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Ricky Tims
Alex Anderson
Travel with quilt celebrities Ricky Tims, Alex Anderson and Sew Many Places founder Jim West as they head off on an 11-day Africa Expedition. Take in over five incredible animal safari drives, visit remote villages, all with unbelievable sightseeing and much more!
Package Includes:We begin our Sew Many Places Africa Expedition with an overnight flight from the United States. During our evening flight, dinner will be served on board the plane. D
Tuesday, January 18thThis morning, because there are no direct flights to Nairobi, we will change planes in London and continue our journey to the continent of AFRICA. We will fly to NAIROBI in Kenya, arriving late in the evening. During our flight, a dinner snack will be served on board the plane. Upon our arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Here we will be met by our tour guide and coach driver, who will take us to our deluxe hotel, the Nairobi Serena Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World. We will check in and retire for the evening. B, D
Wednesday, January 19thThis morning, following a restful sleep and hearty breakfast, we will meet our guide who will provide for us a briefing about Kenya, Nairobi and our Safari Expedition. This will be followed by a visit to see the renowned Karen Blixen Museum, home of famous novelist Karen von Blixen. The house contains many of her original pieces along with some pieces donated by the makers of the film "Out of Africa". From here we will travel to the famous Nairobi Giraffe Center where we will be able to feed semi habited giraffes, from a raised wooden platform. We will a delicious lunch at the Giraffe Center before returning back to our hotel. This afternoon Ricky, Jim and Alex will provide a brief orientation from a "quilter's perspective. We will enjoy dinner together and the remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. B, L, D
Thursday, January 20thThis morning, following a delicious breakfast, we will enjoy a Panoramic City tour of NAIROBI. This tour covers the modern city center, the colorful city market, Parliament buildings, the Railway Museum and the National Museum. Included in our tour is a visit to the famous Kazuri Bead Factory. Here we will have an opportunity to see how they make beads by hand and also have some time to shop in their incredible gift shop. This afternoon we will be taken to a local mall where we can shop for very unique artwork, souvenirs and gifts. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then return to our hotel. B, L, D
Friday, January 21stThis morning, following breakfast, we will check out of our hotel, meet our safari drivers and board our safari vehicles as we begin our drive north to the NANYUKI region. Our drive will take us four hours and we will stop along the way for restroom breaks and regional shopping. Upon our arrival at the deluxe Sweetwaters Sanctuary, we will check into our very unique tents, where we will stay for the next two nights. This is no ordinary tent, but rather a deluxe facility, complete with toilet, shower, sink, desk and all the comforts of home. What makes this experience so incredibly special is that it is located in the heart of game park, so animals are easy to spot and close at hand. But don’t fear, we are safe as can be.
After we settle in, we will enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and relax in the afternoon. Later in the day, we will board our safari vehicles and explore the African plains with our first game drive. We will return back to camp and enjoy dinner together. Tonight, following dinner, we will visit with Ricky and enjoy a special talk. B, L, D
This morning following a delicious breakfast buffet, we will board our safari vehicles and enjoy an early morning game drive. Following our drive, we will visit the Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers complex, to see the spinners at work. The Nanyuki Spinners & Weavers is a woman's self help project registered under the ministry of Culture and Social Services started under the umbrella of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa on July 4th, 1977. Basically it was started with the main aim of training poor, widowed and single women living in the surrounding villages of Nanyuki in the craft of spinning, knitting and weaving with the main objective of making them self reliant. Nanyuki was targeted because it is one of the major wool producing areas in Kenya with its weather being favorable for sheep rearing and raising. It was agreed from the beginning that half of the proceeds acquired would go directly to the women under the project and the other half would be retained at the center. Yes, there will be time for shopping in their store! We will return back to camp for lunch. This afternoon we will visit with Alex and enjoy an afternoon chat. Later in the day, we will board our safari vehicles once more for an afternoon game drive. Dinner will be served back at the camp. B, L, D
Sunday, January 23rdThis morning, following breakfast, we will check out of Sweetwaters and drive north to the Samburu Game Reserve and the Samburu Serena Lodge. We will check into our rooms and enjoy a relaxing lunch together. Following lunch, there will be time to relax before enjoying an afternoon game drive.
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves are three of the best animal game reserves in the entire region. Lying 225 miles from Nairobi, they are adjacent to each other, in effect forming an incredibly large area that makes up a total of 633 square miles.
During our game drive it is possible we may see wildlife species rarely found anywhere in the entire continent of Africa, including Grevys’ Zebra, the long-necked Gerenuk and the Reticulated Giraffe. As the area is so arid, the game is concentrated around the Ewaso Nyiro River which runs through the park, making game viewing particularly good. We will return back to our hotel later in the afternoon. Dinner will be served at the lodge and the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. B, L, D
Today, following breakfast, we will have an opportunity for an early morning game drive. Be sure you have your camera ready to capture the colors, textures and design of the plains. All the ingredients to create a unique quilt! Following lunch, for those who are interested, we will visit a local Masai village for an unbelievable encounter. Here we will learn firsthand about their way of life. It will be certainly be one of the highlights of the entire expedition. Tonight, following a delicious dinner, we will gather and meet with Ricky. B, L, D
Tuesday, January 25thThis morning, we will check out of our lodge and drive south to the Mount Kenya region, on our way to the popular Mt. Kenya Safari Club. The Mt. Kenya Safari Club is operated by the Fairmont Hotel chain, and is situated along the Equator line in a glory of luxurious cottages and elegant buildings set amid manicured lawns and decorative ponds. It is built in the heart of big game sanctuary and is renowned for it’s setting the magnificent views across the beautifully manicured lawn. It was found in 1959 by the late film star William Holden, and the club has over the years attracted many well-known members. Upon our arrival, we will check into our rooms and enjoy a delicious lunch. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, following dinner, we will meet for a casual visit with Alex. Please note: Smart casual dress is required for dinner. B, L, D
Wednesday, January 26thToday is a complete day of leisure. The hotel will offer all kinds of great optional tours for you to participate on. Also, the hotel has a wonderful massage and spa area to enjoy. Pamper yourself today! This afternoon, before dinner, we will all meet for a drink and recap our day. B, L, D
Thursday, January 27thToday we will check out of our hotel and drive back to Nairobi. Upon our arrival, we will check into day rooms at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. There will be time for lunch, to purchase any last minute souvenirs and repack our luggage. Tonight, we will check out of our hotel, and enjoy a special “farewell dinner” awaits at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant, renowned for its variety of delicious exotic meats, as well as other dishes. Following dinner, we will transfer to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for our flight back to the United States. B, L, D
*This itinerary, pricing and escorts are subject to change. Insurance is available and highly recommended. Space is limited and based on first come, first served. Single rates are available upon request. Please consult the Terms and Conditions located on our website, as they apply once the first deposit is received.