Kenya Birding-Tour
July/August 2007
When asked to name my single biggest surprise and thrill, while touring Africa, I always reply, "Its The Birds!". And believe me, the variety of bird species, and the ability to view them (often at nearly eye-level)...is fantastic! Having made three trips to Africa, with two trips to this region of East Africa, I will be leading a 14 day birding safari during July or August of 2007. And in order to insure a top-quality birding opportunity, I've enlisted the services of a safari operator whose father started the old "East African Ornithological Tours" company, several decades ago. I have traveled with this company, and it is well managed, has great drivers who know their birds, and is top-notch, all the way around. Steve has planned an excellent itinerary, and although it would be entirely possible to tally 500 species (if we put the blinders on), we will expect to record 350-400 bird species while also enjoying spectacular viewing of the well-known African mammals, such as lion, elephant, cheetah, hippo, rhino, wildebeest, zebra, etc.. Itinerary: To view the exciting day-to-day itinerary, please click on the following link: Birdventures07.pdf Bird Checklist: To view the bird checklist, please click on the following link: Birdventures Typical Checkl.pdf African Bird Photo Gallery: To view some of my own personal images click on this link: http://www.smedesphoto.com/birds.htm#africanbirds African Mammal Photo Gallery: To view some of my own personal images click on this link: http://www.smedesphoto.com/mammals.htm#africanmammals Group Size: Group size will be small, and everyone will have a window-seat in the land rover. Ideal size will be just 5-7 birders. A second vehicle may be added if needed, with a maximum group size of no more than 10-12 birders. Accommodations: The lodges and tent-camps are charming and luxurious (see photos in the itinerary). All accommodations will have in-suite bathrooms, and meals are indeed excellent. Physical Requirements: Much of the birding will be from land rover, with a little walking at some of the camps, where safe to do so. The degree of physical difficulty is low. Potential participants should check with me regarding any health problems or ailments which could prevent them from participating in this tour. Temporary Flying Doctor (AMREF), emergency evacuation to Nairobi is included with the tour. Climate: Much of the safari will be on or near the equator. However, the humidity is much lower than what we experience in the midwestern US, and the higher elevation will negate the heat to a large degree. You can expect high temperatures in the mid-eighties. Cost: Cost will be approximately $4,500 - $5,000/person (depending upon number of participants) excluding airfare of approximately $1,800/person. The single room supplement will be $576. Single travelers will be paired with a room-mate when possible. Deposit and Cancellation
Terms: Deposit - $1,000/person. In Summary: If you've dreamed of traveling to Africa, and want to see a tremendous variety of birds, along with the famed variety of large mammals (often within a few feet of the vehicle) in one of the few remaining great natural areas on the planet, you should consider this safari. The great Wildebeest migration will be underway (with more than 1.5 million animals) and we will catch up to the herd, while in the Masai Mara, towards the end of the safari. If interested, please call or email with questions regarding further details. The exact safari date (in late July/early August) will be established soon after the first of the year. Warning: Africa is truly a magical place, and you may not settle for just one visit! If you have questions, please email me at ty.smedes@smedesphoto.com or call 515-270-9086 !
Ty Smedes Phone – 515-270-9086 |
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For inquiries:
Phone 515-270-9086, email:
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