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The countries in East Africa, Kenya and Tanzania, offer a feast for the senses. There are somany wonderful things to experience, but where should you start and how long should you spend there? What makes up the right blend of wildlife and African culture, natural beauty and exotic food, breathtaking vistas and unique accommodation? During his many years as a tour escort and leader, Bob Johnstone has traveled through Africa more than any other part of the world. It is the one destination with the mystery and charm that will keep drawing him back. For Bob, there is something very spiritual about Africa. The safari adventure introduces a new awareness of the bond between the creature and the Creator; it will invite you to embrace the last frontier, discerning personal aspects of yourself, as the cycle of life acquires a whole new meaning for you.

To share in this experience of new discoveries, increased understanding, drama, relaxation, and heart-throbbing excitement, it is wise to rely on an experienced leader who can assist in selecting the best choices for the limited time available. Join Bob as he revisits East Africa for another life-changing experience. Whether you are a first-timer, or a return adventurer, your senses will be stimulated and stirred in such spectacular ways that you will come home a different person.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1, Oct 11 - Depart Toronto

Day 2, Oct 12 - Nairobi

Arrive by early evening and transfer to your hotel, which is located in one of the city's most serene suburbs. Holiday Inn.

Day 3, Oct 13 - Samburu National Reserve

After breakfast, transfer to Wilson Airport for your flight to Samburu National Reserve. Situated north of Nairobi, Samburu spans 40 square miles and is accented by two majestic mountains: Koitogor and Ololokwe. Expect to see elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalos, and more than 350 varieties of birds, including Somali ostriches, humming birds, and eagles. After lunch, embark on your first game drive, followed by a welcome reception and dinner at the lodge. Samburu Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

african safari game drives kenya tanzania Day 4, Oct 14 - Samburu National Reserve

Situated on the banks of the Uaaso Nyiro, the Samburu Serena Lodge captures the earthly rhythms of riverfront life. The flavor is rustic but sophisticated with rooms that overlook the river where crocodiles feed in full view. See rare game exclusive to Samburu: the long-necked gerenuk, the grevy's zebra and the beisa oryx. The day's activities consist of morning and afternoon game drives with time to relax at leisure by the pool. Samburu Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

Day 5, Oct 15 - Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, fly to the Masai Mara National Reserve in south-western Kenya. This mammoth stretch of unspoiled wilderness is named for its Maasai tribespeople and the Mara River which divides it. An afternoon game drive will introduce you to what many call the worldâs most magnificent natural theatre. The Savannah teems with animals during the Great Migration of millions of Wildebeest. Mara Serena Lodge. BLD.

Day 6, Oct 16 - Masai Mara National Reserve bob johnstone luxury african safari camp game driv

Enjoy a morning and afternoon game drive with time to relax in between. Mara Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

Day 7, Oct 17 - Manyara National Park

Begin the day with an early morning game drive when the animals are most active, and then return to the Lodge for breakfast. Transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Nairobi, and then connect to Kilimanjaro and Manyara National Park in Tanzania. If time permits, take a short game drive before dinner. Manyara Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

Day 8, Oct 18 - Manyara National Park

After breakfast, take a morning game drive on the slope of the Great Rift escarpment at Lake Manyara National Park. Then visit the thriving village of Mto Wa Mbu for a guided walking tour and drive to Gibbs' Farm for lunch. The journey continues to the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, where you can gaze at the breathtaking views of the surrounding Ngorongoro crater. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

Day 9, Oct 19 - Ngorongoro

Explore the idyllic Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct collapsed volcano which is a sanctuary for lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and many other animals. This is the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world. Return to the lodge for a late lunch, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

Day 10, Oct 20 - Serengeti Serena Lodge

After breakfast, drive to Serengeti National Park, via the Olduvai Gorge which contains hominid footprints that are preserved in volcanic rock 3.6 million years old. Moving on, enjoy another game drive through the extensive open spaces of the Serengeti, and arrive at the Serengeti Serena Lodge for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, with time to explore the ambience of the lodge. Serengeti Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD

Day 11, Oct 21 - Nairobi

After breakfast, transfer to the Seronera Airstrip, for a return flight to Kenya. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and visit the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen House, Kazuri Beads (an organization established to help single mothers support themselves) and the African Craft Centre. Holiday Inn. BD.

Day 12, Oct 22 - Serengeti Serena Lodge

This day is devoted to two game drives, one in the early morning and one in late afternoon. Beautiful rock outcroppings known as "kopjes" (pronounced "copy") characterize the Serengeti Plain and provide outlooks for lions and other predators. Serengeti Serena Lodge. Meals: BLD Day 11 - Nairobi After breakfast, transfer to the Seronera Airstrip, for a return flight to Kenya. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and visit the Giraffe Centre, the Karen Blixen House, Kazuri Beads (an organization established to help single mothers support themselves) and the African Craft Centre. Holiday Inn. Meals: BD

cheetah game drive big five luxury horizon bob Day 13, Oct 23 - Tsavo West National Park

After breakfast, fly to Tsavo West National Park. Just 30 years ago, Tsavo was the classic hunting ground renowned for big game hunters. Nestled at the foot of the Chyulu Hills is the Finch Hattons Camp, an environmentally-friendly 5-star tented camp. Lunch will be served at the camp followed by an afternoon game drive and a visit to Mzima Springs. Finch Hatton Camp. Meals: BLD

Day 14, Oct 24 - Tsavo West National Park

Explore Tsavo West Park with two game drives in early morning and late afternoon. Finch Hatton Camp. Meals: BLD

Day 15, Oct 25 - Nairobi

Begin with an early morning game drive before breakfast. Transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival, transfer to Limuru to visit "Kiambethu", the Mitchell Tea Plantation. We'll be received by Fiona Vernon, the granddaughter of the Englishman who, in the early years of the 20th century, bought 350 acres for growing tea. Learn about the growing and plucking of tea, tour the tea plantation, and enjoy lunch in their family home. Later in the afternoon, return to Nairobi for a farewell reception and dinner. Holiday Inn. Meals: B

Day 16, Oct 26 - Flight home

WHERE WE SLEEP

The Serengeti Serena Lodge. Set high on a hill overlooking the endless Serengeti Plains, the lodge offers superb game viewing with big game frequently feeding a short distance from the lodge. The accommodation is based on traditional village huts. There are 66 rooms. Wilderness breakfasts and luncheons, balloon safaris, traditional dancing and daily slide shows.

The Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is built into the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater its natural stonework naturally blended into the surrounding bush and woodland. It is the ideal base to visit the Crater or neighbouring Olduvai Gorge "the cradle of mankind". Most private rooms have terraces overlooking the crater itself.

Holiday Inn Nairobi. This historic hotel, formerly the Mayfair Court Hotel, enjoyed its first heyday in 1940's Colonial Kenya. Since joining the Holiday Inn group this charming landmark has been transformed into a comfortable, spacious, modern hotel whilst retaining its distinctive architecture and lush gardens.

Finch Hatton's camp, a privately owned and managed one man's dream to create the ideal, offers guests a unique opportunity to relive the golden era of the safari in absolute elegance, 5 star comfort, the finest cuisine surrounded by the spectacle of the great African wilderness. Denys Finch Hatton was one of Kenya's great adventurers. He devoted his life exploring the wild in style. In his camp, dinner was served on fine china with silver and crystal, while the gentle strains of Mozart played in the background. Here in Tsavo, where he lived and died, this tradition lives on.

The Lake Manyara Serena Lodge - It is difficult to imagine a more spectacular setting for 54-room Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. It is located on the edge of the Mto Wa Mbu escarpment, overlooking the Great Rift Valley and the stunning Manyara soda lake. There are daily excursions into the Great Rift Valley and to the National Park, with walking safaris and nature walks with experienced escorts. The lodge has four land cruisers, which can seat 6 persons each. Game drives across Lake Manyara National Park are scheduled daily.

Mara Serena Lodge. Secreted deep within the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate safari destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill, embraced by arcing vistas and washed by a sea of richly rolling grasslands, it stands centre-stage to one of Africa’s most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary migration of the wildebeest.
Drawing its inspiration from the traditional Maasai cultural motif of a cluster of domed, mud-coloured huts encircled by a “Boma” of brushwood, the Mara Serena offers a rare blend of raw African splendour and sumptuous sophistication. The essentially ethnic décor also draws on a vibrant colour-palette of sun-burst colours, embellished by a unique selection of Maasai art to create the look and feel of a traditional bush encampment. The lodge features individual rooms, each with their own balcony and view of eternity, a sky-blue swimming pool and a spectacular restaurant, overlooking a water hole where a fantasia of creatures collect to drink.

THE ESSENTIALS

Level of Activity: Light: Suitable for all ages and abilities, with some opportunities for extended walks.

Start: Nairobi, Kenya

Finish: Nairobi, Kenya

What’s Included:

all accommodations on a shared twin/double room basis

most meals (as indicated)

8 domestic flights

16 game drives all transfers and baggage handling

all local experts and specialists

the leadership of a local guide throughout the trip

all special events and on-trip surprises

all gratuities to porters, drivers, restaurants and other service staff

all pre-departure materials, including documents wallets and destination details

Dates: October 11-26, 2007

Length: 15 Nights / 16 Days

Price Per Person: $7,990 CDN

Single Supplement: $1,150 CDN

Air: $1,535 CDN

Taxes: $560 CDN