GO TWO BY TWO TO KENYA AND HONEYMOON ON THE HIGH PLAINS

NAIROBI, Kenya (09/2013) Once the wedding is over, the adventures never have to stop: newlyweds can enjoy romance, adventure, and luxury through Marasa’s honeymoon package at the Aberdare Country Club (ACC) and The Ark. Enjoy four nights at the ACC, followed by one at the Ark.

Set on a stunning 1,300 acre wildlife preserve outside of Nairobi, the Aberdare Country Club (booking automatically enrolls one in the club) is located in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. It has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn as highlighted in Monty Brown's book, Haven Under the Hill: "Today, despite the fast-changing tempo of the outside world, the old home still retains that comfortable, solid feeling based on traditions from a time when life proceeded at a far more leisurely and gentle pace."

Newlyweds can indulge in that gentle pace during a day that is luxurious and relaxing from start to finish; beginning with a champagne breakfast in bed, followed by an afternoon at the spa with a steam and a couples massage. Then, lovebirds can soak in their beautiful surroundings with a sundowner on the Kamatongu hill, capped off with a private dinner for two either on their balcony overlooking the preserve, or in the bushveld.

Days at the ACC can be filled with a variety of activities like horseback riding, nature walks in the sanctuary that culminate in picnic lunches at the top of the hill, or trips to the Solio Ranch to view the white rhino in its natural habitat. Honeymooners share the club’s well-appointed amenities, such as a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a pool, with the animal kingdom. 

Imagine tee-ing off as a pack of wild dogs chase an impala across the course!

After four sybaritic nights at the ACC, newlyweds will be taken on a game drive en route to The Ark. The Ark is situated in the Aberdare National Park, near Mt. Kenya, which is the highest in the eponymous nation. The lodge is whimsically modeled after Noah’s Ark, and its multitude of windows and four levels of decks allow for unparalleled views of the elephants, rhinos, buffalos, impalas, leopards, giraffes, and other animals that flock to the nearby watering hole and salt lick. Couples can also enjoy game drives through the park, guided walks, and hikes to the stunning Gura Falls waterfalls.

Rates start at and include full use of the Club’s facilities, one champagne breakfast, one sundowner, one private dinner, one couples massage, and a welcome drink.

 For more information or reservations, contact Corne Schalkwyk: corne@marasa.net or visit Aberdare Country Club or The Ark

KENYA’S THE ARK KICKS OFF WEBCAM: TWO BY TWO OR FIVE BY FIVE, CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ARE STREAMED LIVE

For lovers of all creatures great and small, Kenya’s The Ark, set in the game-rich Aberdare National Park, has launched a webcam that streams live video 24/7 of wild animals coming to its floodlit watering hole and salt lick.  Guest wannabes, Ark-o-philes or the just plain curious can virtually observe elephants, buffalo, impala and other game quench their thirsts, soak up nutrients, vie for position or try to get “teen-agers” to obey. Simply double click http: http://www.thearkkenya.com/live-webcam-feed.

 Of course, nothing beats the real thing.  Visitors to the quirky venue, modeled after Noah’s Ark, have the advantage of not only watching the phenomenon first-hand from one of the boat-shaped lodge’s four “decks” -- they can take unforgettable photographs and videos.

Those who want to stay at The Ark will not have to suffer 40 days and 40 nights of rain – instead they will be treated to a cool climate and gorgeous scenery including nearby Mt. Kenya, highest mountain in this East African nation and a World Heritage Site.  The Ark is an historic and “must-see” Kenyan property whose uniqueness comes from a reversal of the game drive – animals come to the people instead of the other way around. Die-hards can make use at night of a buzzer system that alerts guests to sightings at the watering hole: one buzz for elephant, two for rhino, three for leopard, and four for something even more dramatic (use your imagination).

Come to The Ark two by two:  Rates start at: US$255 for a double room, and include full board, taxes and service charge. Rates for a single start at US$150 with same inclusions.

For more information, contact:  www.marasa.net; www.premiersafaris.com