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If your party size is four or less guests, the exclusive
vehicle in Kenya will normally be a Premier microbus.
These vehicles have been specially adapted and only have
four seats in the rear which allows for much greater leg
room of 70-75cms and greater freedom to move around
the vehicle and access the game viewing hatch when
stationary and observing wildlife. Please note that the
number of Premier microbuses is limited so we suggest
you book early to avoid disappointment.
ON THE ROAD
– Safaris often cover long distances on
rough and uneven roads and may be dusty or muddy.
Drives between game parks and lodges are made at a
relatively high speed in order to make the journeys as
comfortable as possible. Occasionally vehicles may
become stuck in mud or even break down, but help is
normally available nearby. Safari vehicles are not air-
conditioned. On long journeys comfort breaks will be
taken, often at curio shops, but the facilities will be basic
in nature.
Approximate distances and traveling times are shown
between points on each itinerary. These should be used
as a guideline only, as travel may take a lot longer than
expected due to poor road conditions or stops to view
game. Changes to itineraries, routings and camps or
lodges are sometimes unavoidable, e.g. due to rainfall,
and it may be necessary to drive greater distances. Local
conditions may lead to last minute changes en route.
A number of our itineraries include flights or the option
to take one or more flights – please see the ‘Flying
Safaris’ section below for further information.
Please note that at present the road into the Masai Mara
is in a very bad condition in places and the final section
can be an uncomfortable journey taking a considerable
time. On our Shared Safaris by Road we do offer the
option to fly out of the Mara at the conclusion of your
safari to Nairobi a supplement from $295 or to Mombasa
for a supplement from $575 (prices only valid when pre-
booked in the USA. Baggage allowance is restricted to
15 kg on light aircraft and should be in soft bags. When
flying from the Masai Mara to Mombasa beach luggage
cannot be stored at Somak House in Nairobi and so your
luggage would be restricted to 15 kg for your entire
holiday.
FLYING SAFARIS
– Choosing a flying safari offers you
complete flexibility, from which day you depart the USA
to the combinations of destinations, game parks and
lodges and camps you choose. Flying between each
destination allows you to cover more ground in a shorter
period of time. Flying safaris are fully flexible and the
number of days at each location can be increased or
decreased, therefore no allocation is held and all services
are subject to availability (if any element is not available
we will suggest the best alternative).
Flights are in light aircraft and the baggage allowance is
strictly 15 kg per person and should be in soft bags.
Where possible, additional luggage can be left at your
hotel or at the Somak Lounge and retrieved after the
safari. Depending on your routing a change of aircraft
may be required as well as additional stops to pick
up/drop off passengers en route to your final destination.
Transfers and game drives will be provided by the lodge
or camp in their vehicles and will be shared with other
guests. A window seat in safari vehicles is not
guaranteed at some lodges and camps, although there is
usually the option to pay for exclusive use of a safari
vehicle (subject to availability). For total flexibility and
exclusivity the internal light aircraft flights can be
arranged on an exclusive charter basis for your party at a
supplement. A higher deposit may be required at time of
booking.
GAME DRIVES
–
A safari promises both excitement and
the unexpected – close encounters with wild animals,
bumpy roads and helping out when the odds are down.
Every day on a Somak Safari is different with amazing
experiences, but don’t expect lazy days. Game-viewing
activities when taken from your lodge or camp occur in
the early morning (so book an early morning wake-up
call!) and late afternoon, and usually lasts between one
and two hours. Some game drives take place whilst
driving from one lodge or camp to the next. Please note
that game viewing is not an exact science and sightings
of particular species cannot be guaranteed. At some lake
lodges game drives are not provided, but optional
excursions may be purchased locally. Game drives are not
included at tree lodges, as they overlook waterholes and
salt licks.
MEALS ON SAFARI
–
Guests booked on a Shared Safari
by Road are often referred to as a group when traveling
in the same vehicle or convoy of vehicles. Lodges and
camps prefer to reserve tables in their dining areas to
ensure that space is available, but unfortunately it is
often not practical to allocate individual tables for every
couple or family and so they usually assign tables to
guests that are traveling together, even if they have not
booked together.
CHILDREN
–
Children are welcome on selected safaris.
On road safaris, we recommend that families with
children book their own safari vehicle, to avoid concerns
about disturbing fellow passengers. Children under the
age of seven are not permitted at some lodges. Please
refer to the itinerary pages for any restrictions for
children on safaris.
WHAT TO TAKE ON SAFARI?
A soft bag is best as there
is limited space and luggage allowance is 15 kg. We
recommend neutral colors, comfortable shoes, and warm
clothing for early morning and evening game drives.
Additional items to take include sunscreen, camera,
binoculars, strong insect repellent and a hat.
BALLOONING –
Instead of an early morning game drive
you can enjoy an optional hot-air balloon flight over the
Masai Mara or the Serengeti. Please ensure that your
holiday insurance covers activities such as ballooning as
many insurance policies require the payment of an
additional premium to cover ‘hazardous activities’. In the
event of your ballooning being cancelled, we are unable
to refund any such insurance premiums. Balloon flights
will only operate in the event that your pilot judges the
conditions to be safe and appropriate for your flight.
Adverse weather conditions or other factors may lead to
the cancellation of the balloon flight. As on any aircraft,
the pilot reserves all rights in respect of the carriage of
passengers and their luggage/equipment. A full refund of
the cost of your balloon flight, if appropriate, will be
provided in the event of cancellation as a result of
matters beyond our control, but Somak will not pay any
compensation for disappointment as a result of the
cancellation of your balloon flight. Should an additional
ballooning excursion be booked that coincides with a
pre-arranged game drive or bush breakfast, no refund for
either will be available. Height and age restrictions apply
– children under the age of 7 are usually not allowed; the
minimum height restriction is 1.2 meters. Prices displayed
are only valid when pre-booked in the USA.
SOMAK SAFARI LOUNGE
– Guests can relax and
recuperate in the comfortable Safari Lounge, the only
one of its kind in East Africa. This is available to all Somak
guests passing through Nairobi (time permitting), and is
the perfect place to enjoy refreshments, an air-
conditioned rest area and showers. Many guests consider
this a huge benefit and comment on the welcome hot
food and refreshing drinks. You can store your luggage
here if you wish.
NAIROBI NOTE –
In recent years traffic in Nairobi has
expanded considerably and there are frequent and long
delays due to traffic jams.
GORILLA TREKKING
Observing Gorillas in the wild is a very special experience
and it is important to preserve these fantastic,
endangered animals, so only a limited number of permits
are available in each park. Every visitor must obtain a
permit before they can embark on a trek, so it is essential
to book well in advance. Permits need to be paid for at
the initial booking stage and are non-refundable.
Anyone that embarks on a gorilla trek must be fit and
in good health, as reaching the gorillas in their natural
habitat can be tough, arduous and wet. To reach the
gorillas requires trekking through thick forest at heights
of up to 3,000m over sometimes difficult terrain. If on
the day of your trek you are sick with a cold, flu or
other contagious illness, visiting the gorillas will not
be permitted and you may not be refunded the cost of
the trek.
It is generally quite cold, particularly in the evening, so
warm clothing is advised. Recommended clothing is long
trousers and shirts when in the forest to avoid nettle
stings. Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
It frequently rains so take waterproof clothing and
protection for your camera equipment.
Only one hour is allowed with the gorillas, at a distance
of at least 7 meters. Flash photography is not allowed.
Throughout the trek you will be accompanied by a ranger
who will explain the rules and take you to the gorillas.
Of course there is no guarantee of seeing a gorilla as they
are in their natural habitat.
Somak Holidays is a division of Somak Travel Limited,
Registered Office Somak House, Harrovian Village,
Bessborough Road, Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex HA1
3EX. Registration No. 958261.
Holiday Guide
