AAS24: MT KENYA SAFARI CLUB & THE TREE HOTEL

Tree hotel | Mt. Kenya Safari Club (2½ days) Departs 09:00hrs daily

Mt Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya, and the second-highest in Africa (after Mt Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m) and Lenana (4,985 m). Mt Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, over 100 miles northeast of Nairobi.

The mountain is an extinct (dead) volcano standing alone, which last erupted between 2.6 and 3.1 million years ago. Its slopes include several different biomes; the lowest parts are dry upland forest, changing to montane forest of juniper and podocarpus at about 2,000 m, with a belt of bamboo at 2,500 m that changes to an upper forest of smaller trees covered with moss and "goat's beard" lichen. Above a distinct timberline at about 3,500m (11,000 feet), there is an afroalpine zone, with its characteristic giant rosette plants. Twelve small (and rapidly shrinking) glaciers may be found scattered among the complex of seven named peaks, of which Batian and Nelion are the highest.

The area around the mountain is protected in the Mt Kenya National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mt Kenya National Park (0°07′26″S, 37°20′12″E), established in 1949, protects the region surrounding Mt Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa. 1,300 km² of the park is a forest reserve with 715 km² above the 3000m (10,500ft) tree line. The park was designated a World Heritage Site in 1997.

At lower altitudes Colobus and other monkeys and Cape Buffalo are prevalent. Some larger mammals such as elephants range up to 4,500 m (15,000ft).

A small portion of this park's borders near heavy populations have electrified fences to keep the elephants out of the surrounding farmland. Volcanic sediment in the surrounding region's soil and the huge volume of fresh water coming down the slopes makes the area particularly favorable for agriculture.

With magnificent views of majestic Mt Kenya , the Mt Kenya Safari Club's 115 luxuriously image appointed guest rooms set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort , relaxation and adventure .Originally a retreat of movie star and club founder William Holden.

    * the Sirimon
    * the Liki
    * the Nanyuki
    * the Nazita
    * the Nitmi
    * the Tnuchi
    * the Nyamindi
    * the Sagana
    * the Nairobi
    * the Naro Moru
    * the Burguret

Day 1: Nairobi - Tree hotel. The drive to Nyeri is approx. 21/2 hours from Nairobi passing through the green farmlands. Visitors staying at Treetops are provided lunch at Outspan Hotel whereas visitors staying at the Ark will lunch at the Aberdare Country Club. After lunch transport is provided in four wheel vehicles to the Ark or Treetops which are strategically situated for night game viewing. Dinner and overnight at The Ark, Treetops or Mountain Lodge.

Day 2: Tree hotel - Mt. Kenya Safari Club. After breakfast the tour drives north to an area around the foothills of Mt. Kenya, checking into the famous Mt. Kenya Safari Club formerly owned by William Holden. Its landscaped gardens provide a wonderful view of the Mt. Kenya. Meals and overnight at the club.

Day 3: Mt. Kenya Safari Club - Nairobi. After breakfast the tour drives back to Nairobi arriving around lunch time.

PRICES

Price includes: - Transport in 9-seater minibus with English speaking driver/guide, full board accommodation, park entrance fees and game drives while on safari