Digital Photography Review
Micato Safaris

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Africa photo book 2a

Day 7 – Day 8

The Serengeti National Park is our destination today. En
route we stop at Olduvai Gorge, the “cradle of mankind,”
where the Leakey family uncovered the fossil of Homo
habilis, who lived 1.75 million years ago. Arriving at our
lodge in time for lunch, we find ourselves deep in the heart
of this famous migration corridor. With its wide-open
spaces, bright blue skies and creature-filled landscape, over
the next two days we will discover why the fabled Serengeti
typifies the dream of “Old Africa.” Large prides of lions laze
in the long grasses, plentiful families of elephants feed on
acacia bark and trumpet to each other across the plains,
while giraffes, gazelles, monkeys, eland and the whole
range of African wildlife present themselves in awe-inspiring
numbers. Overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge.
Day 5

Daybreak over the rolling plains is transcendentally lovely
as viewed from our room’s private verandas. Then we’re off
on the next leg of our journey to Ngorongoro, the eighth
wonder of the natural world. Along the way we drive
through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area—a region created
to accommodate the grazing needs of the Maasai people
and a unique test of the idea that humans leading a pastoral
lifestyle can coexist with wildlife. We arrive at Ngorongoro
in time for lunch at our stunning lodge, situated on the
rim of the crater. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.

Day 6

This morning we descend 2,000 feet into the giant caldera
of this extinct volcano. This magnificent natural amphitheatre
contains the largest concentration of animals in all of
Africa. Prides of lion, black rhino and elephant share this
land with the legendary Maasai tribesmen. Because the
grasses are short, game is easily spotted and can be
approached quite closely. We spend a splendid morning on
the floor of the crater observing wildlife in this ageless
World Heritage Site.
Day 2

Welcome to Kenya’s capital city. An awaiting Micato Safari
Director accompanies us to the venerable Norfolk Hotel
where our rooms are ready and waiting.

Day 3

The first day is always a busy and exciting one. It begins
with a Safari Briefing in the hotel, followed by an in depth
lecture by Maasai Elder Rakita. Next is the city tour,
including a private luncheon at the homestead of
Kiambethu Farms, hosted by the granddaughter of the
original settler. A visit is also made to Giraffe Centre, an
elevated treetop aerie where we may hand feed giraffes,
quite literally face-to-face. Here a resident expert also presents
a private briefing on the Centre’s work to save the
endangered Rothschild giraffe. Our sightseeing continues
to the former home of renowned author Karen Blixen, who
penned the inspired autobiography, Out of Africa.
Tonight our welcome is made complete at the home of
Micato Kenya’s founders, Felix and Jane Pinto, for cocktails
and dinner. The Pintos take great pleasure in meeting all
guests personally, and sharing together with them an
evening where fond friendships are always forged.
Day 9 – Day 10

We wing our way across the great plains to the Maasai
Mara via Arusha and Nairobi. A game reserve shared with
the Maasai people, the Mara most certainly offers the finest
game viewing in Kenya as well as the ideal location for
an exhilarating Hot-Air Balloon Safari. During our time in
the Mara, we also visit a Maasai village in the company of
an insightful tribal Elder. And, romance awaits in the form
of an extraordinary sunset cocktail party in the bush overlooking
the Great Rift Valley. Our accommodations will
also thrill in an exclusive tented camp: Mara Safari
Club/Kichwa Tembo Camp.
Day 4

We take to the air over the tapestry of East Africa to a
gorgeous reserve celebrated for its millions of ancient
baobab trees, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes
imaginable. And with a permanent water source, Tarangire
is virtually guaranteed excellent game viewing at all times,
including lion (some tree-climbing!), leopard and a herd
of 3,500 elephants. We stay at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, a
tranquil oasis overlooking the rolling plains.

9/8/2010 11:50:47 PM