Kenya Masai Mara Wildlife Safari - Steppes Discovery

Kenya
Masai Mara Wildlife Safari
Spend 6 nights split between Kicheche Mara Camp and Kicheche Bush Camp
Guided by Masai leaders, Daniel Minchil and Charles Wandero
Take a game drive with Living With Lions researchers
Explore Kenya’s most prolific conservancies on foot and on extended game drives

SUMMARY
This safari is designed for perceptive travellers realising time and patience are required to
ensure memorable wildlife encounters. This is not for those wanting to tick off as many species
as possible but for those that enjoy spending time with individual species, loving nothing more
than being out on the plains.
There will be early starts to catch the Mara’s incomparable first light and full day game drives
with sumptuous picnic lunches under the shade of Acacia trees. Flaming sunsets can be cooled
by icy sundowners and of course intimate camp fires with only the noise of the bush and a
million stars as distraction.
Game viewing will be done in custom-built vehicles however there will be the opportunity to
experience a game walk where the emphasis will switch from mammals to birds, insects and
fauna. The Maasai are an integral part of any trip to this area and we take good care to ensure
your visits to a local market and a manyatta are handled with sensitivity and give an authentic
insight into modern Maasai culture.
One of your morning safaris will be accompanied by a Living With Lions researcher working on
the Mara Predator Project, identifying key trends and shifts in lion population, and building an
online database of individual lions so that effective conservation methods can be applied. The
researcher will explain the methods used for identifying lions and those keen photographers on
the trip will be encouraged to take lion ID shots for use in compiling the lion database.
YOUR EXPERTS
Charles Wandero
Whenever there is a good sighting in Olare Orok conservancy or
the reserve the chances are Charles was there first. This broadshouldered,
softly spoken Kikuyu is a rock for Kicheche,
consistently one of their most requested guides.
What previous clients have said:
In London I pay good money for a whole department of staff to
do what Charles does as second nature, and with a smile as
wide as the Mara River.
Charles’s best wildlife moment to date:
4 guests and I were following a hungry leopard along the Talek
River. It was only us in the area and we followed her for two
and a half hours before she downed an impala in front of us.
Daniel Minchil
Daniel has been with Kicheche for almost nine years, working his
way through the ranks to head guide. Calm, articulate and highly
responsible, he is a silver level Kenya Professional Safaris Guide
and an excellent birder.
What previous clients have said:
Dan really is the man in the Mara, this is my third safari with
him and he seems to be able to unlock the Mara’s secrets better
than almost anybody’
Daniel’s best wildlife moment to date:
After 9 years of good service with Kicheche, finding Wild Dog
hunting and successfully taking a gazelle.

QUICK REFERENCE ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Nairobi and transfer to Wilson for domestic flight to the Masai
Mara.
Kicheche Mara Camp – Full Board.
Day 2 Kicheche Mara Camp – Full Board.
Day 3 Kicheche Mara Camp – Full Board.
Day 4 Transfer to Kicheche Bush Camp – Full Board.
Day 5 Kicheche Bush Camp – Full Board.
Day 6 Kicheche Bush Camp – Full Board.
Day 7 Transfer to air strip for flight to Nairobi.
Transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
GROUP FLIGHTS
Date Route Flight Number Depart Arrive
16/03/13
05/07/13
London Heathrow / Nairobi
KQ101 20:00 06:30*
07/12/13
*next day
23/03/13
12/07/13
Nairobi/ London Heathrow KQ102 23:45 06:45*
14/12/13
*next day
The flights above are not included in the cost of the trip however Steppes Discovery is able to
book these flights on your behalf. The group transfer will be waiting at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport to pick you up from the Kenya Airways flight detailed above. If you are
not arriving on the designated group flights you will need to ensure you are at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport arrivals hall at the designated flight arrival time. Alternatively please
speak to our office to arrange a private transfer at an additional cost.
We are aware that when it comes to booking international flights there are a number of
different options available to you which may be cheaper than the fares Steppes Discovery is
able to offer. Please bear in mind however that when booking international flights with
Steppes in conjunction with your holiday you are afforded a much greater level of financial
protection than if you book your flights separately through a different source. This is down to
EU Package Regulations which state that if a tour operator is booking international flights
combined with ground arrangements on your behalf and the flight from the UK is unable to
take off, then the tour operator is obliged to refund the full cost of your holiday.
Recently, this has become most pertinent on the occasions when flights were grounded in April
2010 due to volcanic ash and in December 2010 due to snow and frozen runways. Those
travellers who had booked hotels and ground arrangements through a tour operator but had
booked flights independently were still liable for the cost of their holiday, despite not being
able to fly from the UK. Those travellers who had booked a ‘package’ through a tour operator
including flights and ground arrangements were fully refunded the total cost of their holiday
or, as in most cases with Steppes’ clients, were found alternative arrangements at a later date
at no additional expense. This additional insurance against unforeseen circumstances can offer
not only peace of mind but valuable cover should the unexpected occur.

Day 1
Day 2-3
DETAILED TRIP ITINERARY
Nairobi to the Mara
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where you will be
transferred to Wilson Airport for your flight to the Masai Mara. On
arrival at Shikar airstrip Kicheche vehicles will be waiting to
transfer you to camp. It is from here that the safari begins, as
there is plenty of game to be found between the airstrip and
Kicheche Mara Camp. After a briefing from the camp managers
you will be shown to your tent before sitting down to a delicious
lunch. The food at Kicheche is excellent and while the camp
claims that nobody puts on weight you will certainly not go hungry
for the next six days!
Kicheche Mara Camp is a classic tented camp hidden in a beautiful
acacia valley, overlooking the Olare Orok stream. With only 8
tents the intimate and relaxed atmosphere gives you the
opportunity to enjoy a unique experience in the prime wildlife
area of the Mara North Conservancy.
The camp prides itself on offering a friendly and intimate stay,
with our hosts treating you as welcome guests, not just travel
statistics. There are only eight tents, each comfortably furnished
with an en-suite bathroom, flushing toilet and hot safari shower,
with low wattage lighting supplied 24 hours. All tents are
overlooking the Olare Orok stream and the western escarpment of
the valley. The camp lounge has a stunning view down the valley
and offers comfortable seating, a library, board games, cards and
local crafts.
After a few hours to enjoy the peace and solitude, you will
embark on your first game drive in the surrounding Mara North
Conservancy where your guides will do their best to introduce the
local pride. Whether you see cats or not, there is good game
viewing in this area and photographic opportunities are plentiful.
With cool drinks in hand you wish the setting African sun farewell,
happy in the knowledge that your Kenya adventure has only just
begun.
Overnight: Kicheche Mara Camp
Kicheche Mara Camp
It would be against the ethos of this trip to set in stone, a day-byday
itinerary. Clinical schedules are counterproductive, as they do
not allow for the capricious nature of wildlife. On this trip, the
approach will be reactive as we allow the wildlife to dictate the
schedule. For example, if we arrive at Kicheche and hear from the
guides that a cheetah with cubs has been seen close by, you know
the focus for the following day’s safari will be on cheetah.
Likewise, if we hear that the local pride has been active on the
nearby plains, your safari will stay closer to home as we look for
signs of these enigmatic lions. Thanks to the skill and

professionalism of Kicheche’s guides, this flexible approach works
well and, over the next few days, you can expect to enjoy the
following, in no particular order:
Full Day Safari around Mara North Conservancy
With picnic breakfast and lunch on board the group will head out
for an all day safari, exploring the further reaches of the Mara
North Conservancy, including areas such as Leopard Gorge. Expect
to see a multitude of game, in an unrushed fashion.
Full morning game drive with bush breakfast on the Mara River
The adage of ‘the early bird catches the worm’ has never been
truer than when on safari and you can expect early morning starts
on this trip. Not only is the early morning light unbeatable for
photography, but the animals are far more active when it is cooler
first thing in the morning (especially lions). By getting out there
early, you will increase your chances of seeing the wildlife at its
most active. The early starts will also be rewarded by a delicious
bush breakfast overlooking one of the many hippo pools to be
found on the Mara river or under a Balanites tree, looking out
across the seemingly never ending Mara plains.
Game Walk
Getting out on foot allows for a more intimate encounter with
Africa’s flora and fauna, where one can see, hear, touch and
smell the real wild Africa. Kicheche’s Masai guides will talk you
through the medicinal qualities of the local fauna, while looking
for animal tracks and pointing out the smaller mammals, reptiles,
birds and insects that are often overlooked when in a vehicle.
Visit to Masai market in Aitong
Aitong market is far removed from Nairobi’s tourist markets that
sell predictable tacky souvenirs. This is a genuine trading post for
the Masai, who will often walk for days to bring their cattle and
goats, looking to do business and a spot of socialising with their
fellow tribesmen. While the men swap stories and trade livestock,
the ladies sell vegetables, fruit and clothing. With the help of
your Masai guide, you may be able to buy a pair of Masai sandals,
made from old car tires and known locally as ‘thousand milers’!
This is an authentic look at a Masai way of life that hasn’t
changed in hundreds of years. While the welcome you are likely to
receive will be warm, photography will not always be appropriate.
Safari and lunch with Living with Lions researcher
You will be joined on one of your game drives by a member of the
Living With Lions team. The Mara Predator Project monitors lions
in key areas of the Mara, and identifies key trends and shifts in

Day 4
Day 5 - 6
population. The project also builds an online database of
individual lions, so that effective conservation methods can be
applied. This morning’s focus will be to look for lions so the Living
with Lions team member can explain the methods used to reliably
identify lions. If you are a keen photographer you will be
encouraged to take useful ID shots to add to the Mara Predator
Project lion database. You will later be joined for lunch or dinner
at Kicheche by a member of the Living With Lions team, after
which they will demonstrate how the database works and upload
any photographs taken that morning.
Overnight: Kicheche Mara Camp
Transfer to Kicheche Bush Camp
You will depart Kicheche Mara Camp first things in the morning to
take a slow game drive to Kicheche Bush Camp in the highly
esteemed Olare Orok conservancy, bordering the Reserve.
Kicheche Bush Camp is a small, classic, intimate, luxury tented
camp completely unfenced, amongst stunning whistling thorn
acacias. The ultra low-impact spread of six guests tents in the
trees and low escarpment beyond, provide the perfect hideaway
in this outstanding wilderness.
Six spacious luxury tents, fully insect-proof, with en-suite
bathrooms and a flushing toilet, running cold water and hot safari
showers. Solar power is provided 24 hours to your tent and the
comfortable verandah chairs are perfect to relax in and offer
great views over the game-filled plains. One tent can be
converted into a triple on request. There is a well furnished
lounge and dining tent, although mealtimes are generally alfresco
if weather permits.
The Olare Orok Conservancy, through its strict limit on bed
numbers, offers an incomparable game viewing experience
without crowds. The camp is located in a prime wildlife area and
game viewing starts at your doorstep.
Overnight: Kicheche Bush Camp
Kicheche Bush Camp
With 2 full days to explore the Mara’s most prestigious
conservancy you can be sure of exceptional game viewing by
vehicle and on foot.
Overnight: Kicheche Bush Camp

Day 7
Return to Nairobi.
One last game drive in the morning followed by one last
sumptuous lunch courtesy of Kicheche’s culinary wizards, before
transferring to Olkiombo air strip for your flight back to Nairobi.
On arrival in Nairobi you will be transferred to the international
airport via a restaurant to have supper (own cost) before you
need to check in.
PRE & POST TRIP EXTENSIONS
Before visiting the Masai Mara you may want to consider a 3
night stay at Kicheche Laikipia Camp or stay at Laikipia Wilderness
Camp, renowned for its wild dog sightings.
Stay at the Gold Eco Rated Porini Amboseli Camp in the
exclusive Selenkay Conservancy renowned for its elephant and
lion population and low vehicle numbers.
Relax on one of Kenya’s golden sandy beaches, cooling off with
a dip in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is also easily accessible from
Kenya for the perfect end to your safari.
These are only suggestions and so if you have other ideas you’d
like to explore then please contact us.

Dates:
Total Cost:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
17 – 22 March, 2013
6 – 11 July, 2013
8 – 13 December, 2013
£2,145 per person based on a twin share room.
Please note that the itinerary is based on a minimum of 4 paying
clients up to a maximum of 8. Previously we have obtained this
group size, but in the unlikely event that there are less than the
minimum numbers, we will review the situation 12 weeks prior
to travel and discuss your options.
With this in mind, it is important that you do not pay for any
supplementary details relating to this trip, such as flights, visas
or vaccinations until we confirm the trip is definitely running.
Any financial commitments made by you prior to the 12 week
review will not be refunded should the trip be cancelled due to
insufficient numbers.
Includes: Accommodation on a full board basis throughout
including drinks.
Laundry
Conservancy Fees
Transfers
Internal flights
Game drives and walks
Excludes: International flight
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips
Meal and drinks on last evening
Items of a personal nature
Single Supplement: Cost: £275
If you are happy to share accommodation with a fellow traveller
of the same sex then you will NOT be charged a single
supplement for your holiday. This is of course dependent on
there being another same sex traveller on the trip who is also
willing to share. If we cannot find you a suitable room-mate,
then we will pass on the single supplement, imposed by the
properties we are using. We will endeavour to keep this
supplement to a minimum and will discuss your room options 12
weeks prior to the date of departure.

Travelling in this region:
Accommodation:
TRIP NOTES
Due to the nature of these tours and the area visited, from time
to time we experience unforeseen schedule changes, imposed by
airlines and ground agents which can adversely affect or
interrupt your itinerary at any stage of the booking. Whilst we
are unable to cover the cost of any additional expenses that
maybe incurred as a result of these changes, we will of course
make every effort to assist you in resolving these matters as
quickly as we can and to ensure the trip runs as smoothly
possible.
Whilst you have a very good chance of seeing a multitude of
wildlife, it is important to remember that sightings can never be
guaranteed. These are wild animals with no fixed routine and
finding them takes patience, skill and an element of luck. Please
bear in mind that your guides will be experts in their field and
will do their best to ensure you see as much wildlife as possible.
Kicheche Mara Camp
Kicheche Bush Camp
Vaccinations and Visas: We recommend inoculations for Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis
A. If you are a regular traveller abroad we would recommend
that you are up to date on all childhood inoculations and
vaccinations including polio. Please consult a medical
practitioner for advice on malaria and specific vaccinations
required for this region.
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport with at least
six months left before expiry.
Most passport holders (EU and US) can obtain a visa for Kenya on
arrival for a fee of US$50.
Alternatively, you can arrange your visa through a specialist visa
company such as CIBT, whose details can be found on their
website http://uk.cibt.com
Health and Fitness: As the very nature of wildlife viewing involves dawn and dusk
movements for the best chance of sightings – please be aware
that this itinerary involves early morning starts to go into the
field to make the most of the day.

How to book:
SUPPORTING CONSERVATION
An unavoidable consequence of travel is the emission of carbon
dioxide into the high atmosphere and while Steppes Discovery
takes measures to reduce the carbon footprint of its holidays,
regrettably it is not yet possible to make them carbon neutral. If
you are able to, we suggest you consider offsetting the carbon
emission of your long haul flight by using Rainforest Concern’s
Forest Credits scheme. Details can be found at
www.forestcredits.org.uk
Rainforests have a central role to play in the slowing of climate
change and yet we are removing forests from the planet at a
faster rate than they can grow back. Rainforest Concern
supports projects that look to preserve the forests that we have
Rather than replanting new ones, working to safeguard
biodiversity and local communities and in so doing mitigate
climate change.
Under the banner of the Mara Predator Project, Living With
Lions monitors lions in and around the Mara North Conservancy
(MNC), building an online database of lions so that each one can
be tracked and studied. Identifying individual lions allows
researchers to map their home ranges, monitor reproduction and
identify long term population trends. This, in turn, helps to
apply effective conservation efforts, while working closely with
MNC rangers, who help to monitor conflict and apply effective
solutions.
Ecotourism Kenya promotes and certifies responsible tourism
practices within the tourism industry. The certification scheme
for tourism accommodation facilities is based on environmental
and social criteria. This entails encouraging the adoption of best
practices in the use of tourism resources, working with local
communities and managing waste and emissions.
Kicheche Mara and Kicheche Bush camp have both been given
SILVER certification by Ecotourism Kenya.
WANT TO DISCUSS THIS TRIP?
A love of wildlife and wild places has long been Jarrod’s
motivation for travelling. At his happiest when photographing
big cats in Africa, Jarrod spent two years in Kenya managing a
luxury tented camp in the Masai Mara, together with his wife
and young son.
Please ask Jarrod to send you a booking form which we will need
you to complete, sign and return to us along with a deposit of
£300 per person.