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HOLMES
African Wildlife Safaris Specialists
Kenya Game Reserves and Safaris
GOVERNORS' CAMP
situated in a forest on the winding banks of the Mara River, is one of the best game viewing areas of the Masai Mara. The river is teeming with birds, hippo and crocodiles. During the months of June to October, Governor's Camp is ideally placed for the wildebeest migration. Excursions available from the camp include game drives, walking safaris, hot air balloon safaris, cultural visits and Lake Victoria trips.
The Masai Mara, 1672 square kms of unspoilt wilderness in the heart of Africa's Great Plains, offers the best game and bird viewing in Africa with a constant flow of wildlife throughout the year. It is home to the 'big five' and the spectacular annual animal migration, especially the migration of the wildebeest, which takes place between June and October.
ACCOMMODATION
37 spacious canvas tents line the riverbank with views to either the Mara River or the Masai Mara sweeping plains. There are 24 twin bedded tents, 12 double tents and 1 privately located suite. All have ensuite shower rooms with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets, bedroom, verandah.
GOVERNORS' CAMP FACILITIES
- Bar tent
- Dining tent (breakfast and lunch buffet served al fresco, dinner in dining tent)
- Gift shop
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- 3 game viewing excursions per day - early, mid morning and afternoon with experienced driver guides in open Landrovers in the Masai Mara Game Reserve (included in price).
- daily balloon safari at dawn, in the Masai Mara Game Reserve followed by a champagne bush breakfast and game viewing on return to camp (additional charge)
- daily walking safaris with qualified guides in a private concession area adjacent to the Masai Mara Game Reserve - morning with a champagne bush breakfast, afternoon with sundowners and canapes (additional charge). Walks may not be available 01 April-31 May. Children under 10 years are not allowed to participate in walking safaris.
- day excursions to Lake Victoria by light aircraft for bird watching, boat rides, walking and fishing (additional charge)
- visit to a nearby Masai village or a visit to the local school (additional charge)
JOY'S CAMP
is built on the site of Joy Adamson's tented home in Shaba National Reserve, Samburu, where she lived with her animals. Joy's camp is an ideal choice for enjoying both a wildlife experience and a glimse of Kenyan history. Elephant, lion, buffalo, Beisa oryx, giraffe and zebra may be seen as the camp overlooks a large natural spring and several guests have witnessed cheetah and lion hunts from their tents.
Located in the Shaba National Reserve, Samburu, Joy's luxury tented camp is the only one that has game drives within Shaba. It is the site where Joy Adamson lived with her animals and wrote her last book 'Queen of Shaba' about 'Penny', the leopard re-introduced to the wild.
ACCOMMODATION
7 double and 3 twin bedded luxury tents with views of the surrounding hills, private verandah with seating area, large bedroom, ensuite bathroom with shower and flush toilet. The tents can accommodate 2 extra beds for children under the age of 16 years.
JOY'S CAMP FACILITIES
- Bush breakfasts along Ewaso Nyiro River
- Gorge Sundowners
- Dining Deck
- Massage facilities
- Shop
- Joy Adamson Museum
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Daytime game drives
- Guided bush walks
- Cultural visit to a Boran Village (when in reach of the lodge)
- Trip to Magado Crater Singing Wells
ELEPHANT PEPPER CAMP
is an extremely comfortable, traditional style tented camp, located within the protected Koiyaki wilderness area away from other lodges. The camp, overlooking the savannah plains of the Masai Mara, is hidden in a grove of elephant pepper trees. There is no generator to compete with the sounds of the bush and resident lion pride making the camp ideal for a more authentic safari experience.
ACCOMMODATION
3 double ensuite and 4 twin bedded ensuite tents which can be made into doubles and can each fit one extra bed for children under 16 years, a honeymoon/family ensuite tent which can fit two extra beds.
All tents have main bedroom, ensuite bathroom with traditional safari shower and flush toilets, private verandah and hammock. Honeymoon/family tent has ensuite bathroom with double washbasins, large verandah with seating and dining area and a private campfire area.
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Day and night game drives
- Guided bush walks
- Cultural visits
COTTARS 1920's SAFARI CAMP
borders Serengeti National Park, Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya in an exclusive 250,000 acre concession where night game drives and guided walks are recommended. Situated in a private wilderness area, the landscape is high altitude rolling savannah with no fences and where abundant wildlife has not been relocated by man.
ACCOMMODATION
5 double and 1 twin ensuite white canvas safari tents including original 1920's antiques. The tents have old-fashioned showers, flushing toilets, bedroom and verandah. 4 family tented suites comprising 2 ensuite bedrooms with shared sitting/dining room. Each tent can fit one extra bed to accommodate children under 16 years.
CAMP FACILITIES
- 2 Mess tents (1 for families although either can be used)
- Reading room
- Swimming pool
- Massage, manicures and pedicures
- Shop
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Day and night game drives in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles or in an authentic old wooden car
- Guided bush walks
- Cultural visits
- River swimming
- Fishing
LOLDIA HOUSE
is ideally located to explore the lakes and mountains of the Great Rift Valley including picturesque Lake Nakuru National Park where flamingos and rhino may be found. The house is on a 6,500 acre private farm on the shores of Lake Naivasha where wild animals roam free and in the evenings hippo may be seen by the waterside. The farm can be explored with one of the guides either on foot or on horseback.
Loldia House is situated on a private farm on the shores of Lake Naivasha with views of the dormant volcano, Mount Longonot.
ACCOMMODATION
4 double ensuite rooms in the main house, two ensuite rooms in a guest cottage close to the main house, two ensuite double rooms in a newly built cottage close to the lakeshore ideal for honeymooners, three double rooms in Loldia Cottage on the hill ideal for families as it has its own sitting room. One room in Loldia Cottage has an outside bathroom.
FACILITIES
- Lounge
- Dining room (breakfast and lunch are served in garden)
- Curio shop
- Garden
- Tennis Court on farm with equipment
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Game drives and night game drives on the farm (included in price)
- Morning and afternoon boat trips on Lake Naivasha for fishing and bird watching, boat ride to Crescent Island with game watching and game walks (included in price but fees for Crescent Island to be paid directly)
- Various walks or boat rides for bird watching (included in price)
- Horse riding on the farm through herds of dairy and beef cattle, a flock of farmed ostriches and amongst herds of wild antelope and zebra (included in price)
- Walks on farm with resident naturalist (included in price)
- Guided walks to Mount Longonot, Mount Eburu, Hell's Gate National Park and Crater Lake with picnics or visit to nearby flower farms (included in price)
- Day trips with game drives and picnic breakfast or lunch to visit the flamingo lakes - Nakuru National Park, Elementaita and Bogoria. Black rhino, the more elusive white rhino and leopard together with other bird and wildlife may be seen at Lake Nakuru National Park. The rare Greater Kudu may be seen at Lake Bogoria. (National Park entrance fees and drinks to be paid separately)
- Visit Loldia School or visit a renowned artist and sculptor resident on the farm (included in price)
- 18 hole golf course, Green Park, nearby (to be paid separately)
LOISABA WILDERNESS
is situated in northern Laikipia, a large plateau comprising private reserves which is the only area in East Africa where wildlife numbers are on the increase. To the south is the Ewaso Nyiro River and to the north, dramatic escarpments and the plains. The private game reserve and sanctuary of 61,000 acres is home to the big five and is one of the best areas of Kenya to see wild dogs.
LOISABA LODGE ACCOMMODATION
The lodge, perched high on the edge of the plateau with a water hole a few hundred feet below. has 4 ensuite double rooms and 3 ensuite twin bedded rooms that can become doubles. 3 of the rooms can fit extra beds for children under 16 years. Each room has a private deck with view over wilderness to Mount Kenya in the distance.
FACILITIES
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Court
- Bocce Court
- Croquet Lawn
- Spa with massage facilities
LOISABA HOUSE ACCOMMODATION
Private house built on the edge of the escarpment with a view over the Laikipia plains towards Mount Kenya.
- 1 ensuite double room and 1 ensuite twin room that can become a double
- Duplex lounge, bar and dining room
- Infinity swimming pool
- House staff, game drive vehicle and drivers
- Use of lodge facilities
LOISABA COTTAGE ACCOMMODATION
approximately 9 km from the lodge set back from the escarpment in landscaped gardens.
- 3 double rooms with ensuite shower and 1 double/twin room with detached bathroom
- Swimming pool
- House staff, game drive vehicle and drivers
- Use of lodge facilities
LOISABA STAR BEDS ACCOMMODATION
Kiboko star beds (2 doubles and 1 twin) are 20 minutes from the lodge overlooking a waterhole and Koija star beds (2 doubles and 1 twin) are 30 minutes from the lodge overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Designed for privacy, the star beds with mosquito net are on a raised wooden platform that is partially covered by thatched roof. The beds can either be wheeled onto the open deck for a night under the stars or left under the shelter of the roof. There is space for extra beds but these do not roll out. Guests are hosted and guided by traditional Samburu and Masai warriors. Food is prepared in a traditional camp kitchen, barbecue style.
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Early morning and late afternoon game drives
- Fishing and river rafting (seasonal)
- Horse riding (experience required)
- Camel safaris
- Mountain biking
- Quad biking (extra charge)
- Guided bush and bird walks
- Cultural visit to a traditional Masai village
- Helicopter excursions (extra charge)
MANDA BAY
is located on a secluded peninsular of Manda Island in the Lamu/Kiwayu archipelago. The resort is shaded by coconut palms, acacias and tamarind trees, overlooking sandy beaches and the marine-rich blue waters of the bay. Manda also offers coastal bush behind the lodge where guests can take game drives and scenic flights to view a wide variety of animals and birdlife.
ACCOMMODATION
is in 16 spacious palm thatch cottages each with double or twin beds, mosquito nets, overhead fans, en suite shower room, small fridge and verandah. 11 cottages are on the beachfront, 5 are behind and above the first 5 beachfront rooms.
FACILITIES
- Swimming pool area suitable for children
- Lounge and bar
- Open air dining room
- Reading room
- Games room with pool table, darts and table tennis
- Gift boutique
- Watersports included in price - windsurfing, laser sailing, kayaking
- Watersports not included in price - waterskiing, banana rides, kite-surfing, air chair, doughnuts, knee and wake boards, tubing, sailing/windsurfing instruction, snorkelling
- Spa treatments (not included in price)
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Game drives to view a variety of wildlife which may include buffalo, bushbuck, bushpig, dikdik, civets, mongoose, carmine bee eaters and fisheagles (included in price)
- Light aircraft scenic flights where guests may view herds of wild buffalo, hartebeest, zebra, eland, occasionally hippos, lesser kudu and hirola, flights to town of Lamu (not included in price)
- Motor boat trips to visit the ancient Takwa ruins, town of Lamu, transfers to Kiwayu or Kizingo, bird watching down the creeks, snorkelling in the rich coral gardens on the reef (not included in price)
- Deep sea fishing trips, creek fishing and saltwater fly fishing (not included in price)
- Sundowner cruises on the dhow (included in price), dhow charters (not included in price)
WHEN TO GO
January
- Average emperature 30°C
- Kaskasi - strong south east trade wind blowing. Calm in the mornings, windy afternoons.
- Snorkeling good
- Deep sea fishing and creek fishing good
- Watersports good
- Dolphins schooling outside the reef
February
- Average temperature 31°C
- South east wind. Calm weather.
- Good fishing - marlin season
- Turtle and dolphin sightings
- Phosphorescence at night in the water
- Carmine bee eaters in the creek
March
- Average temperature 34°C
- Gentle south easterly wind. Hottest month.
- All fishing good locally in bay and out at sea - marlin season, giant trevally, wahoo, king mackerel, dorado, barracuda, tuna.
- Snorkelling - calmest weather of all
April
- Average temperature 30°C
- Cooler days, monsoon changing so some rain showers to be expected
- Past history of elephants living on island and other migratory animals
- Last month for snorkeling and deep sea fishing
- Great sailing - good winds
May-June
July
- Average temperature 26°C
- Cool days and nights. Occasional rainstorms.
- Bottom fishing possible within the reef. Deep sea fishing very rough but big tuna running (average 60kg).
- Dolphins in bay giving birth to their young
- Sailing/windsurfing good
August
- Average temperature 26°C
- Cool days and nights. Occasional rain showers.
- Water temperature still cool and green.
- Rough out at sea but good fishing. Sailfish starting to run.
- Humpback sightings
- Dolphins in the bay
- Good sailing
September
- Average temperature 27°C
- Gentle south easterly wind
- Strong north-south current out to sea
- Excellent fishing. Sailfish running.
- Sailing good for beginners
October
- Average temperature 27°C
- Evenings warm. Very light winds.
- Water turning blue
- Snorkeling season begins
- Fishing good
- Humpback and young spotted in the bay
November
- Average temperature 28°C
- Monsoon changes. Unsettled weather over full moon and Kaskasi starts to blow from the north east. Calm mornings and strong afternoon wind.
- Good sailfish fishing in Kiwayu. Dugongs on the reef.
December
- Average temperature 30°C
- North easterly wind
- Snorkeling
- Bottom fishing and local area fishing good
- Dolphins in the bay
- Carmine beeaters migrate into Manda for 3 months
- Good watersports
KIWAYU SAFARI VILLAGE
is located on a small island in the eastern part of the Lamu Archipeligo on the remote north east coast of Kenya where guests can take guided dune walks, mangrove trips in a motorised canoe, dhow sailing, visit the dolphins, fishing and watersports. The beaches are frequented by green and hawksbill turtle laying their eggs throughout the year with the main nesting season in September and October.
ACCOMMODATION
is in 18 palm thatch cottages spread along the shoreline comprising a suite with spacious bedroom with king size bed and mosquito net, dressing area, shower room, verandah with Swahili bed or hammock. 1 Family palm thatch cottage comprising 2 connecting cottages.
'Baobabs of Kitangani' has 1 ensuite double bedroom, sitting room (can be converted into a twin) and a private seating/dining area on the beach. It is situated 2 km across the bay from Kiwayu Lodge. Meals are served in the bedroom or on the beach. Staff and boatmen are at guests service.
FACILITIES
- Dining room
- Bar
- Watersports included in price - windsurfing, laser sailing, kayaking, snorkeling (best from November to March, equipment provided) and body boarding
- Watersports not included in price - waterskiing
SAFARIS AND EXCURSIONS
- Guided dune walks to watch the sun set over miles of uninhabited game country with a chance to view the elusive lesser kudu or at certain times game around the waterholes (included in price)
- Mangrove trips in motorised canoe (included in price)
- Evening dhow cruises (included in price)
- Reef, creek and deep sea fishing trips (not included in price)
- 2 hour boat trip by speedboat to the town of Lamu passing the historic islands of Manda and Pate (not included in price)
- Boat excursion and picnic to Kui or Simambaya (not included in price)
All information provided is subject to change.
Please call Holmes for more information and prices.
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