East African Safari!

October 24-November 3/4, 2009

The mention of Africa brings to mind wide open spaces, a vastness of never ending landscapes, wild animals roaming the continent, tribes and cultures that are so different, and, of course, safaris…and staying at a modern tented camp for the ‘real’ African adventure!

On our East African Safari Adventure  we’ll offer you all the adventures that you’ll need to experience so you will come home with the same feeling that thousands have before you...a trip to Africa will be one of the most wonderful events in your lifetime and you will spend it with other like-minded singles like yourself.
We’ve chosen Kenya to explore as it is one of the first African countries to establish national parks and reserves and they take great pride in showing you their wonderful country.   The ecologically diverse landscapes of Kenya will offer some of the best wildlife viewing and concentration of free-roaming animals found anywhere on earth and we will get many chances to see that wildlife as well as the customs and cultures and friendliness of the Kenyan people.
We’ll visit the very cosmopolitan and international city of Nairobi; see many spectacular animal wildlife reserves and organizations that are helping the animals such as Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage and a visit to see chimps at a local chimp sanctuary; stay at and have time to enjoy the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club; and have an opportunity unlike any other, of viewing wildlife at night from your room or the observation deck of The Ark and, if you want, while you sleep, if anything exciting happens you’ll be awakened to see what’s happening!
You’ll experience the unbelievable flock of pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru and the Rhino sanctuary located here and then we spend 3 nights visiting the vast and varied landscape of the famous Masai Mara, home of the ‘Big Five” (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant, as well as cheetah, zebra, giraffe and vast herds of plains antelope and numerous other wildlife).  We’ll have morning and afternoon wildlife viewing game drives while here……and we will be staying in a first class tented camp for the ultimate in a true African Safari Adventure!!  You’ll love this!
Our safari adventure also includes a lot of interesting experiences to learn not only about the wildlife but also about the culture and people by visiting a Maasai village where you’ll learn a lot about the tribes customs, visit a primary school (bring pencils, pens, books and notebooks!), and visit Karen Blixen’s Museum for some history about the early 20th century.  You’ll also have the optional opportunity to float above the Mara ecosystem on board a hot air balloon followed by a gourmet champagne breakfast.
We’ll end our exotic African Safari vacation by having an ‘interesting’ dinner at the famous Carnivore Restaurant and feeding a giraffe up close!

On this trip to Africa you will see why everyone says that an Africa Safari will be one of life’s most exhilarating experiences…it’s AWESOME!

A note from Ann Thomas, Director of Singles Travel Company-  After my trip to Kenya, the only word I can use to explain the trip is “AWESOME!”.  It truly is a life changing experience- the vastness of the landscape and sky leaves you breathless; the never-ending incredible variety of African wildlife unfolding constantly right in front of you and the fascinating local culture leaves you wanting to return again and again!  Our single travelers always love our African safaris!  Please call me to discuss any aspects of the trip and I hope you can join us on a trip that you’ll find incredible!

Price Includes All of the Following!

1. Roundtrip transfers on arrival and departure if on group flights
2. Meet and Greet Services for group air arrivals
3. 9 nights accommodations at Moderate Class hotels
1. 2 nights Nairobi-Hotel Inter-continental
2. 2 nights Nanyuki-Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
3. 1 night Aberdare National Park-at The Ark
4. 1 night Kigio Wildlife Conservancy-Kigio Wildlife Camp
5. 3 nights Maisa Mara-Mara Sarova Tented Camp for an “Out of Africa” experience
4. All taxes and service charges for above hotels
5. 24 Meals included- as indicated in itinerary
1. 9 Breakfasts (B)
2. 7 Lunchs (L)
3. 8 Dinners (D)
6. Services of experienced, English speaking driver-guides
7. Parks fees and government taxes
8. One bottle of mineral water per person, per day, while on safari
9. Game drives in many National Parks and Reserves (total 9!)
10. Services of Royal Flying Doctors
11. Modern Safari vehicles with
1. 7 seater
2. Photo roof for easy viewing and photo taking
3. Window seating for everyone
12. Special Features of our trip: (see itinerary for further information)
1. Visit Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage
2. Visit Sweetwaters Camp in Sweetwaters Game Reserve
3. Visit chimps at a local chimp sanctuary
4. Visit a primary school for local school children
5. Leisure time to enjoy the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club
6. Night viewing of animals at a flood-lite waterhole at The Ark
7. View the famous pink Flamingos
8. Visit a sanctuary for Rhino
9. Five game drives- Masai Mara
10. Tented camp accommodations for a true African Safari Adventure
11. Visit a traditional Maasai village up close
12. Visit at the Karen Blixen Museum –“Out of Africa” author
13. Visit the Giraffe Centre to feed and ‘kiss’ a giraffe! 
14. Dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant
15. Roommate assignment service to avoid the single supplement
16. Other singles to enjoy this wonderful safari experience
17. Experienced Singles Travel Representative
18. Optional excursions including-Hot Air Balloon ride over the Masai Mara

Staying in a tented camp gives you the ultimate in an African Safari Adventure!  Picture yourself quietly reading under a tree while the wildlife wanders around you…
You’ll never forget your “Out of Africa” adventure

Available: Download Itinerary Now) (Acrobat Reader required - allow up to 20 seconds for file to download completely)

Sat. Oct 24                 Leave Your Hometown
Leave your hometown, and if on our group flights, fly to Nairobi via London, England.

Sun. Oct 25                Arrive in Nairobi
Jambo and welcome to Kenya!  On arrival on our group flight at Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi, you will be met by our tour operator’s local representative and transferred to your hotel.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, is a well–planned modern city of over one million inhabitants.  It is justly described as a garden city as its broad avenues are lined with flowering plants and shrubs.  Situated at an altitude of 5,500 feet, it enjoys hot sunny days and cool evenings.  Places of interest to the visitor include the Municipal Market, the ornate Jamia Mosque and the National Museum with its adjacent Snake Park and Aviary.  There are several art galleries exhibiting work by local artist, displays of tribal dancing, two theatres, a variety of good restaurants and a wealth of fascinating curio shops.
Our Accommodation:   HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL (2 nights)

Mon. Oct 26               Nairobi Sightseeing                                                             
After breakfast at the hotel we have a treat today as we get to visit the Daphne Sheldrick’s Orphanage where orphan elephants and rhinos are cared for.  The trust relies entirely on donations from caring and compassionate friends.  The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was established in memory of Daphne’s husband, who was a famous naturalist and founder warden of Kenya’s giant Tsavo East National Park in which he served from 1948 to 1976.  Daphne Sheldrick was the first person in the entire world to successfully hand rear newborn fully milk dependent African Elephant orphans, something that spanned 28 years of trial and error to achieve. The Trust highlights and battles the abuse of animals wherever, and their tireless efforts have recently been featured on the BBC Documentary “Elephant Diaries” as well as the TV show “60 Minutes”.  After a tour and witnessing the feeding of these orphaned elephants and rhinos, we head back to our hotel where our afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Nairobi. (B)

Tues. Oct. 27             Travel to Sweetwaters                                                   
This morning we leave Nairobi and drive to Sweetwaters Camp located in the heart of Sweetwaters Game Reserve in time for lunch. 
In the afternoon we stop for a visit with the children of Sweetwaters Primary School (you can donate some school supplies if you’d like to the children-pens, paper, books, maps, soccer balls, etc.)
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in the reserve as well as a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The chimp sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Kenya.  Visitors can enjoy the unique opportunity of observing the chimps up close.  The riverine forest and the savannah grassland of the sanctuary are home to 26-orphaned chimps.  Here one has the opportunity to meet with Poco, who spent six years of his life imprisoned in a small birdcage suspended from a roof.  Now Poco is a handsome, contented chimp, able to explore his habitat.  
Later we head to the famous Mount Kenya Safari Club for dinner and our two nights stay.  (BLD)

Our Accommodation: MOUNT KENYA SAFARI CLUB (2 nights)
The Mount Kenya Safari Club sits high on the slopes of Africa's second highest mountain and straddles the Equator in a glory of luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid manicured lawns and decorative ponds.  Ever since the Club was founded in 1959 by the late film star William Holden, eccentric American Ray Ryan, and Swiss financier Carl Hirschmann, it has been a Mecca for the international jet set - its list of members reads like a Who's Who of royalty, aristocracy, and the rich and famous.  The Club's history is as colorful and exciting as its members and visitors - from the pioneers who made the homestead and the farm their own, through its conversion into an upcountry hotel, to the uproarious narrative of the three-hell raisers who bought it on a whim and launched a legend.

Wed. Oct 28               Day at Leisure at Mt. Kenya Safari Club                       
A wealth of activities and facilities are available at the Mount Kenya Safari Club including: swimming pool, tennis court, horse riding, putting green, a 9-hole golf course, bowls, croquet, trout fishing, visit the art gallery, health and beauty center, and club shops. Enjoy your day at this famous and wonderful African accommodation. (BLD)

Thurs. Oct 29                        To the Abedares                                                            
After breakfast we travel from Mount Kenya to the Abedares.  This is Kikuyu country and we will travel through small villages nestled amongst the coffee, sisal and pineapple plantations.  After lunch at The Aberdare Country Club guests take a 45-minute game drive within the National Park arriving at The Ark in time for afternoon tea.  Note: You will need an overnight bag for the Ark, the rest of your luggage will be stored at the Abedare Country Club.
The Abedares are a beautiful mountain range in the central highlands of Kenya, for the most part, over 10,000 ft in altitude.  Within the heart of these mountains is the Aberdares National Park, a magical place of dense forest, and misty moorlands, where icy rivers plunge in glorious cascades and waterfalls.  This area is rich in wildlife.  Amongst a variety of mammals more commonly seen are elephant, buffalo, rhino, forest-hog, colobus and Sykes monkeys and a wide variety of antelope including the legendary and rare bongo.  Birdlife is abundant and varied. 200 species have been recorded, perhaps the most conspicuous group of which is the sunbirds.  Birds of prey such as the crowned eagle, mountain buzzard and African goshawk are of special interest. (BLD)

Our Accommodation:The ARK (1 night)
Set in the heart of the Aberdare National Park, this unique game lodge overlooks a floodlit waterhole and salt lick which attracts a host of wildlife - elephant, rhino, leopard, bushbuck and occasionally an elusive bongo or giant forest hog.  Resembling and named after Noah's Ark, The Ark comprises three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing.  A ground level bunker provides excellent photographic opportunities and takes you closer than you would believe possible to the animals. Comfortable en-suite cabins are fitted with buzzers to announce the arrival of one of the "Big Five" at the waterhole.

Fri. Oct. 30                 Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha                         
After breakfast, we leave for the day’s drive taking you past the Abedare Mountain Range, via Nyahururu Falls, to the floor of the great Rift Valley.  Lunch is included at the Sarova Hill Lodge and then we’ll enjoy an afternoon game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park.  The lake is world famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth - myriads of fuschia pink flamingoes whose numbers are legend, often more than a million maybe two!   Lake Nakuru is now the home of the numerous leopard and rhino, who have been placed in the park for safety – the park has recently been designated a rhino sanctuary.
After the game drive, you will be taken to your lodge in the nearby Kigio Wildlife Sanctuary by Lake Naivasha.  An evening game drive is included here as well. (BLD)

Our Accommodation: KIGIO WILDLIFE CAMP (1 night)
The is a special natural retreat inside the impressive 3500 acre Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. This brand new, stunning lodge provides superb accommodations in an unbeatable location overlooking the glorious woodlands and the Malewa River, which together attract over 200 species of birds to the area. Designed in a dramatic architectural style inspired by traditional African building methods, the lodge’s thatched-roofed buildings create a rustic feel, while its cozy sitting area with fireplace and the dining room and bar offer a warm and inviting ambience.

Sat. Oct. 31                To the Masai Mara                                                           
Enjoy breakfast and then we journey across the great Rift Valley to Kenya’s best known game reserve - the Masai Mara, arriving by lunchtime.  Enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of the huge black-maned lions for which the reserve is famous.  Explore the rolling hills and plains for wonderful sights of the great numbers of different species of wildlife found here. (BLD)

Our accommodation:  SAROVA MARA TENTED CAMP
To capture the true spirit of East Africa, there is nothing like the experience of adventure in Kenya’s Masai Mara; the richest game sanctuary in Kenya. Situated on a natural elevation between two streams, Sarova Mara is the ideal base for safaris to the “Lion and Elephant” country which is also populated by cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, giraffes and buffalo. The area is world renowned for its annual wildebeest migration from the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Early morning hot air balloon safaris with champagne breakfast on landing offer unrivaled views of the game from the skies. The Camp is set amidst wide gardens with manicured lawns and exotic flowers. There are 75 luxurious tents with a permanent roof and floor, attached bathroom, running hot water supply and electricity.
Facilities include a restaurant serving cuisine of the highest international standards, bar, a well stocked curio shop and a large swimming pool. The viewing deck of the Panorama Bar provides magnificent views of the surroundings as you enjoy a refreshing drink. The Sarova Mara offers you a chance to see one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth in superb comfort;
an amazing “Out of Africa” experience!

Sun. Nov.1                 On Safari in the Masai Mara & Village Visit                                          
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives.  The Masai Mara National Reserve offers wonderful scenery and an abundance of big game.  With its rolling plains and grasslands it is reminiscent of “Hemingway Country”.  There are very large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and various antelope.  In addition hippo, giraffe, elephant, cheetah, and leopard are frequently seen.  The Mara is renowned for its magnificent maned lions with their large prides who spend most of the day sleeping in the shade of the acacia trees.
Your guide will also take you to a traditional Masai Village.  Learn how the women build their mud huts, where they cook, sleep and raise their families.  They will explain their traditions and customs, and you will have the opportunity to walk around the village and take photographs. (BLD)

Mon. Nov. 2               On Safari in the Mara                                                                   
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives again today in the Masai Mara.
Optional activities (at additional cost) are available such as bush walks with resident naturalists and night drives with spot lamps in search of nocturnal wildlife.  Elephant and leopard hides offer wonderful viewing opportunities for these animals and much more besides.  Birdlife is prolific and with expert Masai naturalists on hand, up to 100 different species can be seen in a day.  Hot-air balloon excursions, soaring silently above the plains, provide breathtaking wilderness vistas. (BLD)

Tues. Nov. 3              Nairobi Sights & Homeward Bound                                              
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi and then after lunch this afternoon a sightseeing tour takes us to the Giraffe Centre, in the suburb of Langata, where the Rothschild giraffe was saved from extinction.  At the facility, you can feed the giraffes and learn all about these unique and lovable animals.  Our tour also includes a visit to the former home of Karen Blixen (author Isak Dinesen, who wrote ‘Out of Africa’).  Blixen's farmhouse, which was presented to the Kenyan government by Denmark, is now a museum—it's located next door to the Karen College.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the famous Carnivore restaurant before transferring to the airport for your late evening flight home via London if on the group flight-(please note your arrival to the U.S. then is on Wednesday, November 4.)  (BD)
(Land only tour members-the end of the land only accommodations ends at the restaurant)

Wed. Nov 4                Arrival Home

Maybe fly on to Cairo for our wonderful Egyptian & Nile Cruise vacation Nov 4!

"Taking out my field-glasses I focused them on the water, my heart beating faster at what I saw, for all Africa was in that moment for me. Yes, the whole cast of the first natural, primordial, legitimate theatre of Africa seemed gathered there to make its final curtsy in the limelight of the sunset hour and receive twilight applause before the night dropped its final curtain." - Sir Laurens van der Post

Price
$2999.00--Land only, per person, based on double occupancy.
(We can match you with a roommate if you want to avoid having to pay for a room by yourself.)

For a room to yourself throughout the trip add $995.00 to above rate. Very limited availability on single accommodations on safari so please if you want a single occupancy sign up early!

Airport Flights: Call for information on how the group is flying to Nairobi. You may do your own air or we can assist you.

Airport Transfers: Air/land price includes complimentary airport transfers on arrival and departure.  Airport transfers are not included if doing your own air.  If you are arriving at the same time or departing at the same time as the group flights, you can purchase transfers for $20 each way.

Travel Insurance is highly recommended. Please consider the purchase of it VERY carefully as it covers a lot of important features that if the need arises in Africa, you will have this added assistance.   An information packet will be mailed to you with your deposit invoice receipt.  Please read it carefully and call the insurance company to sign up for it.

Royal Flying Doctors Insurance—We have included this service membership in your trip:
The Flying Doctors Service is one of the most comprehensive air ambulance services in Africa. Your regular travel insurance usually covers air evacuation from proper airports and uses regular scheduled air services, but Flying Doctors is especially for people traveling to remote regions such as game reserves where you are hours away from hospitals and sometimes over rough roads. This ensures evacuation ONLY by an air ambulance in the event of an emergency such as illness. The Flying Doctors Service does not cover treatment or hospitalization expenses. Flying Doctors are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and their staff includes trauma doctors and nurses who travel onboard for immediate medical attention while they get you back to a hospital.  This is added medical insurance and is worth its’ weight in gold if needed. We also highly recommend that you get travel insurance for travel to Africa.

A Visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Kenya as well as a valid U.S. passport that is still valid up to 6 months after the trip. You can use any Visa service and can get the Visa within 90 days of travel. Fees vary, around $50 + mailing fees.  For non-U.S. citizens, consult your local consulate for passport and visa requirements.

Price Does Not Include International departure taxes, Kenya visa (approx $50+); drinks or alcoholic drinks with included meals; items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, incidental charges at the hotels; tips to drivers and guides; airport transfers if not on group flight; and travel insurance.

Health requirements: You must check with your medical doctor/local travel clinic for any recommended immunizations or meds needed for travel to Kenya.  You can check www.cdc.gov/travel or Phone (404) 639-3534 for more information.

Activity Level: Please be aware this is an adventure trip; activities require such things as getting into & out of safari vehicles, some bumpy roads, and convenience facilities & restaurants not always at your beckon while on safari. You need to be flexible and be able to accommodate to your wonderful surroundings easily.

Fine Print –East African Safari October 24- November 3/4, 2009 
Your payment for a reservation on this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel Company General Terms and Conditions. Please make sure you read both of these important pieces of information and call us with any questions.  A trip reservation form, found on our website, is due when you make your trip deposit.  Information on hotels is from our tour operator.
Per our tour operator: hotels are always subject to change; park fees are subject to change as well as air taxes and fuel surcharges-any increase will be passed on to the client.  Singles Travel Company, and its’ tour operator, can not be held responsible for any injuries caused by the behavior of wild animals. Passport, Kenyan Visa and health immunizations requirements for entry into Kenya are solely the responsibility of the traveler.
Deposit of $350.00 is due with your reservation by credit card or check (made payable to Travel Advisors).
Final payment is due 80 days prior to trip, checks preferred or credit card.
Cancellation Fee and Refunds     All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations 111 days or more prior to the trip will receive a full refund of your deposit, less a $50 cancellation fee applied to your credit card.  Any cancellations within 110 days of departure, no refund will be provided.  No refund on unused portions of the trip. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy.

Travel/Trip Cancellation insurance is highly recommended-please consider the purchase of it carefully as it covers a lot of important and unforeseeable issues that may arise before and during your trip-i.e. illness with you or a family member prior to or during your trip, lost luggage, medical problems that may arise during your trip, also, if needed, it includes important assistance while you are overseas
 (see insurance pamphlet we will send you with your deposit for the trip).

Download full Terms and Conditions (PDF)

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