Literary Safari

Literary Wonderings along Kenya’s wildlife trails

3rd to 11th August, 2008

This year, the Kwani Literary Festival (KLF) has teamed up with Explore Kenya to offer a custom guided literary safari. Over the course of 9 days, this unique journey will combine five-star travel; wildlife viewing during peak migration season; an exclusive lecture series by internationally acclaimed Kenyan authors and a writer-in-residence who will accompany you on the trip; side trips to literary sites; a selection of gripping contemporary Kenyan literature; and personal time each day for reading, writing, round table discussions and relaxing.

Our literary trail will take us through three of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries teeming with zebra, giraffe, lion, cheetah, elephants, crocodiles, waterbuck, gazelle and some 300 species of birds: The Tsavo National Park, home to the once notorious Man Eater Lions; Nakuru National Park, set upon one of the last flamingo lakes in the world; and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Seventh Wonder of the World and host to the spectacular wildebeest migration.

During the trip, participants will be treated to a private lecture by renowned Kenyan writers from the Kwani stable, writers like Yvonne Owuor, Binyavanga Wainaina, Parselelo Kantai, Judy Kibinge and many more.

After the safari, there will still be time to catch up with the Litfest for its final four days in Lamu - the perfect way to unwind after nine days on the trail. Transport and accomodation for those so inclined will be organized by KLF.

Accommodation

Since 1902, The Sarova Stanley, Nairobi has hosted some of the world’s most recognizable names of acclaimed actors, authors, world leaders on royal and state visits to Kenya.

With its enhanced old charm and historic features, The Sarova Stanley remains a significant landmark in the center of Nairobi, where it shelters the famous message tree used by Hemmingway and others to post notes to one another, at the Thorn Tree Café.

Located within the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Sarova Mara Game Camp captures the true spirit of the Kenyan wilderness, in Kenya’s richest game reserve. Greatly renowned for its annual wildebeest migration and Big Five, Sarova Mara offers a breathtaking view of the plains aloft a hot air balloon.

Maili Saba Camp is a sanctuary of tranquility and conviviality that rejects the rigidity of modern life. Tucked away on the edge of the magnificent, dormant, Menengai Crater, accommodating only twenty pampered guests at a time. Maili Saba Camp embraces a warm casual atmosphere within African simplicity.

The first lodge ever to be built in a Kenyan National Park, Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge is superbly situated in the lee of Mount Kilimanjaro, encircled by volcanic splendour, adjacent to a teeming water hole and daily visited by vast herds of elephant, buffalo and plains game.

Anticipated Costs

$3,000 per person (double occupancy)
* price does not include drinks & gratuities

Fees include: luxury accommodations, transport in 4×4 vehicles, meals and beverages for travel listed on the itinerary; group transfers and ground transport; baggage handling; park entrance fees; the services of a qualified guide from arrival through departure; and gratuities, taxes and service charges.

Personal expenses and international airfares are not included.

Those who wish to join the final 4 days of KLF Lamu will carry an additional cost of approximately $700.
* price includes internal flights to and from Lamu, and simple accommodation.

[Photos courtesy of Teeku Patel].