Kenyan Lodge Safari Holiday
CSS 703: MT KENYA / SAMBURU / SWEETWATERS LODGE TOUR
Departs daily, minimum 2 people sharing
Day 1: Arrival - Nairobi
On arrival at JKI Airport, met and assisted. Transfer to Nairobi Safari Club, only all suite hotel in Nairobi, with bay windows of both bedroom and lounge, accords panoramic views of the city and horizons beyond. It offers a bedroom with dressing table and en suite bathroom communicating into a spacious lounge comfortable leisure seating, writing desk, dining table, personal bar, personal digital-code safe, and satellite television with remote control of ten viewing channels. Accommodation on bed and breakfast plan.
Day 2: Nairobi - Mount Kenya
Distance: 185 km (3 hrs). After breakfast, drive north of Nairobi through the rich agricultural central highlands to Mountain Lodge Serena for lunch and game viewing from the lodge viewing decks in Mt. Kenya National Park. The lodge has a water hole which attracts animals at dawn and dusk. Relax in comfort as you watch nature's spectacle. Sign up for optional activities at your lodge (not included in tour price); Mt Kenya forest walk ($45 per person), guided fishing trip in mountain streams ($70 per person) The only tree hotel ever to be built on the slopes of the legendary Mount Kenya, Mountain Lodge offers a matchless game viewing opportunity whilst combining a glorious panorama of mountain vistas with the primordial splendours of an ancient rainforest. Floating 2,195 m high on the flanks of highest mountain in Kenya and secreted deep within her largest forest reserve, the lodge offers not only the champagne-clarity of mountain air, the tranquility of the forest and a colourful cavalcade of wildlife but also the chance of scaling the icy peaks of Africa second-highest mountain. Overnight at Mountain Lodge Serena, B,L,D.
Day 3: Mount Kenya - Samburu game tour
Distance: 200 km (3 hrs). After breakfast, drive to Samburu National Reserve to arrive for lunch and afternoon leisure by the poolside or sightseeing. Game viewing in Samburu National Reserve with your skilled guide is provided at 4pm running until 6.30pm. A place of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers, Samburu National Reserve lies on the fringes of the vast and arid desert once known as the Northern Frontier District, whose heat-scorched scrublands extend all the way to the jade-green waters of Lake Turkana and beyond. Physically dramatic, the 104 sq kilometre landscape of the Reserve features rocky battlements, craggy scarps, dry river beds and fallen boulders rising out of the thorn scrub against a backdrop of the far-distant hills and the great red table mountain known as Lololokwi. Serena Samburu's long, low, shingled buildings of the lodge blend seamlessly into the soft green of the acacia woodlands lining the banks of the languid brown loops of the Uaso Nyiro River, whilst the architectural style makes optimum use of soft local stone and traditional Samburu building motifs. The cool of the interior, meanwhile, reflects a strong khaki and canvas safari influence enriched by a vibrant selection of age-old Samburu masks, spears and ceremonial treasures. Overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge, B,L,D.
Day 4: Samburu Safari
Full day in Samburu with private guide and game viewing in safari van with pop-up roof. Two game drive are provided, morning and afternoon. All meals and overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge, B,L,D.
Optional activities:
-Visit to Samburu local villages for a cultural tour: US$ 25 per person
-Guided nature walk: US$ 45 per person
Day 5: Samburu - Sweetwaters Game Sanctuary
Distance: 175 km (2 hr. 30 min). After breakfast drive South to this private game sanctuary. Afternoon game viewing is offered but there are optional activities as walking safaris, camel rides and night game drives. Lunch, dinner & overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp, B,L,D.
A sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of its own private reserve, Sweetwaters Tented Camp is in a class of its own. Abounding with wildlife, unfettered by the more rigorous strictures of the Kenyan National Parks and designed to offer a charming blend of under canvas ambiance and uncompromising luxury, it has long been the preferred retreat of wilderness and safari lovers alike. One of only four private game reserves in Kenya, it also allows such unforgettable pleasures as night game drives, guided bush walks and both horse or camel riding across its game-teaming plains.
Day 6: Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Full day at Sweetwaters with game drives and visit to the tame rhino, 'Morani' and Chimp sanctuary. all meals and overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp, B,L,D.
Day 7: Sweetwaters - Nairobi - Departure
Distance: 180 km (3 hrs). After breakfast, return to Nairobi to arrive in good time for lunch at The Carnivore Restaurant. Later transfer to the airport for your flight out, B.
Safari tour price: US$ 1550 per person sharing. Single room supplement: US$ 432
Safari price includes:
-Guarantee price; Guarantee departure
-Guaranteed window seating!
-Ground transport in a safari van with pop up roof for game viewing, photography and touring
-Full board accommodation whilst on safari
-Meal plan as described, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner
-Accommodation in double/twin/triple room sharing
-All park entrance fees to include government taxes
-Service of an English speaking professional driver/guide
-Bird watching and overnight floodlit game viewing at Mount Kenya National Park
-Game drives as detailed in the itinerary
-Visit to Chimpanzee sanctuary and tame rhino at Sweetwaters
-Lunch at The Carnivore Restaurant on the last day
-Return airport transfers
-Start and end in Nairobi
Tour price excludes:
-Tips
-Laundry
-Drinks
-International flights
-Vacation insurance
-Visas
-Items of a personal nature
-Optional activities and any other extras not detailed in the above itinerary
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Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Nanyuki, Laikipia Plains:
Sweetwaters Game Reserve is 24,000-acre private ranch with magnificent views across the plains to the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya. This game sanctuary is the closest reserve to Nairobi (2.5 hours drive) home to all the big five game, and has the highest ratio of game-to-area of any park or reserve in Kenya. Its popular waterhole is floodlit by night, providing excellent and secluded rarely seen game viewing.
Game drives at Sweetwaters are indeed a pleasure. Game viewing may also take the form of game walks accompanied by our Resident Naturalist, and game rides on horseback. Camel riding, night game drives and "bush" lunches or dinners are a delight. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Information Centre, Morani the tame black rhino and the Visitor's Information Centre are most informative and entertaining and should all be visited while in the Game Reserve.
Located on the reserve is one of several Jane Goodall Institute Sanctuaries maintained in East Africa. Kept here are a group of chimpanzees originally housed at the JGI sanctuary in Bujumbura, Burundi. When the Burundi government became unstable in 1994, the chimpanzees were relocated here.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary has been set up at Sweetwaters Game Reserve, a 15-minute drive from Sweetwaters Tented Camp. A visit to this Sanctuary and the 30-minute boat ride (subject to fine weather) on the river among the chimps is a must... The aim of the project, initiated by Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, was to set up a colony where chimps could be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions.
Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. The Sanctuary currently has 26 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary. There is also a new Visitor's Information Centre at Morani's Boma, which is a must for all visiting clients staying both at Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta House.
Attractions:
CAROL
Carol is a tame warthog who lives in an enclosure near Morani with her three piglets.
MORANI AND THE VISITOR'S CENTRE
Morani rates special mention. Morani is a tame black rhino (a rare phenomenon) born in 1974. He was brought to the ranch after his mother was killed by poachers, and ever since is resident in his own sub-sanctuary 8 km away from Sweetwaters Tented Camp. A visit to Morani is an especially wonderful treat for children. At the entrance to Morani's Boma is the new Visitor's Centre which is aimed at teaching guests about the Game Reserve. A definite must!
CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY AND INFORMATION CENTRE
A 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary has been set up at Sweetwaters Game Reserve. A visit to this Sanctuary and the 30-minute boat ride (subject to fine weather) on the river among the chimps attracts no extra charge. The aim of the project, initiated by then Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, is to set up a colony where chimps can be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. The Sanctuary currently has 24 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary.
CAMEL RIDES
Seeing wildlife within the sanctuary, perched atop camels is a unique experience. Sweetwaters Tented Camp has three camels each carrying two people, and a guide always accompanies guests. The camel safari lasts for 1 hour, and can be taken at any time, subject to availability, from 0800 to 1700 hours.
DAY GAME DRIVES
On offer are 2-3 hours morning game drives, starting at 0630 hours or 2-3 hour afternoon game drives, starting at 1600 hours. Seat-in-car game drives are available (i.e., charges are made per person, rather than per vehicle). Sweetwaters Tented Camp has three available vehicles which can also be booked for exclusive use. Each vehicle capacity is 7 seats, with 5 window seats. Full-day game drives with a picnic lunch start at 0900 hours and finish off at 1600 hours, in which case the vehicles have to be booked for exclusive use.
NIGHT GAME DRIVES
This is a special drive as night game drives are not permitted in National Parks and Reserves in Kenya. Generally all sorts of nocturnal animals such as aardvark, porcupine, silver-backed hyena, and leopard can be seen. You can either go on the early drive (1900 - 2100 hours) or after dinner (2100 - 2200 hours). Seat-in-car night game drives are available (i.e., charges are made per person, rather than per vehicle). The vehicles can also be booked for exclusive use. The vehicles' capacity is 6 seats.
WALKING SAFARIS
Accompanied by a naturalist/ armed guide, this is a very detailed exposure to the natural habitat, where vegetation, bird, insect and game species will be pointed out to you. Game walks are billed on an hourly basis. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted to participate.
The Ereri multi-cultural Manyatta
Located one kilometre outside the Serat Gate on the north border of Sweetwaters Game Reserve, this Multi-cultural Manyatta (village) is the perfect introduction to the Tribes of Kenya. Watch demonstrations, traditional dancing, observe building techniques, buy jewellery and other souvenirs. You can also watch traditional cattle blood letting (prior arrangement needed) Open 10.00 - 12.00 daily.
Rhino patrols
Venture on foot into the Sweetwaters Game Reserve to find and monitor black rhinos. Experience the excitement of being in the bush with nothing but nature between you and these magnificent beasts. Join a rhino patrol with our experienced armed rangers to guide you."
Wild dogs (LYCAON PICTUS) return to Sweetwaters after an absence of 30 years A pack of between 12-14 wild dog has recently been sighted on a number of occasions within the Sweetwaters Game Reserve in Laikipia. This pack currently appears to be moving between the neighbouring Ol Pejeta Ranch and the Sweetwaters game reserve, having originated from nothern Laikipia. This particular group is well known to the Laikipia Predator Project which is based on Mpala ranch to the north.
Wild dog are one of the rarest carnivores in Africa, having disappeared from large parts of their former ranges. Indeed, this species was all but eliminated from Laikipia 30 years ago, persecuted by pastoralists and farmers alike. Their return demonstrates how Laikipia has begun to emerge as one of Kenya's foremost conservation areas. Laikipia now boasts a thriving wildlife tourism industry and a density of wildlife second only to the Mara area of southern Kenya."
Samburu National Reserve:
Samburu game reserve is essentially lava plain that features steep sided gullies and rounded hills wherein the 32-kilometre Uaso Nyiro River provides both the central feature of the landscape and the lifeblood of the ecosystem. The vegetation comprises predominantly acacia woodland interspersed with bush, grass and scrubland, which is broken here and there by small rugged hills whilst the meandering loops of the river are bordered by a narrow gallery of riverine woodland in which acacia and doum palm flourish. This is a dry country ecosystem and is, therefore, prone to large variations in the animal populations as they move in search of water and pasture. And, whilst poaching has completely wiped out the rhino herds, lion are often seen while the burgeoning elephant herds are responsible for the ruination of several sections of riverside forests. The range of rare species also includes reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich and gerenuk whilst the bird life is diverse and prolific and includes marshal eagle, pygmy falcons, hornbills and Egyptian geese.
The Samburu people
The Samburu are herders of Camels and Goats, and are often seen on the reserve boundaries bringing their animals to water. Closely related to the Maasai and speaking the same language it seems that when the Maasai migrated to the area from Sudan, some headed east and became the Samburu. Often strikingly tall and slender, swathed in brilliant red cloth 'Shukas', hung about with beads and metal jewellery, the young men (Moran) favour long, plaited, ochre-daubed hairstyles and have a formidable reputation for glamour, prowess and ferocity.
Traditionally the Samburu live off the milk and blood of their beloved cattle and believe that all the world's cattle are theirs by God-given right. Their nomadic and pastoral lifestyle, though historically based on the pursuit of migratory wildlife, is slowly changing thanks to a combination of education, favorable new laws, projects, jobs and income.
Climate
The coast is always hot with an average daytime temperature of 27-31 degrees centigrade whilst the average daytime temperature in Nairobi is 21-26 degrees centigrade. Temperatures elsewhere depend on altitude. July to August marks the Kenyan winter. Broadly speaking, January-February is dry. March-May is wet. June-September is dry. October-December is wet, the rains passing in time for Christmas
Animals/Attractions
In the arid North of Kenya, water means life. The waters of the great Ewaso Nyiro river draw wildlife in great numbers to its banks, creating an oasis of green. This river flows through three great northern reserves, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba. This is spectacular country, set against a backdrop of the mighty Mountain Ol Olokwe.
The verdant riverine forest is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Samburu is visited by large herds of Elephants, drawn by the promise of water. In the dry season, the elephants use their tusks to dig deep into the dry river beds, unearthing precious water. These waterholes then become a focal point for other game.
The Samburu region is the best place to find several endemic Northern species, including Gerenuk, the Reticulated Giraffe, and Grevy's Zebra.
The forests along the river banks are home to many birds, including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. These forests are also home to many Leopards, often seen at dusk. The sight of one of these beautiful and elusive creatures is always a rare treat.
Lions are also frequently seen on the riverbanks, and Cheetah can be found on the open plains. On rare occasion, packs of African Hunting Dogs are sighted passing through the reserve.
The Ewaso Nyiro is also an important water source for the Samburu villages surrounding the reserves. The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai.
In areas around the reserves, there are several private sanctuaries working closely with the Samburu to protect both their tribal lands and the local wildlife. These sanctuaries are open to guests, and are well worth visiting for those interested in Samburu culture.
Samburu is a region of breathtaking and magical beauty, a place where the vision of a deep red sunset silhouetting the doum palms along the river as a leopard emerges to hunt brings the perfect end to a day on safari.
Mount Kenya National Park:
Mount Kenya plays a crucial role in the life of the country being Kenya's single most important permanent watershed and her largest forest reserve. The fertile soils of its lower slopes also sustain the growth of the nation's richest farmlands whilst much of its vegetation is globally unique. In recent years, however, the Mountain has suffered greatly from the adverse effects of deforestation, resulting in large tracts of its lower slopes being entirely denuded of trees and occupied by squatters. And, although much of the vast forest cover remains intact, the growing demand for timber (Kenya's staple construction and fuel source) threatens to lead to even more serious deforestation and subsequent soil erosion.
Over half of Africa's forests have been destroyed, in this century alone, by means as varied as illegal logging, charcoal burning, agricultural encroachment, 'land grabbing' and the unscheduled de-gazetting of supposedly protected forest areas. Indeed recent estimates state that only 2.9% of Kenya's original forest cover still exists. There is also evidence that not only is the water-catchment area suffering, but also that the montane glaciers have shrunk so rapidly over the last 20 years that some of them have completely disappeared. Finally the popularity of trekking and hiking holidays on the mountain is placing enormous pressure on the natural environment thanks to the attendant ills of tourist refuse, forest fires, feeding wildlife, off-road driving and erosion of climbing routes.
The People of Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya represents the ancestral home and heartland of the Bantu-speaking Kikuyu people, Kenya's largest ethnic group. Heavily influential throughout Kenya's history, the Kikuyu were instrumental in leading the fight for independence, provided the country with its first President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and have forced the pace of all subsequent political developments. The original Kikuyu are thought to have migrated from the east and north-east of the continent in the 16th century. Because land was the dominant factor in their social, political, religious and economic life, however, this brought them into conflict first with the Maasai and then with the European settlers, who seized large tracts of their territory. That said, the Kikuyu have adapted to the challenges of Western culture more successfully than any other tribe and are enlightened businessmen and successful and progressive farmers who grow coffee, tea, pyrethrum horticultural crops, vegetables and flowers for the export market.
Traditionally the Kikuyu have always believed that Ngai's (God's) most frequent resting place is on 'Kirinyaga' or Mount Kenya and although Christianity has altered these beliefs there are still many churchgoers who maintain that their ancestors control their destiny thanks to their closeness to 'Ngai'. Today the Kikuyu remain at the forefront of Kenyan development as both successful business people and formidable politicians.
Climate July to August marks the Kenyan winter. Broadly speaking, January-February is dry. March-May is wet. June-September is dry. October-December is wet, the rains passing in time for Christmas.
Climbing Mount Kenya
An extinct volcano, some three and a half million years old with permanently snow-covered, ice-shattered peaks, Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa after Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro. There are four main routes of ascent, the Naro Moru trail, the Burguret and Sirimon trails and the Chogoria trail and, whilst the icy peaks of Batian (5199m) and Nelion (5,189m) are accessible only to experienced mountaineers, Point Lenana (4,985m) can be conquered by anyone who is reasonably fit. In fact, the task has been made considerably easier thanks to Serena Hotels and the Kenya Wildlife Service who have recently cooperated to pioneer a new climbing route, which offers maximum adventure, panorama and enjoyment and minimal hardship.
Depending upon the weather conditions and the fitness level of the climbing party, the trip takes approximately 3 days in ascent and 2 days in descent and is led by a team of experienced mountaineers and naturalists who remain in constant radio contact with the Lodge. Mountain accommodation is provided in the form of ready-pitched camps of comfortable and fully-equipped high-altitude tents (or alternatively, bunk-houses) whilst the food, provided daily by the hotel, will include tasty packed lunches, hot drinks, fortifying snacks and individually presented supper menus. Upon arrival at Lenana Point guests will also be met with hot drinks, biscuits and brandy before being transported back down the mountain to a celebratory dinner at the hotel. There's also just lazing by the pool, taking in some sun and looking out over the aquamarine reaches of the Indian Ocean.
Mt Kenya Forest
Mt Kenya, Africa's second highest peak is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu homes were built to face this sacred peak. They call it Kirinyaga, or place of light.
The mountain itself is an awe-inspiring sight with its ragged peaks, and equatorial snow. But the Mountain is surrounded by a belt of verdant forest that is an equally fascinating destination.
While the 5199 metre summit is a difficult technical climb, the lesser peak of Point Lenana (4985m) can be easily reached by any fit trekker. This trek takes between 3 and 5 days, through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique montane vegetation including podocarpus and grounsel, and finally one of the worlds rarest sights, equatorial snow.
For those who don't want to climb the Mountain the cool highlands that surround its base are well worth a visit. The forests are ideal for game viewing, and there are crystal clear mountain streams that are the perfect place to land a Trout.....
Part of the mountain's fascination is the variation in flora, including Giant Groundsel and Lobelia, and fauna as the altitude changes. The lower slopes are covered with dry upland forest, the true montaine (mountain) forest begins at 2,000m is mainly cedar and podo. At 2,500m begins a dense belt of bamboo forest which merges into the upperforest of smaller trees, interspersed with glades. In this area the trees are festooned with high altitude lichen.
These forest belts are host to many different animals and plants with at least 11 unique species. Game to view includes: Black and White Colobus and Sykes Monkeys, bushbuck, Rock and rock Hyrax, Greater galago, white tailed, buffalo, elephant and lower down Olive Baboon, waterbuck, Black Rhino, black fronted duikers, leopard, giant forest hog, genet cat, bush pig and hyena. More elusive is the bongo, a rare type of forest antelope.
A number of other rarer species can be found here: Suni Antelope, Mt. Kenya Mole Rat, skinks (lizard), Montane Viper and a variety of owls. Occasional sightings have been recorded of albino zebra.
Birds are not abundant in the forest. But you can find Crowned hawk eagel and the Jackson's francolin. Rarely you can find the Abyssinian long-eared owl. Birds seen form the lodge include; Green ibis, African black duck, Ayres' hawk eagle, Rufous-breasted and great sparrow hawks, Scaly francolin, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Hartlaubs turaco, red headed parrot, bronze-naped pigeon, Mackinder's eagle owl, Rupells robin chat.
There are two species of giant Lobelias; the narrow, featherly-leafed lobelia telekii and the broad-leafed lobelia keniensis which are a favourite of sunbirds for their half hidden blossoms or the thin shelled snails that make their home there. Plants also include crocus-like flower; Romuela keniensis, two terrestrial orchids - a Disa and a Habenaria, and an orange flowered gladiolus,Gladiolus Watsonioides.
The high altitude heath at the top (3,000 - 3,5000m) is generally open, dotted with shrubs: African Sage, protea and helichrysum. The peak (above 3,500m) is moorland, with little game other than high altitude zebra and eland, common in the northern moorland.
Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Nanyuki:
Sweetwaters Tented Camp lies in the heart of 24,000-acre Sweetwaters Game Reserve, with magnificent views across the plains to the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya. The 30 luxury tents overlook the waterhole, floodlit by night, providing excellent and secluded rarely seen game viewing. This game sanctuary is the closest reserve to Nairobi (2.5 hours drive) home to all the big five game, and has the highest ratio of game-to-area of any park or reserve in Kenya. At Sweetwaters, there is plenty to do.
Game drives at Sweetwaters are indeed a pleasure. Game viewing may also take the form of game walks accompanied by our Resident Naturalist, and game rides on horseback. Camel riding, night game drives and "bush" lunches or dinners are a delight. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Information Centre, Morani the tame black rhino and the Visitor's Information Centre are most informative and entertaining and should all be visited while in the Game Reserve.
Accommodation:
There are 30 luxury en-suite tents - 8 doubles, 14 twins and 8 triples. 10 of the tents are raised on a platform, 20 on the ground floor. 10 extra beds can be made available. 4 baby cots and 2 high chairs can be made available on request.
25 of the tents face a large waterhole, and beyond, the magnificent views of Mt Kenya. The second row of tents is erected on raised wooden platforms. All tents are covered by a thatch roof and are cool even during the hottest day. Each spacious tent has a verandah with two camp chairs and a table, both overhead and bedside lights, a dressing table and cupboard with hangars and a suitcase rack, an umbrella, a thermos flask filled daily with drinking water and four glasses, windows with mosquito proofing gauze and flaps, zip-up tents, insecticides and air fresheners, a flashlight. Each bathroom has a shower stall, flush toilets, washbasin, shampoo, body lotion, bath and shower gel, and bathrobes; Freshly laundered towels; Hot and cold running water; No electrical outlets in tents.
Room service offers tea/coffee with wake-up calls. This service is not a common feature at Sweetwaters but meals and beverages can be served in tents on request
RHINO RESTAURANT
Set in the main building, the Rhino Restaurant's windows let in a lot of natural light and a delightful breeze in this warm climate. The restaurant has a view of the waterhole. There is a cosmopolitan menu, a combination of European, African and Asian dishes, made from an abundance of fresh Kenyan produce. Both breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, while dinner is a 5-course Table D'hote, with a choice of main courses. The Rhino Restaurant is open for breakfast from 0700 to 1000 hours, lunch from 1230 to 1430 hours, dinner from 1930 to 2130 hours and for Children's early dinner (on request) from 1830 to 1930 hours. Seating capacity is 80 people.
KHASHOGGI BAR AND LOUNGE
Also located in the main building, the Khashoggi Bar is a comfortable lounge which extends into 3 sections: 2 of these have a shared fireplace lit from 1700 to 2300 hours, while the third is an annex to the rhino Restaurant. This annex has a small verandah, which leads out into the Waterhole Bar, and is decorated in warm colours with cushions and deep stuffed sofas and rugs. Afternoon tea, liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails, tea and coffee are served here. The Khashoggi Bar and Lounge is open from 1000 to 2300 hours, and for afternoon tea from 1600 to 1730 hours. Seating capacity is 40 people.
WATERHOLE BAR
Elevated some 20 feet off the ground, this Bar overlooks the waterhole giving you a superb view of the wildlife visiting to quench their thirst. The Waterhole Bar is an ideal venue for small cocktail parties or dinner parties. Served here are liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails, tea and coffee. The Waterhole Bar is open from 1000 to 2300 hours, and seating capacity is 30 people, or 20 people for Cocktail parties, and 12 people for private dinner parties.
SWIMMING POOL BAR
Located by the swimming pool, the bar is really a verandah with a generous barbeque pit. The area around the swimming pool is ideal for private cocktail parties, dinners and barbeques. Barbeque dinners are served on request, and curry lunches on Sundays, weather permitting. This pool bar serves liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails, tea and coffee. The Swimming Pool Bar is open from 1000 to 2300 hours, and seating capacity is unlimited.
SWIMMING POOL
The swimming pool is manned by an attendant from 0600 hours to 1800 hours. The wooden trellis with bougainvillea, and Golden Shower creepers allow dappled sunlight through on some spots, a relief from the sometimes scorching sun. Sun-beds and mattresses are available. Towels are provided. There are men's and ladies' changing rooms, each with showers. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
VIDEOS
Wildlife movies are screened in the Morani Room on guests' request.
BIRD WALKS
Our bird specialist escorts you through the surrounds of Sweetwaters Tented Camp, pointing out many of the resident species, which include Speke's Weaver, brown parrot, black cuckoo shrike and green hoopoe.
Enjoy your Kenya Safari and African Safari with African Sermon Safaris! Start now.
Samburu Serena Lodge, Samburu
Situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, in the center of the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya's rugged semi-arid Northern Province is Samburu Serena Lodge - a lodge that echoes the robust rhythms of African riverfront life. Mount Kenya itself looms on the horizon. The landscape is home to a variety of rare game, and is also inhabited by hundreds of different bird species.
Inspired by the architecture of the indigenous Samburu tribe, the lodge blends into its natural environment by making full use of native materials.
Thatched cabins built using exotic African woods create an relaxing atmosphere.
All guest rooms have private verandas with uninterrupted vistas of the languid river and the wildlife it attracts, as well as the countless crocodiles that make the waters, their home.
Total Guest Rooms: 62
-Rooms with two twin beds (en suite with shower): 44
-Rooms with double bed (en suite with shower): 10
-Family Rooms: (en suite with bath and shower): 8
Facilities:
-Outdoor pool with lounge chairs, tables, umbrellas and fresh towels.
-Communication available via telephone, fax and radio.
-Daily laundry/pressing service.
-Babysitting can usually be arranged with sufficient notice.
-Samburu details and murals depicting local nature enhance gracious dining and lounge areas.
Overlooking the outdoor swimming pool and the meandering Uaso Nyiro River, the open-air dining room serves guests sumptuous international menus, buffets and barbecues alongside authentic African dishes.
A full service bar, Kiboko Bar, located in the lodge, is open from 11:30 am. to 2:00 pm. and 5:45 pm. till late in the evening, serving fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee, cocktails, wines, spirits and liqueurs.
The pool terrace bar has upper and lower pool terraces. Serving fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee, cocktails, wines, spirits and liqueurs. Seating capacity is 104. Open from 6:30 am. to 11:00 pm.
With just a day's advance notice, guests can be treated to a private moonlit dinner in the bush or beside the languid Uaso Nyiro River.
From the back of a camel, experience the breathtaking views across the plains and the winding course of the Uaso Nyiro River, fringed with desert palm, to the craggy purple mountains that frame every distant horizon. Ride back along the shallow, sandy banks of the river and watch an abundance of wildlife wandering down to drink.
After your early morning Kenya safari game drive, enjoy your breakfast with tables overlooking the aptly named "Crocodile Point".
There are daily-guided nature/bird walks through the Samburu Serena Lodge grounds given by the resident naturalist.
Each evening there is a lecture on some particular aspect of the Samburu culture.
Every afternoon, in a special native amphitheater, members of a local Samburu tribe perform traditional tribal dances.
Mountain Lodge Serena, Mount Kenya:
Hidden in a quiet forest glade within the Mount Kenya Forest, Mountain Lodge offers the ultimate window on wild Kenya Safari. From the privacy of your room, steady streams of shy and magnificent creatures are drawn to the ancient waterhole.
Located at 2194 meters on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Serena Mountain Lodge is surrounded by a dense rainforest that comes alive at dusk with myriad of sounds that make the African bush so special and exhilarating; and this is just a sample of what to expect on a Safari.
Just two and a half hours by car from Nairobi, this stunning area is towered over by the rocky peaks of Mount Kenya and prides itself in having one of the most consistent high records of big game 'visits' and sightings. Elephant, buffalo, rhino and waterbuck are regular sights in the evenings and by day, Kenya safari game drives.
The African safari hotel architecture in superb and has the following particular characteristics:
-42 total guest rooms.
-18 rooms with two single beds.
-4 rooms with doubles beds.
-2 rooms with single beds.
Guest amenities include:
-Satellite TV.
-Communication available via telephone, fax and radio.
-Nurse on call 24 hours. Flying -Doctors Service is also available.
-Emergency Medivac to hospital from nearby airstrip.
-Daily laundry/pressing service.
-Shoe shining service.
-Binoculars and hairdryers available at reception desk.
-Central safety deposit service available, free-of-charge, at the reception desk.
-Voltage is 240 V in rooms; shaver outlets have both 110 V and 240 V. -Adaptors available at the reception desk
Serena Mountain Lodge is ideally situated as a base for guests who want to climb Mount Kenya. Hiking and walking tours can be arranged with African Sermon Safaris for those who want to experience a part of Mount Kenya
At Serena Mountain Lodge, at any time of the day one can spot game in the specially constructed bunkers that are connected to the lodge by a short tunnel. Here one will get a spectacularly close to the animals that drink at the waterhole. A spacious verandah also overlooks the waterhole where there is never a dull moment.
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