tripPhoto
"I cannot find high enough words of praise for this trip! C.H.H. has prepared a program that honours and illuminates all aspects of visiting a country like Kenya. The cultural experiences and opportunities were beautiful, informative, and respectful. The hikes and walks they have chosen traversed interesting routes and paths through stunning scenery, complete with an abundance of wildlife greeting us up close and personal. On the game drives, the vast open landscape took my breath away. The guides, fondly named "The Dream Team", were extremely kind, knowledgeable, open, helpful, and such fun to be around! Maddalena, as the trip leader, was outstanding! It was obvious, through her actions and interactions, that Maddalena deeply cares for and respects the people, the animals, and the natural environment in Kenya and that made my experience, as a guest, even more personal and memorable. The trip to Kenya was way more than I expected. It has left an imprint deep in my heart."
Tammy T. (Kenya 2017)

Kenya

Imagine yourself hiking alongside herds of zebras and giraffes; there are no fences and this is not a zoo. This is Kenya.

 

A joy for animal-lovers and bird-watchers, our safari will take you to 3 different parts of the country. We begin in the Central Highlands, home to the Kikuyu tribe, where we will undoubtedly spot our first warthog as well as dozens of coffee and pineapple plantations. Our home base is the luxurious ABERDARES COUNTRY CLUB, and our hikes will introduce us to gazelles, impalas and waterbucks throughout the lush countryside.

 

We then move to the Rift Valley (famed for its gorges, dormant volcanoes and soda lakes) where we explore the beauty of Crescent Island and even go to “Hell”! SAWELA LODGE, near Lake Naivasha, will be our home away from home.

 

Our safari then continues into the heart of Africa's most famous region - the Masai Mara - which encompasses an astonishing amount of wildlife. We will be staying at the doorstep of the National Reserve at the MARA LEISURE TENTED CAMP. Game drives will take us through classic savannah in search of prides of lions on the hunt and leopards hiding in the shade of acacia trees. The Masai Mara is also the homeland to Kenya’s most celebrated tribe and we shall spend some time visiting with these proud morans and their families.

 

This time of the year was expressly chosen as July is the coolest month of the year in Kenya and also in July, huge herds of wildebeest and zebras migrate to the lusher grounds of the Masai Mara – a phenomenon we hope to capture during our visit.

 

Note: By watching wildlife in Kenya, you are helping to conserve it, as wildlife tourism contributes to the long term viability of the sanctuaries where the innumerable herds of animals can continue to live in freedom.

Dates

July 14 to 26, 2019

Grade

Light to Moderate

What's Included

- 12 nights cottage and luxury tented camp accommodations
- 12 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 12 dinners
- 6 guided hikes
- 5 game drives
- Visit to Masai manyatta
- Visit to tea plantation
- All entry fees for attractions per itinerary and all park fees
- Ground transportation and transfers

Cost

$4885 USD land

For this trip, we believe that pricing in U.S. dollars is the fairest way to offer you the best rates - with no artificial inflation of prices or lack of protection against fluctuations in exchange rates.

Send $300 deposit to reserve - balance is payable May 14, 2019

My Own Room

If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay.

If you would like to have your own room (or if a roommate is not available), then the single supplement would apply.

The cost of the single supplement for this holiday is $770 USD.

Meeting Times/Places

July 14, 2019
The meeting place and time is the NAIROBI (NBO) airport at 23:00
Our guides/jeeps will meet us at the airport and take us to the hotel in Nairobi (about 30 minutes away).
If you arrive before that, we recommend you wait for our guides/jeeps. If you prefer to go directly to the hotel on your own, let us know and we will help arrange transport (added cost TBC).


July 26, 2019
We will be at the NAIROBI (NBO) airport by about 19:00
On the morning of July 26, we will still be in the Masai Mara and will be going to a tea plantation on the way back to Nairobi. These activities will last ALL DAY, so do not book flights leaving earlier than 21:00 on July 26 as you will not make it to the airport on time. There is considerable traffic in Nairobi and it is a busy airport, so it would be ideal to have at least 2.5 before your flight departs.

Status

This trip is sold out but we would be pleased to add your name to the waitlist.

  • Daily Synopsis

  • Map

  • Photo Gallery

  • Accolades

  • Waitlist

  • Terms & Conditions

Daily Synopsis

Day 1

JAMBO KENYA!
Upon arriving in Nairobi, get a good night's sleep before beginning our Kenyan adventure in earnest the following day.

Day 2

ABERDARES
Transfer to Nyeri in Central Kenya, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, hike where warthogs and impalas roam free, not to mention gazelles, reticulated giraffes and the biggest antelopes - the elands. (Light-moderate, 6 km)

Day 3

SOLIO RANCH
First game drive of the holiday. Solio Ranch is a rhino sanctuary with the world's largest population of black rhinos. Buffalo, giraffes, zebras and various members of the antelope family also call this home.

Day 4

ABERDARE NP & THE ARK
Aberdare NP is characterized by deep ravines, huge waterfalls and moorlands. Many animals live in this park including rhinos, leopards, baboons, and Colobus monkeys. Hike and picnic in the moorlands before transferring to The Ark to overnight. (Moderate, 7km, undulating)
The Ark is deep in the Aberdare NP and was designed for game viewing. Its large picture windows overlook a floodlit watering hole which gives us the opportunity to have the animals come to us instead of the other way around.

Day 5

GILGIL
Transfer from Central Kenya to the Rift Valley - renown for its volcanoes, hot springs and soda lakes. Visit the Gilgil Spinners and Weavers where artisans spin wool dyed with local plants and weave fabrics and carpets on handmade looms.

Day 6

MORNING VISIT TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL & AFTERNOON HIKE ON CRESCENT ISLAND
Visit the Lake Naivasha Primary School and play with the children at recess.
After lunch, take a boat to Crescent Island. Crescent Island is the protruding rim of an extinct volcano and a private sanctuary for hundreds of giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and waterbucks. (Light, 6 km)

Day 7

LAKE ELEMENTAITA
Lake Elementaita is one of the Rift Valley's soda lakes and its shorelines were once fringed in pink thanks to thousands of flamingos. Hike from the shores of the Lake, past children bathing in the hot springs, and into the Kikopey Hills to the edge of Horseshoe Crater. (Light-moderate, 13 km)
Visit the colourful Naivasha market, a typical African trading centre, on our way home.

Day 8

HELL'S GATE NATIONAL PARK
Hell's Gate NP is stunning! Hike first along African savannah as zebras graze lazily and baboons clamour about. Then descend into Hell's Gate Gorge whose valley floor is lined with obsidian from the two extinct volcanoes nearby. A side-trip into Old Njorowa Gorge will reveal a sandstone ravine that has been artfully sculpted by water. Wait until you see the display of sunlight as is dances and curves around the walls of the gorge. (Moderate, 12 km)

Day 9

CRATER LAKE
Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is home to over 150 species of birds, not to mention giraffes, zorillas, aardvarks and black & white colobus monkeys. Do a circular hike atop the crater rim with excellent views of the blue-green lake down below. (Moderate, 10 km)

Day 10

SAFARI TO MASAI MARA
Safari is the Swahili word for journey and today we transfer from the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara. The sheer density of wildlife and classic savannah of the Masai Mara is the reason some people come to Kenya at all.
(Road conditions can be unpredictable; the drive will be dusty and bumpy and will require long distances on unpaved roads.)
Do a game drive in the late afternoon, catching our first sunset over the Masai Mara.

Day 11

MASAI MARA
Set off on a morning game drive in search of simba, cheetahs and leopards. Of course, also stop for elephants, giraffes and zebras! Just outside the Talek Gate of the National Reserve, meet up with a Masai who will take us to a manyatta to meet his age-mates and the women of the village. They will dance and sing for us!

Day 12

MASAI MARA
In July and August is the annual wildebeest migration when millions of wildebeest move north from the Serengeti Plains to the Masai Mara in search of lusher grasslands. Hopefully, we'll be here just in time to be part of this phenomenal experience. But as nature is unpredictable, we cannot guarantee when the migration will take place, so today's activities will have to remain flexible.

Day 13

KIAMBETHU TEA FARM
From the Masai Mara, we journey back to Nairobi, but first stop at a tea plantation for tea (naturally). Kenya is the world's 3rd largest tea exporter and the Kiambethu Tea Estate is one of the oldest in Kenya. From the tea farm, continue on to the Nairobi airport for the flight home.
Kwaheri Kenya!


View Kenya in a larger map

 

Interactive Trip Map

 

Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.

 

Select satellite view to get even more detail.

 

Photo Gallery

We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.

 

polaroids

What an experience!

 

"I cannot find high enough words of praise for this trip! C.H.H. has prepared a program that honours and illuminates all aspects of visiting a country like Kenya. The cultural experiences and opportunities were beautiful, informative, and respectful. The hikes and walks they have chosen traversed interesting routes and paths through stunning scenery, complete with an abundance of wildlife greeting us up close and personal. On the game drives, the vast open landscape took my breath away. The guides, fondly named "The Dream Team", were extremely kind, knowledgeable, open, helpful, and such fun to be around! Maddalena, as the trip leader, was outstanding! It was obvious, through her actions and interactions, that Maddalena deeply cares for and respects the people, the animals, and the natural environment in Kenya and that made my experience, as a guest, even more personal and memorable. The trip to Kenya was way more than I expected. It has left an imprint deep in my heart."
Tammy T. (Kenya 2017)

 

"It was a great trip! I have no words for the emotions I felt in seeing the sites and hearing the sounds of this wonderful country. All was marvelous!"
Andrea D. (Kenya 2017)

 

"This trip was one of those rocking chair moments... things we will remember when all else fades. Thank you again."
Karen M. (Kenya 2017)>/i>

 

Make a Reservation

We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.

Please fill out the registration form below.

It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.

Note that this trip is currently full but you can complete the registration form to get your name on the waitlist.

Destination

Kenya

Dates

July 14 to 26, 2019

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Dietary Notes:


Insurance

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all our tours and can be arranged through our offices. We work with Allianz Global Assistance.


I understand that by not purchasing Allianz Global Assistance offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays, I may be exposed to financial losses ranging from the full price of my trip to the unknown costs of trip interruption/cancellation or out of province medical care. I waive any liability against Comfortable Hiking Holidays or Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. for any costs I incur as a result of my choice not to purchase this travel insurance.
I hereby decline any Allianz Global Assistance coverage offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

Travel Waiver and Release

On this date, I requested that Comfortable Hiking Holidays, an independent contractor (the 'IC') with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., make one or more travel arrangements (booking of flights; lodging; car rental; etc.) on my behalf as well as on behalf of my family/travel companions. Direct Travel Inc., its officers, directors, employees, advisors and contractors, including Independent Contractors, are hereinafter called 'Agency'.

I acknowledge that travel plans made for me/us by the Agency may be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled by service providers (airlines, cruise lines, lodging, etc.). I also acknowledge travel plans may be delayed, interrupted or cancelled by acts of God, by actions of government entities or by other third-party entities over which the Agency has no control. I further acknowledge that the service provider’s own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable current and future laws, will govern my rights and remedies, including my right to receive a refund, in such an event.

Moreover, I understand that should I elect to purchase travel protection plan, the terms of the individual policy I have chosen will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under these circumstances.

By agreeing to these terms, I hereby agree to hold the Agency harmless and release it from any and all liability for any damages, including but not limited to monetary losses, I may incur as a result of such interruption or cancellation of these travel arrangements.

I agree to these terms.

 

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Terms & Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.

 

Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:

 

Maddalena Molino

Comfortable Hiking Holidays

251 Consumers Road, 7th floor

Toronto, ON  M2J 4R3  Canada

 

6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.

 

 

DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.

 

After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

 

If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.

 

AIRFARE

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package. 

 

Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

 

Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.

 

Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

 

TAXES

H.S.T.

The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.

 

INSURANCE

Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Should a participant fall ill with Covid while on the tour, the participant will be expected to isolate themselves until they have recovered or have a negative Covid test. This may require a change of hotels or even hospitalization. Such additional costs associated with care, isolation, and repatriation if necessary will be borne by the participant him/herself and/or his/her travel insurance. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed.

 

It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

 

It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.

 

In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged  when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.

 

SMOKING

As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).

 

CHILDREN

All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

 

SITE ACCURACY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.

 

HIKE LEADERS

All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.

 

OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.

 

TRAVEL WAIVER

Participants are required to sign a “Travel Waiver” form, which acknowledges that your travel plans may be interrupted or cancelled through no fault of ours, and as such you may or may not be eligible for a refund should things go awry as they did in 2020.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.

 

Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.

 

Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.