THE MASAI MARA SAFARI 2008
A Safari in Kenya

The Masai Mara is one of the most beautiful places on earth and is home to an astounding variety of wildlife including elephants, thomson's gazelles, zebras, elands, lions, leopards and cheetahs. On this safari we have the opportunity to take in the game as well as the natural beauty of this land and nature reserve. This 9-day safari also includes the Aberdare National Park, Tree Lodge and Lake Nakuru with fascinating view of the revered Mount Kenya.

Day 1 (MON): Arrive Nairobi
Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa's most well known capital - Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix in English words, in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other African country.
Overnight: Panafric Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 (TUE): Mt. Kenya / Tree Lodge
We begin today driving along a scenic country road to north of Nairobi heading to the foot of Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is regarded as a holy mountain by the local Embu, Kikuyu and Meru communities who believe that it is the home of their God, Ngai. Later, we check into a Tree Hotel located at about 1900m / 2078yards above sea level and enjoy the rest of the day viewing the many forest animals who visit the waterhole and saltlick among other optional activities like trekking.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 3 (WED): Nanyuki
Our highlight for today is that we will cross the Equator. As we get to 0� we will witness “Coriolis Force”. A very interesting demonstration and an experience you will forever remember. We then proceed to the southern foothills of Mount Kenya, a 17,058-foot dormant volcano with a glistening cap of ice and snow. Arrive at Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary which is located at the base of Mt. Kenya and proceed to the camp for lunch. The afternoon game drive will give you an opportunity to visit chimpanzee sanctuary and meet Morani - the pet rhinoceros.
Overnight: Sweetwaters Tented Camp (overlooking the waterhole where the animals come and go) (1 night)(B, L, D)

Day 4 (THU): Tree Lodge / Lake Nakuru
After breakfast we take another scenic drive to Lake Nakuru National Park with a stop at Nyahururu falls. Lake Nakuru is one of the many beautiful Rift Valley Lakes, and is home to countless flamingos and other bird and animal life. Our first game-viewing safari starts today. Using our specially designed vehicles, with ample window seats, we follow the life and style of the many species of wildlife living in this area. After a wonderful safari we drive to our lodge for a late lunch. Afternoon is free to enjoy a hike around this beautiful national park.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 5 (FRI): Lake Nakuru
We begin early today viewing the animals starting their daily routines. After a late breakfast we embark on our second game safari, where we get another glimpse of the animals before returning to our lodge for a spirited discussion over a sumptuous dinner.(B, L, D)

Day 6 (SAT): Lake Nakukru / Masai Mara
Today we are driven across the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the longest rift in the crust of the earth, to Masai Mara - the most well known of the game reserves in Kenya. We spend three nights in this natural paradise among zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, buffalos, elephants, antelopes and gazelles. Here we encounter the pride of the lions and lionesses resting in the shade of acacia trees or lying low in the tall grass, waiting for prey. There is a good chance of spotting cheetah and, if we are lucky, the shy leopard. We enjoy lunch, dinner and stay overnight at the lodge. During our stay here, we have unique opportunity to meet local folks - the famous Maasai.
Overnight: Mara Simba Lodge (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Days: 7 & 8 (SUN & MON): Masai Mara
For the next three days we have game safaris each morning returning to our lodge for lunch and rest before embarking on another safari in the afternoon. Each safari covers different areas of the park in order to provide as much variety as possible. Evenings are free to enjoy with the famous Maasai. (B, L, D)

Day 9 (TUE): Masai Mara / Nairobi
All things must come to an end and today we must bid farewell to the many animals we have seen in our days in Kenya. We are driven to Nairobi airport for our flight back home, or to a hotel for your optional overnight stay. Please refer to the details of this itinerary for possible combination extensions to this safari. (B)

Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Every Monday

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Lodges/Hotels as mentioned (or similar) International Airfare Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) Departure Taxes Regional/Domestic Air/Trainfare Travel Insurances All game viewing and transfers by private transportation Visa Fees Services of local English speaking driver guides Drinks/Beverages with meals Entrance fees to game parks and sites included in the itinerary Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides Visa Support as required

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

2008 Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Low Season Apr 1 - May 31, 2008 Min 04 person US $ 1890 • CA $ 1890 US $ 260 • CA $ 260 Min 02 person US $ 2315 • CA $ 2315 US $ 260 • CA $ 260 High Season Rest of the Year ending Dec 15, 2008 Min 04 person US $ 2235 • CA $ 2235 US $ 515 • CA $ 515 Min 02 person US $ 2645 • CA $ 2645 US $ 515 • CA $ 515

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1300 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1550 USA - East Coast US $ 1250

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 or 04 and a maximum of 06 participants.

Notes

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.