The Real Deal: This guided adventure includes two nights (the first and last) at Sentrim Boulevard in Nairobi; one night each in a hut on the shore of Lake Naivasha and at a hotel in Nakuru town; two nights in forest huts in Kakamega National Reserve; one night in a hotel in Kisumu; two nights in Kendu Bay village at a local family's traditional mud-brick home; one night in a hotel in Kericho; and two nights in a two-person pop-up dome tent at a campground in Masai Mara National Reserve; eight breakfasts, eight lunches, and six dinners; sightseeing, including a boat excursion to Crescent Island on Lake Naivasha, admission fees and a game drive in Lake Nakuru National Park, a walking tour of the Kakamega rain forest, and entrance fees and game drives in Masai Mara; transportation in a private safari vehicle; hotel taxes; and the services of an English-speaking group leader, a driver, and local guides; from $1,749—including all taxes and fees.
When: Depart June 28, Aug. 9, 23, Oct. 18, Dec. 21, 2010.
The fine print: All taxes and fees are included. Based on double occupancy; solo travelers are paired with a roommate of the same sex at no extra charge. The average group size is eight people; the maximum is 13. Airport-hotel transfers upon arrival are $15 per person based on three or more passengers; add $5 per person for two passengers; add $20 for a solo passenger. The hotel-airport transfer upon departure is about $20 per person. Airfare is not included. To book, refer to trip code DLC. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact: Gap Adventures, 888/800-4100, gapadventures.com.
Why it's a deal: The price for the Cultural Kenya and Safari package breaks down to about $146 a night and includes accommodations, some meals, guided sightseeing, a boat ride, game drives, and private ground transportation. You get the convenience of having all the logistics arranged by Gap Adventures, plus the benefit of English-speaking group leaders who can offer guidance and suggestions.
More: Optional activities include a safari walk in the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary in Nairobi ($20 per person), admission to Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha ($20 per person), or an excursion to Masai village ($20 per person). Additional nights are not available for this tour. Pre- or post-tour nights at Sentrim Boulevard in Nairobi start from $130 per room per night for a double room and $105 per room per night for a single room.
