearby Hell’s Gate gorge all the while feasting our eyes on any of the more than 1400 bird species that make Kenya their home during the year. 

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We will spend an evening in the Kikuyu highlands near Mount Kenya, made famous by Danish writer Karen Blixen (author of Out of Africa) and then spend time in Samburu where Joy and George did their phenomenal work, reintroducing orphaned wild lions and cheetah back to the wilderness. We will then explore the mountains and desert lake of Turkana from where all our human ancestors first left Africa, entering the near east and Europe up the rift valley, tens of thousands of years ago. We will spend quality time among the Samburu and El Molo tribes, grandchildren of the tribal peoples who witnessed the curious comings and goings of a once obscure and eccentric painter, writer and conservationist who is today a household name.Throughout the trip I will give short talks on the history, archeology and ethnography of this ethnically diverse country.

DETAILED ITINERARY

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY ONE - 30 APRIL

NAIROBI

Welcome to Kenya and the start of a very exciting trip! Your first night is spent at the Fairview Hotel in Nairobi for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

 

Bed and breakfast at Fairview Hotel

 

DAY TWO - 01 MAY

NAIROBI – MASAI MARA

Depart from the hotel at 1345 hours, for your flight to the famous Masai Mara. The flight departs at 1515 hours to reach our destination at 1615 hours. Upon arrival you will be taken for a game drive to see the animals and habitats of the reserve and check-in to the camp for dinner.

 

Dinner at Ilkeliani Camp

 

DAY THREE – 02 MAY

MASAI MARA

A very early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara – the ideal time to see game as temperatures are cooler and lion, cheetah and leopard often roam the vast grasslands in search of prey. Return to the lodge for breakfast. The rest of the morning at leisure or, one can partake in optional activities, such as visit to Maasai village to see their nomadic life. After lunch at the lodge, there is a chance to relax before an evening game drive. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Ilkeliani Camp

 

DAY FOUR – 03 MAY

MASAI MARA – NAIVASHA

Before breakfast, an extensive morning game drive after a hot cup(s) of coffee or tea. Return to the camp for breakfast and your check-out formalities. Before lunch begin your drive to Naivasha where you will stay at the Elsamere Conservation Centre, home of the late Joy and Geroge Adamson. After lunch, you will get to visit Crescent Island by boat, with an experienced boatman/naturalist.  

 

Breakfast at Ilkeliani Camp and Lunch and dinner at the Elsamere Conservation Centre.

 

DAY FIVE – 04 MAY

NAIVASHA – NANYUKI

After breakfast depart for a game drive to Hell’s Gate National Park with a packed picnic lunch. After lunch leave Naivasha for a drive to Nanyuki. Overnight at the Naro Moru River Lodge. Here you may relax by the pool or go for a guided walk.

 

Breakfast at the Elsamere Conservation Centre and lunch and dinner at the Naro Moru River Lodge

 

DAY SIX - 05 MAY

NANYUKI – SAMBURU

After breakfast depart for the The Samburu Reserve. This reserve stretches stark and rugged towards the Chalbi desert. The country here is empty and wild, a place of baked brown earth and parched vegetation. The silence is almost eerie and at first you might think this is an empty landscape. Stay for a while, though, and you will find one of Kenya’s most rewarding reserves home to desert wildlife. Running through Samburu, the Ewaso N’giro River is surrounded by a permanent ribbon of green, with tamarinds, doum palms and where acacia trees provide respite from the sweltering sun.

 

Breakfast at Naro Moru River Lodge and lunch and dinner at the Samburu Intrepids  

 

DAY SEVEN – 06 MAY

SAMBURU

The Swahili word "safari" means to be out and away, to be on a journey or travelling in remote areas. It is both a physical and spiritual journey that can be undertaken in many ways. For our safaris we use comfortable, fully-open Land Rovers, specially designed to give you maximum visibility over the landscape and the animals. On foot safaris, we walk on the plains and in the mountains and hills that surround the camp. In the Land Rover you are accompanied by a professional guide and by a tracker, a team that will help you to read the book of nature. We don't rush while on safari and there will be time to observe the wild animals, to see how they interact with each other and to study their behavior and habitats.

 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Samburu Intrepids

 

DAY EIGHT – 07 MAY

SAMBURU – TURKANA

After breakfast and a game drive out of the reserve, you will depart for the Desert Rose. On your way to the Desert Rose you can see many exceptionally beautiful places. The journey itself, regardless of the means of transport, makes for an unforgettable safari across Kenyan natural beauty and wildlife spots. The truck will drop you at the base of the mountain and you will be transferred by the Desert Rose team for your stay.

 

Breakfast at Samburu Intrepids and lunch and dinner at Desert Rose

 

DAY NINE – 08 MAY

TURKANA

After breakfast you will drive to the eastern shore of Lake Turkana, Loiyangalani, From there, you will take a boat to the southern island where you can visit the local tribal shrines. At the Elmolo village, we recommend clients carry some gifts for the children.  Clients will be charged for the boat ride to the island in Lake Turkana but, there is no cost involved in hikes and walks in and around Desert Rose, as they offer these to their guests. There are two places you can hike; nearby Mount Nyiru –  a tougher hike and Safaricom Mountain (not real name), an easier hike.

 

DAY TEN – 09 MAY

TURKANA

 

Meals and drinks at Desert Rose

 

DAY ELEVEN – 10 MAY

TURKANA – NAIROBI

After breakfast, depart back to Nairobi for your onward trip by Air Charter Desert Rose to Wilson Airport in a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan.  On your flight you will enjoy a most scenic tour over Turkana.  You will be able to see the magic of the Suguta Valley and its primeval geological surroundings.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TRIP

  • 1 night at the Fairview Hotel, Nairobi on bed and breakfast with Wireless internet,  pristinely kept swimming pool and dining facilities for all meals (meals paid by client directly)

  • Transfer from the Fairview Hotel to Wilson Airport

  • Flights from Nairobi, Wilson Airport to Masai Mara

  • 2 nights at Ilkeliani Camp, Masai Mara on full board

  • Transfer from the Masai Mara airstrip to the Ilkeliani Camp

  • Game drives in the Masai Mara

  • Park fees for Masai Mara National Reserve

  • 1 night on full board at Elsamere Conservation Centre

  • Boat ride to Crescent island on Lake Naivasha with entrance fees

  • Trip to Hell’s Gate National Park with entrance fees

  • 2 nights full board accommodation at Samburu Intrepids

  • Park fees for Samburu Reserve 

  • Air Charter from Desert Rose to Wilson Airport in a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan 

  • 12 day vehicle hire from Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Samburu to Turkana with game drives in all the parks

  • 3 nights Full board accommodation & meals, soft drinks, mineral water, house wines, local beers & selected spirits, bottled water at Desert Rose

  • Sundowners at Desert Rose

  • Bush meals at Desert Rose

  • Laundry at Desert Rose

  • Assisted day excursions at Desert Rose

  • Airstrip transfers at Desert Rose

  • Cultural visits to nearby Samburu villages at Desert Rose

  • Bird watching and guided walks at Desert Rose

NOT INCLUDED

  • Air safaris to Lake Turkana and other sites of interest further afield at Desert Rose

  • Scenic drives to further locations at Desert Rose

  • Fishing trips to Lake Turkana at Desert Rose

  • There is an entrance fee to the museum which is on the way to Loiyangalani

  • Camel Safari, Full Day Excursion to Lake Turkana

  • Any drinks, meals not mentioned above

  • Any flights or transfers not mentioned or listed as optional

  • Laundry, unless mentioned

  • Tips and gratuities

  • Drinks (soft or hard), unless mentioned

  • Visas and Travel insurance

  • Any other items of a personal nature or not mentioned above

VISA & HEALTH

VISA AND HEALTH

Why the eVisa
Most governments the world over are moving towards digitization of their operations. Online application now makes it possible for visitors to get their visa in advance hence removing the anxiety of whether one will be able will get it or not at the point of entry.

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The Online Application is NOT complicated
The application procedure has now been modified and simplified in a user friendly mode that takes three simple steps. The E-Visa portal now has its dedicated website: www.evisa.go.ke. Visa approval is done real-time.

 

Yellow fever certificate required

 

*Please note, the ban on plastic bags in Kenya took effect on Monday 28 August 2017. Please do not bring or carry any plastic bags during your visit to Kenya. Opt for bags made of biodegradable materials that include canvas, polypropylene and cloth.

WHERE YOU WILL STAY

WHERE YOU WILL STAY

KENYA

Thousands of visitors come to Kenya every year, attracted by big game and the strikingly beautiful landscapes, from the waters of the Indian Ocean to the rugged slopes of Mount Kenya and the rolling plains of the Masai Mara. Located in the heart of Africa, Kenya shares borders with five countries: Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania. The Great African Rift Valley runs north to south through the country, and which contains Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. It is also home to Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and the ultimate source of the Nile.

 

Throughout Kenya, old cultures continue their time-honoured ways while modern customs are also practised. The predominant religion in Kenya is Christianity. However, other faiths practised include Baha’i, Hinduism, Islam as well as traditional African religions. Swahili and English are the official languages of this multicultural country. Many indigenous languages such as Kikuyu, Masai and Samburu are still widely spoken.

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FAIRVIEW HOTEL – NAIROBI

Branching out past Southern Africa’s borders, travelers can now enjoy the City Lodge Hotel Group quality you’ve come to trust at our Fairview Hotel in Nairobi. Taking advantage of its beautiful surroundings, this modern and convenient hotel is set on two hectares of perfectly landscaped gardens, ensuring that business and leisure travelers alike are afforded a most relaxing and comfortable stay.

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MASAI MARA

The Maasai Mara (Masai Mara) is situated in south-west Kenya and is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves. Together with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania it forms Africa’s most diverse, incredible and most spectacular eco-systems and possibly the world’s top safari big game viewing eco-system. The Maasai Mara National Reserve stretches 1,510 sq km (580 sq miles) and rises 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level. Add the local and adjacent conservation areas and the area is at least twice the size. It hosts over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. This is the World Cup of Wildlife, and together with the Serengeti National Park there is no better place to witness the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING IN THE WORLD. NOTE: The Maasai Mara is an all year-round destination with the big cats, and all the big game still in the Maasai Mara Ecosystem.

 

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ILKELIANI CAMP – MASAI MARA

Nestled in a river glade in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the area is a favorite for elephants coming to drink from the Talek River. The camp has been designed to combine the old traditional safari style with a modern and fresh feel. Ilkeliani Camp offers only 17 tents and each commanding views of the plains and the wildlife action throughout the day. It is a permanent camp designed along ecofriendly principles. The ethos is to leave a minimum foot print on nature.

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Each of the well-equipped tents are stylish with en suite bathroom. They are sited under its own cluster of shady indigenous trees and you do feel that you are out in the wilderness. The interiors are spacious and comfortable featuring a front verandah with a day bed and canvas safari chairs. Home cooked meals combined with personal service contribute to an unforgettable safari experience.

 

Ilkeliani Camp offers the following:

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  • Bar lounge

  • Dining Mess Tent

  • View Deck Bar and Lounge, 

  • Free Wi-Fi 

  • 17 Large beautifully furnished Guest Tents with double or twin beds.

  • Electronic safes in each Guest Tent

  • Solar water heater, showers and flushing toilets

  • Bath Amenities

  • Game Drives

  • Sun Downers

  • Nature Walks

  • Balloon Safaris (extra)

  • Community  visits (extra)

 

 

ELSAMERE CONSERVATION CENTRE

Once a holiday home and later a retirement home for the Adamson’s, Elsamere remains a unique destination in Naivasha. Delicious meals are served here. The traditional style high teas remain the best in Kenya. At Elsamere history connects with the future, as conservation is our main interest. Re-kindle the memories of Born Free by watching the documentary, The Joy Adamson Story and visiting the museum. This is what Joy had to say about Elsamere:

“For years I had been looking for a house where George and I could live. Eventually I found a place that seemed to combine all we wished for. It would be impossible to imagine a more attractive sight for a home…..We decided to call our home, Elsamere”.

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CRESCENT ISLAND

There is just one “Crescent Island Game Park”. Located on Lake Naivasha, Kenya in the Great Rift Valley. It is one of the most remarkable parks in Kenya, and is Naivasha’s best kept secret. We have guides on a first come first serve basis, for whom we do not charge, but they should be given a tip. Surrounded by water, it is actually a peninsula and is accessible by boat from East or West as well as by road. The shores host abundant birdlife including pelicans, cormorants and fish-eagles with their haunting cry. There are more animals per acre than in any other Kenyan Park, hence many film companies have been to the Island to film the herds of wildebeest, waterbuck, zebra and gazelle. They are not fenced in and this allows the wildlife on the mainland to come in and out of the area. Hippo graze there at night then sleep under the acacia trees or rest in the water by day. The giraffe who were born on the island, return to give birth; sometimes you see three generations at a time. Hyena come to hunt at night but are not resident on the island. Groups of Buffalo come and go but they are always monitored. From the top of the hill there is a 360 degree view across the Lake from the extinct volcano of Longonot, to Hell’s Gate to the Mau Escarpment, to Eburu and onto the Aberdares.  Walking along the ridge in the golden hour before sunset whilst watching the animals grazing with the water shimmering beyond, give you a direct experience of “Old Africa.” Open at 8am - CLOSED at 6pm.

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HELL’S GATE NATIONAL PARK

Named for the intense geothermal activity within its boundaries, Hell's Gate National Park is a remarkable part of the Great Rift Valley. Scenery includes the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers, scrub clad volcanoes and belching plumes of geothermal steam which together make it one of the most remarkable parks in Africa as it’s landscapes provided the models for the film, The Lion King. You will see the African buffalo, zebra, eland, hartebeest, Thomson's gazelle and baboons which are common. The park is also home to the klipspringer antelope and Chandler’s mountain reedbuck. Prolific birdlife – there are over 100 species of birds in the park, including vultures, Verreaux's eagles, augur buzzards and swifts. 

NARO MORU RIVER LODGE

Naro Moru River Lodge is set in the Shadow of Mt. Kenya’s majestic slopes and is a unique Cabin Eco Lodge that is a perfect destination that offers different views of the mountain’s majestic peaks, point Lenana, Batian and Nelion. The lodge was originally a farm house taken over by Alliance Hotels in 1978. Naro Moru River Lodge occupies over 70 acres and is located east of the Rift Valley. Mt. Kenya lies about 140 km North-East of Nairobi just 2 ½ hour’s drive from the capital, with its Northern flanks across the Equator. Naro Moru River Lodge, is built on the banks of the snow fed Naro Moru River which flows through the hotel grounds. The lodge offers a range of accommodation including 36 rooms all set along the river bank with a clear view of Mt. Kenya, private bathroom and toilet, in addition to 5 self-catering cottages, 5 country homes, bunk houses and campsite. Dining facilities include the Nelion- pool restaurant and the Kirinyaga restaurant serving international cuisine and traditional African dishes. The lodge has two bars: Lenana bar & Batian Bar which also serve coffee and fresh juices. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, lawn tennis court, outdoor table tennis court, squash court, a sauna, bird watching and nature trails,  as well as biking options.

 

 

SAMBURU

Dry, rugged and stunning, Samburu’s landscape is at once stark and sensual, with its iconic loaf shaped Ololokwe Mountain and its hills spreading in every horizon. This is the land of Karen Blixen’s paramour, Denys Finch Hatton and where the Adamson’s spent many years doing their conservation work. It’s life lung is the Uaso Nyiro river coursing through its craggy terrain full of stone, thorn bush and 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 alongside the Samburu specials - the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, the long necked antelope, and the gerenuk, all easily seen despite its harsh climes.

SAMBURU INTREPIDS

Samburu Intrepids is a lush oasis on the banks of the great Uaso Nyiro River in the Samburu Game Reserve. The tented luxury camp is a delight to be in – cooled by the river breeze and the forest. The camp sits on raised decks overlooking the brown river where elephants sometimes make an appearance and crocodiles often come out to lounge by the river's banks.

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DESERT ROSE

Desert Rose is a unique eco friendly lodge located at 5,500 feet on the verdant cedar forest slopes of Mt. Nyiru  which towers majestically above the Elbarta plains, between the Karisia Mountains and Lake Turkana in North Kenya. It consists of five unique houses accommodating up to twelve people, two cottages with double beds, two twins and a family house. The houses are entirely secluded, which guarantees comfort and intimacy. All are hand-made and individually designed around various natural features. Each suite has its own private flush toilet and an open air en-suite bathroom with a bath. It also has its own patio. The main lounge and a pool area have been hand crafted to blend with the indigenous gardens, landscaped to enhance the dramatic views. In the main lounge guests have at their disposal a fully stocked bar, a sitting room and a fireplace. If they wish, they can also make a bonfire outdoors at a specially prepared fire site.

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As Desert Rose is located at the foot of a Samburu holy mountain, Oldonyo Nyiru, we have a unique opportunity to be part of the most important celebrations of the community which traditionally take place at the top of the mountain. They are inaccessible to outsiders but for Desert Rose guests the Samburu people make an exception… After more than a decade of close cooperation with the local Samburu community, we have become an integral part of local life. As well as employing 30 local people, Desert Rose has built a small primary school and a vital medical clinic. The depth of our bond with the community means that Desert Rose guests are always invited to local celebrations from circumcisions  to colourful wedding parties, granting the guests a rare insight into Samburu life and their distinctive sense of style.

NORTHERN FRONTIER

THE MYSTERIOUS NORTHERN FRONTIER

Suguta Valley

Africa’s hottest and most inaccessible valley

available mainly from the air. But if you wish to be one of the few who go there by car we can arrange it for you.  It includes Saharan like dunes, tongues of black lava running down into the water, flocks of flamingoes painting patterns on the water surface, in an explosion of pastel colours…

Lake Turkana

The biggest desert lake in the world.

‘A gleaming surface of the lake stretching far beyond the reach of the eyesight, the deep blue, beautifully framed, suspended between the sky and the earth’, said Austro Hungarian explorer Ludwig von Hohnel who discovered the lake in 1888, when he first saw this incredible landscape.
“The beginning of the world”. Here, under the waters of the lake where the continental tectonic plates overlap, Europe, America and the rest of the continents were born.

Lava Desert

This is a  kingdom of stones; thousands of square kilometers of lava; Martian scenery.

The landscape here is severe but full of complex colour, as if taken straight from a painter’s palette… The stark scenery commands respect and seduces with its beauty and harmony.

Koobi Fora

Not more than 200 people a year reach this place, the real end of the world, completely off the beaten track.

“The cradle of humanity” - a place where we all came from, where the first proto human beings  emerged 3 million years ago. It’s here, in an archeological site founded by the Leakey family, where the skeletons of our genetic ancestors, Homo Erectus and Homo Habilis, were found.

Chalbi Desert

Perhaps the harshest place in Kenya.

Endless sun-cracked earth, sprinkled here and there with snow-white soda. During the wet season, for a few days, it changes into a lake. When it’s dry you can drive across it at120 kph. Only ostriches and the nomadic Gabra people roaming in camel caravans remind you that you are still on Earth… 

Rock art

The dawn of imagination.

many small,fairly crude engravings of giraffes, antelopes, cattle, camels, people and symbols….One of the oldest and most extensive records of human expression on earth. Priceless treasures shrouded with mystery. Nor the author nor their age are certain…

 

True Nomads

 

Samburu

One of the most colourful African ethnic groups; bodies and hair beautifully painted with red ochre, bead collars, meticulously crafted hairstyles, interlaced with flowers, beads, buttons… Despite the omnipresent modernity which aggressively tries to reach every place on our planet, the Samburu are still very attached to tradition which they cherish and cultivate. When visiting Desert Rose...you can’t be closer to it…

 

Turkana

The members of this tribe are lords of the stony world, skimpily clothed in leather, decorated with scarifications and colorful necklaces. Every day of their life is a struggle for survival;the search for water has become the purpose of their life.

 

El-Molo

The smallest and the least-known ethnic group in Kenya numbering about 300 people. According to some historians, the 'pure' El-Molo may number only forty! Shrouded in mystery and legends, nobody knows exactly how they reached Turkana. Some say they could walk on the bottom of the lake and talk to crocodiles…but it is most likely that they are remnants of the first hunter/gatherer fisherman from the age of hunting which lasted until 12,000 BC.

 

Gabra

True desert nomads, for generations they have evolved their livelihood in symbiosis with camels. They appear suddenly like ghosts in the middle of nowhere. Tightly covered with black cloth, they drive their camels to water holes roaming through the galaxies of hills, dunes and river beds. Absorbed in their wandering, they often  run away at the sight of an approaching car.  

Mysterious Springs

At the foot of the Mount Kulal Volcano 3 springs spurt streams of water – the gift of the Creator to the Kingdom of Stones. 3 springs within just a few meters.  One with alkaline water – Turkana believe in its healing power...  

Fossils

Almost any stone lifted from the ground may turn out to be to be a million-year-old fossil, as if it was a sign sent to us by the ghosts of our ancestors…

Gems

The ground conceals dozens of gems; malachite, ruby, rose quarz, garnet, agate, rock crystal and tanzanite for those with a bit of luck…

WHAT TO BRING

Space will be at a premium on your international flight, light aircraft transfers and safari vehicle so with that in mind, the safari packing list below will help you to pack only the necessary and correct items.

 

It may look long at first glance, but depending on your personal circumstances and the type of trip you are going on, some of the items won't be applicable to you and you can safely ignore them.

 

SAFARI GEAR

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  • There are specific clothing mistakes that many people often make when they go on safari. Find out how to avoid them...

  • Safari hats must do three things well to be effective.

  • Clothing in neutral colours: khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colours & white for improved game viewing, especially when on foot. Not as important in a vehicle.

  • A safari jacket is a very handy accessory to take with on your trip.

  • Comfortable short- and long sleeved safari shirts (2 or 3 of each)

  • Comfortable shorts and long trousers (2 or 3 of each)

  • About 5 sets of underwear

  • Pyjamas

  • Swimming costume

  • Flip-flops or sport sandals (public showers, airing feet)

  • Comfortable safari hiking/walking shoes (not white). These are very important on a walking safari.

  • About 5 pairs of socks

  • Extra shoelaces

  • Do not forget a warm coat, better a light ski jacket for highland Mount Nyiru at night.

 

SAFARI SUPPLIES

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Some of these supplies might be available in the first aid kit that every safari company should carry, but make sure before leaving them off your safari packing list.

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  • Insect repellent/Mosquito Coil (do not use coils in a tent)

  • Mosquito netting - Your safari company might supply these so find out from them first

  • Sunblock and after sun lotion

  • A travel towel is light and takes very little space

  • Skin cream

  • Malaria tablets (very important) - speak to your travel doctor

  • Citronella or other body soap/shower gel

  • Sunglasses - make sure they have polarized lenses.

  • Biological Water Filtration Bottle or you can stick to the bottled water

  • Wet wipes/hand sanitizer or no-water/antibacterial soap - very handy in the safari vehicle.

  • Pocket Knife (Swiss/Leatherman type)

  • Small scissors, if not on your Leatherman/Swiss knife

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/dental floss

  • 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner

  • Tweezers

  • Lip balm

  • Q-tips & cotton balls

  • Razor & shaving cream/gel

  • For younger women-birth control medication (enough to last your trip)

  • Sanitary requirements (shops are sometimes few and far between, and very basic)

  • Contact lens solution & extra set of disposable lenses

  • Band aids & moleskin

  • Vitamins

  • Painkillers

  • Antiseptic cream

  • Motion sickness tablets

  • Heartburn remedy

  • Anti-diarrhea medicine

  • Re-hydration salts

  • Pen/pencil

  • Small unbreakable mirror

  • Plastic bags (wet washing/muddy shoes/organize clothes in suitcase)

  • Small compass

  • Deck of cards/travel size game

  • Books to read between game viewing and other leisure time-see list at GeoffreysJourneys web site

  • String/rope (washing line, tying sleeping bag, multitude of uses!!)

  • Cold/flu tablets

  • Allergy remedy

  • Some people take a basic antibiotic in case

  • Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) - keep packed in your hand luggage in case of baggage delays

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SAFARI LUGGAGE

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The thing to remember when choosing safari luggage is mobility. You will probably be moving between several different modes of transport (airplanes, cars, light aircraft, trucks, boats) so plan accordingly. Suitcases with wheels don't work very well in the African bush but they are adequate if you don't mind carrying them. (Our safari company will probably have someone on hand to carry your luggage for you). A daypack is very handy to transport the items you need while driving around in the safari vehicle or walking through the bush.

 

SAFARI EQUIPMENT

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  • Safari Binoculars. Essential for a successful trip. No safari packing list is complete without them.

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Camera, memory cards, extra batteries, battery charger and lens cleaner

  • Read the free "Better Safari Photography" ebook for information on the best safari cameras and lenses to take with.

  • Small bean bag to substitute a tripod

  • Travel pillow, or you can use your polar fleece/windbreaker

  • Small calculator (or if you're taking your mobile phone) for currency calculations

  • Money belt

  • Washing powder/travel soap for laundry

  • Plug adaptors - generally in Africa its 3-prong round or square

  • Lighter/waterproof matches

  • Travel alarm clock

  • Mini combination locks (keys get lost)

  • Mini sewing kit

 

DOCUMENTS

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  • Passport & correct visas

  • Emergency phone numbers

  • Africa travel insurance policy

  • Travel diary book - to write your journal and record the wildlife you see. Also includes a hard copy safari packing list

  • Guide book(s) covering the area you're visiting - it should include animals/birds pages for easy identification-you can get them at the shop at the Fairview but it is better to bring them with you

  • Your itinerary

  • Addresses and mobile numbers (postcards/e-mails/texts)

  • Any vaccinations certificates

  • International Youth Hostel card (depending on your type of trip and accommodation)

  • Phone card and international access numbers

  • Extra passport photos

  • Copy of your passport, kept in a separate place than your passport

  • Medical history

  • Copies of prescriptions

  • Small stickers to label your used films, if you still use film

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Follow this safari packing list and you will never have to worry about the frustration of leaving something behind or taking something that you won't need on your African safari.

 

Print the safari packing list out and tick the items off as you go along to make sure you don't miss anything.

WHAT TO BRING
ADDITIONAL INFO

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CANCELLATION

In case of cancellation, the following charges will apply on the entire tour price:

  • Between 90 - 30 days 25%

  • Between 30 - 15 days 50%

  • Between 15-7 days 75%

  • Within 7 days 100%

 

COMPLAINTS

Should a problem occur, please advise both ourselves and the supplier of the service in question immediately as most problems are resolved most easily on the spot. Should you remain dissatisfied, please write to us setting out the complaint in detail within 28 days of the end of our services under the contract. We cannot accept responsibility for any complaints which are not notified entirely in accordance with this clause.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

"Force Majeure" means those circumstances where the performance of our contract with you is prevented or affected by reasons of war, threat of war, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, governmental actions and all similar events beyond our control. In these circumstances, we shall not be liable to pay any compensation or otherwise be responsible for any expenses or losses you might incur where we are forced as a result to cancel, delay, curtail or change your arrangement in any way or where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected.

BOOKING

BOOKING

In order to make a down payment to reserve your place on this trip, or, for any other logistical, trip related questions, please contact:

 

Debbie Vandermaas, Senior Corporate Travel Consultant
DIRECT: 519.438.0899 
DIRECT TOLL-FREE: 1.866.448.0362  
DIRECT FAX: 519.668.0784
www.DebbieDoesTravel.ca

 

Travel Professionals |International
203-1131 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6M 1K5 | 905.896.6948


 

'We carry with us the wonders we seek without us; there is all Africa and her prodigies in us.'

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