Damle Safaris

BEST OF KENYA

15 to 24 May 2025

The East African nation of Kenya is known for the Big Five of Africa (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino & Leopard). Kenya boasts one of the best diversities in landscapes, nature and a wide variety of game to be seen in a relatively less time. World class accommodations & tourist friendly atmosphere make Kenya one of the most visited African countries.

KARIBU KENYA!!

ITINERARY

Day 01, Thursday, 15 May 2025

Arrival in Nairobi & Giraffe Centre (Meals: L, D) Flight: Depart Mumbai at 06:35 AM on Kenya Airways, arriving in Nairobi at 10:20 AM. Alternatively, you can opt for an Indigo flight. Distance: Nairobi airport to Giraffe Centre – 27 km (45 minutes) After arriving in Nairobi, your driver-guide will welcome you and take you to the Giraffe Centre, where you can interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes. Post-lunch, visit the Nairobi National Museum to explore Kenya’s history and cultural heritage. Evening Stay: Check-in at Safari Park Hotel, where you'll enjoy a dinner and dance show. Temperature: Expect warm temperatures, with highs around 24°C (75°F).

Day 02, Friday, 16 May 2025

Drive to Samburu National Reserve (Meals: B, L, D) Distance: Nairobi to Samburu – 325 km (6–7 hours) Begin your day with an early breakfast before driving to Samburu National Reserve, a semi-arid region known for its unique wildlife. Arrive by lunchtime and enjoy a delicious meal at Samburu Simba Lodge. In the evening, embark on your first game drive, where you may spot the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. Temperature: Warm daytime highs around 30°C (86°F); evenings cool to 18°C (64°F).

Day 03, Saturday, 17 May 2025

Explore Samburu National Reserve (Meals: B, L, D) Enjoy a morning safari with a picnic breakfast. The Samburu Reserve offers incredible wildlife encounters, from elephants and lions to lesser-known species like the gerenuk. Optionally, visit a Samburu village to immerse yourself in local culture. Return to Samburu Simba Lodge for a relaxing evening surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Temperature: Highs around 30°C (86°F), cooler nights at 18°C (64°F).

Day 04, Sunday, 18 May 2025

Journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Meals: B, L, D) Distance: Samburu to Ol Pejeta – 220 km (4–5 hours) After breakfast, travel to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you’ll enjoy lunch at Sweetwaters Tented Camp. In the afternoon, explore the conservancy on a game drive and visit the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a refuge for rescued chimpanzees. You also have the option for an exciting night game drive (additional cost). Temperature: Highs around 28°C (82°F), evenings at 16°C (61°F).

Day 05, Monday, 19 May 2025

Aberdare Country Club & The Ark Lodge (Meals: B, L, D) Distance: Ol Pejeta to Aberdare Country Club – 90 km (2 hours) After breakfast, drive to Aberdare Country Club. Post-lunch, take only overnight bags and proceed into the Aberdare Forest for a unique stay at The Ark Lodge. Overlooking a waterhole, the lodge offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, with animals like elephants and buffalo coming to drink. Temperature: Daytime highs of 20°C (68°F), cooler nights at 10°C (50°F).

Day 06, Tuesday, 20 May 2025

Aberdare to Lake Nakuru National Park (Meals: B, L, D) Distance: Aberdare to Lake Nakuru – 180 km (4–5 hours) After breakfast, return to Aberdare Country Club to collect your luggage and then drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. En route, visit the scenic Thomson’s Falls.At Lake Nakuru, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of flocks of pink flamingos along the lake. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive, where you might spot rhinos, giraffes, and pelicans. Stay at Lion’s Hill Lodge. Temperature: Daytime highs of 26°C (79°F), cool nights at 14°C (57°F).

Day 07, Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Drive to Masai Mara National Reserve (Meals: B, L, D) Distance: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara – 300 km (5–6 hours) After an early breakfast, drive through the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most famous wildlife sanctuary. Check in at Mara Maisha Camp and enjoy lunch before visiting the Hippo Pool, where you’ll observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, embark on your first safari, where you’ll encounter the incredible wildlife that makes Masai Mara world-renowned. Temperature: Warm days around 28°C (82°F), cooler nights at 16°C (61°F).

Day 08 & 09, Thursday, 22 & Friday, 23 May 2025

Explore Masai Mara (Meals: B, L, D) Start each day with a morning safari after a picnic breakfast. Masai Mara is home to the iconic "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) and an abundance of plains game like zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests. The stunning landscapes and up-close wildlife encounters make for unforgettable experiences. Return to Mara Maisha Camp in the evenings for a restful night. Temperature: Highs around 28°C (82°F), cooler evenings at 16°C (61°F).

Day 10, Saturday, 24 May 2025

Departure to Nairobi (Meals: B, L) Distance: Masai Mara to Nairobi – 270 km (5–6 hours) After breakfast, embark on the scenic drive back to Nairobi, with packed lunch en route. Depending on time, you may have a chance to visit local markets for souvenirs before heading to the airport. Depart from Nairobi at 8:50 PM on your flight to Mumbai, arriving early the next morning at 5:35 AM. Guests extending their trip to Victoria Falls will stay overnight in Nairobi. Temperature: Nairobi daytime highs of 24°C (75°F).

  1. Based on 2 adults traveling together: Rs 56060 + US$ 4683
  2. Based on 4 adults traveling together: Rs 56060 + US$ 3927
  3. Based on 6 adults traveling together: Rs 56060 + US$ 3726

Single room occupancy: US$ 644 pp extra

Description of the Rupee component

Description of the Rupee component

Rs, per person

     

Airfare (one way Indigo/one-way KQ)

       48,000.00

     

Kenya ETA

         3,060.00

     

Travel Insurance

         2,000.00

     

Processing fees

         3,000.00

     

Rupee component, per person as of now

       56,060.00

     

Description of the US$ component

Description of the US$ component

US$ per person

GST 5% US$

TCS 5% US$

Total US$ per person

Exchange rate

In RS pp

Per person based on 2 adults in 4×4 vehicle

4248

           212.40

           223.02

                    4,683.42

86

4,02,774.12

Per person based on 4 adults in 4×4 vehicle

3562

           178.10

           187.01

                    3,927.11

86

3,37,731.03

Per person based on 6 adults in 4×4 vehicle

3380

           169.00

           177.45

                    3,726.45

86

3,20,474.70

Single room occupancy

Description of the US$ component

US$ per person

GST 5% US$

TCS 5% US$

Total US$ per person

Exchange rate

In RS pp

Single room occupancy, extra charges

585

             29.25

             30.71

                       644.96

85.5

    55,144.29

 

Highlights of inclusions for the Safari

  • Indian and Kenyan relevant taxes at current rates included. GST & TCS included in US$ component, to be paid in equivalent INR along with other charges. Both the taxes are at 5%. Change in TCS rate may be applicable based on your circumstances. Full credit of TCS available to your PAN.
  • Entire safari schedule as mentioned above in a typical safari 4×4 vehicle with experienced
  • English-speaking guide cum driver
  • Lodges selected are well equipped Jungle accommodation for all enthusiasts
  • Mineral water – 1 liter per person per day included for use in vehicle
  • Book on East African birds and animals available for reference in each vehicle
  • Economy class airfare included. Rate at time of purchase is applicable
  • Visa at current rate

Not included/Additional cost

  • Any change in tax rates will be applicable
  • Any extra orders at meals are not included
  • Optional activates to be settled on spot
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions is excluded
  • Tip for driver guide (expected US$ 50 per person) and tip to other staff
  • All rates and charges as prevailing at time of actual booking will be applicable.
  • Exchange rate as determined at time of remittance is applicable

Cost for optional activities

  • Village visit in Samburu – US$ 25 per person to be paid on spot.
  • Night safari at Ol Pejeta US$ 100 per person.
  • Balloon safari – US$ 465 per person

How to book

  • Pay the Rupee component along with passport & PAN card copy along with filled in
  •  Booking form
  • Mandatory: You need to get yourself inoculated against yellow fever. Due to scarcity of this vaccine in India, it is recommended that you do this in advance. Note privately  
  • Administered vaccine is not permitted by Indian immigration and customs. Contact   us for more information on this. You have to take this vaccine at your own cost.
  • Anti – Malaria tablets. We will provide you these tablets, you may contact your Physician for the same.
  • Passport valid for a minimum of 06 months from date of return and at least two Blank pages

We recommend you to carry

  • Set of warm clothes including Balaclavas (Monkey cap), gloves, scarf
  • Winter lotion as well as Sun screen (with SPF 40), your regular medication
  • Camera with all necessary accessories
  • Binoculars

Cancellation terms (might be revised, please check at time of booking). Cost of GST on the cancellation amount will be additional.

  • Cancellation done between 60 to 45 days prior to departure – Rs 15,500 per Person.
  • Cancellation done between 44 to 20 days prior to departure – 65% of total Cost per person
  • Cancellation done between 19 to 10 days prior to departure – 85% per Person
  • Cancellation done between 9 days & no show – 100% per person

Important Notes

  • Airfare, Govt. taxes, Visa charges, exchange rate, Airport taxes & Air schedule are Subject to change by the relevant authorities. Any extra cost incurred due to flight change, rescheduling or cancellations has to be borne by the participant.
  • Cost does not include personal expenses, tips, liquors, drinks and mineral water Etc.
  • Yellow fever vaccine is additional.

Address for Yellow fever:

1)   Mumbai International Airport, Medical Centre, Near Airport Ambassador Hotel, Mumbai.

2)   Sassoon Hospital, OPD Ward room no 80, Pune.

*E&OE

Why Visit Both Samburu and Masai Mara on This Safari?

Including Samburu National Park and the Masai Mara Reserve in a single itinerary offers a rare opportunity to witness the diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife Kenya has to offer. Here’s why this combination is truly special:

 Samburu National Park

  • Located in Kenya’s semi-arid north, Samburu is a hidden gem with exclusive wildlife you won’t find elsewhere.
  • It’s home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.
  • The park’s rugged landscapes, dotted with acacia trees and framed by the Ewaso Ng’iro River, offer a striking contrast to the lush savannahs of the Mara.
  • With fewer crowds than the Mara, Samburu provides a tranquil and intimate wildlife experience.

 Masai Mara Reserve

  • Known as Kenya’s crown jewel, the Masai Mara offers a quintessential African safari experience.
  • It’s the stage for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the Mara River—a spectacle unmatched in the natural world.
  • The Mara’s dense predator population, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, ensures thrilling game drives.
  • Its wide-open savannahs are iconic and awe-inspiring, a stark contrast to Samburu’s arid charm.

 The Magic of Combining Masai Mara and Samburu

  • Contrast of Ecosystems: From Samburu’s arid plains to the Mara’s lush grasslands, you’ll witness a stunning variety of landscapes.
  • Diverse Wildlife: Spot unique species in Samburu and the classic Big Five in the Mara—each park offers a completely different yet complementary experience.
  • Cultural Insights: Encounter the semi-nomadic Samburu people in the north and the world-renowned Maasai community in the south, each with their distinct traditions.

Visiting both Samburu and Masai Mara ensures your Kenyan safari is as diverse and fulfilling as the country itself. It’s the ultimate way to experience Kenya’s unparalleled natural beauty and rich wildlife heritage. Don’t miss out on this perfect pairing!