Showing posts with label Masai Mara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Masai Mara. Show all posts

Monday, 30 October 2023

Kenya: Increase in Masai Mara 2024 Park Fees

News from Sanctuary Retreats

Increase in Masai Mara 2024 Park Fees

We wanted to inform you that over the past few months, there have been ongoing discussions concerning the management and conservation of Kenya's national parks, game reserves and conservancies on how to ensure that Kenya is able to preserve some of its most treasured and vulnerable wildlife spaces in 2024 and beyond. 

To do this the Kenya Wildlife Service and Narok County Government have announced the gazettement of the increases to park fees, please find the confirmed 2024 Masai Mara park fees below. We are informing our partners as these increases will have to be passed on for all new and existing/confirmed bookings from January 2024 as this is a government fee that is beyond our control. 

Masai Mara:

The Narok County government is looking to implement the following changes: 

1. Park fees are now only valid for 12 hours: from 6 am to 6 pm daily. The original park fees were valid for 24 hours from the time of entry.

° On the departure day, guests have until 11 am to exit to avoid incurring further park fees. This means that guests who are booked on afternoon departure flights will be subject to an additional day of park fees. 

° This change has already been implemented by the Masai Mara Rangers and we are currently managing this on a case-by-case basis on the ground for 2023 confirmed bookings. 

° The additional day's park fee will be applied to any late departures from the Masai Mara to all confirmed and new bookings. 

     2. The proposed 2024 park fees will be increased by the following amounts: 

° 1 January – 30 June 2024: The new rates are USD 100 for the low season, taking effect from January 2024.

° 1 July – 31 December 2024: The new rates are USD 200 for the high season, taking effect from July 2024. 

We hope this upfront communication will assist you in communicating.

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Friday, 27 May 2022

Africa Day - Top 10 things to do and see in Africa

Africa Day is celebrated annually to acknowledge the successes of the African Union, formerly known as the Organisation of African Unity, which was founded on 25 May 1963. 

In honour of this special day, we've put together a list of top 10 things to see and do in Africa. 

TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN AFRICA

1. VICTORIA FALLS

Explore and marvel at the breathtaking Victoria Falls, which lies on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Falls is known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

2. THE GREAT MIGRATION

Witness Africa's Great Migration, the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. This migration takes place in East Africa, between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

3. GORILLA TREKKING

Get up close to different species of gorilla and other primates on guided tours in both Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.

4. ZANZIBAR

Visit Zanzibar, an island off the Tanzanian coast that forms part of the Spice Islands. Zanzibar has a rich history and unique culture to explore, as well as the famous Stone Town.

5. OKAVANGO DELTA

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world's largest inland deltas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is boasts a variety of wildlife, and offers unique activities, as well as excellent game viewing.

6. TABLE MOUNTAIN

Table Mountain, situated in Cape Town, is one of South Africa's most famous landmarks. Visitors can hike to the top of the mountain, or take a cable car, and enjoy spectacular views and interesting flora.

7. SEYCHELLES

This archipelago consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of East Africa, is an extremely popular destination. Guests can enjoy the ultimate beach and island experience in a picturesque setting.

8. MAKGADIKGADI PAN

The Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana is one of the largest salt pans in the world. In the wet season, the pan fills up with water, and becomes a popular breeding ground for flamingos, which flock by the thousands in the area.

9. THE CAPE WINELANDS

Take a trip to the Cape Winelands, an area well known for it's world-class wines. Situated in the Western Cape, near Cape Town, this region filled with various wine farms is definitely worth a visit.

10. LOCAL CULTURE

The African continent is home to a plethora of different cultures. No matter where you go, you are bound to experience unique local traditions and enjoy diverse experiences.

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Friday, 4 February 2022

Nomad Africa: February News & Updates

February News & Updates

Nomad Africa - February Specials & Future Updates

2022 is well underway and already we are starting to see signs of recovery after the destruction of Omicron in late November and December. Our enquiries are back to numbers that we saw in November 2021 and for this, we want to thank you for once again sticking around and helping us through this wave. During January we have been doing an extensive amount of plotting, planning and research with special attention being paid to two core routes; Cape Town to Vic Falls and the South African Explorer.

Please take a moment to read further on the exciting updates.

RETURNING TO ZIMBABWE

As announced in our December newsletter, a move back to Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls) was imminent. We are pleased to confirm that all our tours will be returning to Victoria Falls, with effect 01 April 2022. Any tour departing in March 2022 will end in Livingstone (should the ending date fall into April). This change is effective for tours departing 01 April.

Our reservations team will be contacting you in due course to confirm whether you would like to keep pre / post arrangements in Livingstone. Guests who choose to keep their pre / post arrangements in Livingstone will be offered a transfer in the Nomad truck after the completion of the tour. (The offer of a Nomad transfer will be offered as a fixed date & time which will be communicated to you). This arrangement is only valid to guests who have a confirmed booking in place and who’s pre / post arrangements have been made through us. Please allow us time to reach out to you first.

SOUTH AFRICAN EXPLORER TO REMAIN ONE COUNTRY TOUR FOR 2022

After receiving extensive feedback from our trade partners & guests, we can confirm that our South African Explorer tour will remain a uniquely one-country tour (within South Africa) for the remainder of 2022. Our product and operations team have combined their efforts and the route has been further tweaked to maximise the guests’ experience. The changes do not take anything away from the existing stand alone tour we shared in December, meaning activities and highlights are still catered for. The changes are limited to;

- Additional on route stops to showcase highlights on the route 

- Hermanus overnight shifts to Stanford, Visit to Hermanus remains

- Introduction of a hike at De Hoop Nature Reserve and a stop at the Southern most tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas

- Swellendam overnight introduced in place of Gooderson Knysna (time in Knysna still remains as part of the itinerary). New berry tasting experience included

- Additional restaurant dinners included

- Historical Tour Graaff Reinet

- Move to Himeville Southern Drakensberg

- One night Gooderson Natal Spa

- Additional night given in Greater Kruger National Park to enhance the Kruger portion. 2 nights Nkambeni, 2 nights Timbavati

Accommodated Surcharge

20-Days South African Explorer NACJ/NAJC R1 200

13-Days Garden Route & Lesotho NACD/NADC R1 200

7-Days The Garden Route NACP/NAPC R200

14-Days Kruger, Eswatini & Lesotho NAPJ/NAJP R1 000

7-Days Addo, Lesotho & Drakensberg NAPD/NADP R1 000

Camping Surcharge

20-Days South African Explorer NCJ/NJC R1 400

13-Days Garden Route & Lesotho NCD/NDC R1 400

7-Days The Garden Route NCP/NPC R200

14-Days Kruger, Eswatini & Lesotho NPJ/NJP R1 200

7-Days Addo, Lesotho & Drakensberg NPD/NDP R1 200

Small Groups Surcharge

20-Days South African Explorer Small Group R1200

7-Days The Garden Route Small Group R200

14-Days Kruger, Eswatini & Lesotho Small Group R1200

These changes and tweaks have meant that the surcharge which we implemented on the camping tours remains, however is now increased. This also means the introduction of an accommodated tour surcharge. This surcharge on both the camping & accommodated tours will come into effect as of 01 February 2022 for all new bookings and will be charged on all departures for the remainder of the year.

In the coming days, our Reservations team will be reaching out to you with a summary of bookings from June – December 2022 that will need to be notified of the change. All tour dossiers will be amended with the latest overnight changes in due course.

February Promotion – Masai Mara & Gorilla Tour

For the month of February – we have the opportunity to sell Gorilla Trekking permits at a 50% price savings, for a selection of our Gorilla tours departing in 2022. We are passing this incredible savings onto you and your guests. Due to the magnitude of this special, our regular discounts on our tours will not be offered during the month of February.

Masai Mara and Gorillas 2022, 14 days

Gorilla Trekking is part of this tour, however the cost of the Gorilla Trekking Permit is not included in your tour price or this booking. Gorilla permits cost $730 to $830. If you book this tour, a consultant will contact you to confirm the availability of the permit and arrange payment.

Starting in Africa’s most revered safari destination, Kenya, your journey takes you through the Masai Mara National Park, renowned for the annual Great Migration. Enjoy the views as you drive through the fascinating Great Rift Valley, and take in the amazing sights of Lake Nakuru National Park. The world’s most powerful waterfall will have you mesmerized as you journey by boat on the river Nile through Murchison Falls National Park. Whilst the impressive scenery of mountains and crater lakes never fails to impress, the true Pearl of Africa lies in the lush forests of Bwindi National Park where you will have the opportunity to come up close and personal to the endangered mountain gorilla. From endless open plains, game rich savannas, welcoming tribal cultures, rare encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees – You will be sure to have a memorable African journey. Leaving the capital of Nairobi we travel to the Masai Mara National Park. The rolling grasslands of the Masai Mara offer ideal game viewing and photographic opportunities. We take in the spectacle of Lake Nakuru National Park – a great place to spot flamingos. We then cross the border into Uganda where you can explore the bustling city of Kampala or visit a Chimpanzee sanctuary. After a visit to the Murchison Falls National Park we’ll head up to Budongo Forest, the biggest Mahogany forest found in East Africa and is home to the largest number of chimpanzees throughout Uganda. We will meet up with our chimp guide who will take us on our trek through the forest in search of the chimps. Our next stop is at Lake Bunyoni where we prepare for the upcoming Gorilla trekking excursion. The mountain gorilla is extremely endangered and visiting them is a great way to ensure their survival as each permit raises money for their conservation.

T&C:

- Only valid on new bookings received during the month of February 2022.

- Not valid on existing bookings

- Travel must be completed in 2022 and cannot be deferred to 2023

- Discounted price of USD365 per person per trekking permit will be invoiced and payment will be due upon receipt of invoice.

- No persons under the age of 16 are accepted to trek. However, persons aged 12-16 are welcome to participate in the tour, but not trekking.

- Trekking permits will be booked and issued for Bwindi National Park

- This promotional offer is only valid on the 14-Day Masai Mara & Gorilla tour.

Available Dates for 2022;

N(A)MG 2259: 07 March 2022

N(A)MG 2287: 13 June 2022

N(A)MG 2299: 29 July 2022

N(A)MG 2303: 8 August 2022

N(A)MG 2305: 15 August 2022

N(A)MG 2311: 05 September 2022

N(A)MG 2327: 31 October 2022

N(A)MG 2335: 28 November 2022

Starting in Africa’s most revered safari destination, Kenya, the journey begins with the Masai Mara National Park. Enjoy the views as you drive through the Great Rift Valley, and take in the amazing sights of Lake Nakuru National Park. The world's most powerful waterfall will have you mesmerized as you journey by boat on the river Nile through Murchison Falls National Park. Whilst the impressive scenery of mountains and crater lakes never fails to impress, the true Pearl of Africa lies in the lush forests of Bwindi National Park where you will have the opportunity to come up close and personal to the endangered mountain gorilla. From endless open plains, game rich savannas, welcoming tribal cultures, rare encounters with gorillas and chimpanzees - You will be sure to have a memorable African journey.

AVAILABLE TOURS & NEW DATES OPENED

During the past few weeks we have received an influx of bookings due to the popular demand of our tours. For this reason we have decided to reinstate 3 of our tours which you will find listed below. Please click on the link shared to view our list of tours available for easy reference

Reinstated Trips:

Cape Town to Victoria falls N(A)CV2274 – 19 March 2022

South African Explorer N(A)JC2267 – 16 March 2022

South African Explorer N(A)JC2271 – 30 March 2022

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Sunday, 15 December 2019

Sanctuary Olonana

Sanctuary Olonana is an exceptional safari lodge based on a private stretch of the Mara River in the heart of Kenya’s most famous game reserve, the Masai Mara. Comprised of 14 exceptional suites, this lodge flaunts clean lines and organic materials, the perfect blend of modernity and traditional African style. The luxury Geoffrey Kent Suite features two en-suite bedrooms, private dining, infinity pool and private vehicle and guide.

Inspired by the Masai Mara’s breath-taking natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife and a dramatic river which runs right past its forest setting; this luxurious lodge provides an exhilarating environment, connecting guests to the extraordinary Kenyan landscape in a truly enriching way.
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Saturday, 13 October 2018

News from Sanctuary Retreats: new Geoffrey Kent Suite

#SanctuaryRetreats #Africa #SanctuaryOlonana #MasaiMara #Kenya #GeoffreyKentSuite #safari

Introducing exceptional luxury to the Masai Mara

Following the successful relaunch of Sanctuary Olonana, we’re thrilled to announce we will be building a brand new Geoffrey Kent Suite at this exceptional luxury lodge. 

Sanctuary Olonana, set in lush woodland on a dramatic riverbank in the Masai Mara, Kenya, combines an impressive showcase of modern design blended with distinct African finishes.

Expect superlative comfort and characterful interiors in the Geoffrey Kent Suite’s two private en-suite bedrooms, dining area, lounge and private decking area.

Bookings will open on 12 October 2018

The Geoffrey Kent Suite will welcome its first guests on 18 March 2019

Guests will enjoy:

° Two fully private en-suite bedrooms
° Private decking area and infinity pool overlooking the river
° Private vehicle and safari guide
° Private lounge and dining area
° Exquisite meals freshly-prepared by a private chef 
° Bar with premium drinks
YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia
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Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com

Pangolin news: Ultimate Kenya 2019 | Панголин Сафарис Кения

#UltimateKenya2019 #PangolinPhotoSafaris #safari #Samburu #MasaiMara #GutsSwanepoel #HotAirBallooning #Saruni #ПанголинСафарис #Кения

Ultimate Kenya with Pangolin 2019

Join us for an epic encounter of the Kenyan bushveld, the birthplace of safari, home to the greatest migration on earth. Our Ultimate Kenya 2019 trips offer you a chance to witness this iconic natural spectacle followed by an opportunity to encounter the interesting and engaging semi-nomadic tribe, the Samburu. 

Our tried and tested multi-destination itinerary showcases the best of the incredible Masai Mara and exotic Samburu in Northern Kenya. There will be two departures in 2019 and will be hosted by Pangolin Photo Safaris’ co-owner Guts Swanepoel and his team of highly qualified photo hosts.

Along with the vehicles in the Mara we will have access to a helicopter for aerial photography sessions as well as chartering a hot air balloon flight down the Mara River at dawn; both of which are included in the price. Time at Samburu will be spent photographing the unique wildlife species on this exquisite reserve, often from the Saruni photo hide near the lodge.
29 August – 7 September: Guts, Janine, Andreas
8 September – 17 September: Charl, Sabine, Andreas

Ultimate Kenya 2019 at a glance:

° From: $10,950 per person
° Duration: 10 Days
° Highlights: Masai Mara, Special Samburu, Hot Air Ballooning
° Types of Photography: Wildlife, Birding, Landscapes
° Group size: Max 12
YouTube channel: Exploring Namibia
Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio
Aerial photo/video service & other inquiries contact: info@traveltonamibia.com