Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com AFRICA | KENYA 61 The Masai Mara The Masai Mara is the fi nest wildlife sanctuary in Kenya. The wildlife is abundant and the gentle rolling grasslands ensure the animals are never out of sight. The wildlife is not confi ned to the reserve and wanders freely in the surrounding areas where the Masai people still live with their livestock - this close relationship between wildlife and people creates a wonderful harmony. Amid this natural wonderland you'll fi nd great herds of elephant, black rhino, Thompson's and Grant's gazelle, zebra, eland and many more species of plains game, offering a rich choice of food for the dominant predators - lion, leopard and cheetah - which hunt in the pristine wilderness, while the nearby Mara and Talek Rivers are home to many hippos and countless crocodiles. There is also a myriad of bird species recorded here, totalling 450 in all, and an unmatchable opportunity to add many rare animals to your list, such as bat- eared foxes and caracals. The Masai Mara remains one of our favourite wildlife destinations. Governors' Camp HIGH Africa's fi rst luxury tented safari camp, today offers excellent style and comfort. This is for those who want a traditional, luxurious safari experience. Choose from four camps in the heart of the reserve, all under canvas. Choose Governors' Private Camp for complete exclusivity. The private camp can only be booked by one group ( minimum four people) at a time, so it's yours to enjoy, with only the wildlife for company! Porini MID OUR CHOICE Porini offers two small, traditional safari camps in pristine wilderness areas. Both camps - Mara Porini and Porini Lion - offer traditional game drives, comfortable accommodation and, overall, a wonderful safari experience at an affordable price. Some of the best safari guides - we think - will show you the wildlife and, after a hard day's game viewing (!), you can come back to your small, friendly and comfortable camp. Mara Plains HIGH This is new to the scene, opened in 2008. It is great for those who want a small, exclusive experience. Due to our personal relationship with the owner of the camp, you can also learn about the valuable work that the tourism industry can contribute to the delicate eco- system while staying here and, if you want, enjoy non- stop game- viewing late into the night. Rekero HIGH This must be the premier camp in the Mara. It is in a lush area on the Talek River with expansive lawns and consists of eight tents on the river. The welcome is simply wonderful, the camp is large and spacious, with the dining area and all the tents superbly well appointed, though they don't feel over the top. It feels like home from the moment you walk in the door. Kicheche HIGH Two exclusive tented camps in the Mara. Kicheche Mara Camp sleeps 22 guests and is fantastically located in the wildlife- rich northern Airtong Plains region. A highlight of Kicheche Bush Camp is also its location, in a wonderfully remote area where big game wanders through the camp; this offers the ultimate back to nature experience ( in comfort)! Mara Balloon Safari Enjoy an adventurous early morning balloon fl ight over the Mara. It's peaceful, tranquil and very exciting! Flights last for an hour or so - followed by a champagne breakfast - and we can book it for you.

Samburu National Reserve Samburu is located some 325 kilometres north of Nairobi in the hot arid fringes of Kenya's vast northern region. The reserve lies within the lands of the colourful Samburu people, close relatives of the Masai, and the dramatic landscape harbours a number of wildlife species rarely found elsewhere. These include Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and vulturine guineafowl. The long- necked gerenuk is also a common resident here. The broad waters of the Ewaso Nyiro River run through the park, attracting large herds of elephant and other animals, as well as a spectacular variety of birds. Saruni Samburu MID This is a hilltop camp perched high above Samburu National Park. The main lodge comprises six large and unique tented cottages and there is a spa and large pool. It's a good spot for wildlife viewing because hides overlook waterholes which attract a large range of animals. Larsen's Camp HIGH Larsen's offers luxurious tented accommodation in a great location within Samburu National Park. 20 raised tents sit along the Ewaso Nyiro River and incorporate chic furnishings, private balconies and en- suite bathrooms. Game drives, bird walks, champagne breakfasts and camp fi re sundowners are all on offer. Lake Nakuru National Park Lake Nakuru National Park and Rhino Sanctuary are located in the Great Rift Valley. The small shallow lake has become world famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth - a myriad of fuschia pink fl amingos whose vast numbers can at times turn the lake pink in colour. There are over 400 resident species of birds here and the surrounding park is famous for its sizeable population of both black and white rhinos. The rare Rothschild's giraffe is present and the park is also home to buffalo, wild dog, zebra, eland, waterbuck and lion. 62 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Kenya Day 2 Arrive Nairobi, fl y to Samburu and transfer to Sasaab Camp. Over the next four days you will work with a lion researcher on various activities, such as tracking radio- collared lions, going on patrol with project scouts, helping record data on predators, visiting local schools to educate on wildlife conservation and conducting community research ( BLD) Day 5 Fly to the Masai Mara ( BLD) Day 6 Walking safari and game drives in an exclusive conservancy in the Masai Mara, home to a large resident pride of lions. Accommodation is at the Mara Porini Camp ( BLD) Day 8 After a morning game drive, depart for the UK, via Nairobi ( B) Day 9 Arrive UK Please note, the cost of this holiday includes a direct contribution to the Ewaso Lions Project, lead by Shivani Bhalla, and who will be your main contact during your time in Samburu. Departure dates Daily, throughout the year ( not mid- April to May, Nov) Cost per person From £ 3995 ( Jan - Mar), £ 3935 ( June, Dec), £ 4595 ( mid July - Aug), £ 4195 ( mid Aug - Oct) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, six nights tented camp, guided activities LION RESEARCH SAFARI This unique safari will provide you with an authentic and close- up insight into lion research in some of Kenya's most stunning areas. You'll spend time with a lion researcher, monitoring and recording behaviour on game drives. Africa's lion population is thought to have declined by up to 50% over the past two decades, and so this is a vital project - and something that you can be involved in. TAILOR- MADE Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982 Harry Maina is one of Wildlife Worldwide's guides in Kenya. Now based at Amboseli Porini Camp, he's studied and worked with animals for many years, and is particularly passionate about evaluating the dynamics of the local ecosystems and habitats. Alongside conservation, he loves astronomy and will happily take you on a tour of the African skies.