DEPOSIT POLICY: A $250.00 per person deposit is required to secure a reservation for your tour, which is not considered firm until the deposit is received. The deposit, however, is fully refundable if you cancel within 72 hours of booking the tour. All cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email your cancellation to dewi@thedaywetravel.com. After 72 hours, the deposit becomes non-refundable and standard cancellation fees apply. See cancellation fee schedule below.

*Note* - If the booking is made 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due at the time of booking.

CANCELLATION FEE SCHEDULE

• 91+ Days Prior: All monies refunded minus initial $250.00 deposit
• 90-61 Days Prior: 75% of tour cost refunded
• 60-46 Days Prior: 60% of tour cost refunded
• 45-31 Days Prior: 35% of tour cost refunded
• 30-8 Days Prior: 15% of tour cost refunded
• 7 Days Prior or less: 0% of tour cost refunded

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 – June 16: Welcome to Nairobi!                                                                                                       

Today, board your flight to Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) to begin your fabulous adventure to East Africa. Hujambo and karibu! (Hello and welcome!) Upon clearing customs and immigration, meet your Travel Host and a local ground rep for your private transfer to your hotel. Get some much-needed rest after a long day of travels. No meals included this evening due to the late-night arrival, though there is a restaurant and bar on-site should you want to grab a bite.

Overnight: Savora Stanley Hotel or similar

DAY 4 - June 17: A day in Nairobi

After breakfast, take the time to rest and get adjusted to the time zone. There will be an option to go to the Nairobi City Market, an historic market that’s been around since the early 1930s and is popular among both locals and travelers. Nairobi residents appreciate the variety of meat products, fresh produce, and spices available while travelers enjoy browsing the local arts & crafts as well as the florists on-site with flower arrangements for all occasions. This will be an opportunity to engage with some of the local vendors on-site. Bargaining is expected here, so if you find something that catches your eye, don’t be shy to haggle! Start with a lower offer and be prepared to meet the vendor halfway. There is also a section here with restaurants serving local dishes for the lunchtime crowds. This afternoon, there will be an option to visit Kazuri Beads Factory. What began in 1975 as a small workshop in a back garden with two employed disadvantaged women then became in 1988 an operation with more than 100 women, especially single mothers with no source of income. It became a social gathering of women who were trained and applied their skills to produce unique and beautiful beads and jewelry. It became a place of female empowerment. The beads themselves are made with clay from the Mt. Kenya area giving them authenticity to their craft. Today Kazuri, the Swahili word for 'small and beautiful' produces a wide range of handmade, hand-painted ceramic jewelry that shines with a kaleidoscope of African colors and Kenyan art that reflects a culture and appeal to a worldwide fashion market. Every necklace, bracelet, and earring carry the essence of its maker's dedication and creativity, making it truly one-of-a-kind. By working with Kazuri, these talented artisans gain financial independence, support their families, and contribute to the betterment of their communities. Meal — (B)

Overnight: Savora Stanley Hotel or similar

DAY 3 - June 18: Nairobi National Park & Elephant Orphanage

After breakfast this morning, travel to Nairobi National Park. We will follow the wildlife tracks of the park in search of lion, cheetah, giraffe, ostrich, hippo, black and white rhino, buffalo, and other game. Then, visit David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where we learn about the complex life of baby elephants and observe their feeding and play time, which is a delight to watch. Later, visit the Langata Giraffe Centre to gain insight on these extraordinary animals. We will have an opportunity to hand feed giraffes from a tall wooden platform. This evening, gather for a group dinner at a local restaurant. Meal – (B, D)

Overnight: Savora Stanley Hotel or similar

DAY 4 - June 19: Nairobi to Tsavo West National Park

Rise early, have breakfast, then proceed to Tsavo West National Park. After check-in and lunch, enjoy a game drive in this vast park, the first of many of this trip! Tsavo West National Park covers 8,034 square miles and comprises a diversity of habitats, open plains alternating with savannah bush and semi-desert scrub, acacia woodlands, rocky ridges, and outcrops. With a permanent water source, the park is virtually guaranteed enormous herds and excellent game viewing. Once at the hotel, freshen up and enjoy a group meal on-site. Meal – (B, L, D)

Overnight: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge or similar

DAY 5 - June 20: A day in Tsavo West National Park

Two game drives are scheduled for this day. The extensive diverse habitats offer ideal areas to search for pride of lions, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffe, zebras, hippos, and wildebeests aka antelopes native to Eastern and Southern Africa. The Park is a vast expansion of African savanna with a more diverse array of habitats which include open plains, semi desert scrub, woodland, Chyulu Hills, and rock outcrops. It is famous for the Red Elephants, Oryx, and Gerenuk among other mammal species and bird life. Other notable features include Mzima Springs which are a water source for Mombasa Town, Shetani Lava Flow and Ash cones, which is an example of recent volcanic eruption. The 1996 film Ghost and the Darkness starring Michael Douglas and Val Kilmer, was on location here. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Meal – (B, L, D)

Overnight: Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge or similar

DAY 6 - June 21: Tsavo West National Park to Amboseli National Park

Today, after breakfast, we travel to Amboseli National Park, famous for its big game — elephants, lions, and cheetahs — and for its gorgeous scenery. You’ll have some time to relax at the lodge before we take off on an afternoon game drive. Amboseli embodies five main wildlife habitats, plus a generally dry lakebed, Lake Amboseli. In the early evening, when the clouds clear, take in the snow–capped dome of Mount Kilimanjaro. Return to the lodge for a wonderful evening meal. Meal – (B, L, D)

Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or similar

DAY 7 - June 22: A day in Amboseli National Park                                                             

Spend a full day in Amboseli with a morning and afternoon game drive. Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya. Situated near the Kenya-Tanzania border, the park lies at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa at 19,341 ft. whose snow-capped summit presents a splendid view on clear days. Amboseli National Park is often referred to as “The home of Elephants” as some of the largest elephant herds are found here. Enjoy another delicious meal at the lodge tonight. Meal – (B, L, D)

Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge or similar

DAY 8 - June 23: Amboseli to Lake Naivasha                                                                 

After breakfast, travel to the Great Rift. Imagine standing on the edge of a breathtaking landscape, stretching endlessly into the horizon. Picture yourself surrounded by deep, dramatic cliffs, awe-inspiring volcanoes, and crystal clear lakes. This is the Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder that spans across Kenya. The Valley is a magnificent trench that has been formed by the shifting of tectonic plates over millions of years. It is not only a geological phenomenon, but also a place of immense beauty and natural diversity, with a fascinating history waiting to be explored. Check in at the lodge for lunch. An optional boat ride can be organized by our guide within Lake Naivasha for a minimal cost. Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake and located at the highest point of the Kenyan Rift Valley at 6,181 ft. in a complex geological combination of volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene Era lake. Return to the lodge for dinner. Meal – (B, L, D)

Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar

DAY 9 - June 24: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara                                                                   

After breakfast, drive via the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara Game Reserve to arrive in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in the reserve, which is Kenya's finest wildlife sanctuary. Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best National Reserves in Africa and offers superb game viewing opportunities throughout the year. Return to ‘camp’ and enjoy a lovely dinner. Meal – (B, L, D)

Overnight: Osero Mara Camp or similar

DAYS 10 & 11 - June 25 & June 26: Masai Mara Game Reserve                                                              

Spend two full days in the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives. Search for popular Mara residents such as the zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, hippo, and the dangerous crocodiles. The Reserve offers breathtaking views as seen in the 1985 film Out of Africa, starring Robert Redford and Merryl Streep, much of which was filmed here. There will be optional excursions available to choose from should you wish to participate: a hot air balloon ride over the Reserve or a visit to a Maasai tribal village, arguably the most iconic tribal group in all of Africa. The Maasai, who populate vast areas of Southern areas of Kenya are the dominant ethnic group surrounding the Masai Mara. This nomadic warrior tribe which once held vast swathes of pre-colonial Kenya, still retain many of their traditions as they live largely untouched by modern day civilization. So why visit a Maasai village? This would be an opportunity to interact with the Maasai and get a firsthand glimpse into their culture, customs, and practices. Discover a unique way of life! Return to our ‘camp’ for dinner. Meals Full Board on both days– (B, L, D)

Overnight: Osero Mara Camp or similar for both the evenings of June 24 and June 25

DAY 12 - June 27: Return to Nairobi for your flight home

After breakfast, depart the Masai Mara for Nairobi with lunch included en route. Enjoy a city tour which covers the modern city center, the colorful market, etc. A Farewell Dinner at the iconic Carnivore Restaurant will be included. There will be a vast selection of succulent meats, including farm-raised ostrich and farm-raised crocodile (at your discretion) that are charcoal grilled and carved at your table. There is also a vegetarian option available. The ambiance is lively and the service is friendly. Then, transfer back to the airport for your international flight home with awe-inspiring photos and magnificent memories of Kenya and all her beauty. If you choose to stay another day and/or continue on to travel other parts of Africa, please let your Travel Host know. Safe travels! Meal — (B, L, D)

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Professional English-speaking driver guides who are expert trackers and know the land intimately and encounter abundant wildlife away from crowds

• 3 National Parks (Nairobi, Tsavo West, and Amboseli) and Masai Mara Game Reserve, host to the Great Migration, one of the 10 Wonders of the World

• Witness hundreds of thousands of animals in their natural habitat in all the national parks and crossing the Maasai Mara, as far as your eye can see

• Unlimited game viewing drives per day whilst on safari — come see The Big Five!

• An (optional) opportunity to visit a local Maasai Mara Village & gain insight on their culture; they have lived alongside wildlife for centuries and consider themselves the guardians of the ecosystem

• An (optional) opportunity to experience the safari from above aboard a hot air balloon. You’ll fly over the Masai Mara Game Reserve, and depending upon the wind direction, you may drift along one of the rivers and see crocodiles and hippos. Every day is different, but typically you will see a wide range of wildlife. In any one flight you are likely to see giraffe, elephant, various gazelle, zebra, hyena and ostrich. For the keen-eyed, you may also fly over cheetah, lion, and sometimes spot the elusive leopard or even rhino.

• The majority of our accommodations are 4–5-star properties with bar/lounges and swimming pool on-site within national park and game reserve boundaries

• Of the 12 days on tour, 9 days include 3 meals per day, some of which you will enjoy with a front row seat of the wildlife before you — you will not go hungry on this trip!

• Come celebrate your favorite tour director’s 41st birthday on this trip! It will be spent in Masai Mara Game Reserve.

• A lifetime of memories and excellent photo opportunities abound

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Round-trip transfers to/from the airport on 6/16 and 6/27 and private transportation per itinerary

• Hotel accommodations - 11 nights (3 nights Nairobi, 2 nights Tsavo West NP, 2 nights Amboseli NP, 1 night Lake Naivasha, 3 nights Masai Mara Reserve) based on double occupancy

• Meals - 30 total (11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners)

• Complimentary bottled water in the vehicle daily

• Complimentary authentic safari hats

• All park entrance fees/sightseeing and taxes & levies where applicable per itinerary

• Exclusive use of transport in a 4x4 Land Cruiser

• Unlimited game viewing drives per day whilst on safari

• Services of English-speaking safari driver/guide

• Baggage handling to and from your hotel room throughout the tour

  • Each person is entitled to ONE checked piece of luggage

• A professional Travel Host and local Greek ground operator & guide will accompany you throughout the tour to coordinate logistics, provide local information, and to ensure your comfort and enjoyment is at an all-time high

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

• Airfare - You will fly in and out of Nairobi, Kenya (NBO). The airport name is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. If you fly out on 6/16, please try and land in Nairobi sometime in the evening. Return flights on 6/26 from Nairobi (NBO) should also be scheduled for an evening departure. There are non-stop flights from NYC (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) in case you’d like to look into this. Airfare can also be booked through The Day We Travel. There is a service fee of 10% of the cost of airfare. If you prefer to book on your own, please e-mail The Day We Travel at dewi@thedaywetravel.com your flight information (airline, flight #, & departure time).

• Meals and/or alcoholic beverages not listed on the itinerary

• Optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions

• Personal expenses (shopping, medications, etc.)

• Gratuities for your driver/guide, Travel Host, and housekeeping

• Travel Insurance - Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase Travel Protection that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. The Day We Travel currently does NOT offer travel insurance. However, some of the more popular insurance companies are Allianz Travel, Travel Guard, World Nomads, Travelex, Axa Travel, AAA, etc. Please look into their coverage policies & rates to see what suit you best.

• **Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a digital pre-boarding permit granted by specific countries to travelers who do not require a visa. Please see information below regarding ETA’s.

  • All previous Visa requirements for Kenya are now replaced by the requirement of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETAs). This is good for travel up to 90 days.

  • All travelers arriving in Kenya are required to apply for ETA online via http://www.etakenya.go.ke prior to their arrival. This can be done in advance within 3-months of a traveler's arrival. The standard processing time for ETAs is 3 working days.

  • Please be advised of the below requirements for ETA applications:

    REQUIREMENTS - ALL TRAVELERS

    ·     Valid passport (6 month validity from the date of arrival in Kenya, with a minimum of one blank page)

    ·     Passport-style photo

    ·     Contact information (home address, email address, and phone number)

    ·     Itinerary details

    ·     Accommodation booking confirmation

    ·     Credit card, debit card, Apple pay for payment of $34 USD per person

    ***Contact information for a person in Kenya — all guests should put down below information:

    Contact Name – Annette

    Telephone – +254770595283

    Sub Location  – City Centre

    Postal Address  – 6012 - 00100