Escorted Tours 2022-23 2nd Edition

Africa Day 6: Lake Naivasha B/L/D This morning, journey to the private island sanctuary of Crescent Island Game Conservancy, located in the middle of Lake Naivasha. With its flat topography, a dense concentration of wildlife and unique island location, the reserve is often referred to as Naivasha’s best-kept secret. Travel into the heart of the island as you search for animals and over 200 species of bird life. Return to the lake’s shores and continue onward to Elsamere Lodge Conservation Centre. Refresh yourself with one of the best high teas in Kenya then visit the adjoining Joy Adamson Museum, dedicated to conservation heroes Joy and George Adamson. Browse through the museum exhibits which depict the Adamsons’ conservation efforts and their experience raising the orphaned lion cub which later inspired the book and movie ‘Born Free’. Later this afternoon, return to the main lake area for some time at leisure when it is possible to see hippos, buffalo, giraffes and colobus monkeys along the shore. Day 7: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara Game Reserve B/L/D After breakfast, depart on a 5.5 hour drive through the savannah as you make your way to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. One of Africa’s most famed wildlife reserves, Maasai Mara is home to a fantastic year- round concentration of wildlife and the annual Great Migration. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch before an afternoon game drive carries you into the depths of the reserve. Go in search of the Big Five and over 450 species of birds and wildlife; the rolling grasslands allow for easy viewing, and the reserve offers some of the highest odds for spotting big cats. Day 8: Maasai Mara Game Reserve B/L/D Witness the Kenyan landscape bathed in an early morning glow as you set out on a sunrise game drive. Sunrise is one of the most picturesque and rewarding times to spot wildlife, who congregate around waterholes in large herds. Enjoy breakfast al fresco in the bush, before enjoying a visit to a traditional Maasai Village and to immerse yourself in the song, dance, colourful robes and everyday activities of the local villagers. After lunch, enjoy the last game drive of your trip. Day 9: Maasai Mara Game Reserve to Nairobi B/L/D Depart this morning and travel back to Nairobi. Along the way, stop at the Giraffe Centre established in 1979 to preserve the Rothschild Giraffe. Travel onward to Nairobi for a farewell dinner. Day 10: Nairobi to the UK B After breakfast, visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and enjoy an up-close encounter with young orphaned elephants at the most successful elephant rescue and rehabilitation programme in the world; the centre helps vulnerable animals with the aim of reintroducing them to the wild. This afternoon, transfer for your return flight via Doha, or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour includes • All meals daily • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Nairobi-Eka Hotel, Aberdare National Park-Treetops Lodge, Lake Nakuru-Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Naivasha-Lake Naivasha Country Club, Maasai Mara Game Reserve- Mara Leisure Camp • Flights from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways (via Doha). Regional departures available from Manchester Tour pace: Intermediate Maasai tribe people David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £599 Departures & from prices 7 Nov 22 £2,499 26 Jun 23 £2,799 16 Jan 23 £2,699 3 & 10 Jul 23 £2,849 13 Feb 23 £2,699 21 Aug 23 £3,099 6 Mar 23 £2,699 28 Aug 23 £2,899 27 Mar 23 £2,599 4 Sep 23 £2,949 24 Apr 23 £2,399 11 Sep 23 £2,949 8 May 23 £2,299 18 Sep 23 £2,949 15 & 29 May 23 £2,399 25 Sep 23 £2,949 5 Jun 23 £2,499 2 Oct 23 £2,949 12 Jun 23 £2,599 16 Oct 23 £2,949 19 Jun 23 £2,699 6 Nov 23 £2,699 2024 DATES AVAILABLE • A single supplement starts from just £319 Elephant, Maasai Mara Game Reserve Flamingos, Lake Nakuru Extend your tour Zanzibar beach stay, 4 nights, Half Board 4 H from £779 or 5 H from £799 Amboseli National Park Safari, 3 nights from £1,039 Zanzibar 131 Hundreds more escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk