by Anastasia Mann
Customized Safaris for Every Budget and Every Superb Destination throughout Southern
and Eastern Africa
Anastasia Mann
CORNICHE U.S.A. HEADQUARTERS
8721 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-854-6000
Orange County Branch
2011 South State College Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92806
714-937-0606
www.corniche.com
www.anastasiasafrica.com
Welcome to the launch of Anastasia's Africa. For 28 years I have been visiting the nations of Africa. While it was ?love at first sight?, with each visit I fall more deeply in love with the African bush. It is an experience I urge everyone to share. As a result of my many trips and friends throughout the world knowing my intensity for Africa, I have been able to put together an exceptional group to partner with us on this project. We are very pleased to be working with the best private safari operators on the African continent: Pat Dewil, Sean Dewil and Lanz von Horsten for the southern African countries (includes South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Namibia and Cameroon); Tom Lithgow for Tanzania; Toby Fenwick-Wilson and Peter Behr for Kenya and Tanzania. Gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda is a specialty of all of our game trackers.
Because of these direct relationships, our customers will enjoy very significant savings on
their African experiences while being in the best of hands.
The following are some very specialized safari options for the new year. In addition to these
itineraries, all of our safari guides offer private, customized trips which embrace every budget.
ZIMBABWE GAME TRACKING
Despite what you may read or have been told about Zimbabwe and the situation with
President Mugabe, the bush country along the Zambezi river as well as Victoria Falls
are not effected in any way. This is a pristine game-viewing area and it is well worth
your consideration. It is extremely safe from any political activities.
Pat Dewil
This safari has been specially put together for people who like to walk. We spend
4 nights in Matusadona on the shores of Lake Kariba. Here the lions are
abundant and it’s one of the best places to see endangered black rhino. Walks,
game-viewing by boat and game drives. Then we head off to Mana Pools
where we stay in a tented camp. Walk in the morning and open-vehicle game
drives in the afternoon. Lots of elephant, hippo and antelope. We finish up
at a luxury lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River. There is an option
of adding 4–5 nights in Savute and the Okavanga Delta in Botswana
to this itinerary.
MADAGASCAR
A popular 13-day trip to the second largest island in the world. We’ll cover all the ‘hot-spots,’
spend time with the very friendly Malagasy people.
Perinet Reserve, the eastern rainforest reserve of Andasibe-Mantadia — Brown Lemurs, Red
Bellied Lemurs, Leaf Tailed Gecko, Naswata Chameleon and Elephant Chameleons.
Also the last strongholds of the mythical Indri-Indri, the largest of all the
lemurs. Berenty Reserve, a spiny forest with a bewildering variety of
endemic succulents as well. Sifakas, Ring-Tailed Lemurs on night hikes.
Local markets for Lambda weaving. Maroantsetra and the Masoala Peninsula,
in northeast Madagascar, is the largest remaining tract of primary rainforest
reaching the coast line, meeting tropical coral reefs. Red-Ruffed Lemur and
the unique and elusive Aye-Aye.
Boat trip to Nosy Mangabe Bay, a pristine island and we will walk. Picnic lunch
at a village to meet and talk with the locals. Montagne D’ambre, a
middle altitude rainforest that covers the highest mountains in the region
like a green blanket. Excellent hikes amongst beautiful scenery and lush montane
forest, crater lakes and waterfalls. Sanford’s Lemur, Crowned Lemur and Fork-
Marked Lemur. Hike in the Ankarana Massif, a bizarre limestone formation.
Last day in Antananarivo to explore markets and restaurants. This is
a physically undemanding trip to one of Africa’s most idyllic and unique places.
THE ULTIMATE ELEPHANT EXPEDITION
A journey into the intricate world of elephants
A 14-day safari through Namibia, South Africa and Botswana.
Spend time with dedicated elephant researchers tracking, identifying and monitoring
elephants in the natural habitat. We’ll also see a lot other ‘Big Five’— rhino,
leopard, buffalo and lion are plentiful in some of the areas we visit.
Five days in Namibia tracking the unique desert adapted elephants. Then fly to
the western boundary of Kruger Park in South Africa where we’ll spend
another 5 days with two of Africa’s foremost elephant researchers.
Here we’ll get involved in locating and identifying elephants (drawing ear patterns,
collecting data on associations and herd structure etc); elephant morphometrics
(measuring foot/ spoor, tracking collared-elephants; collecting data
on elephant damaged trees for monitoring and protecting trees. Also e l e
phant observation etiquette, radio telemetry and elephant darting, the
ecology and implications of body size etc. Game-viewing and elephant tracking
will need be done on foot or in open 4WD vehicles. Our accommodation here
is at South Africa’s most luxurious tented camp.
Finally we fly to the Savute in Botswana where we’ll experience the
highest concentration of elephants on the planet. The Savute area is also
internationally renowned for it’s elephant-killing lion prides and high concentration
of predators such as the endangered wild dog, leopard, cheetah and hyena as
well as exciting general game viewing and birding. Three days here in another
luxury tent camp.
The safari ends with three days in the magnificent Okavango Delta at Eagle
Island Camp. A truly unique eco-system. Guided walks and game drives, safaris
by mokoro. Red lechwe, waterbuck, hippo, and crocodile along with the sable,
kudu, wildebeest, and tsessebe. Predators include lion, leopard, wild dog,
and cheetah. This is a safari for those who have Africa in their blood or
would like a truly in depth exposure to it’s intricacies.
ZAMBEZI — A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
This is a 12-day safari for intrepid Africaphiles — folks who like to get really involved with
the intricacies of what the bush holds. For the first part of the safari,
each day is spent canoeing through various channels and the main stream of
the Zambezi. We canoe past pods of hippo, see lots of elephants, buffalo
and other game on the banks and crocodiles are always present. This is not
an endurance trip and we adopt a very relaxed and leisurely pace. Nights are
spent in quality lodges or tented camps on the banks of the Zambezi —afternoon
and night game drives. This is one of Africa’s great adventures.
Then we head off to the Luangwa Valley in Zambia, one
of the continents greatest wild life areas. The thrill of walking safari, combined with the
remote luxury of small exclusive bush camps. No major overland hikes, just easy rambles
at a pace and distance that suits us all. Some of the days on this safari, we will walk from
camp to camp, taking time to examine the small things as well as tracking buffalo,
lions and elephant.
Then, each afternoon we’ll take a game drive in our open Landrover through the woodlands
of this superb game-viewing area.
TANZANIA MIGRATION SAFARI
An excellent mix of tented camps and luxury lodges in both the north and south of Tanzania.
This 13-day itinerary is a more comprehensive than is offered by most operators. Although there are no
guarantees, we will be in the right place at the right time to see the sensational migration. Tarangire National Park
— the unique acacia and baobab vegetation provides a home for over five hundred and fifty bird species,
as well as lion, leopard, buffalo and large herds of elephant, gerenuk, oryx and eland. Serengeti — which
contains more than three million large mammals spread over the vast endless plains and where we should encounter
the breathtaking spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration, where one and a quarter million wildebeest trek
in columns of up to forty kilometres long in search of grazing, drawing with them their predators and numerous
other species of game.
Olduvai Gorge — where the discovery of a hominid skull dating back 1.8 million years
was made. Ngorogoro Crater — a large volcanic caldera is one of the natural wonders of the
world and we camp on the rim from where game-viewing is almost guaranteed to turn up four of
the ‘Big Five’, as well as zebra, gazelle, warthog and a rich variety of birds.
Selous Safari Camp on the Rufiji River where we will walk, game-view by boat and in
open vehicles. Game highlights here also include regular sightings of wild dog, lion, giraffe and elephant.
THE SAN BUSHMAN EXPERIENCE
A unique opportunity to visit the fast vanishing world of the Bushman (now more
correctly called the San people). This 10-day safari in both Namibia
and South Africa will allow us to visit the Ju/’hoan bushman community.
Although a lot is dependent on the ‘vibe’ in the village at the time, we may join the men on
a blue wildebeest hunt, help the women on a field trip to gather bulbs and other food, join in
their evening singing and sometimes trance dance with their shaman, learn about string making,
making poison arrows, build traps, interpret animal tracks and signs.
These people, although very ‘primitive’ in our terms, are exceedingly friendly, innocent
and hospitable and our guests this year have said it was the most profound cultural experience of
their lives. We stay in tented camps and also one night in a luxury lodge at Okonjima,
the lion, cheetah and leopard cat rehabilitation centre which has gained an international reputation.
We end with 4 days at Bushmanskloof outside Cape Town where professional anthropologists
show us an explain the San rock-art there which is up to 20,000 years old. There is an
option of a 3 day extension in Cape Town.
NAMIBIA HIGHLIGHTS
A 13-day safari covering the very best of this country of great wildlife,
stunning scenery and awe-inspiring deserts. We will see the highest dunes in the
world at Sossusvlei, travel through the Namib Naukluft Desert, a
world of shifting dunes, jagged mountains, and solitude, which has some of the most
spectacular scenery in Africa, to the Skelton Coast.
Then we travel to a tented camp in Damaraland where we’ll find the
desert elephants, see the stone-age rock engravings at Twyfelfontein and
experience the majestic peace of the desert.
Then Hobatere Lodge on the western border of Etosha National Park
and home to elephant, giraffe, eland, and Hartmann’s zebra, game drives, game walks
and night drives.
On to Etosha, renowned for its big game —lion, cheetah, leopard, and
large herds of zebra, wildebeest, eland, springbok and a refuge for the endangered
black rhino.
Finally Okonjima Lodge, set on a private nature sanctuary, and a project
dedicated to the conservation of Namibia’s big cats, primarily leopard and cheetah.
TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD
An expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro— Rongai Route Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi—Snow
Cap, Rongai —Kilimanjaro Expedition Camp—River Trees, Arusha—Homeward Bound
or Onward on Safari
This is a once-in-a-lifetime
expedition up one of the world’s most legendary mountains—and this tour uses
the Rongai Route.
Starting out from the historic Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya you
will be driven through the beautiful Kamba and Masai country across
the border to Tanzania to snow cap cottages at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
You will overnight at 1950 meters.
The next morning you will meet your expedition crew and set off through Chagga
farmsteads soon entering the primary forest. Many beautiful vistas and interesting sights
including Sykes monkeys will enhance your experience. As you continue your climb you
will cross stunning moorlands reaching the Kikelewa caves. As you progress daily with
your climb, each camp will provide exquisite views across the Savannahs below you.
On day six your final ascent begins to the “top of Africa.”
Peter Behr
The final leg of your expedition will be your safari adventure as you walk
six hours to the Marangu gate where you will be awarded your certificate. You will
celebrate in the sanctuary of River Trees Lodge and all its creature comforts. Departures
from Arusha.
KENYA AND TANZANIA’S GREAT SECRETS
Tanzania—River Trees, Arusha—Chada Camp, Katavi—Greystoke Camp, Mahale—
Kenya—Ngong House, Nairobi—Private House, Lewa Downs—Richard’s Camp, Maasai
Mara—Ngong House, Nairobi
This is an extraordinary wildlife safari, well off the “beaten track” to some of the
finest wildlife destinations in Africa. Kenya’s Maasai Mara’s reputation
speaks for itself but the little known Katavi Plains in Southern
Tanzania offer some of the greatest experiences on the continent. Your
own private house on Lewa Downs will afford us the flexibility to explore
that area with impunity, while your time on the shores of Lake Tanganikya
tracking for chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains will provide you with a
wealth of lifelong memories.
PRIVATE LUXURY TENTED TANZANIA EXPERIENCE
Private customized itineraries for 4–12 guests by Tanzania’s own born and bred,
Tom Lithgow. Recommended departures directly to Kilimanjaro airport, Tanzania
via Amsterdam. Suggested trip includes overnight in Arusha and the next
morning a short drive to Tarangire National Park and your own private tented camp,
continental cuisine, china and silverware. Enjoy the only king-bedded luxury tents in all of Tanzania.
Spend four nights exploring and viewing incredible displays of game of all varieties in your
open-air Land Cruiser.
Drive to Ngorongoro and overnight at the luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Spend
a full day in the midst of the Ngorongoro Crater one of the wonders of the
world with exceptional game experiences. Continue on to the incredible Serengeti, visiting
a Maasai village and Olduvai Gorge, the birthplace of man. The endless plains of the
Serengeti reveal an abundance of wildlife as the home of the annual wildebeest migration and
a variety of plains game and predators.
Tom Lithgow
SOUTHERN TANZANIA HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested itinerary: Day1–4 Chimpanzee Reserve in Mahale Mountains National Park;
Day 4–9 Private mobile tented camp in Katavi National Park; Day 9–13 Private Lake Cruiser
on Lake Tanganyika.
Tom’s new 5-star lodge, Lupita Island Lodge, is on a private island on
Lake Tanganyika with a private airstrip on an adjacent island. Only 12 suites and 2 honeymoon suites await you. Fun activities include fishing, snorkeling, water skiing, hiking and the viewing of hippos and crocs on the banks of the lake and visits to cultural villages.
Arrangements can be made for day trips or 2–5 day overnight stays on one of the
two LAKE CRUISERS equipped with accommodation for 8–14 persons, master chef,
full bar and boat tenders for fishing and water sports, jacuzzi and sun deck. Chimpanzee safaris
organized at Mahale Mountains National Park.
All Tom Lithgow guided safaris are customized and are for private groups only. Pricing based
on number of days and final itinerary.
15-DAY LODGE AND TENTED SAFARI IN UGANDA & RWANDA 2005
Uganda—Idi Amin, atrocities, murder and mayhem—right? Wrong!
Idi Amin was around when John Lennon was alive and JFK was President of the US.
Since then, this country has transformed itself. It’s now held up as a shining example of how
an economy should be run in Africa and how a country can turn around the fortunes of its
people when it’s properly run. Everywhere you go you will find people who are extremely
friendly and who welcome you with open arms. The hotels are adequate, the roads are
quite good for this continent and the airline connections from anywhere to Uganda
are easy.
Rwanda too, is a country that has also done a complete about face
and has put the structures in place that make it a wonderful place to visit.
Again – warm smiling faces, officials who really are glad to see you and hotels
and lodges which do the job.
Both these countries are now amongst the most politically stable in Africa.
Gorilla trekking has to be one of the most awe-inspiring wildlife adventures
anywhere. Being 2 or 3 yards away from a Silverback as he wakes from his mid-morning
snooze, or to have baby gorillas romp around your feet is just a dizzying experience. The
gorillas are wild and have no reliance on humans. They live in remote equatorial forests
on high ground which makes them quite difficult to get to. But once there, because they
have become used to seeing nonthreatening humans fairly often, they allow you in to
their world and this privilege is one that can move you beyond words. Somehow our
ancient connection with these gentle giants comes to the fore and you feel like you belong
in this place, that their deep, contemplative eyes have a wisdom that you can understand.
There are also wild chimps which you can trek to, or spend a brilliant
few days at a special tented camp on an island in the huge Lake Victoria
(second largest piece of water on the planet) which specializes in rescued chimps and their
rehabilitation. Walking, playing and feeding them is an extraordinary experience.
And you can also experience the famous tree-climbing lions at
Queen Elizabeth National Park, along with elephants, hippos, crocs and countless
new bird species. There is nowhere else on this continent where you can be a few feet away from
gorillas on one day, and watch a ‘lion kill’ the next.
THE BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA
A phenomenal visit to one of the most beautiful and enticing countries
in the world. Begin your 16 day exploration in Cape Town – which will become
your base for visiting so many wonderful landmarks including the Cape Point Nature Reserve,
the National Botanical Gardens, the V&A waterfront, and other nearby villages- even
a cheetah preserve! Stay at the colonial Mount Nelson Hotel or the award winning
Cape Grace at the Waterfront. From the famed Garden Route through
Tsitsikamma National Park to the Drakensberg Mountains you will see some of Africa’s
most scenic and stunning views as well as the unique wildlife and birds of the area.
You can take walks or hikes at you pleasure. You will overnight along the way at The Fernery
at Forest Farms and Montusi Mountain Lodge continuing to Hazyview in
the Lowveld and the idyllic Jatinga Lodge – a 5 star country lodge along the
White River where you will enjoy a river excursion.
From there continue onto your safari starting at Tanda Tula in the Timbavati
Private Reserve adjoining Kruger National Park where your game viewing can be either by foot
or open air safari vehicle. Tanda Tula was recently nominated Africa’s most
luxurious tented camp. Continue on for more world-class game viewing & the
Big Five at either the internationally renowned, luxurious Mala Mala
in the heart of Kruger or to Kirkman’s Camp at the southern end of
Sabi Sands. Kirkman’s Camp is a fine collection of 18 colonial cottages all
with verandas and en-suite facilities and air conditioning. (Full details
on request.)
ROYAL SOUTH AFRICA
Into ultimate luxury and charm?
If you really want to be pampered, and experience elegance and style every step of the way
while sparing no expense, try our very elite South Africa with the Royal Touch.
Begin in Cape Town staying at Ellerman House — an 11-room private guest house which
defies description for comfort. Three or four nights here will provide you
a home-away-from-home base from which to explore all the wonderful sights surrounding this gorgeous
and vibrant city. Continue on to the charming French village of Franschoek
and stay at the nearby La Residence, formerly the private home of Royal
Portfolio owners Liz & Phil Biden, and now a beautifully decorated, charming
and restful country inn. Relax for a night or two here while enjoying the
ambience of the charming French village— its shops and restaurants — nearby.
You can also use this as your base to visit the adjacent wine country region
as well as the nearby cheetah preserve which is very special.
Want to watch whales while sipping martinis? Nothing is as seductive as Birkenhead House
along the stunning coastline of Hermanus—a lovely seaside community
approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from Cape Town proper. The 11-room private-beach-house-turned-
subtley-glamorous beach lodge is situated at the end of a row of private homes, but
has the good luck to be completely private from the others as it is set over
a rock promontory overlooking the sea. There are dozens of playful whales who
are quite happy to stay all day and entertain you. Spend two or three nights
here getting into the sexier spirit of South Africa.
Visit Grootbas Nature Reserve for a real education on the flora of the area while enjoying
the unique environment and a wonderful view of the 4000 acres of fynbos. Ride
elegant horses through the natural preserve or go whale watching by boat to
fill the extra hours of the day.
Add several nights (at least 3 or 4) of proper game viewing at Royal Portfolio’s Royal
Malewane. A few hours flight time takes you to the western fringe of Kruger
National Park in the heart of ‘Big Five’ territory where you will be ensconced
in the luxury of sublime colonial comfort and elegance. Game viewing with
private safari guides in open air vehicles.
Depart via Johannesburg which isn’t so bad if you stay at any one of our
preferred boutique hotels offering total comfort and pampering.
All these hotels and lodges provide exquisite dining experiences with renowned
chefs. (Prices on request.)
THE AFRICAN ODYSSEY
A Once in a Lifetime Journey to Ethiopia and Kenya - 17 Days of Incredible Adventure
The Hilton, Addis Ababa – Expedition in to the Omo Valley - Lumale Camp,
Karo tribe – Hammar Mountains, Hammar Tribe – Omo River, Muguji tribe and
Mursi tribe – Lower Omo, Nyagatom Tribe - Omo Delta, Dassenech – Lobolo Camp,
Lake Turkana, Turkana Tribe – Richards Camp, Maasai Mara, Maasai
tribe - Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi.
The “African Odyssey” is an unbelievable adventure through southwest Ethiopia
and in to Kenya, a once in a lifetime expedition that grants you privileged access
to the remotest and most traditional areas of Africa. Led in the best tradition
of Africa House by guides who are the recognised experts in their field.
Using expedition motorboats and mobile camps, we’ll explore areas that
are otherwise inaccessible. You will have a unique and privileged access to
a lost world.
You’ll then have the unusual opportunity of entering Kenya by boat through
the north of Lake Turkana. You’ll spend a couple of days on the lake’s western
shores at the immaculate Lobolo Camp, in the heart of the Turkana tribelands.
From there we’ll fly down through the Great Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara.
Ethiopia
Day 1 The Hilton, Addis Ababa
On landing in to Addis, we’ll be there to meet you and take you to the Hilton.
Ethiopia does not enjoy an overwhelming choice of accommodation but the Hilton
will be the perfect place to rest up before the start of your adventure tomorrow.
Day 2 Expedition Base Camp, Lumale
We’ll catch the morning flight to the provincial strip at Jinka. We then set off in
rugged 4x4 vehicles to reach our expedition base camp at Lumale, amidst the
Karo tribe. Our camps through out the expedition will be basic but of the highest quality.
Each tent is tall enough to stand up in and has two camp beds with high quality
mattresses. A traditional “naval” bucket shower tent and long drop loo is shared
between two tents. There is then a mess tent where we will all eat the freshest
food, re-supplied by boat up from Kenya. Most importantly, there will always be
cold drinking water and ice available for your chosen dust settling cocktail.
Day 3 Expedition Base Camp, Lumale
This will be your first real day of total cultural immersion in to the Karo tribe and
their remarkable traditions.
Day 4 & 5 Expedition Base Camp, Lumale
Using fast expedition speedboats we will explore the waterways of the homerange
of the Muguji. We will also stray across the boundaries of the Kweko and the Mursi
tribes, famous for their enormous lip plates.
Day 6 Expedition Base Camp, Lumale
After nearly a decade of currying relations with the Karo, you will today witness
hundreds of traditional Karo dancers perform their extraordinary evening ceremony
in the village of Duss. This is an unbelievable privilege.
Day 7 & 8 Expedition Mobile Camp, Nyagatom Tribal Area
We will navigate downstream in to the area of the Nyagatom, a tribal subset of the
greater Karamajong people. Infamous as one of the most feared tribes in the whole
of Eastern Africa, we enjoy a privileged relationship with them and you will have
unrivalled access to their world.
Day 9 & 10 Expedition Mobile Camp, Hammar Mountains
We will meet up with our expedition vehicles and climb 60 km’s up in to the
Hammar Mountains where a mobile camp will be erected for us in the Hammar tribal
homeland. Throughout today and tomorrow we will explore the area and search for
one of their phenomenal “Bull Jumping” ceremonies.
Day 11 & 12 Expedition Mobile Camp, Omo Delta, Dassenich Tribe
We will surge on down the river in to the Omo Delta, the home range of the Dassenich
nation and more specifically, the Galeb tribe. We will further explore on foot and by boat.
Kenya
Day 13 Lobolo Camp, Lake Turkana
Today you will be amongst the very few foreigners who have ever crossed over in to
Kenya through the Omo estuary mouth by boat and in to Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea
of expeditionary legend. We will spend the night at Lobolo Camp, an immaculate permanent
camp of large spacious tents aired by the lake breezes on the remote western shore of the lake.
Day 14, 15 & 16 Richard’s Camp, Maasai Mara
This morning’s flight will be one of the very great visionary experiences of your lifetime.
We’ll be collected by private charter airplane. On take off we’ll swoop low across the
lake before climbing up and over Teleki’s Volcano and the impressive Mount Nyabathom.
We’ll then dip down in to the Suguta Valley. As we fly through the savagely beautiful region,
the early\morning light casts fantastical colours and shadows across the scene.
Our final destination is the Maasai Mara. We’ll stay at Richard’s Camp in a tranquil forest
grove on the Aitong Hills’ side of the Mara. This is the perfect place to relax at the end of
your expedition whilst also experiencing the finest game viewing in Africa. We’ll make
forays out in to the midst of this incredible spectacle each day.
Day 17 Dayroom at the Norfolk Hotel and Onward Bound
In the morning we’ll fly by schedule up to Nairobi. This is the day to do any last minute
shopping and if you would like we can arrange for you to visit some of our artist friends
to view their work at their home studios. You will have a dayroom at the Norfolk Hotel.
In the evening we will drive you to the international airport for your onward flight.
KENYA – BY PRIVATE INVITATION
Ngong House, Nairobi -Borana, Laikipia – Helicopter through the Rift Valley - Ol Malo,
Northern Frontier District - Richard’s Camp, Maasai Mara – Princess Caroline of
Monaco’s House, Lamu Island – Norfolk Hotel , Nairobi
This is a remarkable wildlife and cultural safari that takes you to the heart of
Kenya’s greatest and most exclusive highlights. You will be our personal guests
and we will introduce you to the hidden Kenya of myth and fable.
Day 1 Ngong House, Nairobi
Once you have arrived to Jomo Kenyatta Airport, whisked briskly through customs
and immigration, we’ll be there to meet you. We’ll lead you straight to your safari
vehicle for the short twenty-five minute journey to Ngong House.
Ngong House is an eccentric hotel and the brainchild of our good friends the
Verleysens. The rooms are set high on stilts and are constructed out of the salvaged
wood from coastal dhow sailing boats. They all command fabulous views of
the Ngong Hills.
You can rest up here, soak in the wonderful views and in the evening, we’ll take
you off to the Muthaiga Club, the private members of club of historical infamy.
All the greatest names of East African history have blooded themselves at
this club and a fabulous supper will be a fine end to your first day.
Day 2, 3 & 4 Borana, Laikipia
After a decent breakfast, we’ll head to Wilson, Nairobi’s internal airport,
to catch a plane up to Borana in the heart of Laikipia. The Laikipia region is a
broad swathe of game rich grasslands and hills that reach Mount Kenya to one
side and the wild deserts of the north to the other. Outside of the Maasai Mara,
Laikipia can boast the greatest wildlife experiences in Kenya.
We will be staying at the exclusive bush home of our old friends, the Dyers;
a legendary Kenyan dynasty. Your own little guest cottage, perched on the edge of
the Samangua Valley will enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kenya,
the Borana plains and the Ngare Ndare forest. As always, you will be
encouraged to treat this corner of Africa as your own home. The food is excellent and every last morsel is an
organic product of the farm.
We’ll explore the area by 4x4 safari vehicle, by day or night, and on foot. We can also
head off on horseback. In the daytime the horses graze out in the bush with the game
animals. By being somewhat habituated to each other one can get really close to
the wildlife, especially giraffe.
We will also venture on to Lewa Downs to visit our friends the Craigs and see
their impressive Rhino conservation project.
At over 17,000 feet, Mount Kenya’s snow capped peaks and creeping glaciers
are in stark contrast to the equatorial bushlands below. On one of our days a private
charter airplane will collect us and fly us up over the foothills of the great mountain,
across the moorlands of giant heather and glorious lobelias, to Lake Rutundu and
Lake Alice. These are unbelievably beautiful alpine lakes in which some big trout
are lurking. You can try your luck a casting a fly or simply enjoy a picnic on the
shores of the lake.
Day 5 & 6 Helicopter Expedition up the Rift Valley, Overnight at
Ol Malo, Northern Frontier
Today will be one of the most incredible and memorable days of your life. We are
going up in to the little visited Northern Frontier by private helicopter. The Eurocopter
we use is the quietest helicopter in the world which minimizes disturbance to wildlife
drastically. We’ll swoop down in to the Great Rift Valley and fly north through the
Suguta valley. Volcanoes and lava flows abound whilst huge undulating sand dunes
dominate the landscape. We’ll land on one of the dunes for our morning coffee.
We’ll skim Lake Logipi where thousands and thousands of flamingos will riot in
pink flight. We’ll then top Teleki’s Volcano to see before us the vast jade expanse of
Lake Turkana before we head south-east over very different but no less spectacular
scenery – cedar forested mountain ranges, spring fed valleys and enormous
Dali-esque rock formations.
This mind blowing flight will culminate at Ol Malo. Ol Malo is the home of Colin and
Rocky Francombe. Their history with us goes back many years. It is a beautiful, small
and exclusive lodge, perched on an escarpment overlooking the northern wilderness of Kenya.
Attentive staff, wonderful organic food and the Francombe’s famous hospitality make
this a very special destination.
Their conservancy has excellent wildlife and we can explore the area by safari vehicle
and on foot. Alternatively, you may just want to relax by the infinity pool and while
away a couple of very happy days of luxury.
Day 7, 8 & 9 Richards Camp, Maasai Mara
After a leisurely breakfast we’ll take a quick charter flight to the provincial airstrip at
Nanyuki to connect with our schedule flight to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
One really has to visit the Maasai Mara. This reserve is one of Africa’s greatest parks
though it suffers a rather unfair reputation for being crowded with mini buses. This
certainly does not have to be the case and we select Richard’s Camp accordingly for its privacy.
Though it is a tented camp, it is certainly not how you would imagine a tent would be.
Your room is canvas but a permanent structure, very spacious and has a flush
lavatory and hot shower.
Richard’s is a home from home for us and is ideally situated in a tranquil forest grove
on the Aitong Hills’ side of the Mara. When we go out on walks or drives to see the
animals, it feels very much like one has the whole of the Mara all to oneself.
The wildlife is abundant and the swaying grasslands ensure that animals are never
out of sight. Elephants browse amongst the large herds of wildebeest and topi, eland
and buffalo, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle. The plains offer a rich variety of food for
the dominant predators: lion; leopard; hyena and cheetah. In the Mara River, hippos
submerge to snort and grumble while crocodiles sunbathe, mouths agape, on the riverbanks.
Day 10, 11 & 12 Princess Caroline’s Beach House, Lamu Island
The morning schedule flight will collect us in time to connect with the lunchtime Lamu
flight. Lamu is an incredible island with a rich history. Lamu is a world heritage sight and
her economy today is still dominated by fishing, mangrove cutting and dhow shipbuilding.
With only one car on the island, owned by the District Commissioner and only able to
drive up and down the quayside, the only traffic you may come across is a donkey
wending its way.
On landing we’ll ferry by dhow boat across the bay and up the coast to Shela village.
We’ll have our own beautiful Swahili house on the beach, the home to Princess Caroline
of Monaco and Prince Ernst of Hanover. Our cook will make sure that he finds the
freshest seafood each day - lobster, mangrove crabs, giant prawns – leaving you
to wander the cool streets of the village. Otherwise you might stroll for miles and
miles along a deserted ocean lapped beach.
In Shela on the harbour front is the Peponi Hotel, hosting the most famous bar on the
East Coast of Africa. Barely bigger than a horsebox, nobody who is anybody in Kenyan
legend has not enjoyed an Old Pal Cocktail in the bar there. The Peponi is just a
short walk along the beach from where you will be staying.
If you are feeling active, there are plenty of opportunities to arrange for water
skiing, deep-sea fishing, dhow sailing, snorkelling the coral reef and swimming with
dolphins. The island is a paradise.
Day 13 Norfolk Hotel, Nairobi
After a lazy lunch, we’ll drag you away to catch the afternoon flight up to Nairobi where
we will drive you to the Norfolk for a rest and a bite to eat before transferring you to
the international airport for your flight onwards.
TANZANIA - BY PRIVATE INVITATION
Private Tented Camp, Serengeti - Greystoke Camp, Mahale – Chada Camp,
Katavi National Park - Palms Boutique Spa, Zanzibar Island
This safari explores the very best of Tanzania and reveals some of its greatest secrets.
Day 1, 2 & 3 Private Tented Camp, Serengeti
Once you are through customs, we see no point hanging around. A light aircraft will whip
us off towards the greatest wildlife spectacular on our planet – the massing of the great
wildebeest migration. In the space of just a couple of weeks a conglomerate herd of
over a million wildebeest will drop their young in the salt and mineral rich plains of the
southern Serengeti. Naturally they become the major focus for predatory activity and
the plains become a riot of activity as the big cats gorge and the scavengers compete
for the scraps. We’ll venture out each day in to the frenzy for some of the most rewarding
game viewing there could be.
We’ll stay “under canvass” in a private mobile camp amid the heart of the action. For
many of our guests, these camps are the most memorable and enjoyable feature of a safari.
They allow an intimacy with the bush that no lodge, however rustic, can ever emulate.
It is also ecologically ideal as we leave no sign of intrusion on the environment
after the camp is struck.
You will have a large spacious tent with crisp linen beds, furniture and even an en
suite bathroom – a naval bucket shower with hot water 24 hours a day and a “short drop”
loo. A tent butler will be there to look after your every whim and make sure that your
favourite iced cocktail has been mixed to your liking to settle the dust after a day in the bush.
Day 4, 5 & 6 Greystoke Camp, Mahale Mountains
A private charter will collect us in the morning and fly us south through Tanzania to
the Mahale Mountains.
The rugged, mist shrouded Mahale Mountains run down to the shore of Lake Tanganyika
and are the native home to several hundred chimpanzees. There are no roads here and
transport is by foot or boat along the shores of the lake. Comparatively few people are
lucky enough to visit here because of its remoteness.
Each day we will set out into the forest to track for the chimpanzees where you will
be brought in to intimate contact with them as they go about their daily lives. Sitting amongst
these massively intelligent primates is more than magical.
Chimpanzees are not the only reason for coming here. The camp itself is a peaceful haven
that allows wonderful relaxation and time for reflection in an environment far removed
from an occidental life. The beaches are beautiful, the waters great for snorkelling, swimming,
fishing and excursions out on the sailing dhow boat.
Day 7, 8 & 9 Chada Camp, Katavi National Reserve
We will be collected by light aircraft this morning to hop us over the mountains to Africa’s
greatest secret, Katavi National Park.
Katavi is nearly a million acres of the finest, most exclusive game viewing to be had in
Africa. Herds of buffalo number in to thousands, lions climb trees and leopards are common,
hippos and crocodiles teem like shoals of fish in the rivers. In truth, Katavi is a nostalgic
reminder of how Africa must have been before the first European settlers arrived to the
continent over three centuries ago.
We’ll stay at Chada Camp, a rustic and atmospheric tented camp, situated on the edge of a
seasonal flood plain. Eccentric friends of ours, the Purcells, created the camp at a time when
all the “experts” told them they were mad for going to so remote a place. They have
proved their critics wrong. This is one of our favourite places on the continent.
Day10, 11 & 12 Palms Boutique Spa, Zanzibar Island
A couple of interesting flights today will find us in the afternoon on Africa’s most famous
island, Zanzibar. The island has at one time or another lured an array of adventurers,
men-of God, explorers, traders and conquerors. Phoenicians, Persians, Assyrians,
Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Malays, Portuguese, English, Dutch and
Omani Arabs make up constituent parts in its culture.
We’ll stay at the Palms Spa, a wonderfully relaxed boutique hotel situated on the south-eastern
coast of the island; an architectural fusion of Zanzibari and colonial history. It is set on a peaceful
white beach and surrounded by tranquil gardens, a real five star treat.
There are just six fabulous villas, all so beautifully designed that even the notoriously critical
Italian Architectural Digest magazine has heaped praise on them. They include single and double
ensuite bedrooms, comfortable living areas and walk-in dressing rooms.
Outside there are terraces with views over the garden and the ocean beyond. They are
furnished with Jacuzzis and traditional Zanzibari beds for lazy moments of contemplation.
An antique-strewn restaurant serves excellent food, combining the ‘just caught’ with
the ‘just picked’. The Palms has a decent large swimming pool, private thatched beach
salas for each villa and the Sanctuary Spa to pamper oneself in. Exciting water
sports can also be arranged.
Day 13 Onward Bound
We’ll get you to the airport for your onward bound flight, maybe home, or even better,
up to Kenya to continue with your African adventure.
5 DAY ZAMBEZI CANOE AND WALKING SAFARI
Canoeing on the Zambezi has to be one of Africa's great adventures. Lazily drifting with the
current, watching the myriad birds on the shore, sweeping past pods of hippos and getting up
close to a herd of elephant as they come down to drink, is a very wonderful and unique privilege.
No previous canoing skill is necessary as our fully trained professional guides make all the decisions
and take good care of you.
Your bags are taken ahead to the next lodge by vehicle so there is nothing in your canoe but you
and a picnic lunch!
This is probably the most non-intrusive way of game viewing. After each exhilirating day, you'll
marvel at what you have seen and experienced, and at night, our lodges on the banks of the river
are of the finest in authenticity and atmoshpere.
Day 1-2
Fly from Lusaka to Chiawa Lodge.
Gentle game cruises on a powered pontoon boat on the Zambezi. Morning game walks, afternoon and
night game drives where you are likely to see puku, elephant, buffalo, zebra, kudu, waterbuck. Leopard,
lion and hyena are regularly sighted on the cruises and the day and night game drives.
Chiawa Lodge is an exclusive 12 bedded Lodge situated within the
Lower Zambezi National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River. 8 well-appointed
safari tents on a raised timber deck with private veranda, under thatch, with en-suite
facilities with hot & cold running water, twin or double beds, insect screens and solar powered
lighting. Chiawa is renowned for its cuisine.
Overnight at Chiawa Lodge.
B, L, D
Day 3
Early morning game walk and then brunch. Then we set off in our canoes down the Zambezi
through various channels and the main stream of the Zambezi. This is not an endurance trip
and we adopt a very relaxed and leisurely pace. We are likely to see elephants, crocs, waterbuck,
buffalo, maybe lions and lots of hippo. At the end of the day we reach Sausage Tree Lodge, another
exclusive safari camp with 6 Bedouin-style white canvas tents, each with private open-air bathrooms,
with hot and cold water and flush loo's. Three course meals, white linen and candle-light.
Evening night drive.
Overnight at Sausage Tree Lodge.
B, L, D
Day 4
After breakfast, we pack our bags which are transferred to the next camp by boat. We spend
the day on the Zambezi, canoeing through very absorbing ecosystems and probably seeing a lot
of wildlife from the safety of our canoe. Lunch is taken on the river bank or on islands in the middle
of the river. Drinks and a cold buffet (prepared by the chef and kitchen staff) are carried in cooler boxes
in the canoes. We reach Mondoro by nightfall. The camp is simple - providing us with an authentic,
remote experience that concentrates on the wildlife and bush experience. The call of the hyena replaces the
hum of a generator, electric light is replaced by the soft glow of a lantern. Accommodating eight
guests and of traditional design, Old Mondoro is an unusual camp. Each tent has en-suite facilities
with flush toilets, and canvas bucket showers and washbasins. The traditional bush kitchen supplies
outstanding meals and fresh baked daily from a homemade oven.
Overnight at Old Mhondoro Lodge.
B, L, D
Day 5
Return by light aircraft to Lusaka.
10 DAY ITINERARY IN GABON
Gabon may be one of the World's best kept secrets. It's a destination untouched by mass tourism, yet
is very welcoming.
On the West African coast, South of Equatorial Guinea, Gabon is a stable former French colony
of merely 1 million people, with vast areas of tropical lowland forest and miles of unexplored
Atlantic coastline. As part of the Congo basin, it is one of the most bio-diverse regions on
Earth -- on par with the Amazon. Primates and other large mammals still abound because of
low human population and infrastructure, and as such it is a unique and important conservation
region.
Outside the lively coastal capital Libreville, there are adventures aplenty awaiting those with
a taste for raw Africa. Golden secluded beaches, majestic jungle rivers, and towering
canopy forest. Watch elephants in classic savannah, lowland forillas in the forests, and
humpback whales in tranquil bays. Or, venture inland by canoe, by train or 4x4 to experience
estuaries, lakes, hippos, crocs, and outstanding bird life.
President El Hadj Omar Bongo recently created a National Park network based on the
findings of a two-year biological and socio-economic evaluation by field teams from the
DFC, WCW and WWF.
Gabon's National Parks are representative of the country's varied natural environment.
Gabonese forests rank among the richest in Africa and nowhere else can you watch
elephants on the beach or see breaching humpback whales from the same spot.
It's also a wealth of different cultures and the traditional masks hold a special fascination.
With over 100 kilometres of uninhabited coast, Loango Park offers breathtaking
panoramas and elephant, buffalo, hippo, gorilla and sometimes leopard venturing on the
white beachfront.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
We meet our staff and private charter pilot at Leon MBA International Airport in Libreville.
After clearing customs and immigrations we drive to a nearby light aircraft airfield from where
your aircraft with will fly 45 minutes to Petit Loango National Park.
At Ombue, the Loango Lodge staff will welcome us. Excursion to the small local market
and traditional shops. Then we take a boat to Evengue. It's a half hour trip and on this
small island we will meet the scientists who are doing research on the gorilla family on Evengue. They
will explain the gorilla rehabilitation program, the history of the area, and then lead a short bush walk
to see this family of habituated gorillas. Late afternoon excursion by boat or by foot through the rain
forest. Evengue has 3 exclusive tents on sundecks with private bathroom on the edge of the forest.
Cosy and very friendly -- a wooden restaurant with a terrace overlooking the lagoon.
Day 2
After breakfast, we take a boat to St. Anne, the missionary post, and the immense bamboo
forest. The old church Eiffel was built there in the late 1800's and is great to see. The
story of the church is incredible. The church was designed and built in Paris, then shipped
in pieces to Gabon and transported over water and pulled out by elephants. The church
is still intact. Also the boarding school and missionary post are worth visiting. A walk
through the forest will bring us to an incredible bamboo cathedral where in rare
occasions ceremonies are being held. St. Anne, with its flowers, birds and the church
are a "must see" for first time visitors to Gabon. In the afternoon, we take a 90 minute
boat ride via the Mpivier River to the lodge. The Mpivie River is famous for its breathtaking
views and runs through dense rain forest and is well known for its fishing owls and crocodiles.
After disembarking we take a one hour 4x4 drive to the lodge. Loango Lodge has 7 bungalows
and suites have fans, air-conditioning and screen windows. The restaurant has a large sun
terrace, a library with a good collection of books about Gabon, its birds and wildlife.
Day 3
After breakfast, we go by foot or vehicle into the reserve. The walking option entails a full day's
walk with a picnic lunch or the vehicle option where we return to the lodge for lunch. In the
afternoon, a village toru where the guides explain how the local people live and survive
from the forest, and how the local population is living with and in nature. At the end
of the afternoon, take a boat to see "bat and bird island" and its immense flocks of birds.
At night, we will visit the Bwiti ceremony in Nchongorove, a small
village where we are being introduced to the Gabonese traditional dancing. Deceased
ancestors are "consulted" through the dancing and eating of eboga.
This is an unforgettable evening.
Day 4
After an early breakfast, we take the boat to Akaka, one of the most remote parts
of the National Park. Akaka is a tented camp in the heart of the tropical rainforest and the
large wetlands of Petit Loango National Park. It is one of the most impressive parts of Loango
and the best place to see elephants in the river. A boat trip of 3 hours takes us through wide
lagoons and small rivers where there are abundant birds. In Akaka, we have lunch in the
small restaurant and then our guides will take us on a walk, deep into the forest to enjoy the
intricacies of the forest. Akaka has 5 tents on sundecks and all have private bathrooms with
bucket showers and toilet. Each tent has comfortable beds, chairs and private terrace
overlooking the forest. At night, the sounds of elephants and the other animals will
enhance your enjoyment of this wonderful place.
Day 6
After breakfast, we go to Tassi/Louri, the perfect spot to see elephants on the beach
during the wet season. The campsite is situated close to the forest and the beach, and this is
a great spot for kayaking and walking. We will visit the gorilla researchers from the Max Planck
Institute who have their base camp there. Tassi/Louri has 5 tents on sundecks and all have
private bathrooms with bucket showers and toilet. Each tent has comfortable beds, chairs
and private terrace.
Day 7
Our whale researchers will take us out on the research boat to see Humpback whales and
dolphins. A full day is spent watching the breaching and other antics of these incredible
creatures. At night, we visit Ntochongorove, a small village, 30 minutess by boat from the
lodge to experience another "Bwiti ceremony."
Day 8
We fly out from the lodge and arrive in Libreville in mid-morning. You have an entire day to
stroll around the city and do some shopping.
Day 9
Flight back home.
AFRICA RATES
Please call or email for itineraries and rates.
Special pricing on request for scheduled and customized trips.
GAME TRACKER SAFARI IN ZIMBABWE
Includes all meals, return charters from Harare to Vic falls or Harare, internal charter
flights, game-viewing and sight-seeing activities as indicated, services of
a Professional Guide, accommodation, park fees.
MADAGASCAR
Includes return scheduled flight from Johannesburg to Antananarivo,
transfers and internal flights as noted, game-viewing and sight -seeing activities as
indicated, services of a Professional Guide and local guides, accommodation, meals,
park fees.
THE ULTIMATE ELEPHANT EXPEDITION
Includes all meals, all flights between Namibia, South Africa and
Botswana, transfers, charter flights, accommodation, park fees, game-viewing and
sight-seeing activities as indicated, services of a Professional Guide and local guides.
ZAMBEZI — A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Includes all meals, all flights within Zambia, transfers, charter flights,
meals, Parks fees, game-viewing and sight-seeing activities as indicated, services of a
Professional Guide and local guides.
TANZANIA MIGRATION SAFARI
Inlcudes all meals, road transportation with full back up crew, private campsites,
transfers, charter flights within Tanzania, scheduled flights Arusha-Dar es Salaam-Selous-Dar es Salaam,
bed and breakfast accommodation in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Parks fees, game-viewing and
sight-seeing activities as indicated, services of a Professional Guide and local guides.
THE SAN BUSHMAN EXPERIENCE
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leader and local guides, and safari staff. Scheduled flight from Windhoek-Cape
Town & all land transportation. All game-viewing and cultural activities with
the San.
NAMIBIA HIGHLIGHTS
Includes all meals, charter flight, meals, Parks fees, game-viewing and sightseeing
activities as indicated, services of a Professional Guide and local guides.
UGANDA/RWANDA
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks, and
services of Trip Leader and local guides. Also two gorilla trekking permits per person, chimp
excursion and trek at Ngamba. All services of safari staff & all land transportation, all
game-viewing and sight-seeing.
BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leaders and local guides & services of safari staff. All land transportation
and local air transfers as noted. All game-viewing and sight-seeing, park
entry fees and car hire.
THE AFRICAN ODYSSEY
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leaders and local guides & services of safari staff. All land transportation
and local air transfers as noted. All game-viewing and sight-seeing, park
entry fees and car hire.
KENYA BY PRIVATE INVITATION
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leaders and local guides & services of safari staff. All land transportation
and local air transfers as noted. All game-viewing and sight-seeing, park
entry fees and car hire.
TANZANIA BY PRIVATE INVITATION
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leaders and local guides & services of safari staff. All land transportation
and local air transfers as noted. All game-viewing and sight-seeing, park
entry fees and car hire.
ZAMBEZI CANOE AND WALKING SAFARI
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leaders and local guides & services of safari staff. All land transportation
and local air transfers as noted. All game-viewing and sight-seeing, park
entry fees and car hire.
GABON
Includes all accommodations, meals and soft drinks as noted as well as services of
Trip Leaders and local guides & services of safari staff. All land transportation
and local air transfers as noted. All game-viewing and sight-seeing, park
entry fees and car hire.
ON ALL TOURS LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: international airfare, overnight in Johannesburg
(if required), transfers for independent arrival or departure, meals not specified
after each itinerary day, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities
to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline
schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations
(if any); travel insurance, passports and visas; and certain other expenses
of a personal nature.
It is with great pride
that we are sharing with you this sampling of personalized trips within southern and eastern Africa. In addition, please note that we can create totally customized itineraries covering every possible area of interest you may have - from golfing safaris to safaris by train to extravagant luxury to mobile bush camps. But the important thing is that you experience Africa during your lifetime - one way or the other.
For more information and a chat about options and opportunities in Africa, feel free to contact any Corniche Travel Group
leisure consultant (in Los Angeles 310-854-6000 or 800-852-4417; in Orange County 714-937-0606 or 800-548-8728) or
contact me at anastasia@anastasiasafrica.com.
I promise you the trip of a lifetime.
Anastasia
U.S.A. Headquarters
8721 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 200
West Hollywood, CA 90069
310-854-6000
www.anastasiasafrica.com
Orange County Branch
2011 South State College Boulevard
Anaheim, CA 92806
714-937-0606
by Anastasia Mann
