A Kenya Safari With Patricia McConnell & Friends

includes...
Wildlife Safari
Nairobi
Mt Kenya
Samburu Game Reserve
Lake Nakuru National Park
Maasai Mara

November 1-13, 2003
Fully escorted from New York

L I M I T: 30
(for ages 8 to 88)

SAFARI ITINERARY
November 1-13, 2003
Fully escorted from New York
DAY DATE WHAT
Sat November 1 NEW YORK / EN ROUTE
Sun November 2 AMSTERDAM / NAIROBI
Mon November 3 TREE HOTEL
Tue-Wed-Thu November 4-5-6 SAMBURU GAME RESERVE
Fri November 7 LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
Sat-Sun-Mon November 8-9-10 MAASAI MARA / NORTHERN SERENGETI
Tue November 11 MAASAI MARA / NAIROBI
Wed November 12 NAIROBI / EN ROUTE
Thu November 13 AMSTERDAM / NEW YORK
Itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond control.
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4-DAY POST-EXTENSION TO THE KENYAN COAST
November 12-17, 2003
A minimum of 5 passengers is required for this extension.
Additonal $995.00 per person.
DAY DATE WHAT
Wed November 12 NAIROBI / MALINDI
Thu-Fri-Sat November 13-14-15 THE KENYAN COAST
Sun November 16 NAIROBI / EN ROUTE
Mon November 17 AMSTERDAM / NEW YORK
Itinerary may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond control.
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ITINERARY DESCRIPTIONS
Saturday • November 1
NEW YORK / EN ROUTE

Your safari adventure begins the moment you arrive at the Northwest/KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Terminal at the JFK International Airport in New York. Soon, you are aboard your jumbo jet flying across the Atlantic, enjoying KLM's superb in-flight service and cuisine. The flight from New York to Amsterdam is approximately 8 hours. (Meals aloft)

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Sunday • November 2
AMSTERDAM / NAIROBI

Your jet lands this morning in Amsterdam where you connect with your flight to Nairobi. This is another approximately 8 hour flight. "Jambo" (Hello) is the cheerful welcome of your Park East professional naturalist, as he meets you upon your arrival at Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the Safari Capital of East Africa. After check-in, a chance for a good nights rest.

Considered one of the leading hotels in Africa, the legendary Norfolk has welcomed such travelers as Teddy Roosevelt, the Baron and Baroness von Blixen and more recently James Earl Jones and Robert Redford. For them, The Norfolk is synonymous with glorious sophistication in the heart of Africa. No other hotel in Kenya captures as much of Nairobi's splendid past and exciting present, and few hotels anywhere can claim a more romantic history.

Overnight at the NORFOLK HOTEL. (Meals aloft, no meals in Amsterdam)

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Monday • November 3
TREE HOTEL

Get set to discover the heart of East Africa, its people and big game country. Get your field glasses and camera equipment ready as you drive through rich farm land to the base of Mt. Kenya. Located in a montane forest (approximately a 2 ¸ hour drive from Nairobi), the Mountain Lodge provides spectacular views of Mt. Kenya. Your simple but comfortable room with private bath overlooks a water hole which attracts wildlife throughout the afternoon and night. Quietly observe the procession of wildlife that come to drink: buffalo, rhino, leopard, hyena and antelope.

This afternoon, join the lodge naturalist for an amazing walk through the forest. The mountain's elephants favor this area and you will see their tracks, the trees they eat and sometimes the elephants themselves. Learn about some of the customs and medicinal herbs of the Kikuyu who honor Mt. Kenya as sacred. Colobus monkeys may leap from tree to tree overhead. Some of Kenya's rarest birds can be spotted here, and waterbuck, bushbuck and red duiker may peek timidly through the trees. Upon your return to the lodge, observe the interaction of wildlife at the waterhole below from the open veranda as dusk slips into evening and the nightsounds envelop you.

Overnight at the MOUNTAIN LODGE TREE HOTEL. (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

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Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday • November 4-5-6
SAMBURU GAME RESERVE

Drive towards the great Kenya scrublands, via Isiolo, to Samburu Game Reserve. Physically dramatic, with a great table mountain in the background, the reserve bakes red brown for most of the year. A permanent relief is in the broad green ribbon of trees along the Uaso Nyiro ("Brown") River, which provides pools for hippo and sand spits for basking crocodile. To add to the attraction is a wide gallery forest of acacia, doums palms and tamarind, chattering monkeys in the trees and the occasional scarlet flash of a Turaco in what ornithologists consider an exceptional location for birds - the Red-billed Hornbill, weavers, Fish Eagle, Superb Starling, and Lilac-breasted Roller.

You'll spend the next three days in Samburu, which is rich in wildlife not seen in other parts of Kenya. Here, you will find the long-necked gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, endangered Beisa oryx and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich, all common to the northern province of Kenya. Watch for elephant, rhino, lion, and buffalo. An occasional crocodile will appear on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River.

Your accommodations will be at the Samburu Intrepids Club, one of the first permanent luxury tented camps in East Africa. At first glance, your camp appears to be a fantasy tree house, set on stilts with a vaulted thatch roof and big wooden terrace. Hand-crafted mahogany furniture, oversized four poster beds, en suite bathrooms with showers and double-hand basins, running hot and cold water and electricity are featured in each tent. Large ceiling fans create a breeze when it's warm at midday, and you can relax on reclining chairs on your private verandah. Bottled water, umbrellas, flashlights and early morning tea and coffee service are provided. Enjoy two game drives each day, plus options for walking safaris outside the reserve, and lectures by the resident naturalist. There is a pool, gift shop, plus options for camel rides, bird walks and bush breakfasts.

Overnights at the SAMBURU INTREPIDS CAMP. (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily)

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Friday • November 7
LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Through the picturesque Rift Valley, today you drive to Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake in the Rift Valley, renowned for its spectacular flamingo population. Although Lake Nakuru is primarily a bird sanctuary, there are a considerable number of animals to be encountered, such as the Bohor Reedbuck, bushbuck, and the rare Rothschild giraffe.

Set on a plateau in the Rift Valley, overlooking one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles, Lake Nakuru, stands Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. Beautifully landscaped with natural foliage and a startling variety of flower gardens, the Lodge offers comfortable accommodations with private bathrooms complemented by delicious cuisine. From time to time, the panoramic view from the Lodge reveals a shimmering pink glow across the lake, created by millions of flamingos, as well as numerous pelicans and Marabou Storks. Amenities at the Lion Hill include restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna, and curio shops. Traditional dancers regale with their splendid performances every evening.

Overnight at SAROVA LION HILL. (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily)

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Saturday-Sunday-Monday • November 8-9-10
MAASAI MARA / NORTHERN SERENGETI

Your drive this morning takes you to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the northern part of the Serengeti, one of Kenya's most favored game-viewing areas. The reserve covers 700 square miles of magnificent wilderness. It is the Africa of the imagination; endless reaches of acacia-dotted grasslands studded with hazy hills. Your accommodations for the next three nights will be at the Mara Serena Lodge, a modern adaptation of traditional Maasai architecture. It is set at the heart of the reserve on a ridge with panoramic views of the rolling grasslands in the area known as the Mara Triangle, where the lodge has exclusivity. This assures guests of a high degree of privacy on game drives.

Everything is big in the Mara Reserve, from the herds of zebra and wildebeest, which originate in the Serengeti, to the many prides of the mighty lion that rest and laze in the shade. Your driver points out the sights that his trained eyes see long before we do. Suddenly your caravan grinds to a halt to allow a huge, ivory-tusked elephant to lumber across the road in front of your vehicle. One of the laws of the land in East Africa's game parks is that animals, not people, have the right of way at all times; it is their world, we are the guests. Remember that, for therein lies one of the secrets of the magic of East Africa. Your afternoons end with a sunset you will long remember.

While in the Mara, you'll have opportunities for exciting optional activities. Try a balloon safari or an excursion to Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria where you can fish for giant perch. A Park Ranger will join you, duties permitting, who will discuss animal habits and conservation methods in the Mara. Other optional activities are a dawn walking safari to experience the awakening of Africa including a hippo pool breakfast and a visit to a Maasai village and a Maasai school.

Overnights at the MARA SERENA LODGE. (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily)

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Tuesday • November 11
MAASAI MARA / NAIROBI

A last game run in the picturesque Maasai Mara this morning before driving back to Nairobi. . (An optional flight is available at a cost of $125 per person.) Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will have an opportunity to visit some of the local shops. Here, you'll find souvenirs ranging from inexpensive baskets and beads and intricate wood carvings.

This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the Carnivore, the popular grill set in a garden near Nairobi National Park. Beef, racks of lamb, spare ribs, sausage, chicken wings, skewered kidneys, even crocodile are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge, charcoal pit that dominates the entrance of the restaurant. Constantly basted and turned until perfectly cooked, the meat is succulent and well flavored. Waiters deliver these swords around the restaurant, carving unlimited amounts of prime meats onto sizzling, cast iron plates in front of you. A wide selection of salads, vegetable side dishes, and a variety of exotic sauces accompany the feast. Vegetarian choices are plenty, and to build up your courage for sampling crocodile (tastes like lobster) you may want to try the house drink of honey, lime, and vodka -- affectionately known as "Dawa" ("medicine" in Swahili.)

Overnight at the NORFOLK HOTEL. (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily)

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Wednesday • November 12
NAIROBI / EN ROUTE

Your day is at leisure. There is an optional morning excursion (at an additional cost of $125 per person) available. Visit Karen Blixen's home, author of Out of Africa. Karen lived here from 1913 to 1931 and it was reopened under the auspices of the National Museums of Kenya. It contains some of her belongings, furniture from the period, and farm machinery she used. At the time, the farm was on a dirt road out of Nairobi, relatively inaccessible. When she left, the district was named after her and is now the Nairobi suburb of Karen. You will also visit Giraffe Center where you will be able to hand-feed the rare Rothschild giraffes that make their home in the gardens of the imposing stone building. known as the Giraffe Manor. Built in 1932, it became the home of Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville in 1974. They founded the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) and moved five babies of the endangered Rothschild giraffe to this property, successfully raising them. They have since grown and had their own offspring. Betty, a Baltimore native, chronicled this event in her book, Raising Daisy Rothschild. For a special treat, visit the orphanage of the eminent naturalist Daphne Sheldrick at 11:00 a.m., located on the outskirts of the Nairobi National Park. Daphne, or a member of her staff, will introduce you to the infant elephants, rhino and other animals under her care. Ms. Sheldrick is the first person to have succeeded in raising orphaned baby elephants and is the author of the book Orphans of Tsavo. Lunch is included at the Rangers Restaurant, located nearby. Return to the hotel this afternoon where a dayroom is available for your use. This evening, bid "Kwaheri" (Farewell). It will be difficult to say goodbye. You will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Amsterdam where you connect with your flight to the USA. (breakfast, meals aloft)

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Thursday • November 13
AMSTERDAM / NEW YORK

This morning your jet lands in Amsterdam where you connect with your flight to the USA, bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of East Africa. (meals aloft)

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Wednesday • November 12
NAIROBI / MALINDI

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Malindi, arriving this afternoon. While in on the coast, you'll have an opportunity to take some wonderful optional excursions, or just relax and enjoy the numerous facilities of your hotel. Just 60 miles from Mombasa and 15 minutes by car from Malindi airport, on perhaps the finest stretch of sandy beach in Kenya, Hemingway's is at one and the same time accessible and secluded. The high quality of accommodation and facilities is matched by the superb food and friendly atmosphere. In addition to deep-sea fishing, there are all the appurtenances of a beachside holiday: windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming in the coral gardens to see the brilliantly colored fish and other fascinating marine life. Mida Creek, a mangrove bounded haven for a host of birds is a superb place for Hemingways' supplied seafood picnics. The swimming pool, the terrace, the bar and the restaurant are all places to relax, enjoy your new friends and recharge your spiritual batteries - over great food and drink.

Overnights at the HEMINGWAY'S HOTEL. (breakfast, dinner)

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Thursday-Friday-Saturday • November 13-14-15
THE KENYAN COAST

The next three days are at leisure to explore this coastal resort, lapped by the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The coral gardens, protected by the Marine National Parks, are teeming with tropical fish and coral gardens. There are several glass-bottomed boats equipped with snorkeling equipment ready to take you out to see the wonders of these waters.

On one of your days on the coast, you may wish to take an optional excursion to Mombasa, which is a cultural melting pot of a city, with a population of more than a quarter of a million, and a distinctive personality evolved from 1,000 years of contact with the East, the Mediterranean and Europe. Your tour will explore this ancient seaport; an Arab and Indian maze of narrow streets and passages (many impassable to motor traffic) with overhanging "Juliet" balconies and carved doorways. Goldsmiths and silversmiths are traditional craftsmen in the Old Town. At the Old Harbor is an open square containing the Customs House, fishmarket and shops specializing in carpets, chests and brassware. Nearby is Fort Jesus, constructed in 1593 as the ultimate in indestructible fortresses. Now a museum of coastal antiquities, with fine exhibits of ceramics and carved doors, Fort Jesus was the scene of many bloody battles between the Portuguese and their various enemies. A special treat will be a visit to the old harbor of Mombasa where you will board your dhow (traditional sailing vessel) for an exotic lunch cruise that will afford you wonderful opportunities for viewing rare sea birds. Then in the late afternoon enjoy a walk at Tiwi Beach to look for Crab Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Broad-billed Sandpiper, White-cheeked Tern, Palm-nut Vulture and Red-fronted Tinderbird. Return to Hemingways in the evening.

Another optional activity will be offered with a drive along the coast to Bamburi where you will find the Bamburi Nature Trail, one of the conservationists' greatest success stories and a birder's paradise. The Nature Trail, which used to be a quarry, has been transformed into a haven for wildlife, where peacocks strut in forested glades beneath the crowns of eucalyptus, conocarpus, palms, and casuarinas in a wonderland of nature. Continuing along the coast look for rare sea birds such as the Lesser Noddy. In the Mangrove swamps look for Green-backed Heron, Coast Chinspot and Golden-palm Weaver, as well as Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul, Rufous-backed Manikin, Black-breasted Glossy Starling and Silvery-Cheeked Hornbill. Return to Hemingway's in the evening.

You can also choose to spend a day visiting Lamu Island. Your flight takes off this morning, arriving in Lamu in plenty of time to explore the town. Begin at the small but excellent museum, then be sure to enjoy the view from the rooftop restaurant of the old fort. Dhow boats draw out along the sea wall that runs the length of the harbor, adorned with black cannons. Many of the buildings facing the sea are the white, Arab-style, with beautifully carved doors. Behind them is a maze of narrow streets no wider than the span of a donkey cart, plus tiny shops in alleyways, where you can buy the beautiful white khanzu long shirts worn by men, and see women who cover all but their eyes with a black bui-bui. You will also have lunch at Peponi Hotel, owned and managed by the Korschen family for a quarter of a century. "Peponi" means a restful, cool place. The hotel overlooks the ocean and adjoins two miles of untouched white-sand beach. The bright white verandahs are home to a riot of bougainvillea blossoms. Both the outdoor grill and the small but simple dining room serve fresh seafood, and the tiny bar is famous for its fresh lime juice. Return to Malindi late this afternoon, after a wonderful experience.

To satisfy your sense of mystery, another optional activity visits Gedi, a town that was mysteriously abandoned in the 17th century and is now overgrown by jungle vegetation. Gedi was clearly an Islamic port and there are well-preserved relics of a mosque and houses in the traditional Swahili style. At Malindi Marine Park you'll be able to view colorful tropical fish and exquisite corals from glass-bottom boats. After a delicious lunch at a beach hotel and a visit to Birdland, watch a delightful performance of traditional dancing at a Giriama village. Return to Hemingway's in the evening.

Overnights at the HEMINGWAY'S HOTEL. (breakfast, dinner daily)

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Sunday • November 16
NAIROBI / EN ROUTE

A last opportunity to swim in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, before departing for Nairobi where you connect with your flight to Amsterdam in the evening. It will be difficult to say "Kwaheri" (Farewell). (breakfast, meals aloft)

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Monday • November 17
AMSTERDAM / NEW YORK

This morning your jet lands in Amsterdam where you connect with your flight to New York, bringing with you the memories of all the wonderful sights of East Africa. (meals aloft)

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OPTIONS IN THE MAASAI MARA
BALLOON SAFARI

There is the possibility of enjoying an exciting balloon flight over the Maasai Mara. This departs in the early morning and lasts for about an hour. Experience the romance and sheer pleasure of ballooning. Your flight pattern varies from a gentle glide above the treetops to soaring with the speed of the clouds as you climb several thousand feet into the air. This is a rare opportunity to get a birds-eye view of the various plains animals and their movements. Afterward, sit down to a spectacular champagne breakfast, specially prepared by your crew. Your breakfast site is situated right in the midst of the African bush. As you savor your meal -which consists of fresh fruit, and your choice of eggs, bacon, sausage, tea or coffee, and of course, champagne -watch as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and other local wildlife go about their daily routines. At present, the cost is $385 per person.

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EXCURSION TO LAKE VICTORIA

On one of your days in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, you have the option of visiting Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh-water lake in the world and source of the Nile River. A thrilling early morning flight across the Mara reserve will take you to exotic Rusinga Island. From the island camp you'll watch giant monitor lizards, over 100 species of exotic birds, and elusive spotted necked otters playing along the water's edge. You'll see picturesque fishing dhows and unspoiled traditional fishing villages. Boats and fishing equipment are available for those who wish to try fishing for giant Nile Perch, weighing up to 200 pounds. Fly back to your lodge or camp in the Mara in time for your afternoon game run. This option must also be reserved well in advance. At present, the cost is $425 per person.

N O T E

If you wish to reserve a seat on the Balloon Safari or space for the Lake Victoria Excursion, full payment must be forwarded to Park East, 100 Environs Parkway, Helena, AL 35080-0618. This must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure to guarantee a space. If, for any reason the trip does not materialize, your payment will be refunded upon returning to the U.S.A. However, if you should cancel, payment is non-refundable.

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Q & A WOOFS!!
Why Travel With A Group?

You don't have to make reservations, battle with hotel clerks, cart luggage around, hassle over rental cars, worry about getting lost, or finding a decent restaurant. When you arrive at a destination, the tour guide hands you your key. Within minutes, your luggage appears in your room. All you have to do is get ready to go on an adventure looking for elephants and hippos, or relax, refresh and appear on the veranda for drinks and a scrumptious dinner.

This is group travel for people who usually don't like traveling with groups. There are no name tags. You have choices about how to spend your day. Moreover, you will share adventures and meals with fun, interesting people. Besides, if you forget to bring something, people can help you out. When you travel independently you pay extra for specialists. You also hire people you usually know little about.

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Why Travel With this Group?

You will learn from people who can make the trip truly special. Patricia McConnell Ph.D. adjunct assistant zoology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, certified applied animal behaviorist, and owner of a dog training company, adds in-depth knowledge about animal behavior. Trisha intersperses safari sightings with talks on why the animals we observe behave the way they do.

Antonio Marangabassa, an articulate sociologist and Kenyan guide for 27 years, is exceptionally knowledgeable about the natural history and the cultural history of the area. As amazing as the animals of Kenya are, under Tony's guidance, most visitors come back home equally appreciative of the country's many ethnic groups. Tony will even try to arrange a visit to a Maasai village and a school if participants are interested. Tour escort, Barbara Gilmore, travel planner and teacher/naturalist in the Milwaukee area, helps with any problems that may arise. She has been leading trips for 22 years and has brought groups to Kenya 7 times in the past 11 years.

Ground transportation in Kenya is by private, specially built, minibuses with roof hatches that open to allow photos to easily be taken. Each van has its' own professional driver/guide. Although the vehicles have seats for nine passengers we only seat six passengers. Thus, everyone has a window seat and room for their own photo equipment. Dr. McConnell, Tony Marangabassa and Barbara Gilmore, circulate among the vehicles so that they can share their expertise with everyone. The passengers in each vehicle decide where they want to go each day and how long they would like to spend at a sighting. . This is your trip. If you want a private-feel to your safari, find five other people to come along and fill a minibus with your own group.

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Why Travel with Patricia McConnell?

Touring with Patricia McConnell provides you with a remarkable chance to learn how to observe the behavior of wild animals, going far beyond the simple identification of species. For example, about her last trip to Kenya, Trisha recalls: "While we were watching a group of hyenas at a fresh kill site, we identified and named each individual of the group, and then carefully observed their behavior as they competed for food. This allowed us to appreciate the animals on a much deeper level. The next day we were thrilled to discover "Gray Belly" miles away, but clearly identifiable because we'd taken the time to "observe" the hyena rather than just "watch".

The safari's emphasis is on the amazing animals of Kenya. You'll observe mamma elephants caressing babies with their trunks, emerald and scarlet birds decorating the skies, as well as seeing lions so close you can almost reach out and touch them.

This is your chance to bring what you see on National Geographic out of your television set to right in front of your eyes and ears, on an adventure of a lifetime. In Trisha's own words, "This trip is for people who want to expand their horizons and discover a world so excitingly different that it feels like another planet.

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Is It Safe To Travel to Kenya?

Keep in mind that Trisha and Barb have no intention of putting their middle-aged bodies in a risky situation! Only YOU can decide if you're comfortable traveling far from home. Park East, the tour operator, has been offering trips to Africa for more then 35 years, with a sterling reputation for safety. If they believe it is not safe to go, Park East will cancel the trip and you will get all of your money back. If you decide to cancel, for any reason, you will be responsible for any payments you have already made. Trip insurance is available from Park East Tours. Travel agents also carry trip insurance.

Health precautions - As with any trip to Africa, you will want to consult your doctor or a travel clinic before you go. Anti- malaria medicine and a yellow fever vaccination are often recommended.

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FEES

All rates quoted are based on tariffs and value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar in effect as of September 17, 2002, and are subject to change.

  • $3850.00 per person, double occupancy
  • $995.00 per person (4-Day Post-Extension to the KENYAN COAST)
  • $385.00 (Balloon Safari)
  • $425.00 (Excursion to Lake Victoria)
  • $695.00 (single supplement, main program)
  • $295.00 (single supplement, Kenyan Coast extension)
  • Insurance coverage begins at $175.00

Should additional reservations be required, including extensions in Africa or Europe, Park East will be happy to make all the arrangements. However, there will be an extra charge of $150 per person for such deviations, in addition to any other fees implemented at the time. If you want to stop over in Amsterdam there is a stopover charge from KLM of $100 per person. These fees are over and above the cost of the services required plus any applicable air surcharges.

Add-on fees for airports other than New York.

  • Milwaukee, Madison and Los Angles: $135 round trip
  • Chicago: $85.00 round trip
  • Other city destinations available upon request.
  • If using frequent flier miles or coupons, main safari fee is $3100.00 (less $750.00).

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SAFARI INCLUSIONS
The following items are included in the safari price.

  • Roundtrip airfare from New York to Nairobi.
  • U.S. and foreign airport taxes.
  • Superior accommodation at hotels and game lodges as indicated in the itinerary (or similar).
  • All meals while on safari in Kenya. Breakfast and dinner daily at Hemingways. Other meals as specified in itinerary.
  • Visit with Park Ranger while in the Maasai Mara, duties permitting.
  • All wildlife viewing by private minibus with photographic roof hatches, chauffeured by professional driver/guide. A window seat is guaranteed.
  • Complimentary mineral water in vehicles.
  • Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips and taxes.
  • All National Park and Reserves entry fees.
  • All transfers.
  • $250,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance provided free.
  • Safari bag, passport wallet, and baggage tags.

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SAFARI (not included)
The following items are NOT included in the safari price.

  • Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
  • Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
  • Meals other than specified and all beverages.
  • Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
  • Fees for laundry and services of a personal nature.
  • Personal, baggage, and tour cancellation insurance (optional policy available)
  • Optional insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption at special low cost group rates.
  • Cost for anything not specifically included in the listing above.

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GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS

| Air Transportation | Departure Taxes | Airline Seating | Frequent Flyer Mileage | Accommodations | Single Supplement | Meals | Sightseeing and Animal Viewing | Transfers, Tips & Taxes | Trip Information | Escort | Professional Naturalist | Inoculations | Deviations | Change Fees | Baggage

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Roundtrip economy-class jet transportation from NEW YORK via NORTHWEST/KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES and/or other IATAN carriers. Rates based on special promotional group fares and are subject to cancellation fees once tickets are issued.

We will be happy to quote you an air price from your departure city. This new price and schedule is not necessarily an add-on to the New York flight; you might be leaving the USA from another Northwest/KLM departure city. All flights will meet in Amsterdam and depart for the Amsterdam/Nairobi flight together.

DEPARTURE TAXES

Please note the amount of departure tax is subject to change, at the discretion of governments and airlines, and with no advance notice. Should this occur, you will be invoiced prior to departure for any additional taxes imposed.

AIRLINE SEATING

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines issues a block of seats in non-smoking for the group. We can request a seating preference on your behalf, however this is only a request and not guaranteed. Requests should be made in writing no later than 60 days prior to departure. Bulkhead and/or emergency row seats can only be requested at airport check in on the day of departure. Boarding passes will only be issued at the airport on the day of departure. You may inquire during check-in to have a seating change made, however this change is based on availability and is at the sole discretion of airport staff.

FREQUENT FLYER MILEAGE

At time of publication, Northwest Airlines is a partner with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air China, Alaska, Aloha, America West, Braathens Safe, Business Express, Continental Airlines, Eurowings, Garuda, Hawaiian, Horizon, Japan Air System, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, Midwest Express, Pacific Island Aviation, and Trans States. Therefore you may obtain frequent flyer mileage on any of these carriers. Present your frequent flyer card for all flight check-ins and keep the boarding passes until you receive a statement with the mileage credit.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The finest accommodations will be provided at hotels game lodges and tented camps specified in your itinerary (or similar,) and are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private facilities.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT

When available, single supplement is $695 on the main program and $295 on the Kenyan Coast extension. However, single accommodations are not guaranteed. Appropriate per diem refunds are made to passengers in the event they paid for a single room but had to share during any portion of their trip. For passengers who are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another tour member, we will do our best to provide a roommate. However, if this is not possible, you will be required to pay the single room supplement. The single room supplement pays for privacy, not better accommodations.

MEALS

All meals while on safari in Kenya. Breakfast and dinner daily at Hemingways on the Kenyan coast extension. American breakfast in Nairobi. No meals in Europe. Other meals as specified in itinerary.

SIGHTSEEING AND ANIMAL VIEWING

Your tour will be a visual delight. All sightseeing in Kenya will be done by private chauffeured minibus, with a guaranteed window seat, and are included in tour price.

TRANSFERS, TIPS & TAXES

Roundtrip transfer of passengers between airports and hotels for included services. Gratuities for baggage handling, service charges and taxes imposed by hotels, and entrance fees to all game reserves as outlined in the itinerary are included. Tips to driver/guides and the local professional naturalist are not included and are at the discretion of the tour members.

TRIP INFORMATION

Upon receipt of your application, instructions will be sent to you concerning all aspects of your trip, such as itinerary, photographic equipment, documents, clothing, insurance, etc.

ESCORT

Escort will accompany group with a minimum of 15 passengers on the main program and with 10 passengers on the extension.

PROFESSIONAL NATURALIST

With groups of 15 or more passengers, a professional naturalist will accompany group throughout Kenya. Where less than 15 on the tour, your lead driver-guide will perform the duties of the naturalist.

INOCULATIONS

Health conditions in Africa are good. While in Kenya, water is safe to drink in large city hotels, but it is always advisable to purchase bottled water. We would suggest you contact your personal physician or local health department for their recommendations as to inoculations. At the time of printing, no vaccinations are required for entry into Kenya. Yellow Fever is suggested for Kenya. It is also a sensible precaution for visitors to take one of the preventive pills that are in common use against malaria.

DEVIATIONS

Should additional reservations be required, including extensions in Africa or Europe, Park East will be happy to make all the arrangements. However, there will be an extra charge of $150 per person for such deviations, in addition to any other fees implemented at the time. If you want to stop over in Amsterdam there is a stopover charge from KLM of $100 per person. These fees are over and above the cost of the services required plus any applicable air surcharges.

CHANGE FEES

Once you reserve your tour, changes are possible subject to availability of air or land space at the time of request. Should there be any change fees imposed by airlines or ground operators, or additional costs incurred due to availability of any space, this cost will be invoiced to you.

BAGGAGE

International flights from the U.S. allow two pieces of checked luggage. However we recommend you travel as light as you can manage. The baggage limit on domestic flights is one piece at 33 lbs per person (plus a carry-on bag.) Also, the size and the structure of the bag is limited. Soft "squashable" bags (canvas, fabric or duffel bags) about 24" X 17" X 7" are ideal. Large suitcases are virtually impossible to stow on smaller aircraft and minibuses and therefore should not be used. An overnight bag should be in your care at all times.

WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN THE OPTIONAL INSURANCE POLICY.

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PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE

A deposit of $500 per person must be submitted with each application, plus $100 additional for the extension. Check payments only are accepted. Make checks payable to Puppyorks. Final payment is due no later September 1, 2003.

RATES

All rates quoted are based on tariffs and value of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar in effect as of September 17, 2002, and are subject to change. Rates are based on a minimum of 15 passengers traveling together. The right is reserved to levy a surcharge if minimum is not met.

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CANCELLATIONS

If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your tour, refund will be made as follows:

  • Up to 90 days prior to departure, less $150 handling fee.
  • 90-60 days prior to departure, less $500, plus $100 for the extension.
  • 59-45 days prior to departure, less $1,500, plus $500 for the extension.
  • Less than 45 days prior to departure, refund is dependent on amount recoverable from overseas suppliers.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN THE OPTIONAL INSURANCE POLICY. INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU UPON RECEIPT OF APPLICATION. YOU CAN PURCHASE ANY OTHER TRAVEL INSURANCE YOU CARE TO AS WELL.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

For safari questions, please contact:
Barbara Gilmore
phone: 262-284-4286
fax: 262-284-4842

For travel questions, please contact:
Kim Guth

PARK EAST
100 Envorns Park
Helena, AL 35080
(800) 223-6078 x140
fax: 205-428-1714
kimg@parkeast.com
www.parkeast.com

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