WW 1 Battle Field Safari Itinerary Series – Option 2 4days/ 3nights

WW 1 Battle Field Safari Itinerary Series – Option 2
4days/ 3nights Tsavo Battlefield Tour
WW1 Battlefield Safari Itineraries
Option 2
Over the next 4 years, the world will commemorate the occurrence of the World War 1 around the world. This “war to end
all wars” was the bloodiest that the world had ever experienced at the time. In Kenya this commemoration is being held in
Taita Taveta County which pitted forces from the German ruled Tanganyika against British forces protecting the British
colonies in Kenya, Uganda and Somaliland.
Battlefield tourism specializes in touring of battlefields, cemeteries, memorials and related historic sites all around the
world. It focuses on historic battlefields where the fighting is long past and is much more strongly linked to heritage and
commemoration.
The featured tours will take you through an odyssey of how the 1st World War was fought in Taita Taveta in what we now
call “The East African Campaign”
Day 1 – Nairobi to Taveta
7.30am Depart from Nairobi City Centre and drive to Taveta with a brief stop at Capital Centre on Mombasa Road to
collect fresh picnic lunch boxes. Proceed and drive on Mombasa Road with a bathroom stop in Emali. Take Loitoktok
road weather permitting you will view Mt. Kilimanjaro very clearly as you drive to Taveta. The stretch of the road from
Loitoktok to Voyager Ziwani Luxury Tented Camp is murrum road. Dinner and overnight at Voyager Ziwani Luxury
Tented Camp (Fullboard)
Voyager Ziwani Luxury Tented Camp
With a spectacular view of mystical Mount Kilimanjaro, and easy access to the wild attractions of Tsavo West National
Park, Voyager Ziwani offers a tranquil retreat in one of the wildest places left on Earth. Located on a private sanctuary
on the western edge of Tsavo, the camp sits on a secluded dam on the Santé River – home to turtles, crocodiles and
hundreds of basking hippos.
Location
Once the site for the German Schutztruppe garrison in the First World War, Voyager Ziwani is today famous for being in
‘big game country’ that is one of the biggest national parks in the world, Tsavo West. Filled with a rich tapestry of
volcanic upheavals like the Roaring Rocks and the volcanic rubble heap that is Chaimu, the land is as diverse as its
wildlife – the red elephants of Tsavo and descendents of the infamous man-eating lions share the savanna grasslands
with the Fringe-eared oryx of the thorn filled scrub while the crocodiles and hippos while away time in the cool waters
of the crystal clear Mzima springs and the rivers that course through.
Voyager Ziwani Luxury Tented Camp
Day 2– WW 1 sites within Taveta
Salaita Hill
7.30am After early breakfast depart with picnic lunch from Voyager
Ziwani Luxury Tented Camp.
Visit Mahoo church Fort, followed by Taveta CWGC European
Cemetery, then go to the Former Taveta Police Station where the 1st
gun shot that triggered the 1st World War was fired from. Then drive to
Taveta CWGC Indian Cemetery then proceed to visit Banana Plantation
in Mboghoni before proceeding to Njoro Springs where you will enjoy
entertainment by a cultural troupe called Luworo (meaning peace) as
you interact with the locals and enjoy the natural happenings of the
water springs that forms a heavy flow of Njoro River. Thereafter
return back to Voyager Ziwani Luxury Tented camp through Salaita
Hills expedition and also visit the Snipers Baobab. Return back to
Voyager Ziwani Luxury Tented Camp for dinner and overnight
(Fullboard)
Day 3 – Taveta to Taita Hills Sanctuary
After early breakfast depart with picnic lunch boxes from Voyager
Ziwani Luxury Tented Camp and enter into Tsavo West National Park
doing game drive as you visit Poachers Look-out, Mzima Springs, WW1
Mzima Fort, WW1 Crater Fort and onto WW1 Kichwa Tembo Fort which
is on a hill. Thereafter proceed to Taita Hills Lodge through Maktau
CWGC Indian Memorial Graves, here you will interact with the local
community who are mainly miners who have pure gems for sale.
Thereafter proceed to Taita Hills Lodge for check in and relax by the
swimming pool. Evening you will receive a short talk about the WW1
museum situated inside the same lodge. Dinner and Overnight at Taita
Hills Wildlife Lodge (Fullboard)
Sniper’s Baobab
SAROVA TAITA HILLS GAME LODGE
Built in the shape of a German Fort, Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge is one that bursts with rich history from the
World War I. The beautifully designed lodge offers a truly exclusive bush experience, being situated in the heart
of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, a private conservancy of 28,000 acres located at the foot of the Taita Hills
and adjacent to Tsavo West National Park, one of the world's largest game reserves.
Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge provides the exceptional experience of proximity to the wildlife and a viewing
gallery from the comfort of your room balcony . Since the lodge is unfenced, animals such as gazelles and
elephants are commonly sighted on the grounds and at the watering hole near the swimming pool.
British Gun Encampments can still be
seen in many WW1 battlefield sites
Day 4 - Taita Hills Lodge Sanctuary to Nairobi via Voi
George Grey was born after the 1st World
War by a British Soldier and a Taita
mother. He is now over 80yrs old
6.00 am Early morning Wake up call
6.30 am Go for an early morning game drive. Thereafter, return back to the
lodge for a full breakfast before checking out with picnic lunch boxes and take a
short drive to Maili 27 and Mashoti (loosely means ‘No more shooting’) Fort.
Thereafter drive on to Voi with a brief stop at Chakareli (meaning check the
railway line) to visit a British family that were sired during WW1 and are part of
the Taita Community. Here there will be a cultural entertainment from this subcounty as you interact with the locals as you buy souvenirs from them.
Thereafter depart & drive to Voi CWGC Cemetery. This is where Lieutenant
Wilber Dartnell, an Australian volunteer was buried in the beautifully maintained
Voi commonwealth war graves commission (CWGC) Cemetery. The Victorian
Cross was posthumously awarded to him. Thereafter depart and proceed on to
Nairobi. Drop off at the City centre or a place of your convenience within the city. End of Tour
COST PER PERSON SHARING Kshs. 74,300/- for Residents/Citizens US$ 895 Non-resident
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT Kshs. 6,710 for Residents/Citizens US$ 81 for Non-residents
(Above cost is valid from Nov 1st to Dec 22nd. 2014 and from Jan 4th 2015 to March 31st 2015. Require minimum 6 clients &
maximum 8 clients per van)
COST PER PERSON SHARING Kshs. 78,100/- for Residents/Citizens US$ 941 Non-resident
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT Kshs. 11,400 for Residents/Citizens US$ 137 for Non-residents
(Above cost is valid from Dec 23rd . 2014 to Jan 3rd 2015 and during Easter Weekend 2015.)
Above cost includes:
•Transport in 9 seater van from Nairobi and back to Nairobi on
the last day
•Services of a Professional Safari driver
•Services of a Professional safari guide
•Services of a Professional Battlefields guide on ground
•Accommodation on Bed &Breakfast in Nairobi and Fullboard
during the battlefield tour (picnic lunch is part of the fullboard
package)
•Entry fees to all the sites, sanctuary & Tsavo West National
Park as indicated in the itinerary
•Cultural dances on
•All government taxes and levies
What is not included: International airfare, Entry Visa currently US$50, return airport transfer, accommodation in Nairobi, travel & luggage
insurance any service not mentioned in the inclusions and in the itinerary. Tips & gratuities which is at your discretion.
For Reservations Contact: Karibu Paradise Safaris -E.A on 0722 525350
Email: [email protected] & [email protected] Website: www.karibuparadise.com
Payment Options: Direct Bank Deposit, Electronic Funds Transfer and Online Credit Card Options available.
Additional notes.
1/ There will be discussions every evening on the day’s events and briefing about the following day’s activities.
2/ There is every possibility to view and photograph wild life not only from the vehicles but also whilst walking in Maili 27
& Mashoti. An armed Guard will be accompanying you to these sites.
3/ Stout walking shoes or good runners/trainers are necessary. Most of the lodges have swimming pools to cool off after
a hot day of travelling so please carry swim wear.
4/ Pls carry some mosquito repellent and take anti malaria medication as prescribed by your physician before
commencement of the safari.
5/ Due to heat during the day please carry with you sunglasses, safari hat, light clothing short sleeved shirts & shorts
during the day and warm and long sleeved and long trousers for the evening.
6/ Carry your digital camera & video and where possible a pair of binoculars
7/ Carry enough money for both alcoholic, non-alcoholic drinks and souvenirs to be procured from the local community
Brief explanation about the Battle field sites to be visited
Mahoo Hill Church
Actually a Church Missionary Society mission post that was occupied by the Germans in September 1914 and
subsequently fortified by them. Several well preserved trenches can still be seen here.
Taveta CWGC European WW1Cemetery
Mainly holds the dead from the various attacks made on Salaita and the surrounding area and also from the battle at
Latema and Reata Ridges. Also has Germans & South Africa casualties.
Former Taveta Police Station
Now on its last legs and desperately in need of restoration. It was from this building that the first shots of the land
campaign were fired from signaling the start of the East African Campaign.
Taveta CWGC Indian WW1 Cemetery
A memorial to several Indian soldiers killed during the campaign and buried here.
Snipers Baobab tree
Legend has it that a German woman was holed up in this magnificent Baobab Tree, sniping at British Empire troops as
they tried to attack Salaita Hill.
Salaita Hill
The cork in the bottle that had to be taken out before the contents of German East Africa were revealed. Strategically
located between the Pare Mountains in the South and Mt Kilimanjaro in the West Salaita was quickly occupied and made
into a strong defensive position by the Germans in 1914. Attacked three times by the British who were beaten off with
heavy loss each time.
Maktau CWGC Indian WW1 Memorial
CWGC Memorial to several Indian soldiers who were killed when General Malleson was ambushed by the Germans. Was
originally a British cemetery, dead were re interred at Voi.
Mashoti Fort
Built by the Loyal North Lancashire Regt in late 1915, trenches and typical regulation design British fort laid out according
to the ‘book’. Well eroded today but clearly visible and easily accessible.
Maili 27 Railway Bridge
The Germans had wanted to blow up this bridge without success in a bid to cut off weapons etc supply to Maktau
Voi Commonwealth War Graves Commission WW1 Cemetery
A consolidated cemetery with graves recovered from scattered burial places, mostly after the war and re interred here.
Lt Darnell VC is buried here. On a Battlefield Tour I like to place a ceremonial wreath on the Cross of Sacrifice.
Tsavo Railway Station
The Man eaters of Tsavo station that virtually unchanged since it was built in the late 1890s. The nearby Tsavo River
Bridge was a target that the Germans were continually trying to get to, to blow it up. It was too heavily defended.
Kichwa Tembo Fort
One of the first Loc dry stone wall forts built in September 1914 to prevent the Germans
having access to water and therefore not allowing them to use the river route to approach
the Uganda Railway. Built on a knoll now fairly well overgrown with wait-a-bit thorn
trees and often inhabited by sleeping hippo and buffalo. Is accessible by a rough walk up
hill for about 150meters
Crater Fort
Built in 1915 inside the crater of an extinct volcanic cinder cone. Difficult to climb as
ground is loose cinders on a steep hill with lots a prickly bush, but great views over the
Tsavo River Valley, Mt Kilimanjaro and of the Ngulia Mountain range. Lion are fond of
catching the breeze and the view their next meal from here. A nice shady picnic lunch
point on the Rhodesian Bridge across the Tsavo River.
Fort Mzima
Built whilst under attack by the Germans on a knoll overlooking a bend in the Tsavo
River. Extensive impressive trenches and barbed wire entanglements still in place.
Relatively easy to approach following a game trail 75meters off the road through low
bush crossing several trenches. Buffalo and hippo like the area
Mzima Springs,
An amazing fresh water spring in the desert of Tsavo West National Park. Provides water
to Mombasa.
Poachers Look out
As name suggests an easy drive to the summit with extensive views over the Tsavo River
and plains. Often used as an observation post alternatively by the British and the
Germans.
For Reservations Contact:
Karibu Paradise Safaris –East Africa
Mobile: 0722 525350
Email: [email protected]/
[email protected]
Website: www.karibuparadise.com