Discover Kenya's hidden cultural treasures as well as it's diverse wildlife in the Masai Mara. Embark on guided walks at Lake Naivasha and in Kenya's last indigenous rain forest, and absorb the local cultures, including a homestay with villagers from the Luo tribe. Cultural Kenya and Safari Classic 2009 GPF 8 13 Max 13, Avg 8 Africa Kenya Nairobi Nairobi Kenya Kenya Culture/History, Wildlife/Nature 13 3 Basic http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/kenya/kenya_balloon_ride.jpg Arrive in Nairobi at any time. Drive through Kikuyu farmland to the edge of the Rift Valley. Camp on the shore of Lake Naivasha with a large bird and hippo population. Walk among the animals on a guided Crescent Island tour. Journey to Nakuru and explore the colourful town. Enjoy an afternoon safari in search of the black and white rhino, lion and the elusive leopard.
Drive west to Kakamega, a virgin tropical rainforest which is home to a huge variety of birds and monkeys. On day 5 stretch your legs with a morning rainforest walk with local forest guides and learn about the Kakamega Environmental Education Program.
After a morning walk, drive to Kisumu, the third largest city in Kenya. Enjoy the colourful local market in Kisumu, home to the second largest tribe in the country, the Luo.
Experience how many rural Africans live, in a traditional homestay in the hills above Kendu Bay. Wander with the villagers, strike up conversation and enjoy local hospitality. En route, stop in Kisii, the soapstone center of East Africa. Continue to Kericho, Kenya's world famous tea growing region. No visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit here! Spend time game viewing with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.
Enjoy a game drive in the Masai Mara, watching the animal kingdom come to life as the sun rises over the Mara plain. Continue through the Great Rift Valley on your way back to Nairobi. Accommodation: simple hotel

Arrive in Nairobi any time and make your way to the joining point hotel. A brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening on Day 1 of your tour. Upon arrival look for information from your tour leader on the hotel bulletin board regarding the meeting time.

Take today to wander the streets of central Nairobi, taking in old colonial architecture and the brightly coloured crowds to get a feel for Africa. The city’s best attraction is the National Museum, home to most of the great prehistoric finds made by the Leakey family in East Africa, from Ethiopia to the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. It also has sections on wildlife, art, geology, local history and a snake park.

West of the city, the suburb of Karen is named after Karen Blixen, author of “Out of Africa”. Her house is now the Karen Blixen Museum, complete with a garden and tea house, it tells the history of the famous author. Also in Karen is the African Butterfly Research Institute , a large magical greenhouse alive with native butterflies.

South of Nairobi, in Langata, are a number of the city's best attractions. At the Giraffe Centre, you'll have the option of hand-feeding the rare Rothschild giraffes, plus embarking upon a nature walk with 160 species of bird. The Sheldrick Animal Orphanage cares for young, orphaned elephants. The Bomas of Kenya is a living open-air museum of the tribes of Kenya, including regular dance performances. The Nairobi National Park is just south of the city, and covers 114 sq km. It has over 400 bird species of and populations lions, leopards, and one of the country’s few thriving populations of black rhino.

The name Nairobi is derived from the Masai word for cool waters, which the Masai people gave to a water hole known as Ewaso Nyirobi. In modern times, the sprawling, cosmopolitan city of Nairobi combines the first-world glamour of reflecting-glass skyscraper buildings with abject developing-world poverty. It originated in 1899 from a handful of shacks that marked the end of the railhead during the building of the Uganda railway. Due to big game hunting bringing tourists from Britain, the city expanded dramatically in the early 1900’s. A large number of British nationals settled in the area, prompting more growth and this angered both the Masai and Kikuyu people, as they were losing hunting ground due to the expansion of the city limits. The friction increased and, eventually led to the Mau Mau uprising, which saw Jomo Kenyatta, the future president jailed. Kenya was granted independence from Britain in 1963, with Nairobi as the capital.

Apart from being Kenya’s capital and the main centre of government and commerce, Nairobi is the most significant city in East Africa and an important player on the pan-African stage. It is the diplomatic base for many counties in Africa, with its broad spectrum of international embassies and headquarters for the United Nations, multi-national companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and press correspondents. It’s also the center of the growing safari business of East Africa. Accommodation: simple bandas/huts
Driving distance: 95km

Journey to Lake Naivasha, one of the great rift valley fresh water lakes. Drive through the town of Naivasha before continuing along the lake shore passing the greenhouses that grow roses for the lucrative export market. After setting up camp and an early lunch, we take a short boat trip to Crescent Island, a private game sanctuary, with zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, vervet monkeys, hares, genet cats, waterbuck and giraffe. Crescent Island is one of the few places in Africa where people can wander on foot among herds of grazing mammals since there are no predators on the island.

During the afternoon free time, wander around or just relax by the lake, spotting resident bird populations including Ibis, Lovebirds, Fish Eagle and Hoopoe, as well as the Black and White Colobus monkey. As well, on the shore of the lake you will find Elsamere, the former home of the author of “Born Free”, Joy Adamson, and now a museum dedicated to the famous conservationist. It also serves as a field study center and is one of Kenya’s premier environmental education centers.

The name Naivasha comes from the Masai “Nai’posha”, which means “rough water”, though Lake Naivasha is general calm in the morning, the best time for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. A freshwater lake, Lake Naivasha is currently about 20km long and 15km wide, but the lake levels have fluctuated enormously over the years. In the early 1880s during the time of Joseph Thompson’s travels, it was reduced to a swamp, while in the 1920s lake levels were about eight meters higher than at present. Surrounded by forests of the yellow barked Acacia Xanthophlea, known as the yellow fever tree, Lake Naivasha has a fairy-tale beauty to it which is rarely matched. Abound prolific birdlife from majestic fish eagles and waterfowl to tiny malachite kingfishers, is known as a world class birding destination, and is an international Ramsar site.

Between 1937 and 1950 this beautiful, peaceful lake was used as a landing place for plane passengers destined for Nairobi. The flying boat from London would land on the lake where the Lake Naivasha Country Club now stands, and travellers would board a bus for Nairobi. Today the lovely lake, with its cool climate, has become a retreat for Nairobi residents and tourists looking for peace. Because the lake is fresh water and the surrounding soil fertile, this is a major production area for fruit and vegetables and, more recently, vineyards. Many animals call the area home; giraffes wander among the acacia, buffalo wallow in the swamps and colobus monkeys call from the treetops while the Lakes large hippo population sleep the day out in the shallows. Accommodation: Simple hotel in Nakuru town
Driving distance: 70km

After breakfast, depart Naivasha for Nakuru, arriving before midday. In the afternoon we take a game drive following the lake shore in our search of leopard, black and white rhino, lion, buffalo, impala, Thompson gazelle and warthog, before returning to our hotel.

Kenya's fourth largest town and the capital of the Rift Valley province, Nakuru, meaning “dusty place” in the Masai language, is a cheerful and vibrant agricultural town with a variety of colourful local markets. We camp outside of the town itself, at the edge of Lake Nakuru National Park, the area’s principal highlight and best natural attraction. Lake Nakuru National Park began in 1961 as a small protected territory, only encompassing the famous lake of the same name, and the surrounding mountainous vicinity. Now it has been extended to include a large part of the area’s grassland savannahs and woodland slopes, and covers an area of roughly 188 km sq.

Lake Nakuru itself is one of the Rift Valley soda lakes. The alkaline lake's abundance of algae attracts the large quantity of flamingos, estimated into the millions, that famously line the shore. The surface of the shallow lake is often hardly recognizable due to the continually shifting mass of pink. There are two types of flamingo species: the Lesser flamingo can be distinguished by its deep red carmine bill and pink plumage unlike the greater flamigo, which has a bill with a black tip. But flamingos are not the only avian attraction, also present are two large fish-eating birds, pelicans and cormorants. The park is rich in other birdlife, including grebes, white winged black, stilts, avocets, ducks, and in the European winter, the migrant waders.

The park has recently been enlarged partly to provide the sanctuary for the black rhino. This undertaking has necessitated a fence - to keep out poachers rather than to restrict the movement of wildlife. The park now has more than 25 rhinos, one of the largest concentrations in the country, so the chances of spotting these survivors are better than in other parks. There are also a number of Rothschild's giraffe, again translocated for safety from western Kenya beginning in 1977. Numerous other mammals can be seen, including zebra, impala, gazelle, waterbuck, lion, warthog, bushbuck, many buffalo, and even at times leopard. Accommodation: simple bandas (forest huts)
Driving distance: 150kms

After an early breakfast, board your safari vans and head towards the western part of the country, through the high-altitude towns of Kitale and Eldoret. Arrive to the Kakamega forest mid to late afternoon.

The Kakamega National Reserve, situated in Kenya’s Western Province, at the northern end of the Kakamega Forest, covers an area of 36 sq km. At an elevation of between 1500 m and 1600 m, this reserve sits along the northeastern edge of the Lake Victoria basin, and from its eastern edge rises the partially forested Nandi Escarpment which runs along the western edge of the Rift Valley.

With its virgin tropical rainforest, the larger Kakamega Forest (238 sq km) is generally considered the eastern-most remnant of the lowland Congolean rainforest of Central Africa. The dense vegetation and gigantic indigenous trees are spectacular, and one of a kind in Kenya. Throughout the forest are a series of grassy glades, varying in character, some being open grass and others having a considerable number of trees or shrubs. A number of streams and small creeks run through the reserve.

The forest hosts about 160 tree and shrub species, many of Congolean lowland forest affinities, including a number of endemic plant species, mostly ferns and orchids.

In addition, it is home to a huge variety of birds (more than 360 species recorded). Casqued hornbills and Ross’s touracos and Great Blue touracos are all found here. It is the only place apart from Mt Elgon where the rare De Brazza’s monkey can be observed. Other monkey species found here are the Blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, the black and white Colobus, and the butterfly monkey.

In the late afternoon, go for your guided walk with one of the resident guides, learning about the ecology and importance of this rare and fantastic forest. Accommodation: simple bandas (forest huts)

Enjoy a morning walk in the rainforest accompanied by the local ranger/guide, returning to camp late morning. Spend the afternoon at your leisure; take some time to yourself while listening to the sounds of the forest (and maybe the rain-fall!), or go for another walk in the rainforest, or learn about the K.E.E.P.,(Kakamega Environmental Education Project), which has a tree nursery program and a butterfly garden among its many initiatives.
Accommodation: simple hotel
Driving distance: 50km

Take another early morning optional walk in the forest with the ranger/guide before departing this magical place. En route to Kisumu, make a stop at the ‘Crying Stone’ and learn the local legend of this natural phenomenon. This big rock, sacred to the locals, is said to be "crying" because it 'produces’ water on a few special days of the year. The locals believe the stone to be a blessing to them, as it is said to be able to cure many diseases. You will arrive in the lively city of Kisumu midday, where you can explore the town, visit Kisumu's vibrant and bustling market, squeeze in a visit to the local museum, visit the impala sanctuary, or take a boat trip on Lake Victoria, to try your luck at hippo spotting and bird watching.

Kisumu literally means a place of barter or trade, and comes from the local word "sumo". Set 24 km south of the Equator, Kisumu has warmer temperatures than Kakamega, because it lies below the hills on the shores on Lake Victoria. A port city in western Kenya with population nearing 400,000, Kisumu is the third largest city in Kenya and capital of the Nyanza Province. In 1901 it became the administration centre of the area with the completion of the railway line from Mombasa. Although trade stagnated in the 1980s and 90s, it is again growing around oil exports. Lake Victoria ferries have operated from the port linking the railway to Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Port Bell and Jinja.

Interestingly, most people in Kisumu are trilingual. Apart from English, they are also fluent in the national language of Swahili and the local tongue of the Luo tribe, Kenya’s 2nd largest tribe to which 90% of Kisumu residents belong. Accommodation: homestay with a local family (simple mud-brick homes)
Driving distance: 200km

Depart Kisumu to head deep into the more traditional side of Kenya. Arrive in the town of Kendu Bay before noon. Here you will stop to have lunch, and as well will be able to help your tour leader gather some goods to take to the homestays. Kendu Bay itself is a small, rural town located on the shores of Lake Victoria, where fishing is the main economic activity. There is a small volcanic lake (simbi nyaima) in the area; listen to the myths behind its formation.

Continue up the rough roads above Kendu Bay to the village that you will call home for the next 2 nights. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the local potter, and learn about the traditional way of life. On Day 11 go on a guided walk through the village to visit the local school to see more of the community. Try to strike up a conversation with the locals and enjoy their hospitality. Enjoy the home-made meals and see first hand how the Luo tribesmen live.

Note: Electricity lines and plumbing have yet to reach Kendu Bay.
Accommodation: simple hotel

Approaching Kericho, you will experience breathtaking views of the vast rolling hills covered by the tea plantations that are the economic backbone of the local economy. Scattered among the tea plantations are neatly arranged housing complexes for the tea "pluckers” who roughly every 17 days picked the tea leaves on a rotational basis. Good pickers can collect up to 100kg of leaves a day!

Kericho takes its name from the Masai chief Ole Kericho, who was killed by the Gusii people in the 18th century. Kericho is a clean, beautiful city in the wet highlands of western Rift Valley, and is the tea capital Kenya. Kenya is the world's 3rd largest tea exporter (after India and Sri lanka), while tea accounts for 20-30% of the country’s export income.

The people in this area are predominantly and historically of the Kipsigis group of the Kalenjin tribe, one of Kenya’s larger tribes. Accommodation: simple tented camp

We depart early today for the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. With its vast open plains and distinctive flat-topped acacia trees, no visit to Kenya would be complete without a visit here! In the afternoon we will arrive in the area, and get settled at our permanent tented camp, our base for our time here. Then we make our way into the reserve for an afternoon game viewing drive, with excellent chances of seeing the "Big 5" - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino.

Day 11 starts with an early morning game drive, since the best time to spot wildlife is in the early hours of the morning. The day continues with more game viewing as you criss-cross the rolling hills of the African savannah. You will also have a chance to try the optional balloon safari, in addition to stopping at a Masai village to learn about, and interact with, the local Masai people.

The Masai Mara (also spelled Maasai Mara) is a game reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Named for the Masai tribes people, who are the traditional inhabitants of the area, and the Mara River, which divides it, the reserve is famous for its exceptional population of game and the annual migration of the wildebeest every September and October, a migration so immense to be called the Great Migration. Thousands of wildebeest die in the crossing due to crocodile attacks. The Great Migration is one of the most impressive natural events worldwide, involving an immensity of herbivores: some 1,300,000 wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson's gazelle, and 191,000 zebra.

With an area of 1510 km sq., the Masai Mara is not the largest game park or reserve in Kenya, but it is probably the most famous. The entire area of the park is nestled within the enormous Great Rift Valley that extends from the Mediterranean Sea to Mozambique. The terrain of the reserve is primarily open grassland, with clusters of the distinctive acacia tree in the south-east region. The western border is the Esoit Oloololo Escarpment of the Rift Valley, and wildlife tends to be most concentrated here, as the swampy ground means that access to water is always good. The easternmost border is 224 km from Nairobi.

The Masai Mara is perhaps most famous for its lions, though the other members of the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros) are as well found. This said, the population of black rhinoceros is severely threatened, with a population of only 37 recorded in 2000. Hippopotami are found in large groups in the Masai Mara and Talek Rivers, and many cheetah, zebra, impala, gazelles, hartebeest, warthog, ostrich, topi, the Masai giraffe, among other mammals, all consider the “Mara” their home territory. As well, the large Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders. Like in the Serengeti in Tanzania, the wildebeest are the dominant inhabitant of the Masai Mara, and their numbers are estimated in the millions. Around July of each year these animals migrate in a vast ensemble north from the Serengeti plains in search of fresh pasture, and return to the south around October. These numerous migrants are followed along their annual, circular route by a block of hungry predators, most notably lions and hyena.

The Masai Mara is a also major research centre for the spotted hyena. Additionally, over 450 species of birdlife have been identified in the park, including vulture, marabou, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested eagle, and pygmy falcon. Accommodation: simple hotel
Driving distance: 285km

This morning we make our last game drive in the Masai Mara before heading back to Nairobi. In Nairobi you have an opportunity to buy some lovely local handicrafts, or exchange some photographs with your group in the late afternoon, before enjoying your last safari evening together.
You are free to depart any time this day. 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD 1629 1489 929 759 1989 1399 1129 1699 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Local Payment 300 USD Accommodation Simple hotel (5 nts), huts (3 nts), homestay (2 nts), simple tented camp (2 nts). Brief Highlights Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island, Lake Nakuru National Park, Kakamega rainforest, Lake Victoria, Kericho, Masai Mara. Departure Departs monthly DepEnd Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, driver, local guides, camp cook. Group Size Max 13, Avg 8 Included Highlights Boat ride and Crescent Island visit on Lake Naivasha, Entrance and game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, Guided walks in Kakamega rainforest, Traditional Homestay experience, Entrance fees and game drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve. Max Pax 13 Meal Budget Allow USD180 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details. Meals Included 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners. Min Pax 8 Recommendation For an even greater adventure, visit Amboseli National Park after your tour. Please see Amboseli Wildlife Safari - TDKAAB, or Amboseli Lodge Safari - TDKAAC. StartFinish ex Nairobi Testimonial "I went to Africa expecting a trip of a lifetime, and what I got was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This was naked Kenya -- we saw its joy and pain without the assistance of glasses, rose-coloured or otherwise." - Alexa Samuels travelled on Cultural Kenya Transport 7-seat 4x4 Safari vehicle(s). A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation In the Kakamega Forest, you will be staying in "bandas" (huts), where oil lanterns are used for lighting, there is no electricity, and the toilet facilities are basic, with long-drop squat latrines, and simple basins of water for bathing.

You will also have the opportunity to experience how many rural Kenyans live, in spending 2 days at a homestay. With usually 2 people per home, you and your group will be staying in the mud-brick homes of the Luo people. These are very basic homes, and oil lanterns are used for lighting, there is no electricity, simple, outdoor, long-drop squat latrines, and simple basins of water for bathing. Facilities are very basic, though eye-openning. About our Transportation This trip is done in private 7-seat 4x4 safari vans, with pop-up roofs and sliding windows. If there is a large group, the group will be split up while traveling. Road conditions can run the full gamut from new to being in very poor condition. This style of travel is by no mean luxury, but it does allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and reaching some out-of-the way parts of kenya where the traditional safari crowd would not dare to go. Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

We strongly advise you to pre-purchase your entry visa prior to arrival as queuing for the visa at the airport can cause long delays in clearing customs. This is especially relevant if you have pre-booked an airport transfer.

If you have pre-booked an airport transfer, it is necessary to make contact with our representative, who waits with a G.A.P Adventures sign outside the secure baggage-retrieval area, within 1.5 hours (90 minutes) of your flight's arrival time. No refunds will be granted if you fail to make contact with our representative within this reasonable time. After such time, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Brochure Intro Discover Kenya's hidden cultural treasures as well as it's diverse wildlife in the Masai Mara. Embark on guided walks at Lake Naivasha and in Kenya's last indigenous rain forest, and absorb the local cultures, including a homestay with villagers from the Luo tribe. Checklist Suggested Items:
-Fleece or wool jumper/jacket
-Windproof/waterproof jacket
-Small towel and swimwear
-4 shirts/t-shirts, cool and breathable
-Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings
-1 pair of shorts
-2 pairs of long trousers
-1 pair hiking pants/track pants
-Comfortable shoes
-Sleeping bag
-Sport sandals
-Sun hat, Bandana
-Sunblock
-Sunglasses
-Watch or alarm clock
-Water bottle
-Purification tablets or filter (bottled water is also available for purchase)
-Pocketknife
-Flashlight or Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
-Money belt
-First-aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin , Malaria pills, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, Antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
-Toiletries (biodegradable)
-Hand sanitizer gel/Sanitizer wipes
-Toilet paper
-Camera and extra memory card/film
-Extra batteries (recommended)
-Electricity Plug Adapter

For donation: notebooks, pens, pencils, pins, flags, pictures, postcards from your country for local villagers or children

Optional Items: reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks, Maps, guidebooks

Documents:
-Passport (with photocopies)
-Travel insurance (with photocopies)
-Yellow fever certificate
-Airline tickets (with photocopies)
-USD cash and traveller's cheques
-Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
-G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
-Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required Departure Tax USD40, may be included in the international air ticket Detailed Trip Notes American Dollars that are series 1999 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in Southern and Eastern Africa, because of past forgeries. As a result, these notes CANNOT be accepted as Local Payment - please bring large denomination notes ($50, or $100) from year 2000 or more recent.

REGIONAL INFORMATION
Climate
There are generally two rainy seasons - the short and the long rains. The short rains normally occur from late October through November, and the long rains from late March through to early June. A good time to visit is between late June and October when the rains have finished and the air is coolest. Alternatively, from late December to February or early March is another good time to visit, just after the short rains, but before the long rains; this is the warmest time of the year. The highest season for travellers into the region is in January and February, when the hot, dry weather is generally considered to be the most pleasant.

Electricity
The electric current in Kenya operates on 220 volts. Electric plugs types come in at least four sizes and vary throughout the country, however, the two rounded pin standard plug is acceptable in most parts of the country. 3 pin square plugs are most common.

Language
The official languages are Swahili and English. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout.

KENYA - Official Statistics
Full country name: Republic of Kenya (Jamhuri Ya Kenya)
Area: 580,367 km2
Population: 34,256,000-July 2005 est. (31,138,735- 2002 Census)
Capital city: Nairobi
People: 22% Kikuyu, 14% Luhya, 13% Luo, 12% Kalenjin, 11% Kamba, 6% Kisii, 6% Meru, 16% other
Languages: English, Swahili, indigenous.
Religion: 35% Protestant, 30% Roman Catholic, 30% Muslim, 5% Animist
Government: Republic (multiparty state)
President: Mwai Kibaki
Major industries: small-scale consumer goods (plastic, furniture, beer, batteries, textiles, flour), agricultural processing, oil refining, chemicals, cement, tourism.
Major trading partners: Uganda, Tanzania, UK, Germany, UAE, South Africa

INTERESTING FACTS
-At 580,367 km2 the country is two and a half times the size of Britain.
-The population is over 30 million and has one of the world’s fastest growth rates.
-Kenya gained independence in 1963 after 80 years of British rule.
-Most Kenyans are subsistence farmers.
-Coffee and tea are grown commercially and tourism is also a huge income for the country. The country is still in huge debt though and has few mineral resources and corruption is again a problem.
-The country lies on the equator and has good national parks and Mount Kenya the second highest peak in Africa. It also has good beaches and colourful people. Nairobi is the capital and Mombassa the countries port city. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Discover Kenya's hidden cultural treasures as well as it's diverse wildlife in the Masai Mara. Embark on guided walks at Lake Naivasha and in Kenya's last indigenous rain forest, and absorb the local cultures, including a homestay with villagers from the Luo tribe. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. G.A.P Adventures Emergency Mobile Phone for our Local Office in Nairobi, Kenya: +254 727 208 832 (Brendan). Locally, from Kenya, dial 0727 208 832. Beyond that, you may try our Operations department in Canada:

Toll-free, North America only: +1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 (Andrew)

For any issues relating to pre booked transfers for Nairobi International Airport including delays or missed transfers, please contact our airport transfer operator (Patrick) on +254 722 874 566. Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel Hotel Boulevard
Harry Thuku Rd
P.O. Box 42831 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0) 20 222 7567/8/9
Cell: +254 (0) 722 200 755 / (0) 733 623 727
Fax: +254 20 317 825
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description Throughout this 15 day Kenyan journey, you will be accompanied on your trip by a G.A.P Adventures tour leader. To round out the team, you will be joined by an expert driver/guide, a camp cook, and a few local guides. The tour leader will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip, and will be there to assist you when needed. Your leader may be from East Africa, or another country outside of the region, and will have a general knowledge base of the region and wildlife. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. Your driver/guide is skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide, and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals and add some further local flavour to the trip. For some activities you will also be joined by local guides whose knowledge and skills will enhance the trip. These will include the Green Crater Lake walk in Naivasha, a rain forest walk in Kakamega Forest, and while spending time in the village of our homestay. Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure.

Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor for travel in East Africa. Be aware that Kenya has regions where malaria is present. We thus recommend that you take malaria medication; your doctor should be able to recommend the necessary prophylactics. Travellers should also carry a basic travel first-aid kit as medical facilities are basic in Kenya. An important item to include is a liquid or gel hand sanitizer and/or alcoholic/sanitary wipes, as they will aid in personal cleanliness and hygiene throughout the trip. The local tap water should not be consumed, so any water treatment tablets (ex. iodine), drops, etc, would help, but good, clean, and inexpensive bottled water is widely available throughout the entire trip. If you have any pre-existing medical condition, you must inform G.A.P Adventures prior to the purchase of the tour, and upon arrival, to the tour leader so he/she can be prepared to help you.

Sand flies and Mosquitos:
Are found in the areas visited. Mosquitos are more prevalent in areas that receive more rainfall, and sand flies, though generally found on the coast, can also be found in dry & dusty conditions inland. Both tend to come out in the early evening and early mornings. Protective clothing, and insect repellent are highly recommended during these times.

Malaria:
This infectious disease is transmitted by mosquitos carrying the parasite. These mosquitos are found at altitudes of under 1,800m, and thus can be found in most areas that we visit on this tour. You must have prophylactics which you can obtain from your local doctor at or health clinic.

Sun:
It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day when it feels cool as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.

Hydration
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.

Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food. Important Notes 1. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, we do not spend more than two nights in one place. Travel by land can be difficult, as long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in Kenya. This tour is about travelling to experience both the local culture and the many attractions of the region, not just sight-seeing, and so we cover some long distances. In addition, while in Lake Nakuru National Park, we spend time in the vehicle viewing game. This translates to quite a bit of time driving. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience.

2. LUGGAGE COMPLICATIONS: It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights into Nairobi does not arrive, especially with, but not exclusive to, major airlines out of London-Heathrow or Schiphol (Amsterdam). Please be aware that this may happen, especially if you have a tight connection in either of these centres, are flying with different airlines with a connection, have a last minute flight change or re-route, or fly from or connect through another African centre. Please be prepared and keep all important documentation and valuables on your person. As well we recommend a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If unfortunately this does happen, and your luggage does not arrive, you should be entitled to a limited initial compensation from your airline. In Nairobi, the arrival of lost luggage normally takes between 48 and 72 hours after the initial plane’s arrival. The airlines technically should be responsible to forward your luggage to you, to your hotel or elsewhere in Kenya. You may find that your tour will begin, and you still have not received your luggage. Considering that the customer service standards in Kenya are different from home, and that we find that the airlines are not always pro-active in helping luggage in its care be reunited with its owner, it is recommended that you purchase locally a few needed items, begin your tour, and hire someone locally to persist with the your airline to retrieve your luggage. Your tour leader or local representative will be able to help you organize this, and once your luggage is retrieved, it should be able to be forwarded to you – depending where you are. Please note that any costs that you may incur for luggage retrieval or sending luggage are not the responsibility of G.A.P Adventures, though we will always strive to assist you in any way possible. You should always keep all receipts and documentation, and contact your airline or insurance provider for reimbursement.

3. Flying with through London-Heathrow?
Please note that regardless of the rules in other centres, travellers flying from or connecting in London-Heathrow are currently only permitted one carry-on piece of luggage on board flights to Nairobi. If you arrive to the security gate with 2 pieces, you will be forced to check-in one of them, which may result in complications noted in #2. This restriction is in place as of the time of writing, though local rules and regulations may indeed change. It is thus avisable to contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Hotel Boulevard
Harry Thuku Rd
P.O. Box 42831 - 00100
Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0) 20 222 7567/8/9
Cell: +254 (0) 722 200 755 / (0) 733 623 727
Fax: +254 20 317 825
Joining Instructions On arrival in Nairobi, an arrival transfer is not included. Please make your way to the joining hotel. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is about 20 km from downtown and your hotel. There are a variety of ways to get into the city. The dedicated airport bus takes about 40min at USD 5, however an airport taxi is recommended. This can be booked either inside the airport at an 'information desk' or outside of the terminal. The price is approximately USD 20.

If you have a pre-booked transfer, please look for the driver, who will be holding a sign with the G.A.P Adventures logo on it. He will be in front of INFORMATION DESK just ouside the secured baggage retrieval area. At times there are taxi drivers who will want to get your business, so please be aware of them and look for our G.A.P Adventures representative. For security purposes, your name will not be on the G.A.P Adventures sign. As well, please do not tell the driver your name straight away, but rather ask the driver FIRST to tell you who they are meant to pick up. This will ensure that you go with the right driver.

Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, though a brief departure meeting will be held in the hotel reception area in evening of day 1. Here you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. Upon arrival to the hotel, look for a notice from your tour leader with information regarding this group meeting. If you arrive late and miss the meeting, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

The tour departs Nairobi in the morning of day 2. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a fee. Most laundry services are hand-washed and hung to dry, and during the rainy seasons same-day service may not result in fully dry clothes. There will be times when you may want to, or have to, do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Camp sites have a basin where you can wash your own garments. Local Flights Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals This will allow you to purchase most meals your self, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally meals are less expensive than home. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of local cuisine and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. However, you will have meals included specifically at a lunch stop at Lake Bogoria, while staying in the Kakamega Forest, and local dishes while at the homestay in Kendu Bay. These meals you have during this portion will be prepared from fresh local produce and ingredients, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. You are not expected to help in cases of cooking, but assistance is appreciated with washing dishes after the meals. In addition, you'll benefit by having most of your breakfasts included. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Please inform G.A.P Adventures prior to arrival in Kenya. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange The local currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES, or KSH). The easiest foreign currency to exchange for Kenyan Shillings is the $US, however the British Pound and Euro are also widely exchanged as well. Large denomination notes attract the best exchange rates ($US 50, $100). $US notes that are older than year 2000 are not accepted everywhere and can be very difficult to change. As a result, pre-2000 notes WILL NOT be accepted as Local Payment. In addition, $US notes prior to 1996 are worthless in East Africa, as they are not accepted and impossible to exchange. Travelers’ cheques are also difficult to exchange in many places, and often get a lower rate. Debit cards are very useful for cash advances, but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs.). The Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards; it is harder to find machines that accept Cirrus cards.

While ATMs are often available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank. Barclays Bank is known the have the ATMs that accept the most foreign bank cards. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

There are money exchange kiosks, called Forex Bureau, or Bureau de Change, at the airport, at our starting hotel, and in downtown Nairobi on Muindi Mbingu street.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

All prices are in US dollar amounts, per person.

KENYA
Nairobi
Bomas of Kenya $9
Giraffe Centre $7
Karen Blixen Museum $3
Nairobi National Park $40
Nairobi Safari Walk, Animal Orphanage and Impala Sanctuary $10
National Archives F.O.C.
National Museum $3
Railway Museum $3
The Carnivore Restaurant $30 set meal

NAIVASHA
Hells Gate Bike hire $10
Hells Gate Entrance $20
Elsamere, the memorial home of the late Joy Adamson (famous for her book ‘Born Free’) $8

BARINGO
Village Walk $4
Nature Walk $6
Boat Hire for bird/hippo spotting $45 per boat
Swimming Pool $5 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Spending Money - Local Payment Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is a portion of the price of the trip and the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our costs savings on to you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for local payment.
American Dollars that are series 1996 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in Southern and Eastern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries. As a result, these notes CANNOT be accepted as Local Payment. Tipping Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelop. This often works the best and the group as a whole should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for a friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s).

You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per client format: Restaurant/Café servers: 10% of cost of bill, especially when in a large group (no envelope required); Certified Safari Guide/Driver: US$3-5 (full day); Local Guide (ex. forest, village walks) / Camp Cook US$3 (full day); Tour Leader: $15-25 per week Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Nairobi
-Always leave your passport (It’s better to carry a photocopy of it instead), traveller’s cheques, flight tickets and money that you won’t be using in the safe deposit in your hotel room/reception. This is free of charge to G.A.P Adventures Adventure clients.
-Remember that like in any other city, you should never leave your bags unattended, nor flaunt jewellery, cameras etc
-Please don’t wander through the city at night. Stick to the main streets only during the day, and after sundown, please take a taxi. Taxis can be organised from reception of your hotel. Also, take the address of the hotel with you.
-People are generally friendly, but don’t let people take advantage of you, especially the sales people!
-Beware of people approaching you on the street with an apparent interest of where you are from, and want to sit down and have a chat with you. These people are most likely con men and try to get money from you in one way or another
-People on the street who ask you if you want a safari and have a brochure are often con men, best to avoid these folk. Besides, you’re already on safari!

Photography
Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration are border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2009 - December 31st, 2009. Visas All countries require travellers to have a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Please note that upon arrival by air to Nairobi, Kenya, you can obtain a visa for US$50 in $US cash (valid for those who would be permitted a Kenya visa while still in their own country). This visa is valid for up to 3 months with multiple entries/exits permitted to Tanzania and Uganda only. This information is accurate at the time of writing. Though as fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, no larger than 30cm(height) x 30cm(width) x 60cm(length), maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced, and due to limited vehicle capacity, the cost of transporting any luggage beyond these restrictions is the responsibility of the client. Please note, if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage and wish to leave a portion of it at the start hotel, this is indeed possible as storage facilities are available.

It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives. Light, quick-drying, practical clothes are advisable for this safari trip. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable for your time in Nairobi. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.