Family program
Families and individuals welcome
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.jpg "Ostrich parade on the Mara") |
Trying to jump like Maasai |
Ostrich parade on the Mara |
photos ©Teagan Hartwick and Joe Walker from the 2018 Family Program
Hey everyone. We are gradually returning to the world of travel. With cautious optimism and some common sense we are offering an opportunity for exciting safari travel in Africa.
We think that 2022 is a great time for a trip to Kenya and the perfect opportunity to see and photograph the amazing wildlife and breath-taking landscapes of this part of East Africa. Leave the stress of the past year behind as you watch the big cats [lions, cheetahs, leopards], elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and so much more. Meet the friendly people of Kenya and share stories. Why not watch the sun go down over the great Maasai Mara. Listen for the sounds of Africa as you rest in your secure luxury tented camp or enjoy the pleasure of fine dining in an unbelievable setting.
We are making special arrangements for trips in 2022 in view of the pandemic. First of all, we are delaying the requirement for any deposits or payments for any of our programs. So our cautious approach requires simply an indication of interest on your part and approximate dates for your trip. An email to Brian at bandh01@telus.net will do. I will begin communicating with you on itineraries and dates as well as options. We will work out a plan for your trip. Then, one month before the trip, we would need a deposit of $500.US.
We do suggest that you watch for good flights to Nairobi starting anytime and when you see a great deal, make your reservation with complete cancellation insurance. Prices for return flights Vancouver to Nairobi have been as low as $1050. Cdn but you have to watch for the offers.
All accommodation and meals will be limited to facilities with enhanced hygiene and safety protocols. We will follow the best procedures for any site visit in order to minimize any risk of infection.
Travel and game drives will be in safe comfortable Land Cruisers which are regularly cleaned, and passengers in each cruiser will be limited in number.
Payments for the programs will only be required 2 weeks before the trip starts.
From the time of receiving your notice of interest right up to your trip, we will keep you updated on any current health concerns in Kenya and on our itinerary and plans. We want you to feel safe and be safe.
So, Kenya is waiting. Why not send me an email and say that you are interested?
Safari trips in 2022
A fun family safari in Kenya
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Baby elephant on safari |
Feeding at the Giraffe Center |
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The dining pavillion |
New trucks for large groups |
Kenya - A great family adventure!
Exciting Safari packages for 2022
Trip details
Suggested Itinerary – two weeks or more safari travel in January, February or in March, 2022
| Day 1 | Nairobi arrival. I will meet you at the airport and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 | After breakfast we go on a day trip to Karen area where we take in the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center. We then head for the Rift Valley. Dinner and overnight at Great Rift Valley Lodge. |
| Day 3 | After breakfast, travel to Masai Mara Reserve [3 nights in a luxury tented camp]. Enjoy the comforts and spectacular setting, take a dip in the pool and be ready for exciting game drives; lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffes and more, cultural activities, meet the Maasai. Get your cameras ready. |
| Day 6 | Travel to Naivasha – Great Rift Valley Lodge. |
| Day 7 | Continue lodge stay – visit Heidi Lange's batik studio, walking safari on Crescent Island or Mt. Longenot. |
| Day 8 | Travel to Nanyuki via Nyahuruhu. Visit Ol Pejeta to observe chimpanzies, rhinos and more. |
| Day 9 | Head north to the Samburu Reserve with amazing landscapes and wildlife along the way. Then three nights in a luxury tented camp on the river. Watch wildlife scenes from your deck. Enjoy great food and the pool. Special experiences await you as you get to know the wildlife in this area. Game drives – elephants galore! See the unusual species inhabiting this dryland environment. More big cats, buffalo... and how about those dik diks. And cultural activities: spend time with the Samburan people. |
| Day 12 | Return to Nairobi – hotel [stay 2 nights] |
| Day 13/14 | Visit a tea plantation and talk to the tea pickers, Get to know the people up close and personal, Visit markets, modern Kenyan malls, sites like Kazuri Bead factory, Bronze gallery, Talisman Restaurant and others. Perhaps a lunch at Karen Blixen Gardens. Airport departure for those staying 14 days. OR - |
| Day 15 | Add a coast visit: 5-day trip to the coast to all-inclusive Turtlebay Resort on the beach at Watamu. Sun, sand and amazingly warm ocean. Dive center, swimming pools, beach walks, entertainment, great food, friendly staff. A great way to finish off your trip. How long do you want to stay? |
| Day 20 or later | Airport departure. |
Some comments on the coast options
Before or after your safari
Another option would be to add a coast trip before your safari. Come to Nairobi before the safari, leave your luggage and then fly with us to the north coast at Watamu to relax for 5 days as you get over jet lag. The kids will love it. Then start your safari experience as above. Or as noted above, stay for a great coastal experience after your safari.
North Coast – Watamu area
An amazing beach location on the shores of the Marine National Park. A paradise for swimming, snorkeling and diving.
Enjoy your stay at the award-winning, all-inclusive Turtle Bay Resort in Watamu. Rest in the sun, swim in the pools and warm ocean or take advantage of the many other opportunities and activities at the resort. Water aerobics anyone? Beach walks, games, camel rides, beach volleyball and more. Snorkel or SCUBA dive in the marine park. Evening entertainment and dancing. Return to Nairobi to begin your safari trip as described above.
After your safari and north coat visit there is one more option
You can choose to enjoy the ocean breeze on a sandy beach. Consider a 5-day stay on the south coast after your north coast visit- a popular option!
South Coast – Diani Beach area
Fly from Nairobi to Mombasa and let us take you to the south coast with sandy shores, warm water, SCUBA diving and more.
Pinewoods Beach Resort and Spa is our choice for the south coast destination. It is a multi-award-winning resort, winner of Travelers Choice award with quiet natural beauty and an artistically inspired design. Enjoy the gym and spa, lounges, and pool as well as various activities including tennis, squash, darts, ping pong, kite and wind surfing and more. Set on a magnificent sand beach, the resort is organized around a giant baobab tree and is visited by numerous Sykes and Colobus monkeys.
Then return to Nairobi for departure home.
Participants must make their own arrangements for air travel to Nairobi. Email Brian for advice on flights and connections.
Cost for 2022 program: prices to be announced later
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Some members of the Hartwick family visiting Samburu Mike's family near Archer's Post. |
Brian Hartwick with the kids |
Included in your safari price:
- Airport pick up in Nairobi.
- All food and accommodation including water, tea, coffee.
- All land transportation in East Africa including Nairobi airport transfers.
- Game viewing with wildlife guides.
- National Park/Reserve/ Conservancy entry fees.
- Cultural activities.
- Security.
- Kenyan staff salaries.
- Local site entry fees.
Not included in the price:
- Travel medical insurance.
- Kenyan visa.
- Immunizations and anti-malarial drugs.
- Alcohol, soft drinks
- Return flights from Nairobi to the coast
- Lunch at Pinewood Resort
- Transportation while at the coast
Note: In order to book your trip, your deposit of $500. US must be received. An invoice for your trip minus the deposit will be mailed to you after booking.
All payments can be paid by personal cheque, bank draft, money order or Bank transfer and should be made payable as follows:
Safari Adventures Ltd.
Mail to:
Brian Hartwick
116 - 4100 Alexis Park Dr.
Vernon, BC,
V1T 7K7
Please email Brian Hartwick at bandh01@telus.net for further information. We look forward to helping you organize your trip of a lifetime.
Note that all of our safaris or customized trips are available at other times as well.