AFRICA Great Migration & the - Columbus Travel
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AFRICA
& the
Great Migration
July 31, 2021
The Serengeti, Masai Mara, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, & Nairobi
Why Kenya, East Africa, and the Great Migration?
Simply put, there is absolutely nothing like it anywhere else in Africa nor anywhere else in the world. Not in South
Africa, Zimbabwe, Zaire, Tanzania, not anywhere! You can take a safari in many parts of Africa, but the game parks,
adventure, facilities, game viewing, and the sheer number of animals in Kenya is unparalleled. The “Great Migration” is
the largest land mammal migration in the world with literally millions of animals on the move through some of the most
breathtaking ecosystems on Earth, including the Serengti Plains and Masi Mara. It is an endless circuit of life in its
purest form and a classic survival of the fittest. One million+ wildebeest, half million zebra, and dozens of other animals
engage in this one-of-a-kind migration and we will be in the middle of it. Our August safaris are the peak travel dates that
take us into the heart of East Africa, the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and The Great Migration.
Kenya is the most wildlife rich area in the world. No other place in Africa, or elsewhere, even comes close. There are
50 wildlife parks in Kenya. We visit the most important game parks, including the Serengeti, Masi Mara, Samburu, and
Ol Pejeta.
Larry’s Note: “My wife Cathy and I recently returned from Kenya and followed the same safari itinerary that you will
join us on. The game viewing was beyond anything I imagined. I have done safaris all over Africa, including South
Africa, Zimbabwe, Zaire, and other areas. They were wonderful, but nothing prepared me for the “Great Migration”
through East Africa visiting the three best game parks in Kenya. Nothing! I was “blown away” and speechless at
times. We saw the “Big Five” (elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion, and leopard) day after day, followed a herd of
60,000+ wildebeest followed by the predators, we saw herds of elephant and cape buffalo, cheetahs, we lost count
of the impalas, antelopes, and gazelles, crocodiles, hippos; we saw lions every day, including 23 in a single day; we
counted over 50 species of animals, not including birds; and witnessed the daily struggle of life and death with
animals on the “hunt” and their search for food and prey. Frankly, it was sensory overload every day. After 40 years
in the travel business, I am not easily overwhelmed, but this safari, these game parks, our expert guides, and the
sheer numbers of animals was breathtaking. To witness life at its primal level cannot be fully captured by photos. It
must be witnessed in person. I am putting together a small group to join Cathy and me in Kenya on a safari of a
lifetime. I can find you a cheaper Africa tour. I can find you a more expensive safari. I cannot, however, find you a
more comprehensive, well planned out itinerary, better value, or better Africa safari experience than this tour during
the peak of the Great Migration. Please join me!
The Ultimate Great Migration Itinerary Outline
Much more is included. This is a brief outline. We do so much. Sorry, there isn’t room to include it all here, but you will
experience it there! In Kenya, East Africa, the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Samburu, & Ol Pejeta.
Day 1 USA-Nairobi, Kenya. Or, travel to Europe before our safari
and fly to Nairobi to arrive to join our group on Day 2. (In-flight meals)
Day 2 Arrive Nairobi. Welcome greeting at the airport. Transfer to
our hotel. Balance of the day free. Overnight at the Southern Sun
Mayfair Hotel. (In-flight meals)
Day 3 Samburu. After breakfast we bid Nairobi farewell and drive
through East Africa, passing through native villages, and untamed
wilderness areas to Samburu National Reserve. After getting settled
we will enjoy our first game drive. Samburu is situated in northern
Kenya bordered by the Ewaso Nyiro River, home to lions, great herds
of elephants, crocodiles, giraffe, gazelle, zebra, leopards, buffalo,
gerenuk, oryx, and others. Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge. (B, L,
D)
Day 4 Samburu. We follow a typical game viewing schedule each
day throughout our safari experience including three or more game
drives each day, excluding travel days. Early morning game drive, back
to the lodge for breakfast and a short rest, then back to out to the
savannah for a late morning/early afternoon game drive. We return to
the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon at leisure. Optional visit to
authentic native Samburu tribe village. We venture back out in the late
afternoon and early evening when the animals become active. At dusk
we return to our lodge for dinner. Overnight at Samburu Simba Lodge.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Samburu & Ol Pejeta. After breakfast and a morning game
drive, we pack and leave for Ol Pejeta Conservancy Park, one of the
richest animal viewing game parks in all of East Africa. Upon arrival we
enjoy lunch (by the way, all our meals are really good, but the dining at
Sweetwaters Lodge is exceptional!). Our afternoon is at leisure to get
settle in, then venture out late in the afternoon for our first Ol Pejeta
game drive. Upon our return dinner is served. Located within the
sprawling Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most noteworthy
conservancies and home to the ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo
and leopard), the deluxe Sweetwaters Lodge offers an African safari
experience unlike any other. Overnight at Sweetwaters Serena Camp
Lodge. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Ol Pejeta. We start today with an early morning game drive followed by breakfast. After breakfast we visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and then back to the lodge for lunch. Late this afternoon we head back out to view the many herds of animals in the area, including the elusive black rhino, of which only 2,000 of these magnificent animals still live in the wild. Every day and every drive brings a new excitement and adventure. We also visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy at Laikipia to observe the last two remaining Northern White Rhinos on earth. Unfortunately, both are female and when they die, this species will be extinct…forever. Sadly, many animals, including the Northern White Rhino, have been decimated by poaching. Overnight at Sweetwaters Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 7 Ol Pejeta, Serengeti, & Masai Mara. Following a morning game drive and breakfast, we leave for the Serengeti and Masai Mara. We fly from Ol Pejeta to the “Mara” by Otter Bush Plane with sweeping, panoramic views en route. The Masai Mara is located on the great Serengeti Plains, grassy plains and rolling hills crossed by the Mara and Talek rivers. We will take our first Masai Mara and Serengeti game drive late this afternoon. “Maa” is the native language of the Masai tribes that live here. “Mara” is a Maa words meaning “spotted”. “Serengeti” is a Maa word that means “endless plains” and “safari” is a Swahili word translated as “journey”. Flying over the Mara, we continue our “journey” (“safari”). You will see the “Mara” (“spots” or groves of trees and bush) that dot the “Serengeti” (“endless plains”)…this is wild, untamed East Africa at its best! Overnight at Ashnil Camp Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 8 Serengeti & Masai Mara. Full-day game drive with a picnic lunch on the Mara that take us to the Mara River crossing points where the wildebeest and zebra migration take place. It is a gauntlet run with crocodiles waiting in the river and lions hiding in the bush forming an ambush on the opposite side where life supports another life. Lunch is served near the hippo pools. We return to the lodge at dusk. FYI, the Ashnil Camp Lodge is located on the Mara River and provides great animal viewing lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffe, wildebeest, zebras, crocodiles, hippo, buffalo, and the rare black rhino, are particularly plentiful in the Mara. Overnight at Ashnil Camp Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 9 Serengeti & Masai Mara. An early morning game drive takes to the Mara as animals become active. We return to our lodge for breakfast followed by a second morning game drive. Our afternoon is at leisure with an optional Masai village visit after lunch. Late afternoon and early evening game drives tend to be particularly exciting as animals tend to rest and sleep during the warm afternoons, but become quite active and mobile in the late afternoon. Overnight at Ashnil Camp Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 10 Serengeti, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, & Nairobi. Following our early morning game drive on the Serengeti and Masai Mara, we pack and leave for Lake Naivasha. We enjoy a boat ride to see the hippos that inhabit the lake, along with herds of giraffe and zebra in abundance along the lake shores. This really is a beautiful area. We continue our fascinating drive through local villages and townships to Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. Overnight at the Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel. (B) Day 11 Nairobi. After breakfast we spend the day in and around Nairobi. Today we visit the Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Crocodile Farm, and the Karen Blixen home from “Out of Africa”. Tonight, we enjoy a special farewell dinner at Carnivores, Nairobi’s most popular restaurant. After dinner we transfer to the Nairobi International Airport for our return flights home. Late evening departure. (B, L) Day 12 Nairobi-USA. Arrive home. Or extend your holiday in Europe, New York City, the East Coast, or elsewhere on your way home. (In-flight meals)
RESERVATION INFORMATION
SAFARI LAND PRICE:
Based on double occupancy, per person $6,379.00
Single supplement +$799.00
*Early Booking Discount: Less $400 per person if booked and
deposited on or before February 1, 2020. With this discount your safari
land price is reduced to $5,979 per person, based on double occupancy.
Deluxe & First Class Hotels, Lodges, & Resorts:
• Nairobi: Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel
• Samburu: Samburu Simba Lodge
• Ol Pejeta: Sweetwaters Serena Camp Lodge
• Serengeti/Masai Mara: Ashnil Tented Camp Lodge
Documents Required for USA citizens:
• USA passport valid for at least six months beyond travel with at
least two blank pages
• Kenya tourist visa ($50 at present, contact your agent for details)
Meals: B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner
HOW GOOD OF A DEAL IS THIS?
Our Kenya & the Great Migration Adventure is absolutely the best value for a deluxe safari experience. Compare our program,
lodges, game viewing, and inclusions to Abercrombie & Kent’s “Kenya Safari 2020” program (no 2021 rates yet) priced at
$9,795 per person over similar dates, but only visits two game parks over just nine days. And our deluxe program is longer
and includes more (three game parks) at about $4,000 per person less. You’ll probably do Africa and the Great Migration only
once in your lifetime. Do it right. Come with me and let me show you Africa & The Great Migration! – Larry Gelwix
What is included:
• Comprehensive Africa safari as outlined
• Deluxe & First Class hotels, lodges, & resorts as listed or similar
• Kenya domestic airfare Sweetwaters to the Masi Mara/Serengeti
• Daily game viewing whilst at the game parks
• Boat ride and animal viewing on Lake Naivasha
• Visit to authentic native Samburu tribe village
• All meals as listed
• Expert local guides
• Ground transportation as per itinerary
• Small group with no more than four guests per safari vehicle
(vehicle sits eight persons, but we only put four or less to allow
maximum viewing and photo opportunities)
What is not included:
• International air to/from Nairobi (Your Columbus Travel agent will
assist you with discount airfares)
• Kenya tourist visa
• Anything not specifically listed as included
• Bottled water is available with all meals. All other drinks are at
individual expense.
• Anything of purely a personal nature
• Driver/guide gratuities (Suggested hotel, driver, & guide gratuities
of $160 are in addition to the safari cost and will be collected with final payment.)
RESERVATION INFORMATION CONTINUED
DEPOSIT:
$ 1,500.00 per person (non-refundable)
FINAL PAYMENT:
Final payment is due on or before February 1, 2021
CANCELLATION AND REFUND:
In case of cancellation the following per person cancellation penalties apply:
Safari Land Package
Dates Amount
On or before Feb. 1, 2021 All monies received are refundable minus deposit
On or after Feb. 2, 2021 No refunds
All cancellations must be in writing and received by Columbus Travel via email to your booking agent or via post to 563 West 500
South, Suite 180, Bountiful, UT 84010.
TRAVEL PROTECTION: Columbus Travel® recommends that you purchase a Travelex travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip
investment. Consider travel protection for:
• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Emergency Medical Expenses
• Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
• Trip Delay
• Baggage & Personal Effects
• Baggage Delay and more
For a summary of plan details on benefits, coverages, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the applicable Description of Coverage. Travel
Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, Omaha NE; NAIC #222276.
INTERNATIONAL TRIPS:
For all tours and cruises that include international air, a valid passport is required. Columbus Travel® must receive a copy of your passport
information page by final payment date. Airlines have strict policies concerning name changes/corrections after tickets have been issued. If a name
change/correction is required on your ticket, you will be required to cover the cost of the fees.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Travel Services, Inc., d.b.a. Columbus Travel®, ("Agent") gives notice that all services, reservations and arrangements for transportation, or cruise, or
conveyance, or hotel or lodging, or meals or sightseeing services or any other activities made by Agent, are made by Agent as dual agent for the
traveler, (Passenger) and for the air carriers, hotels, sightseeing companies, transportation companies, cruise lines and other companies (Suppliers)
providing services for this program. As such, Agent shall not be liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be
occasioned either by reasons of defect in any vehicle or mode of transportation, through the acts, defaults, financial difficulty or bankruptcy or
omissions of the Supplier or person engaged in carrying out the arrangements of the trip or otherwise in connection therewith. Agent is not liable for
delays and/or cancellations of services and resultant expenses or loss caused by acts of God, sickness, quarantine, weather, strikes, war, terrorism,
social or labor unrest, local laws, mechanical or construction difficulties, abnormal conditions or other situations, actions, omissions or conditions
outside Agent's control. Agent is not liable for loss of, or damage to baggage or personal possessions. Agent and Supplier reserve the right to alter or
cancel the itinerary or substitute services as conditions require or for the safety of Passenger.
As a matter of privacy, we do not disclose addresses or other personal information about other travelers in the group. We do all in our power to
assure seats for passengers traveling together on aircraft are assigned together, but because airline seating assignments for groups are controlled by
the air carrier, we cannot guarantee specific seat assignments. Passengers must be in good health and able to care for their own needs. Please contact
us regarding any health concerns you may have or if you need to bring any specialized medical equipment such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, C-Pap,
etc. so that we can determine if transportation services, hotels, and other suppliers can accommodate your equipment. If it is determined that your
equipment can be accommodated, you or your traveling companion are fully responsible for it and must be able to lift, fold, push, and handle the
equipment. Tour directors on the trip cannot be of assistance with such needs. We reserve the right to remove passengers from the group at their
own expense if the care of or actions of a passenger become detrimental to the functioning of the tour. Payment of deposit(s) as outlined in this
agreement shall be deemed consent to be bound by the terms and conditions of this agreement.
Airline schedule changes, mechanical or weather delays may affect flight times. Your connecting flights and/or transportation to and from the tour
start and end point, whether issued by Columbus Travel or on your own arrangement, may be affected. Please allow extra connection
time. Columbus Travel is not responsible for misconnections, delays, and/or cancellations. Once your first flight has commenced the air carrier
controls your reservation. Any flight delays, misconnections, or cancellations must be re-scheduled by the responsible airline.
563 West 500 South, Suite 180, Bountiful, UT 84010
Tel: 801-295-9568; 800-373-3328; Fax: 801-295-9688
CST#2072998-40 www.columbusvacations.com
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