AFRICAN ADVENTURES
AND SAFARIS
Thank you for your inquiry in response to our advertisement in the BBC Wildlife
magazine. I have included a copy of the Sunday Express magazine 05 March 1995 for you to
look at, as you will see our safaris give the true flavour of Kenya. We do not stay in
lodges or sit in a mini bus insulated from the environment rushing around in the been
there done that manner with a transfer every second day. In our opinion that is not the
way to experience such a beautiful country.
The Perfect All Inclusive Safari - We know better than most that a safari is quite
unlike any other holiday. As such it requires careful planning, it is not a 10 day
excursion with pre set dead lines at hotels, or for meals etc. The emphasis is on
individuality, a tailor made programme ensuring the experience and enjoyment is as
personal as possible.
A safari with us is an adventure on which you set the parameters. We strive to really
understand what you want from your safari, having asked what interests you, what you want
to see, which animals and people really fascinate you, what sort of photographer you are,
what you expect from the camp and the type of food you prefer.
We have many years of experience both living in the bush as well as many safaris all over
East and Central Africa, a trade learnt from my father and his father. We will work hard
to find you the game, anticipate their movements and position the vehicle for the best
shot. There will be no fuss when photographing the people as we are well known to them.
We will spend time discussing the areas we have selected, why they provide the very best,
suggest the number of days to stay in each and what each of our camps have to offer, be it
game drives in fully equipped 4x4 safari vehicles, guided walks, bird watching or fishing
expeditions.
Our permanent camps are small, individual, hospitable and very well versed in attending to
their guests every need. The tents are luxurious and spacious, have been made to our
design with en suite facilities and totally bug proof. The accent is on a surprisingly
high degree of comfort and fine food, the hospitality of a time gone by.
I have enclosed our itinerary which will enable you to experience the very best that KENYA
has to offer. There are no hidden charges for extra game drives,the days are yours, you
are not left to waste the day in a lodge between two short game drives at each end of the
day. As you will gather from the article we will wait for that special shot, or change
plans to react to a situation as it develops. Forget what you have seen on television with
mini buses everywhere, we will be operating off the beaten track for the majority of the
safari.
As a family owned company both in the UK and Kenya we offer a very personal service which
is reliable, flexible, and able to meet most requests, that is the advantage of a
specialist company like ours.
We believe we offer great value, what is the norm for us are extras with the larger
companies. Please do not compare us to a Tour Operator like Thomson or Kuoni, as every one
of our clients have said "It is like comparing chalk to cheese" . The price of
absolute freedom and independence is well worth considering if you prefer a more exclusive
way of travel and yet when you compare like for like our product is not only much more
comprehensive, it is also far better value.
You will not be on our safari, you will be on the one we design for you, your
private safari, so much nicer. We can cater for all ages and limit each safari to a
maximum of six guests.
The Best of Kenya safari departing through out 1996 will cost £2200 per person, if you
wish to go on safari with Michael Busselle, the international photographer, we have a
departure in February 1997, the price is £2650 per person. All safaris are fully
inclusive and the cost covers all accommodation, food, drinks, transport, park
fees, and flights, everything other than any personal expenditure in public places and
UK/Kenya departure taxes of £24. There is a separate insurance fee of £42.50 which gives
you the necessary cover for the areas we visit, very important.
Kenya needs us and even more importantly it needs you. Today's Africa is what remains
after centuries of abuse, some of it well meaning, precious little of it of any benefit to
the African in the bush. The preservation of the wilderness, the return of control of
these areas to the people who live in it, the generation of funds for the above through
sensitive, enlightened low impact ecotourism is the way forward.
That is where we and our clients come in. We can give you an experience of Africa that you
will never forget, and under our guidance your safari will have a beneficial effect on the
people of the areas visited and that is so important. We also take on extra commitments
like supporting a number of schools in those areas.
Should you wish to seek independent references we can supply telephone numbers of
previous clients who would welcome the opportunity to discuss their safari and answer your
questions.
I very much hope that we may be of service and have your company in the bush. Please do
telephone to discuss your safari, any queries you may have or to arrange a meeting to
discuss your safari in detail.
Yours sincerely
Anne Winch.
Click on the images in this section to see a bigger version. Take care, they are large
pictures!
Travel
On the prowl in Kenya
Award-winning
photographer Michael Busselle passes on the sharp-shooting skills he honed on a specialist
safari in Kenya.
PHOTO TIP Wait patiently for a moment of action: it will add some drama to an otherwise
static picture, as in this shot of lions in the Masai Mara National Park
A herd of a dozen or so elephants walked slowly
between the acacia trees within a stone's throw of where I was standing, hunched nervously
over my camera. One paused in his stately progress and looked vaguely towards me.
"Leave your camera and get back into the ear when I say - if he sees us, he may
charge." I found this information a little unsettling.
Cautiously, I moved my tripod to get a better view The elephant - a very large bull -
immediately raised his trunk, flapped his ears and took a few purposeful strides towards
us. "Get back in the car!" said Brian, unnecessarily. I was already on my way in
undignified retreat.
I had joined a specialist photographers' safari in Kenya and (continued)
(continuation)
Brian Freeman, the organiser and safari boss, was proving a first-class guide. This was
our second exciting encounter since arriving, as the previous evening's camp-fire
discussion had been interrupted by a pair of hippos crashing through the bush a few paces
away. It promised to be an eventful fortnight
Our second camp was on the outskirts of the Masai Mara National Park, below the golden
branches of Yellow Fever acacia trees and with zebra, wildebeest and giraffe within
walking distance of the camp. Vervet monkeys swung from the trees above the tents and the
chesty cough of lions could be heard echoing around the tents after dark
Shortly after leaving the camp at 6am, we spotted a pride of lions crossing the track
ahead of us. Brian decided we should track them through the bush in an attempt to see
where they would settle down. After nearly an hour of bushwhacking, negotiating river beds
and crossing boulder strewn gullies, they finally disappeared from sight into a dense
thorn thicket.
We managed a closer encounter with a pair of young male lions however. They were dozing in
the shade of a bush while we sat in the Land Rover just a few paces away and photographed
for an hour.
We were not the only ones to experience wildlife at such close quarters. When we got back,
we learned that the camp cook had been obliged to chase a leopard from the kitchen. Brian
wanted to bait a tree so that we might See it, but the necessary goat was unavailable and
we had to make do with the cook's account of his adventure.
In the Samburu National Park we camped on the banks of the Ewaso Nyaro river: a haven for
crocodiles -though not just here, we were assured. To make the point, Brian persuaded
everyone to take a swim we encountered a large herd of elephants who also seemed
unimpressed by the rumour of crocodiles and entertained us for half an hour while they
splashed about in the muddy water.
As we sat round the camp fire in the evening the sound of singing and dancing echoed down
from the tribal village on the far side of the river The next day Brian invited the
villagers to our camp where we were able to photograph their performance in daylight. The
Samburu are natural models and entered into the spirit of things like seasoned
professionals - which, I suspect, they were. We also had a fine view of a leopard lolling
in the branch of a tree. It took everyone by surprise by suddenly climbing down from its
perch and walking straight towards us before disappearing into the bush. It passed so
close by that, much to everyone's frustration, it proved impossible to photograph.
Photographers, like fishermen, always have a tale to tell about the one that got away.
Front
Text on reverse of postcard:
A FEW COMMENTS FROM SOME
OF OUR CLIENTS THIS YEAR
There is just no comparison between yourselves and the larger tour operator; they
are nowhere near your league, you are by far the better value for money. GEOFF
The facilities, the comfort, the food, the staff your camps are just unbeatable. CHRISTINE
We really enjoyed the many hours in the bush with you and the game, it was so
exhilarating just watching and listening with no deadlines to be met. MIKE
Please book us again for next October; make it exclusive. COLIN
Special thanks for not only finding the animals but getting me in the best possible
position to make the most of every photographic opportunity. TONY
This is our fifth safari and by far the best, we really enjoyed the small group and
the personal service, fantastic. CAROL
WE CAN HONESTLY SAY EVERY SAFARI
WAS A SUCCESS THIS YEAR
BEST OF KENYA
Itinerary
DAY 1.
Arrive Nairobi in the morning. We then take a leisurely drive to the Masai Mara Park
via the Rift Valley arriving in camp for a late lunch. A lazy afternoon catching up with
that jet lag!!. You may want to go for a drive or walk. Evening by the camp fire followed
by dinner listening to the night sounds particularly the lions who usually roar just out
side the camp!!!.
DAY 2.
An early breakfast, then into the Masai Mara Park where we will be off the beaten track
for most of the day with lunch under an acacia tree somewhere. Here we hope to see lots of
lions, rhino cheetah, hyena, silver back jackal, bat eared fox as well as the plains game.
DAY 3.
Back into the Masai Mara Park as per DAY 2
DAY 4.
We spend the day in the area around the camp as there is so much to see, we can walk
with the Masai. Some say we see more plains game here than in the park. After an early
dinner off on a night game drive after a lion on a kill.
DAY 5.
After breakfast depart for the lakes in the Rift Valley, to our luxury tented camp by
Elementita Lake arriving late afternoon. A chance to photograph the Rift Valley, a nice
journey.
DAY 6.
An early start into Lake Nakuru Park, a day spent looking for both species of rhino,
colobus monkey and the warthog!. We have seen fantastic rhino very close to the vehicle.
The town is also well worth seeing.
DAY 7.
To Lake Bogoria for the day, to see the flamingos against the stunning back drop of the
Laikipia Escarpment. The photographic opportunities are endless, the park is also home to
the greater kudu. Towards the northern end of the lake are a series of dramatic hot
springs. Picnic lunch, return to our camp for the evening.
DAY 8.
After breakfast depart to Samburu Park in Northern Kenya around Mount Kenya, travelling
through a number of old settler's towns. A good days drive with lunch en route, arriving
at our luxury tented camp on the Ewaso Nyiro River.
DAY 9.
Samburu Park is semi arid and as it is further north is usually hot. Here we find a
number of different game species, oryx, gerenuk, grevys zebra, reticulated giraffe. The
early morning will be spent in the park returning to camp for brunch and going out again
in the afternoon or after tea to sunset.
DAY 10.
Starts off with an early game drive, the park is so fascinating that there is always
lots to see particularly looking for elephant, leopard and cheetah.
DAY 11.
Continuation of Day 10, crossing the Ewaso Nyiro river to explore Buffalo Springs
reserve. The scenery here is dominated by the tall Doum Palms which line the river bank.
DAY 12.
May be a late start or continuation of Day 11. We could film the Samburu either in camp
dancing or with their cattle crossing the river or collecting water and washing.
DAY 13.
Early departure for lunch in Nairobi then on to Ulu to our house in the bush on a large
cattle ranch. Time to freshen up and enjoy the views across the Kajiado plains. Cocktails
on the verandah before the evening meal.
DAY 14.
After a early breakfast off to Amboseli for the day where we can see up to 400
elephants, a majestic sight as they cross the land to graze in the swamps. Picnic lunch
will be at the top of Observation Hill, not too high but well worth the climb. Can be a
dusty day.
DAY 15.
Into Nairobi to catch the morning flight.
A DAY ON SAFARI
So that you can imagine what it is like to be out on safari with Anne and
I here is a brief out line of what to expect.
First of all there are 8 staff who will be looking after you which includes the camp
supervisor, 2 tent stewards, 2 mess waiters, 1 cook , 1 kitchen staff, 1 driver, 1 night
guard(to scare away the animals)
On a normal day this is the routine:
We are up before first light and meet at the mess tent for tea/coffee before going out on
a game drive leaving camp just as the dawn is breaking. A really lovely time of the day, a
time we hope to catch the game before the sun rises too high, an ideal time to take
photographs.
The game drive goes on until about 9am or when ever we have exhausted the opportunities.
There is no set time to return, it is usually because we are hungry!!
On the way back to camp we radio our time of arrival, breakfast is then waiting all five
courses of it.
After breakfast and sorting out laundry etc we leave camp for a further game drive
exploring the area in more detail,or a chance of watching the Samburu cattle crossing the
river with all the village herding or collecting water, there is so much to see or do. It
is amazing where the time goes , before you know where you are it is time for lunch.
Back to camp for lunch and depending on the morning activities we usually take time off to
rest, read, catch up and get ready for the evening game drive which normally leaves camp
after tea about 4pm. The afternoon is a great time to sit in the river or just laze in the
sun catching up on that early morning start.
The evening game drive lasts until last light, later if out of the park as so much happens
in that last hour or so. An exciting time of the day, good for photographs until the light
fades.
As we head back to camp we radio forward for that cup of tea,and to ensure the water is
hot for the shower before sitting around the camp fire with a drink.
Dinner is served about 8pm and is the main meal of the day with all the trimmings and
wine, what a way to end the day. Coffee is set up by the fire and by 930pm you sneak off
to bed ,bushed and ready for a good nights sleep if the lions don't wake you.
NEWS LETTER FROM THE BUSH - MARCH 1996
JAMBO SANA,
At the Masai Mara one of my big male lions "Oliver" had a tremendous
fight, winning but unfortunately receiving a bad wound to his nearside rear leg Once a
lion is wounded he cannot keep up and has to do without, however despite Oliver getting
really thin, he pulled through after giving him one or two old goats, which I bought from
the Masai.
The lions at Mara camp have performed well, most nights roaring loudly and just 200 yards
away!! We have managed to jump in the Landrover and find them at least once every safari.
The Mara has had rain, the grass is green but lacking in plains game. I've seen many lions
and a mother Cheetah with four cubs on every safari except Mike Busselles despite looking
under every bush. These Cheetah did kill as we watched one day, it was great watching the
cubs eat and we were alone - no mini buses.
Rhino in Nakuru Park have increased by ten in the last year and continue to show them
selves, so far we have managed to see action in the mud every time despite the park
generally being very dry. The lake has dried up, the flamingos have moved to Elmenteita
and Bogoria, both places which we visit on our safari.
The greater kudu at Bogoria have not failed, although we have had to stay to the end on
one or two occasions.
Samburu park continues to provide much excitement on the river, ranging from crocodile
kills to elephant play fighting, so far we have managed to find leopards even though on
occasion it may have taken three or more hours of searching. The elephants like the bushes
on the river edge in the camp and are frequent visitors.
Every safari has produced some fantastic situations and we have managed to see all
varieties including superb bird life - 285 species on the last safari.
Just a few reminders, the sun is hot out of the Landrover hatches, so please bring hats
and it pays to have a shirt or two with collars which can be turned up for protection.
Don't forget the before and after cream!!
At night it can be cold, remember long sleeve shirts and trousers that can be tucked into
a pair of thick socks. Anti insect spray and a good torch are important. You can buy the
pencil type anti itch, which is great for dealing with individual bites.
I look forward to seeing you out here, if we can be of any help please call the UK office.
Kwaheri
Revised: 23/06/07 13:27
