Xugana Island Lodge

 

Xugana Island Lodge in Botswana is one of the best Lodges that this country has to offer. The Lodge is situated on a private concessions and takes full advantage of this magnificent site. An open boma and al fresco dining area overlooks the expanse of pristine water that makes up the permanent Delta. The lounge, bar and dinning areas are set back under an Ebony and African Mangosteen tree canopy in open sided thatched structures, and the swimming pool, located within the mature gardens in the centre of the island, is a perfect place to relax. The lodge accommodates just 16 guests in large raised reed and thatch lagoon facing chalets, with en-suite facilities and private viewing decks situated on the shaded fringe of the island.

Gorillas & Primates

Uganda's star attraction is the endangered mountain gorilla, the bulkiest of living primates, and among the most peaceable. Staring into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants, who share 95% of their genes with humans, is as humbling as it is thrilling; no less so when one realises that fewer than 700 individuals survive, divided between Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Mountains.

Within Uganda, five habituated Gorilla troops - four in Bwindi and one in Mgahinga National Park - Can be visited by a total of 30 tourists daily. Uganda is also home to man's closest relative, the Chimpanzee, a delightful ape whose evocative pant-hoot call is a definitive sound of the African rainforest. Chimpanzee communities have been habituated for tourism at Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park's Kyambura Gorge. A community of orphaned chimps, most of which were confiscated from poachers, can be visited on Ngamba Island, which lies on Lake Victoria 45 minutes by motorboat from Entebbe.

Monkeys are exceptionally well represented in Uganda. Indeed, Kibale Forest boasts the greatest primate variety and density in East Africa, with five or six species likely to be observed over the course of one afternoon walk. Elsewhere, Mgahinga National Park hosts habituated troops of the rare golden monkey, while Murchison Falls is one of the few East African strongholds for the spindly, plains-dwelling patas monkey

A visit to this East African country ( Uganda ) will definetly blow your mind away.

Karen Blixen Luxury Camp in Masai Mara

Karen Blixen Camp is an eco-friendly luxury camp that gives a sense of the exiting explorer days when the savannah was seldom visited and elaborate and comfortable camps were set up providing a luxurious and stylish retreat after each day’s adventure.

Karen Blixen Camp comprises 22 large luxury canvas tents each placed with undisturbed view along the Mara River. The stylish restaurant, the reception, the lounge and bar and the gift shop with internet are set on a raised wooden deck and furnished with accurate reproductions of Karen Blixen’s private furniture to fit in with the cozy atmosphere.

The beautiful laid swimming pool offers relaxation and even a little exercise in-between game drives. Our resident masseuse offers a wide range of wellness and beauty treatments.Karen Blixen Camp is the perfect place to sit back and relax with a gin and tonic overlooking the Mara River and the wildlife coming to drink, whilst exchanging stories about the adventures of the day.


Karen Blixen was passionate about cooking and found her inspiration in the French, English, Italian and Danish kitchens. Through historical books we have found many of her original recipes, and dining at the Camp brings back the days of the early 1920-30’s.
Modern day’s love for cosmopolitan food with clear notes from the Far East, India or Africa’s own traditional cooking is also served at our table alongside a comprehensive selection of the continents finest wines.
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served in the restaurant or bush garden from where one has an incredible close view of the Mara River and the wild animals coming to drink.

Being out in one of the world’s most beautiful places one should really relax and enjoy a comforting wellness treatment or a therapeutic body massage whilst listening to the rich birdlife and the sounds of the Mara River flowing by.

Going on a safari in the beautiful Masai Mara is all about appreciating the wonderful and amazing wildlife. And about slowing down and taking time off to truly pamper yourself and the one you love.


Karen Blixen Camp has the most amazing location for relaxed armchair game viewing. The camp gives undisturbed view to the abundance of wildlife coming down for a drink at the Mara River.

Karen Blixen Camp encourages exquisite safari experiences. Guests are truly able to relax, read their favorite books and get revitalized in these beautiful and peaceful Masai Mara surroundings.

The camp is carefully located opposite a much favored drinking spot. The bank of Mara River curves gently down in an open sandy bed and gives the wild animals an easy access to the mineral rich soil and the river water. Our guests have endless of entertainment.
 

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

This Conservancy began in May 2006. The Conservancy covers an area of 13,900ha, with 8900ha in Olare Orok and 5000ha in Motorogi. The two are now managed as one Conservancy. This Conservancy features some spectacular scenery,including the Ntiaitiak Gorge and the 12km-long escarpment. Olare Motorogi has some spectacular big cat numbers,including the Moniko lion pride, currently the biggest in the Mara.Careful grassland management is been done and this has resulted in spectacular and reliable Cheetah numbers.

Members include: Kicheche Camp, Mara Plains, Mara Toto and Mahali Mzuri Camp.

Naboisho Conservancy

This Conservancy was started in March 2010. The name Naboisho was choosing by the Maasai elders which means " coming together ". The area of this Conservancy is 20,628ha, in over 500 land parcels. Naboisho includes a range of habitat, and enjoys large populations of many species, especially elephant,giraffe and herbivores such as eland and impala, and subsequently large numbers of all the predators. Naboisho has a well managed grazing programme, based on monthly meetings.

Members include: Asilia Naboisho, Basecamp Dorobo, Basecamp Eagles view, Encounter Mara Camp, Kicheche Valley Camp, Ol Seki Camp.

Mara North Conservancy

This Conservancy was created in 2009,starting operating January 2010. It covers an area of 30,000ha, equivalent to 21% of the National Reserve. Over 800 Masai Landowners take part in leasing their land to the conservancy. Mara North lies adjacent to the National Reserve, creating an important corridor. It's most iconic location is leopard George, famous as a big cat nursery area.

Members include: Serian Camp, Elephant Pepper Camp, Exploreans Mara Rianta, Karen Blixen Camp, Kicheche Camp, Nomadic Encounters, Offbeat Horse Safaris, Mara Plains, Offbeat Mara Camp, Royal Mara Safari Lodge, Safaris Unlimited, Saruni Camp and Saruni Wild.

Melia Resort in Zanzibar

Meliá Zanzibar is a luxury beach all inclusive resort situated on the north-east coast of the exotic island of Zanzibar, in Tanzania, also known as the “Spice Island”.
Meliá Zanzibar is built on a 40 acre estate with a beautiful beach of pearlescent white sand lapped by warm ocean waters, 300 meters long, situated at the very end of the property to procure the perfect combination with nature.
The resort is ringed by a natural coral reef, making bathing a relaxing and safe experience.
The hotel is around 45 minutes from the international airport of Zanzibar, and the capital city Stone Town, a Unesco World Heritage site.

 Discover the All Inclusive resort experience on the magical Zanzibar island

• Unique five star All Inclusive Resort on the north-east coast
• A variety of cuisines at our 5 restaurants and 4 bars
• Accommodations ranging from romantic rooms and suites to private villas with garden & pool
• Anantara Spa with six private treatment rooms, outdoor swimming pool with sun-deck, and modern fitness room with sauna
• Gabi Beach Club on a white sandy beach lapped by the Indian Ocean
• Meeting facilities including 5 meeting rooms with natural light for up to 200 people and an open air amphitheatre with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean
• Activities for everyone from easy aqua gym to professional diving, snorkelling or kite surf services
  
  

Meaning of Conservancies

What are Conservancies?

When the Masai Mara National Reserve was created in 1948, the areas to the North and East, still part of the total ecosystem, were left as “group ranches, “ vast areas grazed by Maasai cattle herders without plan or control, and to whom no benefit accrued from the thousands of visiting tourists.

The conservancy principle is totally different. The area of each conservancy is divided into several hundred plots with identifiable owners, from whom the land is leased for wildlife tourism by the members of the conservancy. The Maasai owners are paid a guaranteed monthly rental, regardless of bed-nights and so, most of them have a monthly income and a bank account for the first time. Bomas ( Maasai villages ) are relocated outside the conservancy; grazing is allowed, but only within an agreed grazing management plan, which is generally reviewed every month.

The effects are immense. The Maasai receive tourist income, and the wildlife habitats and the animals densities are vastly improved, with the greatest lion and elephant numbers, for example not in the National Reserve, but in the conservancies to the north.

Conservancy Principles?

The aim within the conservancies is to avoid most of the problems which have occurred in the National Reserve. These are some of the principles:

Professional Management

Tourists densities are kept low with 1 tent to about 700 acres ( 280 ha )

Camps are kept small, with no more than 12 tents

Strict observance of maximum number of vehicles around animal sightings

Camps are temporarily structures, made from canvas

Maasai grazing is generally allowed, but only under an agreed management plan

Owners of the land receive an agreed rental/lease income based on bed numbers, regardless of occupancy, so income is guaranteed.

Doing safaris in conservancies is a better way of helping the local communities as the income generated goes back to the local communities.

Pemba Island

Lying 80 kilometres to the north – east of Unguja is Pemba Island, a small landmass of hills, swamps, lagoons and the Ngezi forest, the remnant of a tract of indigenous forest that once covered most of the island. Here, small – scale farmers grow mainly rice, cloves, bananas, coconut, cassava and the red beans the locals call maharagwe. The forest is rich with endemic species such as the chestnut – coloured Pemba fling fox, a large fruit bat that is vulnerable on the IUCN Red Data list. Pemba vervet monkey, red colobus monkey and blue duiker. There are four endemic bird species: Pemba scops – owl, Pemba white – eye, Pemba green pigeon and Pemba violet – breasted sunbird. With a legspan of almost one metre, the coconut crab is abundant in the southern part of the island. It is the largest land – living arthropod in the world.

Diving here is like immersing yourself in a kaleidoscope. The channels between the islands hide submerged reefs that are thickly encrusted with sponges and corals. There are steep drop – offs and gentle slopes, manta rays and hammerhead sharks, turtles, squid and sea slugs. One can be able to dive at night too, or explore in a kayak. The island also has beautiful designed lodges which fit in very well with the area and the service offered here is top class.

Behind The Scenes of The Serengeti

The Serengeti…..The mere mention of its name conjures up visions of the golden-grass savannas, predators, wildebeest and epic sunsets…So powerful are these images that, it could be argued, they have come to represent wild Africa itself. But there is far more to the Serengeti than breathtaking scenery and mighty migrations; it is a functioning, dynamic ecosystem, where animals, people and plants are interconnected in ways that are just starting to be understood.

Fossil found in Olduvai Gorge show that wildebeest roamed the Serengeti plains more than a million years ago. Today they still follow the monsoon cycle, spending the long rains in Tanzania south of Ngorongoro Crater, where grass growth and nutrients are high. When the rains end in May, the plains dry and wildebeest move west towards Lake Victoria, where the local climate produces rainfall. When this rain ceases in turn, the herds thunder north, crossing the Mara River and making their way through the Masai Mara between July and November. They return south to Tanzania to bear their young in January and February. If grasses sustain wildebeest, wildebeest also sustain grasses. Every day more than 400 tonnes of their dung fertilise the Serengeti plains.

In Tanzania a tale of the savanna is told. The Savanna is a place most of the animals like to be, it begins… carnivores such as the lions, the leopard and the cheetah visit the savanna because that’s where their prey – the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle – live and feast on the fresh grass. All these animals, the story continues, enjoy the savanna as they can easily see their enemies and their prey from a distance, thanks to the shortness of the grasses.

The annual migration of more than a million wildebeest across the plains of the Mara – Serengeti ecosystem has neither beginning nor end, for it is an endless cycle as the animals move in search of food and water. However if there is a beginning it can only be at the moment of birth, an annual event of just a few weeks that sees more than 400,000 wildebeest calves being born on the short – grass plains of the southern Serengeti in Tanzania. Here at Great African Excursions we organize a week – long Safari to the heart of the action in the Ngorongoro crater and Ndutu areas.

Laikipia a Place to Visit

The map of Africa shows the Equator cutting across Kenya at precisely the Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is located in Laikipia. There has been torrential rainfall and the area is very green hence ensuring that there is plenty of food for the wild animals. It is just one of the novelties of Ol Pejeta, the 350km square wildlife conservancy that is twice the size of Lake Nakuru National Park. The Ewaso Nyiro River runs through the conservancy, which is home to an assortment of endangered wildlife. At this conservancy you can find one of the beautiful designed Serena Hotels called the Sweetwaters Tented Camp. This Camp lies at the centre of the 110,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy which lies on the Laikipia Plains 17km from Nanyuki and 217km from Nairobi. These tents are spacious airy, have refreshing earth tones complimented with enormous floor-to-ceiling glass doors that allow the light in and give an unlimited view of the plains and the busy water hole. The Camp offers a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya. Visitor have the luxurious of seeing these black rhinos when they visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. With the rains the Ewaso Nyiro River rages and swamps are full, attracting all sorts of birds. A pair of juvenile Saddle billed storks stalk through the swamps in search of snails and fish to feed on. An African fish eagle scans the waters and a family of elephants crosses the road.

There is still more to be explored at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy – lion trekking, camel rides, cycling, splendid views of mount kenya and a visit to the Ol Pejeta House. Surely if you are visiting Kenya then you should include Laikipia in your Safari Itinerary because the Ol Pejeta Conservancy has a higher wildlife-to-area ratio than any Kenyan National Park.

A Journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step…….let that step be Laikipia…….

3 Days Easter Luxury Safari to Tsavo National Park

Stay at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge KES.47,000 Per Person

Day 1: Nairobi – Tsavo West

Meet your guide at the City Center in Nairobi at around 7.00am. Then you will proceed heading towards the famous Tsavo National Park. You will reach the park around lunch time and when you arrive at the Lodge you will be checked in and then you can have your lunch at this magnificent Lodge which is designed perfectly in the middle of the bush.

After lunch you can siesta/relax in your room or by the swimming pool. In the late afternoon around 4.00pm you will go out on your first game drive. This is the time to ensure that your camera batteries are fully charged in order to enable you to get those awesome photos of the wildlife, plants and landscape.

Overnight at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2: Tsavo West

Your second day in Tsavo National Park and you will wake up in the morning to the sounds of the wild animals and birds. Have breakfast and immediately after, you will commence on a full day game drive and see thousands of Elephants and other wild animals at this amazing park. Your guide will pack the lunch boxes and on the way your will stop at a perfect location and have your lunch at the bush while at the background hearing the sounds of the animals.

Later you will continue with the game drive. In the evening you will arrive back at the Lodge and get ready to have your dinner.

Overnight at Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, All Meals Included.

Day 3: Tsavo West - Nairobi 

Wake up early in the morning and go out on a morning game drive at around 5.30am and be back at the Lodge at 9.00am ready for your breakfast. At 10.30am you will depart Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge on your way back to Nairobi.

Included in the Package

Accommodation

3 Meals per day as per the itinerary

All Game drives as per the itinerary

Park entrance fees

Services of a qualified and professional English speaking Guide

Safari Vehicle

Drinks and bottled water in the Safari Vehicle

Snacks in the Safari Vehicle

Easter Present

Emergency Evacuation by AMREF

3 Days Easter Luxury Safari to Lake Nakuru National Park

Stay at Serena Lake Elementeita Camp KES.47,000 Per Person

Day 1: Nairobi – Lake Nakuru

This day your guide will pick you from the City Center in Nairobi at 7.00am and drive on to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru National Park which is considered to be the heaven for bird lovers and more than 50 different species of mammals can be found at this park. You will arrive at the Camp and check in and you will have your lunch. Immediately after your lunch you can relax at the Camp and await time for you to commence on your afternoon game drive. You will proceed to do your game drive at around 4.00pm and be back at the Camp in time for your dinner.

Overnight at Serena Lake Elementeita Camp, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2: Lake Nakuru

On this day after breakfast you will go out on a full day game drive and see the abundance of wild animals and birds that this famous park is known for. Your guide will pack your lunch box and in the afternoon you will have your lunch at the bush hearing the sounds of the animals and the birds.

Later in the evening you will return back to the Camp, freshen up and have your barbeque dinner.

Overnight at Serena Lake Elementeita Camp, All Meals Included.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru - Nairobi 

Wake up early in the morning and go out on a morning game drive at around 5.30am and be back at the camp at 9.00am ready for your breakfast. At 10.30am you will depart Serena Lake Elementeita Camp on your way back to Nairobi.

Included in the Package
Accommodation
3 Meals per day as per the itinerary
All Game drives as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Services of a qualified and professional English speaking Guide
Safari Vehicle
Drinks and bottled water in the Safari Vehicle
Snacks in the Safari Vehicle
Easter Present
Emergency Evacuation by AMREF

3 Days Easter Luxury Safari to Maasai Mara National Park

Stay at Fig Tree Camp KES.47,000 Per Person

Day 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara

This day your guide will pick you from the City Centre in Nairobi at 7.00am and drive on to Maasai Mara National Park. You will arrive at the lodge and check in and you will have your lunch. Immediately after your lunch you can relax at the swimming pool and await time for you to commence on your afternoon  game drive. You will proceed to do your game drive at around 4.00pm and be back at the lodge in time for your dinner.

Overnight at Fig Tree Camp, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2: Masai Mara National Reserve 

Masai Mara National Reserve is the best of the best areas to see the big 5 animals that are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. This park is also known for its famous annual wildebeest migration that involves thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles crossing the Mara river from the nearby Serengeti National Park.

On this day you will wake up early in the morning and go out on a morning game drive to see the lions and leopards coming back from their hunt. You will leave the Camp at 5.30am and go out for 3 hours. At around 8.30am you will have your bush breakfast and enjoy the landscape of the Maasai Mara Park. After breakfast you will head back to the camp and relax.

The animals that can be spotted here apart from the big 5 are cheetah, jackal, hyena, giraffe, zebra, topi, gazelle, impala, warthog, crocodile, hippo and many more. Also the Maasai Mara park is known for its birdlife which include birds like hornbills, vultures, marabou storks, ostriches and eagles.

In the afternoon you will have your lunch and later relax at the camp. At 4.00pm you will go out on a game drive and see the animals drinking their last water before the night falls.

Later in the night you will be back at the camp and have your dinner hearing the sounds of the lions and elephants.

Overnight at Fig Tree Camp, All Meals Included.

Day 3: Masai Mara - Nairobi 

Wake up early in the morning and go out on a morning game drive at around 5.30am and be back at the camp at 9.00am ready for your breakfast. At 10.30am you will depart Fig Tree Camp on your way back to Nairobi.

Included in the Package

Accommodation

3 Meals per day as per the itinerary

All Game drives as per the itinerary

Park entrance fees

Services of a qualified and professional English speaking Guide

Safari Vehicle

Drinks and bottled water in the Safari Vehicle

Snacks in the Safari Vehicle

Easter Present

Emergency Evacuation by AMREF

3 Days Easter Luxury Safari to Samburu National Park

Stay at Ashnil Samburu Camp KES.47,000 Per Person

Day 1: Nairobi - Samburu

This day your guide will pick you from the City Center in Nairobi at 7.00am and drive on to Samburu National Reserve. You will arrive at the Camp and check in and you will have your lunch. Immediately after your lunch you can relax at the Camp and await time for you to commence on your afternoon game drive. You will proceed to do your game drive at around 4.00pm and be back at the Camp in time for your dinner.

Overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2: Samburu Game Reserve

Rise up this morning and see the magnificent sunrise at this famous Game Reserve. Have your breakfast and at around 8.00am you will go out on a game drive. There are a variety of animals and birdlife that can be found at the Samburu Game Reserve. The most common ones are lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, waterbuck, zebra, orxy, gazelle, dik-dik, impala, giraffe, marabou stork, secretary bird, guineafowl, billed hornbill, grey headed kingfisher and ostrich.

In the afternoon you will head back to the Camp and have lunch.

At around 4.00pm you will go out on an another game drive and see the animals at the waterhole drinking their last water before dark appears. Later at 8.30pm you will have your dinner.

Overnight at Ashnil Samburu Camp, All Meals Included.

Day 3: Samburu - Nairobi 

Wake up early in the morning and go out on a morning game drive at around 5.30am and be back at the camp at 9.00am ready for your breakfast. At 10.30am you will depart Ashnil Samburu Camp on your way back to Nairobi.

Included in the Package
Accommodation
3 Meals per day as per the itinerary
All Game drives as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Services of a qualified and professional English speaking Guide
Safari Vehicle
Drinks and bottled water in the Safari Vehicle
Snacks in the Safari Vehicle
Easter Present
Emergency Evacuation by AMREF 

3 Days Easter Luxury Safari to Amboseli National Park

Stay at Kilima Camp KES.47,000 Per Person

Day 1: Nairobi – Amboseli

Meet your guide at the City Center in Nairobi at around 7.00am. Then you will proceed heading towards the famous Amboseli National Park. You will reach the park around lunch time and when you arrive at the  Camp you will be checked in and then you can have your lunch at this magnificent Camp overlooking the famous Mount Kilimanjaro.

After lunch you can siesta/relax in your room. In the late afternoon around 4.00pm you will go out on your first game drive. This is the time to ensure that your camera batteries are fully charged in order to enable you to get those awesome photos of the wildlife, plants and landscape.

Overnight at Kilima Camp, Lunch and Dinner Included.

Day 2: Amboseli

Your second day in Amboseli National Park and you will wake up in the morning to the sounds of the wild animals and birds. Have breakfast and immediately after, you will commence on a full day game drive and see thousands of Elephants and other wild animals at this amazing park. Your guide will pack the lunch boxes and on the way your will stop at a perfect location and have your lunch at the bush while at the background hearing the sounds of the animals.

Later you will continue with the game drive. In the evening you will arrive back at the Camp and get ready to have your barbeque bush dinner overlooking the stars.

Overnight at Kilima Camp, All Meals Included.

Day 3: Amboseli - Nairobi 

Wake up early in the morning and go out on a morning game drive at around 5.30am and be back at the camp at 9.00am ready for your breakfast. At 10.30 am you will depart Kilima Camp on your way back to Nairobi.

Included in the Package

Accommodation

3 Meals per day as per the itinerary
All Game drives as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees
Services of a qualified and professional English speaking Guide
Safari Vehicle
Drinks and bottled water in the Safari Vehicle
Snacks in the Safari Vehicle
Easter Present
Emergency Evacuation by AMREF

Where the light shines bright

Awash with deep earthy shades of green and gold, brown and grey, Lewa is adorned with a serenity that is rare in an ever changing Kenya. Lewa may truly be one of Kenya’s most unique and important wildlife conservancies. It has also be said that Lewa is the new Mara, situated on 62,000 acres of what must be some of the loveliest land in Africa, rests Lewa Wildlife Conservancy home to the black and white rhino, cheetah, gravy zebra, buffalo, lions, elephants and many other game. With its mix of acacia forest, open grasslands, rich wetlands and rolling grassy hills, the conservancy is not only breath taking, it is inspiring. Why so?, well there is something spiritual about being in a somehow lonely, off the normal path, part of the country where only the wind that sweeps the plains and the numerous and diverse range of voices that rant the air, offer company and solace. Standing in the middle of Lewa one feels a little closer to God and to creation in its simplicity.

Unlike some of Kenya’s other scenic treasures that are home to safari, Lewa offers something unique. There are only 6 visitor venues on the entire 62,000 acres ( Sirikoi, Kifaru, Lewa House, Wilderness, Lewa Safari Camp and Ngiri ), the conservancy has ensured that guests get a quintessential safari experience. It has been said that 30 is the new 20 and grey is the new black, I am not sure of this but one thing is certain, Kenya is incredibly blessed to have such a special haven within our borders and such blessings need to be nurtured and protected. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers top of the line game viewing, terrific venues and best of all, that exclusive feeling of being alone, deep in the heart of Africa. Don’t forget to include some few days stay at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy on your itinerary when visiting Kenya.