Hemingway Wing Safari

Explore Old Africa in Style

The Hemingway Wing Safari takes the road less travelled, journeying to the remote and dramatic Samburu region in Kenya's old northern frontier. It also offers both Kenya and Tanzania in a neat package of exactly two weeks, without ever rushing or sacrificing the quality of the experience to do so. In fact, all of East Africa's legendary game parks are included, as well as a few hidden gems. Luxurious tented camps will be our lodgings in two locations instead of the usual one, and four flights expedite travel between locations while providing aerial panoramas over the lush mosaic of East Africa's villages, farmlands, escarpments and endless plains below. Suffice it to say, The Hemingway Wing customized safari is a classic expedition with an exceptional diversity of experiences wrapped in glorious style.

14 Days Departs Tuesday, Returns Monday

Day 1 Depart Home

We board our flight and enjoy the anticipation of Africa.

Day 2 Arrive Nairobi

Touching down in Nairobi, we are whisked to Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel, the legendary starting point for grand safaris since the days of the earliest explorers.

Day 3 Nairobi

The name Nairobi alone conjures up images of dashing characters and romantic adventurers, and today we feel the intrigue that has seduced travellers for centuries. Of interest will be a talk by a Maasai warrior and an illuminating visit to Kenya's fascinating National Museum. The combination of personal interaction and cultural immersion will begin to weave the remarkable tapestry of Africa, as will a tour of author Karen Blixen's home and a visit with endangered
Rothschild giraffes.

The day's highlight, however, is sharing a meal at the home of Micato Africa's founders, Felix and Jane Pinto. In the midst of a busy day in foreign surroundings, the warmth of their home will make you feel exceptionally welcome and well taken care of-indeed, at home in Africa.

Day 4 Samburu National Reserve

This morning we travel by light aircraft to Kenya's northern frontier. Wild and rugged, Samburu is fiercely beautiful with its arid savannahs watered by the lovely Uaso Nyiro River. It is also one of Kenya's most protected areas and home to species only found north of the equator, from the reticulated giraffe to the Grevy's zebra and Beisa oryx. Larsens Tented Camp is our luxurious hostelry, set beneath a canopy of acacia trees along the banks of the river.

Day 5 Samburu National Reserve

Dawn breaks in golden bands as we start our day in the bush by scanning the river from our tent's veranda with a cup of steaming coffee in hand. Before the dew is off the grass, we're off in pursuit of the elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs that thrive in the reserve's grasslands and acacia woodlands. And so the day is spent in alternating pursuits of exploration in the bush and relaxation in our cozy camp.

Day 6 - Day 7 Maasai Mara

Excitement and expectations build as we fly to the Maasai Mara with its myth-like stories of bountiful wildlife. Our game drives are rousing exploits in the company of guides who regale us with bush lore, educate us on conservation and entertain us with tall tales. Here we also experience a Maasai village visit, so foreign and yet so welcoming, and a Bush Walk to indulge all of our senses. And the climax? Bush Sundowners —a unique joy of safari life, where one savours the exotic contradiction of a civilised cocktail party staged in the untamed wildness of Africa. Our Mara SafariExcitement and expectations build as we fly to the Maasai Mara, with its myth-like stories of bountiful wildlife. And we shan't be disappointed. Our game drives are rousing exploits in the company of guides who regale us with bush lore, educate us on conservation and entertain us with tall tales. Here we also experience such adventures as a Maasai village visit, so foreign and yet so welcoming, and a bush walk to indulge all of our senses. The climax? Bush sundowners -- a unique joy of safari life, where one savours the exotic contradiction of a civilised cocktail party staged in the untamed wildness of Africa. Our Fairmont Mara Safari Club accommodations provide delightful nights under canvas.  Club accommodations provide delightful nights under canvas.

Day 8 - Day 9 Serengeti

Bush flights are a pleasure in themselves and we wing our way to another legendary safari setting where the vast ecosystem plays host to the planet's most awesome wildlife spectacle. So unique, in fact, that the Serengeti is a World Heritage Site and listed as an International Biosphere Reserve. Its arching landscapes embody quintessential Africa...golden and endless. Long peaceful days at the Serengeti Serena Lodge bring the rewards of excellent game viewing and utter tranquillity.

Day 10 Ngorongoro Crater

The Great Rift Valley is called the "Cradle of Mankind" thanks in part to the discoveries of the Leakey family at Olduvai Gorge, where human fossils date back almost two million years. We explore this remarkable site before continuing to the next, Ngorongoro Crater. Unofficially the "eighth wonder of the natural world," this ancient amphitheatre forms a unique haven for wildlife, with over 20,000 animals thriving in its near perfect conditions. We stay at the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, a triumph of ecological and architectural fusion hugging the crater's rim with vast vistas over its shimmering reaches.

Day 11 Ngorongoro Crater

As sunrise streaks the early sky, we head into this magical two-and-a-half-million-year-old caldera. With landscapes unchanged since the dawn of time, the sheer number of species here is incomparable. Elephants, hippos, cheetahs, lions, zebras-with every turn of the head, the remarkable variety of wildlife here will astound us. Returning to the rustic serenity of the Serena, we may relax by a roaring fire and savour breathtaking views of the crater below.

Day 12 Lake Manyara

We make our way to the ancient lake of Manyara, where game is plentiful and the birdwatching magnificent. It is also one of the few places in Africa to see tree-climbing lions, which we may declare our day's quest. Our deluxe accommodations at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge overlook the gleaming water below, where we may spy some of the area's trademark pink flamingos.

Day 13 - Day 14 Depart Nairobi – Arrive Home

We spend a last morning in the bush admiring unspoilt Africa, preparing to return to civilization. Flying to Nairobi in the afternoon, we enjoy day rooms at the Norfolk before departing Africa in the evening, arriving home on Day 14.

Sound good?  Call us at 1-800-MICATO-1 to discuss the possibilities.

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