MAASAILAND - EXTENSION OPTION ONE Itinerary (3 days)

Day 13 (July 28) - NAROBI -
For those opting to join in the extensions, an overnight room will be reserved for you at the Safari Park Hotel where you can relax before we embark on the second leg of our safari. Overnight Safari Park Hotel (B, L)

Day 14, 15 (July 29, 30) - MAASAILAND -
Today we head south, and we promise that you are in for a real treat! Our journey will take us to a tiny outpost called Ngatataik deep in the heart of Maasailand. This territory belongs to the ancient tribe of the Maasai, and these people will graciously welcome us into their world so that we may live amongst them over the next two days. This experience is rare and few westerners ever garner the privilege of mingling with and interacting in the Maasais' daily lives. So if you have elected to participate, take pause to realize how truly lucky you really are, for you are about to witness history, as these are a people threatened with imminent extinction.

We will first settle into our accommodations at Camp Sopon. This part of our safari is not about luxury, as we want to provide an honest tribal experience, but we will keep it rustically comfortable. We will be sleeping in traditional Maasai huts, known locally as manyattas, situated in Sopon Safari's own campsite. There is no electricity in Maasailand but we do provide candles, hurricane lamps, flashlights and a nightly campfire to relax by. Cots with fresh linens and pillows are placed in each manyatta to sleep on. His and her outhouse style bathrooms and a shower room are located on the campgrounds. A personal cook will be on-site to prepare wonderful home-style meals in Kenyan tradition to go along with those offered by the tribe.

After settling in, you will be introduced to the area's head elder, Nysanchao, and his eldest wife, Nysette. Activities over the next two days will include bush walking with English-speaking Maasai who will proudly show off their land and identify the plants, trees, and wildlife that may be encountered along the way. We will visit secluded villages far from the main road and meet the private and dignified people that inhabit them. We will also attend at least one of their traditional ceremonies celebrating various occasions. We will also visit a Maasai schoolhouse deep in the bush to meet the younger generation who are choosing a western lifestyle over a traditional one, and in the process learn the pros and cons to this choice. Throughout our stay we will enjoy capturing a dazzling array of amazing images of these colorful people and their culture. In this we are lucky to forever preserve their primitive way of life on film!

Our evenings will be spent enjoying meals around the campfire while engaging in stimulating conversations with our new Maasai friends. As we retire to our respective manyattas, we are lulled to sleep by the sounds of the African night. These safaris, no matter what activities occur, are truly unique, life-altering experiences. This is a rare opportunity to live among a centuries-old tribe who remains largely unaffected by western beliefs. This is an opportunity to socialize and acquire first hand knowledge that cannot be learned in a book. This is an opportunity to encounter a place few others have the privilege to encounter - and to come away a more enlightened and educated person. Don't miss this incredible encounter! Overnights Camp Sopon (B, L, D)

Day 16 (July 31) - NAIROBI -
Today we leave Maasailand, and our new friends, behind - but not the incredible memories made! Those of you departing the tour today will be escorted back to Nairobi for your flights home. No Overnight (B)