Photo courtesy of Anne Cusic http://www.latitudezerowildlife.com/

What Digital Camera and Amateur Photographer are delighted to announce this superb Luxury Photographic Safari reader holiday in Kenya, accompanied by Damien Demolder, Editor of Amateur Photographer in association with Africa House Safaris.

Arr: Nairobi Saturday 16th October – Dep: Saturday 23rd October 2010

There is no better time than October to photograph African wildlife. The spectacular migration in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra is in progress. Migrating animals plunge headlong into the Mara River and into the jaws of waiting crocodiles, and on the banks of the river, large prides of lion are poised to pounce. Samburu Game Reserve has its own rugged beauty and vast blue skies with large herds of elephant, as well as leopards, lions and Grevy’s Zebra. Damien Demolder AP’s Editor, will be on hand to provide photographic advice and tips for the duration of your holiday, and wildlife expert David Sugden, who was born and brought up on a ranch in the Great Rift Valley, will ensure you are in the right place at the right time. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to capture the drama of life and death, as well as the beauty, of the African plains, then retire to the luxury of your exclusive Heritage Hotels lodge. and discuss the ‘shots that got away’ with Damien and your fellow photographic enthusiasts.

Our friends at Sigma have kindly agreed to lend us some of their fantastic lenses to try out whilst we’re out there – to make sure we get the very best shots available.

Your safari begins with a day of rest and relaxation staying overnight at the luxury private ‘House of Waine’ in the exclusive and historic district of Karen on the outskirts of Nairobi.

On the morning of Sunday 17th October, we fly you by light aircraft to the wild Samburu Game Reserve in the north of Kenya for three days at Samburu Intrepids to capture the Big Game in one of Africa’s most remote and untamed wildernesses.

From there we will fly you to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, the world’s greatest wildlife theatre – for three stunning days photographing the magnificent migration, the Big Five and the stupendous landscape and skies that seem to go on forever. You may have seen Africa’s plentiful wildlife on television, but nothing prepares you for the reality.

The social element of this trip will probably be equally as rewarding as the holiday itself. You will have Damien on hand (and possibly another editorial expert) to answer questions, as well as swap tips and advice with one other in the evening. The accomodation is in luxurious Heritage Hotels lodges and there is a good chance of a few slide shows to show off your amazing shots ‘that didn’t get away’.

Then it’s back to Nairobi for some well-earned R&R at the House of Waine before your flight home. Don’t forget, that as you are arranging your own flights to Kenya, you can extend your holiday if you wish, and negotiate the cheapest flight deals! This is a great time to use up those Airmiles! Or, if you are an international reader, you can join us in Kenya, and we would love to meet you.

Details of Inclusions/Exclusions

Price: £3,500p.p from 1st March -30th June 2010.
Included: Full board accommodation (based on two sharing each room/tent), all meals, internals flights, private game drives, guided walks and airstrip transfer fees.
Excluded: International Flights (Recommend night flights with Kenya Airways, Virgin or KLM).
Final Booking: 30th June 2010
Payment: All cheques made out to IPC Media Ltd. All major credit cards accepted.
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 15% will be taken to confirm holiday booking. Final balance due 30 June 2010.
Contact: Estelle Hicks-Bennett via email Estelle_hicks-bennett@ipcmedia.com or call 020 3148 4321

Included in safari cost (commencing from arrival in Nairobi 16th October to Departure 23rd October 2010):

• Accommodation in the best available twin / double bedded rooms;
• Full board accommodation, and related service charges on safari;
• Airport transfers throughout;
• 4×4 Game drives, Park and conservancy fees throughout;
• Emergency medical evacuation to nearest major hospital;
• All Africa House Safaris administrative & support services;
• Specific inclusions at lodges/ camps as specified below;
• Service of an Africa House Safaris professional guide
• Cost of 3 x internal flights

Excluded from safari cost:

• Adequate trip cancellation insurance;
• International air transportation to and from the destination;
• Personal travel and health insurance (compulsory);
• International medical evacuation cover (compulsory);
• Airport departure taxes;
• Visa fees;
• Gratuities and any other items not specially quoted for or of a purely personal nature;
• Charges for telephone calls or faxes sent;
• Tips and porterage;
• Optional excursions while on safari;
• Curio shop purchases;
• Any services not indicated in the itinerary;
• Some additional meals, foood, drink and specific exclusions at lodges/camps as specified below

Inclusions and Exclusions at each Camp or Lodge

House of Waine
Inclusions: Accommodation, meals
Web: House of Waine
Exclusions: Drinks and other chargeable activities, laundry, tips

Samburu Intrepids
Inclusions: Full board accommodation, Game drives, airstrip transfers
Web: Heritage Hotels Samburu
Exclusions: Drinks, laundry, tips, escorted camel walks, and walks outside the reserve, bush breakfasts and dinners, sundowners, visit to Samburu village

Mara Intrepids
Inclusions: Full board accommodation, morning guided nature walks, game drives, airstrip transfers
Web: Heritage Hotels Mara
Exclusions: Drinks, laundry, tips, walking safaris, and extra meal

Important information

Insurance
You must have suitable travel insurance to participate the Kenya safari. We recognise that you may well have suitable annual insurance, which is fine as long as it meets the following minimum requirements:

24 hour emergency medical service
Medical and other expenses (including returning home early) (minimum £2 million)
Personal accident (minimum £25,000)
Personal public liability (minimum £1 million)
Loss of passport (minimum £250)

Payment
We need a deposit of 15% (£510) per person. The balance of payment will be required by 30th June 2010.. We accept cash, debit cards and cheques with no surcharge. We can also accept credit cards without surcharge.

Cancellation
Cancellation prior to 30th June 2010 will involve the loss of £510 (the full deposit). Thereafter, cancellation involves the loss of the full cost of the holiday (£3400 or £3500), unless we are able to resell it, in which case only the deposit (plus all expenses incurred) will be forfeit.

The holiday requires a minimum number of 8 readers,to run: in the unlikely event that it will be necessary to cancel, the decision will be made by 31 July 2010, and all monies paid will be refunded in full. A copy of our Terms and conditions will be supplied with all booking acknowledgements.

Visas
If you are travelling to Kenya you are likely to need a visa.

Additional information
We need some additional information including your next of kin, for emergencies and your passport, visa and insurance details (including medical evacuation cover). You will be sent a form with your booking, so please return this at the time of confirmation.