Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

Maasai tribe people Leopard, Maasai Mara Game Reserve Thomson Falls 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. Zanzibar Meal plan: All meals daily Accommodation: Nairobi, 4 H Eka Hotel Aberdare National Park, 4 H The Ark Lake Nakuru, 4 H Lion Hill Lodge Lake Naivasha, 4 H Lake Naivasha Country Club Maasai Mara Game Reserve, 3 H Mara Leisure Camp Flights: London Heathrow to Kenya with Qatar Airways (via Doha). Regional flights available, please see page 168-169 Tour pace: Intermediate Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £499 Extend your tour Zanzibar beach stay, 4 nights, Half Board, 5 H from £849 Mombasa beach stay, 3 nights, All-Inclusive, 4 H from £549 Amboseli National Park Safari, 3 nights from £1,149 Departures & from prices 5 Jun 23 £3,199 25 Mar 24 £3,199 12 Jun 23 £3,299 22 Apr 24 £2,899 3 Jul 23 £3,599 6 May 24 £2,999 10 Jul 23 £3,599 13 May 24 £2,799 21 Aug 23 £3,799 27 May 24 £2,899 28 Aug 23 £3,649 3 Jun 24 £2,999 4 Sep 23 £3,499 10 Jun 24 £3,099 11 Sep 23 £3,849 1 Jul 24 £3,599 18 Sep 23 £3,499 8 Jul 24 £3,799 25 Sep 23 £3,399 19 Aug 24 £4,099 2 Oct 23 £3,399 26 Aug 24 £3,899 16 Oct 23 £3,199 2 Sep 24 £3,799 6 Nov 23 £2,899 9 & 16 Sep 24 £3,799 13 Nov 23 £2,699 23 Sep 24 £3,799 15 Jan 24 £3,549 30 Sep 24 £3,799 12 Feb 24 £3,549 14 Oct 24 £3,499 4 Mar 24 £3,299 4 Nov 24 £3,199 • A single supplement starts from just £319 • Tipping paid locally $45-$90 pp per tour Africa 141 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk