Kenya Safari for (but not just) Animal Caregivers! May 12 to 24, 2018

A special departure for those wanting a little more detail in wildlife rescue, care and conservation (Veterinarians, Vet Techs and others welcome!) We will have the opportunity to help with de-snaring with

Kenyan anti-poaching game scouts, learn the intricacies about elephants from world re-known researchers and spend time getting

to know the “Big Cat Diary” cats of the Maasai Mara. Our accommodation is beautiful… your guides – AMAZING! A very special safari with minimum 8 and maximum of 12 guests and

hosted by Dr. Alastair Westcott, Bowen Island Veterinary Services. May 12/13, 2018: Travel from North America to Nairobi, Kenya via Amsterdam or London. We will be happy to book flights for you! Optional stopover in Amsterdam or London is a great idea to get over some jet lag! May 13 - Stanley Hotel, Nairobi Kenya - www.sarovahotels.com/stanley (3 nights): Arrive Nairobi in the evening, you will be met and transferred to the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi on a B&B basis. Time for a good night’s rest!

May 14: After a hearty breakfast in the Thorntree Café we will have a safari briefing and then are off to visit Giraffe Centre to meet the lovely Rothschild’s Giraffes. Next we will visit the Kazuri Bead Workshop and see how these fairly traded beads and pottery are crafted. Lunch & dinner on own account. B May 15: The morning is open for optional tours; museum visit or get some shopping in. After lunch at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, we make a very special visit to Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage! Daphne and her family have been hand raising orphaned elephants due to poaching and human conflict for over 40 years. They are cared for at the Nairobi nursery and when older and more confident, they are slowly integrated into the wild in Tsavo National Park. This is a very special place where you can adopt your own little elephant but you can’t bring them with you on safari! www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org Lunch & dinner on own account. B

May 16 - Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, Amboseli N.P, Kenya - www.serenahotels.com (2 nights): We depart south with Mount Kilimanjaro looming to the east.

Along the way we stop at the AIC Kajiado Girls School to spend some time with some special students. Kajiado School has over 700 students but there are 120 girls that have been rescued from forced marriage or orphaned that will steal your heart! We will have time to visit with the girls before stopping for a picnic lunch. We continue on to Amboseli National Park and our beautiful lodge, game driving along the way. Amboseli, meaning “salty dust” in Maasai, is a place of stark contrast. Despite Amboseli’s sometimes dry and dusty appearance, it has an endless supply of water filtered through thousands of feet of volcanic rock from Mt. Kilimanjaro’s snowmelt. These underground streams converge into clear fresh water springs in the heart of the park. The powder like dust is volcanic ash, which was thrown from Kilimanjaro millennia ago. An amazing spectacle of Amboseli is the shimmering dry lakebed where false mirages of populated horizons, punctuated by real herds

of zebra and wildebeest hover in front of you. The main attraction of Amboseli is its vast herds of elephant within the park. The bull elephants here have some of the largest tusks in Kenya. Game drive to the lodge in time for a scrumptious dinner! B,L,D May 16: The day consists of an early morning and late afternoon game drive exploring Amboseli National Park. Although this is one of the smallest parks in Kenya it has a high population of elephants. Some really great lion sightings have been made here too! Before our afternoon game drive

we visit the Amboseli Trust for Elephants headed up by researcher Cynthia Moss. This passionate group of researchers does amazing work and we will hear about all their findings https://www.elephanttrust.org. B,L,D May 18 - Kipalo Hills Camp http://www.africanterritories.co.ke/kipalo/kipalo.aspx (3 nts): After breakfast we drive to Tsavo West National Park, Kenya’s largest National Park which supports all the members of the ‘Big Five’ as well as the country’s largest elephant population. Mzima Springs is home to abundant Nile crocodile and hippo and a popular drinking spot for elephant, zebra and gazelle while Sykes and Vervet monkey cavort in the surrounding acacia trees. Other mammals include buffalo, hartebeest, lesser kudu, eland, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, impala and giraffe. Arrival will be in time for lunch at your Camp. This afternoon you will walk with the game scouts and an ex-poacher turned conservationist learning about medicinal plants and more. End the day with sundowners and the perfect African sky. B,L,D

May 19: A full day starting with assisting anti-poaching patrols with their de-snaring operation. With the help of game scouts, we will be looking for any unusual activity, tracks or charcoal burning. We will also help with removing poachers wire snares and monitor some waterholes…such an important job that will be direct help against the war on poaching. The afternoon we will game drive or nature walk on the conservancy. Dinner and overnight at the Camp B,L,D May 20: We will spend the day exploring

Tsavo West National Park which achieved notoriety in the 1900’s when ‘the Man-eaters of Tsavo’, a pair of rogue man-eating lions, preyed gruesomely on the builders of the Uganda Railway. Today the Park is more famous for the numerous prides of mane-less lion that patrol the plains and police the herbivore herd. Other wildlife highlights – vast herds of dust-red elephant, pods of hippo, giant crocodile, teeming herds of plains game, a fantastic bird life and some magical flora. We may have a possible visit from the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) Tsavo Vet (dependent on his schedule) or Anti-poaching commander in Manyani. Another option will be with community liaison officers promoting conservation in the local villages and schools, wildlife films or a full day of Ranger Training with KWS Manyani training staff. Meals and overnight at Kipalo Hills Camp B,L,D May 21 – Little Governor’s Camp, Maasai Mara National Reserve (3 nts) http://www.governorscamp.com/property-descriptions/governors-camps-masai-mara/little-governors-camp: After breakfast we will fly to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Upon arrival mid-morning, we will game drive to this beautiful camp, get settled in, have lunch and back out for a game drive searching for lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and a host of plains game. Set in the heart of Africa’s Great Plains in Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve boasts 1,672 sq. kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. It offers some of the best game and bird viewing not only in Kenya, but anywhere in Africa. The views across the rolling golden grasslands studded with acacia trees, rivers and forests are dazzling, the sense of space overwhelming. Throughout the year the Maasai Mara is a place of natural drama, a kaleidoscope of colour and life.

Little Governors’ Camp is a luxury safari camp located on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The camp is intimate in character, with just 17 luxury ensuite tents tucked around a large watering hole that teems with both birds and wildlife. The camp is approached by a boat ride across the Mara River, then an escorted walk through the riverine forest. Vehicles are left on the far riverbank, and the camp is therefore quiet and undisturbed.

The guest tents at Little Governors’ have wooden decks with large verandahs for guests to enjoy the constant game activity that takes place around the natural watering hole at the camp. All Governors’ properties are unfenced, and at Little Governors’ there is a resident family of warthogs that wander freely through the camp. Guests may need to make way for elephants which sometimes visit the camp at lunch time. Little Governors Camp has been awarded a Silver Eco-Rating from Eco Tourism Kenya due to our sustainable practices in place in camp. Activities on

offer from the camp include game drives in our custom-built 4 wheel-drive vehicles, great for wildlife photography and Hot Air Balloon Safaris (extra charge), visits to the nearby Maasai community Manyatta and conservation projects. May 22 & 23: Two days of early morning game drives with breakfast in the bush. Return to the camp for lunch and a bit of R&R. Back out for an afternoon game drive where you have ample time to discover all that this globally famous wilderness has to offer. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the 'Big Five' in one morning! B,L,D May 24 – In Transit: A sad farewell to the Maasai Mara as we fly back to Nairobi and continue your journey back home arriving May 13… or extend your time on a beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean in Kenya or Zanzibar, Tanzania… or maybe visit the World Heritage Site Ngorongoro Crater. Where would you like to go…..

Kenya Safari for Animal Caregivers! Land only pricing - Minimum 8 guests Maximum 12 guests

$7395USD per person sharing Economy Air - From $1500 - $2500CDN per person dependent on routing, carrier & availability Extra night in Nairobi (to catch up on jet lag!) & airport transfer $180USD per person Single Supplement $350USD (may not be available at Kipalo Camp) Payment options –

• USD Bank Draft – amount above • CDN Cheque – amount will be the closest CDN/USD exchange rate we receive through our bank • Credit Card – amount will be the closest CDN/USD exchange rate we receive through our bank plus 3% credit card fee

ALL INCLUSIVE OF: Predeparture package with unlimited information Luxury accommodation as stated in itinerary Air and ground transportation between lodges All meals at lodges while on safari, bed and breakfast in Nairobi Game activities and park entry fees. Donation to wildlife conservation group enroute Gratuities for lodge staff and porterage Tour hosted by Dr. Alastair Westcott, Bowen Veterinary Services Tour lead by Nature Encounters Tours owner/photographer - Carol Petersen.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Round trip economy class airfare, Items of a personal nature; cancellation, baggage, emergency evacuation or medical insurance; visa's for Kenya (Kenya $65CDN and Tanzania $80CDN) and their respective fees; drinks; laundry; meals and activities on last day; any new Government taxes; Departure taxes of approximately US$30 per person CLIMATE - The climate of Kenya and Tanzania will be generally dry and sunny with day temperatures averaging 25°- 28°C. The evenings could be cool at higher elevations so a sweater or fleece

will be in order. The short rains have just ended so depending on what rain they did receive - expect to see some beautiful greenery too! The hottest time to visit this incredible country is in October when the daytime temperatures can creep into the mid 30's. ***Please Note: At Nature Encounters Tours & Travel, we work very hard to keep our pricing competitive for our guests, however, we do not have control over increases in game park fees or fuel surcharges. We will endeavor to inform our guests of increases as soon as we hear about them and add those increases, at our cost only, to our guest invoices.

Safari Extensions . . . Where would you like to go? The Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda – (5 nights) Based on 2 guests sharing - From $3600USD Per Person Includes 2 gorilla tracking permits **** Book now to reserve your Gorilla Permits! This 5 night extension includes time with Mountain Gorillas in the best place to see them… Rwanda! Your time here includes your accommodation, most meals, transportation, 2 gorilla permits and will truly be an amazing adventure!

The Indian Ocean – Mombasa, Kenya or Zanzibar - The Spice Island, Tanzania (Based on 2 guests sharing) From $1395 per person. After your safari, fly to the Indian Ocean coast where you can enjoy the culture and beautiful white powdery beaches. Pricing tailored to your accommodation and length of stay, Mount Kilimanjaro Climb - Machame Route (8 nights) Based on 2 Guests Sharing – From $2600USD Per Person Day 1 - Transfer to hotel in Moshi for repacking & briefing before your Kili trek Days 2 – 7 Climb this fabulous mountain under the care of guides and porters. Day 8 - Celebrate at the beautiful Mountain Village Serena Hotel Dinner Incl. Day 9 – Fly out. Inclusive of all meals while on trek, dinner in Moshi, camping supplies such at tents etc. Not inclusive of items of a personal nature, gratuities, drinks, sleeping bags and climbing gear.

Tanzania Migration – (6 nights) Based on 2 Guests Sharing 1 vehicle and expert guide – From $TBA USD per person Head south to Tanzania in search of the large herds of migrating wildebeest and zebra! This 6-night extension includes 3 different ecosystems – the forested Lake Manyara, World Heritage Site - Ngorongoro Crater and world-renowned Serengeti National Park. Your accommodation is lovely lodges in outstanding locations and the wildlife viewing will be fabulous!

To Book Your Safari Seat Contact… Nature Encounters Tours & Travel Ltd.

Vancouver Area (604) 947 9005 Toll Free 1-866-949-3007 carol@natureencounterstours.com www.natureencounterstours.com

About Your Host – Dr. Alastair Westcott, DVM Dr. Westcott received his Bachelor of Science in 1990 (University of Waterloo,

Waterloo, ON, Honours Biochemistry). After working as a laboratory technician in the Human Genetics Dept. of the Medical Teaching Hospital at McMaster University,

Hamilton, ON, he accepted a position in the pathology department at the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON where he worked on a lengthy harbour porpoise stranding project. He was then inspired to apply for acceptance into the Veterinary College. Dr. Westcott received his DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) in 1997 from the Ontario Veterinary College, Guelph, ON. In 1994 he also spent time working on the Stellar Sea Lion project based at the Vancouver Aquarium. Dr. Westcott has is the co-founder and principal veterinarian of Bowen Veterinary

Services since 1997. Dr. Westcott has spent time in South Africa working with specialists on rhino conservation. His commitment to local wildlife rescue and interest in conservation as a whole, has led to this exciting project!

About Your Destination Specialist/Tour Leader - Carol Petersen

Wildlife photographer, videographer and Nature Encounters Tours & Travel owner Carol Petersen, is an avid wildlife advocate! Carol has been traveling to Africa since 1990 and led over 80 safaris to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Madagascar,

Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Egypt, Galapagos, Ecuador and India. The quote "Once you’ve been a part of Africa, it becomes a part of you” best describes Carol’s love for this special part of the world. Whether it be canoeing down the Zambezi River within a few feet of a 5-ton bull elephant, capturing some precious moments with a family of wild gorillas, watching a pair of blue-footed booby’s do their magical courting dance or following the alarm calls of Langur

Monkey’s in hopes of finding the very endangered Bengal Tiger…. that is Carol's idea of spending quality time. In her dedication to preserving wild spaces, she encourages travelers’ goers to walk lightly and appreciate these special places challenges. Carol walks the talk by contributing to environmental groups such as The Friends of the Galapagos, Daphne Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage, The Cheetah Conservation Fund and Wildlife SOS in India.

Other special projects include providing radio collars for lion conservation and purchasing school supplies, mattresses and supplies for the Kajiado Girls School - home to many rescued young women in Kenya. Her keen interest in our environment, endangered species and the enhancement of the ecosystems of our planet is a never-ending endeavor. Carol’s also has a great love for the people she meets on her travels and works to support artisans in many countries by purchasing their art and craft and selling in her Fairly Traded store/office on Bowen Island, BC. Carol is very proud to have been chosen for a "Woman of Vision" award for her conservation efforts – an honor bestowed to 12 women per year by a Calgary television station. Visit us at the Nature Encounters Tours & Travel office/store on Bowen Island, BC. Email: carol@natureencounterstours.com

“Once You’ve Been a Part of Africa . . . It Becomes a Part of You”

About Nature Encounters Tours & Travel Ltd. Welcome to Nature Encounters Tours & Travel! We have travelled the globe in search

of destinations that will put you in touch with our passion – nature! Our experience, and that of our guides, is matched by a personalized service that keeps our guests returning to travel with us year after year. From the moment you inquire about a location to the start of your small group departure – we are dedicated to ensuring your trip is memorable.

On safari, you can experience everything from watching a lioness care for her young in the hollow of an old tree to having a magnificent five-ton elephant display his enormous ears and mock charge your vehicle . . . or lay on a sandy beach that goes on for miles and miles while listening to the sound of the Indian Ocean. Your accommodation and meals, in either lodges or tented camps, range from truly comfortable to absolutely luxurious. Backpacking was never like this! Swimming pools, gardens and the fragrance of wild basil will surround you as your binoculars scout the magnificent scenery for cheetah, elephant, zebra, lilac breasted rollers, hyena, and tawny eagles to name a few. Your game activities can include driving in national parks watching for wildlife along the way, walking with an experienced guide looking for all the little things you may have missed by driving, and boating or canoeing – enjoying some of the most incredible rivers and lakes.

Ecotourism is an important part of the Nature Encounters Tours & Travel experience. Our guests are happy to contribute to a sustainable industry where the local people, as well as the wildlife, benefit from their visit. We support villages and schools such as the A.I.C. Girls’ School in Kajiado, Kenya and conservation groups that are near and dear to us - the Painted Dog Conservation Project, Tikki Hywood Trust, Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, The Serengeti Lion Research Project, Wildlife SOS in India and Friends of the Galapagos to name a few. We do indeed walk the talk . . .

Our goal is to give our guests an experience they won’t ever forget – from dancing with the Maasai in East Africa to enjoying watching the antics of a pair of polar bears enjoy a tussle in the snow to photographing and observing the many species that live in our great world.

Join us for the vacation of a lifetime!