For information and booking
800-221-2216

Safari Spectacular!

July to December, 2008
Guaranteed departures limited to just 18 travelers each

Here is the quintessential safari experience you’ve always dreamed of…Only better! It’s our Affordable Luxury safari – at a price you many never see again.

Uniquely designed for a more rewarding luxury safari

• Our two luxury camps enjoy privileged locations… A private wildlife conservancy in the Great Rift Valley… And a stunning Masai Mara setting that was once the exclusive reserve of Kenya’s Colonial Governors!

• The luxury Little Governor’s Camp is unfenced – a rarity in the heart of such pristine wilderness and a richer safari experience.

• Only 6 passengers in our 4WD safari vehicles… Unobstructed views and deeper engagement with our impassioned and expert guides and trackers.

• An overland journey into the Great Rift Valley transports you through some of Africa’s most captivating landscapes.

• Our efficient 45-minute fly-in to Masai Mara leaves more time for game-viewing in this spectacular wildlife-rich Reserve… And more time to enjoy our luxury camp.

• We include all on-tour transportation and flights, all meals including fine al fresco dining, and a complete program of thrilling safari excursions.

• Our personal airport representative ensures your smooth arrival and departure.

• An in-depth pre-safari briefing at the luxury Hotel Intercontinental in Nairobi prepares you for this once-in-a-lifetime safari.

>Our Luxury Safari Lodge & Camp

Kenya’s Finest Luxury Lodge and Camp Enjoy Privileged Locations…

Malewa Wildlife Lodge, Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
Our luxury lodge is set amidst riverfront woodlands in the Great Rift Valley, surrounded by the award-winning Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. Extensive game drives across wide-ranging habitats reveal the unparalleled diversity of this private conservancy, home to more than 3,500 heads of wildlife including the endangered White Rhino and Rothschild Giraffe, impala, gazelle, leopard, and hippo. You can even pursue your own passions here at Kigio with a wide range of naturalist-guided programs, including bird watching, cycling, or fishing.

The lodge is sensitively constructed in dramatic style, using the finest materials and traditional African building methods and concepts. An inviting 2-story building with a soaring thatched roof sits in a riverside grove of trees. It’s the heart of the community, warmly decorated with indigenous fabrics, where you can relax fireside or join fellow travelers in the bar. Spacious accommodations include singly-story cottages and riverfront suites, all graciously-appointed with private en suite bathrooms.

Little Governors’ Camp, Masai Mara
The setting is so magical that a mere century ago it was reserved exclusively for Kenya’s Colonial Governors. Today, the intimate Little Governor’s Camp offers just 17 luxury tents set around a large watering hole teeming with birds and wildlife. Your arrival at Little Governors’ begins with a boat ride across the Mara River, followed by a short escorted walk through riverine forest. Vehicles are left on the far bank of the river, ensuring peace and quiet in this remote refuge.

Each luxury tent is spacious and well-appointed, with a private en suite bathroom and continuous hot water. A private verandah affords the perfect vantage point to witness the parade of animals that come to the watering hole. Breakfast and lunch are served under the open sky. Come evening, you can relax fireside in the Bar Tent before a gourmet dinner is served in the Dining Tent.

Little Governors’ Camp is unfenced so guests are intimately engaged with this extraordinary setting, including a resident family of warthogs and elephants that often wander into Camp.

>Our All-Inclusive Luxury Safari Itinerary

Discover the wildlife and savor the good life!
Thrilling game drives by day... Our luxury camps by night

Day 1 – Arrive Nairobi, Kenya

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and escorted to the luxury Hotel Intercontinental. Set in the heart of the city across from tranquil Uhuru Park, this landmark property offers warm service and spacious, well-appointed guest rooms. After settling-in to your room, join our expert for an informative and entertaining pre-safari briefing. Helpful tips and invaluable insight are excellent preparation for the thrilling days that lie ahead. The balance of your afternoon and evening are at leisure.

Day 2 – Nairobi / Kigio Wildlife Conservancy – Malewa Wildlife Camp

This morning you depart the capital and journey into the Great Rift Valley. So named in the 19th century by English explorer John Walter Gregory, the Rift Valley extends for more than 3,000 miles, from Syria into Mozambique. Here in East Africa, the Valley forms a series of spectacular escarpments that descend into a chain of scenic lakes, some of which are among the deepest on the Continent.

Your destination is the esteemed 3,500-acre Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, a pioneering accomplishment in eco-tourism recognized by the Tusk Trust, Born Free Trust, and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Across a broad range of habitat along the Malewa River – including riverine, woodland and grassy plain – more than 3,500 heads of wildlife roam here. You’ll check-in to your comfortable accommodations at the luxury Malewa Wildlife Lodge with time to settle-in before lunch is served.

In the afternoon, you’ll set out on your first game drive. Our 6-passenger vehicles are nimble enough to track the animals and guarantee unobstructed views for everyone. The Conservancy is home to the endangered Rothschild Giraffe, and you’re also likely to spot buffalo, impala, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, eland, hyena, leopard, and hippo. More than 250 bird species have been identified here as well.

Back at the Lodge, you’ll have opportunity to join other activities – including game walks, bird watching, cycling, and fishing.

Day 3 – Kigio Wildlife Conservancy

Another spectacular day of safari activities here at the Conservancy, including game drives and other naturalist-guided excursions that reveal the majestic natural beauty and rich animal life of Kigio. After dinner this evening, a thrilling night game drive will be offered.

Day 4 – Kigio Wildlife Conservancy

In addition to today’s open-vehicle game drives and other Conservancy activities, you have the opportunity to join an available excursion to Lake Nakuru National Park. Founded in 1961 as a bird sanctuary, this expansive park is now also a protected habitat for rhino and other mammals, including lion, leopard, and hyena. This is the best place in Kenya to see Bohor reedbuck (a striking reddish antelope) and Defassa waterbuck, a sturdy beast with graceful curving horns. But Lake Nakuru is most well-known for its amazing birdlife, more than 400 varieties, and the millions of flamingoes that assemble here at lake’s edge!

Day 5 – Kigio Wildlife Conservancy / Masai Mara

After breakfast at the Lodge, you’ll drive back to Nairobi for your 45-minute flight to Masai Mara. You’ll be greeted at the airstrip and escorted to the intimate and luxurious Little Governors’ Camp, set on a scenic river bend that was once the privileged reserve for Kenya’s Colonial Governors.

The Masai Mara, a natural continuation of the great Serengeti Plain, is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. It’s a land of undulating golden grassland punctuated by acacia woodland that stretches to the horizon, where dramatic escarpments shimmer in the distance. Perhaps nowhere else in East Africa can you see such a rich abundance of animal life as it existed a century ago.

You’ll have time to relax before a gourmet lunch is served in the open air. As the property is unfenced, a resident family of warthogs often wanders amongst the tables as you dine! This afternoon, your first Masai Mara game drive brings you deep into the heart of the Reserve. Back at Camp for the evening, you can join fellow guests in the Bar Tent as a glowing log fire burns. Fresh ingredients are flown into the Camp daily, and the Chefs have been busy all afternoon preparing tonight’s dinner.

Day 6 – Masai Mara National Reserve

Little Governors’ Camp is in the heart of the 720-square-mile Masai Mara National Reserve, renowned for its abundance of animal life. You’ll join our guides and trackers early this morning for a pre-breakfast game drive, a great time to catch the wildlife. The Mara’s wide open grasslands, interspersed with thickets and forested river banks, offer ideal habitat for a wide range of species – and the uninterrupted vistas are ideal for spotting the game, including buffalo, rhino, gazelle, impala, and numerous predators such as lion, cheetah, leopard, spotted hyena, and silver-backed jackal.

You’ll return to Camp for a hearty, freshly-prepared breakfast. Later in the day, additional game drives explore farther afield in the Masai Mara.

Day 7 – Masai Mara National Reserve

Today’s safari drives continue your exploration of the Masai Mara. With only 6 passengers in each of our open-air 4WD vehicles, you’ll have unobstructed views and unparalleled opportunity to engage with our impassioned and knowledgeable safari guides.

This Safari is sure to be one of your most rewarding and exciting travel experiences ever, and this last full day will be rich with unforgettable moments.

Day 8 – Masai Mara / Nairobi – Departure

Following a leisurely breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the Masai airstrip for your short flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. We’ll meet you there and escort you to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your international flight.

Our FreeStyle Travel makes it easy to explore more of the world – maybe the Gorillas of Rwanda, Tanzania, the Seychelles, or Dubai. With hotels, breakfasts, on-tour transportation, and our unique excursions all included in one affordable price, you can let your imagination wander… and leave the details to us. Click Here to see our recommended FreeStyle Travel options.

>Our Gorillas of Rwanda Post-Safari Trek

Gorillas in the Wild… A once-in-a-lifetime trekking safari in Rwanda

The 350 mountain gorillas that live in the forested slopes of Rwanda’s pristine Volcano National Park are among the most endangered animals in the world. These are the ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ made famous by the pioneering preservation work of Dian Fossey, and encountering these apes in their natural habitat – watching their interactions, making eye contact, and even holding their gaze for a brief moment – can be one of the most poignant and life-changing travel experiences you will ever have.

For your trek-base, we’ve carefully selected the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. It’s perfectly situated in the foothills of the mighty Virunga Volcanoes, just minutes away from the National Park headquarters. The Silverback Lodge is built and operated by Governors’ Camp, one of the most respected names in luxury eco-tourism in East Africa. It is owned by SACOLA, a Rwanda-based community trust which uses the profits to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the Park. Your spacious, well-appointed guestroom features a stylish en-suite bathroom, fireplace, and verandah. The main lodge building includes a dining room, library and game room, three dramatic fireplaces, and inviting patios with spectacular views of the 15,000 foot Virunga Volcanoes which the mountain gorillas call home.

Your gorilla trek includes 2 nights at the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge with breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily; all on-tour transportation including roundtrip flights between Nairobi, Kenya and Kigali, Rwanda; guided trek including the required gorilla permit; and mineral water while trekking.

Day 1 - Nairobi, Kenya / Kigali, Rwanda / Virunga

Depart Nairobi and arrive in Kigali where you’ll be met and escorted to the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Enjoy lunch and dinner in this spectacular setting.

Day 2 - Volcano National Park – Gorilla Trek

A short drive this morning brings you to Ruhengeri, the main base town for trekking. Before you enter the National Park, guides will conduct a briefing on how to behave in the presence of the mountain gorillas. There are four families of mountain gorillas that are habituated to human contact, and their movements along the forested mountain slopes will determine the duration of your trek. Starting at an altitude of about 6,500 feet, you’ll trek for 2 to 5 hours to catch-up with your designated gorilla family. After locating your assigned group, you’ll have one amazing hour to watch quietly as the gorillas go about their daily routine (Park regulations limit gorilla / human contact to 60 minutes each day). Then, re-tracing your steps down the volcano, you’ll return to the Silverback Lodge for lunch, a free afternoon, and dinner.

Day 3 - Virunga / Kigali / Nairobi

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport in Kigali for your return flight to Nairobi.

Important Information for Gorilla Trekking in Volcano National Park:  Children under the age of 15 years are not permitted on the trek. In addition, visitors with colds or flu are will not be allowed to enter the Park. The park warden has the fina

l authority on who can trek. A Rwanda visa is not required for US Citizens.

>Our Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti Post-Safari Adventure

Discover the amazing wildlife and spectacular landscapes of Tanzania…

The Masai call it Siringitu – “the place where the land moves on forever” – and indeed the vistas of the Serengeti seem endless, a vast plain of golden grass punctuated by brush and trees with hills shimmering in the distance. Today, Serengeti National Park is one of the best in Africa, home to literally hundreds of thousands of zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, and their ferocious predators.

Just to the southeast of Serengeti is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, the Ngorongoro Crater. This immense caldera - the remnants of an ancient volcano - measures almost 14 miles across and the encircling rim, seen as a chain of mountains, soars 2,000 feet above the crater floor.  Here in a virtual fishbowl is a vast, nearly treeless expanse teeming with game – the Big Five along with hyena, hippo, gazelle, zebra and numerous bird species including ostrich and flamingo – all displayed in extraordinary, unobstructed view.

Our carefully chosen luxury accommodations are among the best on the Continent. The intimate Lemala Luxury Camp Ngorongoro is perched on the rim of the crater offering just 8 private tents, each graciously appointed with thick duvets, a dressing area, and a private en suite bathroom. The heart of the camp is the Dining Tent, beautifully furnished with grand sofas, lamps, and rugs. Gourmet dining is offered here or al fresco with wine, beer, and spirits served during meal time. The Camp’s privileged location is just 5 minutes away from the entry route that descends into the Crater.

The Lemala Luxury Camp Serengeti is a unique moving camp that follows the Great Wildebeest Migration. From July through October, this intimate camp sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the great expanse of the northern Serengeti toward the Mara River which flows just a few minutes away. This privileged location affords guests the opportunity to witness the migration river crossings without large crowds of other visitors.

In December, the Camp is tucked in a grove of Acacia trees near a spillway which flows from Lake Ndutu. The water and salts of the spillway attract large numbers of plains animals – and their predators who crouch not far away in the grasses that grow along the edges of the spillway. Regardless of seasonal location, each luxury tent sits on a wooden platform, stylishly decorated with a dressing area and private en suite bathroom. Guests dine in a cozily furnished Mess Tent, with beer, wine, and spirits available during meals.

This 6-day luxury safari includes roundtrip flights from Nairobi; 5 nights’ luxury accommodations with breakfast, lunch, and dinner; daily game drives; and all on-tour transportation.

Day 1 – Nairobi, Kenya / Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Depart Nairobi and arrive Kilimanjaro Airport where you’ll be met and escorted to your luxury camp on the rim of the Crater. Settle-in to your private tent and enjoy some leisure time before dinner.

Day 2 – Ngorongoro Crater

Climb aboard our 4WD safari vehicles and descend to the Crater floor, renowned for its magnificent natural beauty and the abundance of wildlife that reside permanently in this veritable ‘fishbowl’. You’ll return to Camp for lunch, a free afternoon, and dinner.

Day 3 – Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti National Park

An early afternoon flight brings you into the famed Serengeti, home to an amazing concentration of wildlife and some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes. Enjoy game viewing en route to your luxury camp, where dinner and cozy accommodations await.

Days 4 & 5 – Serengeti, National Park

Morning and afternoon game drives each day showcase the Park’s magnificent herds of plains animals and their fierce predators.

Day 6 – Serengeti National Park / Nairobi, Kenya

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airstrip for your return flights to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport where you’ll be met and escorted to the Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your onward journey.

Note: Travelers entering Tanzania from Kenya are required to show proof of Yellow Fever inoculation.

>Our Post-Safari Stay on the Island Paradise of Zanzibar

Escape to Zanzibar… The best kept secret in the Indian Ocean!

Lying just 25 miles off the coast of East Africa, the tranquil island of Zanzibar is the perfect complement to your thrilling safari. Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar offers stunning sandy beaches and fringing coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. For centuries, the island was one of the world’s principle crossroads of trade, a frequent port of call for spice traders, many of whom stayed on to build grand homes in the city. Today, the Old City - or Stone Town as it’s called - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains little changed over the centuries.

Our delightful 4-day stay features the luxurious, boutique-styled Zanzibar Serena Inn, with charming, ocean-facing rooms occupying two historic sea-front buildings in the heart of Stone Town. You’ll enjoy breakfast and dinner daily, transfers, and a full-day escorted sightseeing tour.

Day 1 – Arrive Zanzibar

Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and escorted to your charming hotel in Stone Town. Settle-in to your spacious guestroom and enjoy dinner this evening.

Day 2 – Explore Zanzibar

Today’s escorted sightseeing tour reveals the rich life, fascinating history, and well-preserved architecture of Stone Town, from exotic sultan’s palaces and Portuguese forts to ancient slave markets and colorful bazaars. As your tour continues, you’ll appreciate why Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island. Among the lush vegetation and neatly kept farms, you’ll see (and smell!) a variety of familiar and exotic spices like cinnamon, clove, pepper, nutmeg, and cardamom. Relax back at your hotel and enjoy dinner and a free evening.

Day 3 – Free Day in Zanzibar

A full day to relax and explore as you wish. Spend the day lounging by the Serena Inn’s crystalline pool, overlooking the sea, or head out to one of the island’s stunning beaches. You’re in the heart of Stone Town, so it’s easy to venture forth at your own pace to explore the sites and browse the colorful local markets. Enjoy dinner and a peaceful overnight.

Day 4 – Departure

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport for your onward flight.

Deposit
A deposit of $450 per person is due within 7 calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.

Full Payment
Full payment is due on May 13, 2008. After May 13, full payment must be guaranteed at the time of booking with a credit card. After any payment has been made, a minimum $30 fee will be charged per transaction for any changes made to dates, hotels, or to ground or air transportation. When dates are changed, it is considered a cancelled trip and cancellation penalties will apply. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the fare type purchased. Prices may vary depending on the day of travel and airline class of service booked, which is determined by seat availability. All prices are subject to change without notice.

If The Traveler Cancels
Cancellations must be received in writing and are subject to the following per person fees:

• Between March 18 - May 13, $450 per person

• Between May 14 – June 13, 50% of price plus airline cancellation penalties

• Between June 14 and day of departure, 100% of price

• Hotel bookings cancelled after departure from the USA are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.

Contact for Deposits & Final Payments
General Tours World Traveler,
53 Summer Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431
Phone: 800-221-2216; Fax: 603-357-4548
Email: info@generaltours.com

Transfers
Group transfers are included as indicated and are scheduled to meet air-inclusive arrangements purchased through General Tours. Transfers at other times may require an additional charge.

Travelers Requiring Special Assistance
Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to General Tours at the time the reservation is made. General Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of such travelers, but it is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, ships and other transportation vehicle, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Cruise ships have very limited handicapped facilities; almost all have stairs rather than elevators, including the two-deck MV Mozart.

Passport
A passport valid for six months upon return to the U.S. is required of all tour participants.

We Highly Recommend Travel Insurance

© 2008 General Tours. All rights reserved. 53 Summer Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431
Reservations: 800-221-2216 Weekdays: 9am to 8pm Saturdays: 10am - 3pm Fax: 603.357.4548 CST2009641-20