The lioness and the long distance runner

Experience the remote and the majestic with Somak Holidays’ African safari and beach getaways. The mighty Masai warriors left an indelible mark on the imaginations of the British following their appearance on the streets of the capital at this year’s London marathon.

The Masai are rumoured to develop their astonishing long distance running ability from sharing their territory with some of nature’s quickest predators… Some say they can even outrun a lion.

Now, back in their homelands the Masai are ready to welcome tourists to experience their rich culture and bring much needed currency to save their ancient communities. The Masai tribes inhabit the arid plains of Kenya and Tanzania which are densely populated with magnificent wildlife including lions, leopard, cheetah, elephant and giraffe.

Somak Holidays offers a number of adventures to the extraordinary land of the Masai Warriors, where holidaymakers can take guided walks with the Masai and visit their communities.

SOMAK HOLIDAYS, 4* BIG CAT SAFARI, KENYA – SIX NIGHTS FROM ONLY £1,815 PER PERSON

This safari gives holidaymakers the opportunity to stay in small and exclusive safari camps and eco-lodges, which are closely involved with the local communities. After arriving in Nairobi guests are transferred to Amboseli National Park where they will spend two nights and enjoy two game drives, a night game drive and a game walk with Masai warriors. The following day guests will continue to the beautiful Lake Nakuru where they can enjoy further night game drives and have the chance to hand feed giraffes. The safari continues by light aircraft to the spectacular Masai Mara National Park for the final two nights.

Departs 26 May 2008. Prices start at £1,815 per person for six nights, full board on the 4* Big Cat Safari. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow with Kenya Airways.

SOMAK HOLIDAYS, 4* SOPA SERENGETI SAFARI, TANZANIA, ZANZIBAR – FIVE NIGHTS FROM ONLY £1,349 PER PERSON

After arriving at Nairobi guests will transfer to Kilimanjaro airport where guests will travel on to Tarangire National Park, renowned for its dense elephant population where they can enjoy an afternoon game drive. The second port of call is the Serengeti National Park, where guests will enjoy a second afternoon game drive. Holidaymakers will be mesmerised by the sunrise in the Serengeti, as an early morning balloon ride takes passengers over the savanna as the wildlife wakes up. After another game drive and night in the lodge, the safari continues to Ngorongoro. The tour continues to Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater and a local Masai Village before commencing on the final game viewing.

Departs 21 April – 19 May 2008. Prices start at £1,349 per person for five nights, full board on the 4* Sopa Serengeti Safari. Price includes return flights from London Heathrow with Kenya Airways.

SOMAK HOLIDAYS, 3* BAMBURI BEACH HOTEL, NORTH MOMBASA - 14 NIGHTS ALL-INCLUSIVE, FROM ONLY £679 PER PERSON, SAVING 20%

The charming Bamburi Beach Hotel is set amidst lush tropical gardens leading to an extensive white sandy beach overlooking a beautiful coral reef in the Indian Ocean. This hotel is a perennial favourite with British travellers due to its high standards of accommodation and service. The excellent hotel facilities include three restaurants, three bars, a snack bar, two outdoor pools, squash courts, a fitness room and a kids club for children aged four to 12 years old.

Departs 26 May 2008. Prices start from £679 per person for 14 nights at Bamburi Beach Hotel, Mombasa, on an all inclusive basis. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick with Monarch Airlines.

SOMAK HOLIDAYS, 4* SUN ‘N’ SAND BEACH RESORT, MOMBASA, KENYA – 14 NIGHTS ALL-INCLUSIVE FROM ONLY £789 PER PERSON, SAVING 20%

This lively and informal resort is situated on Kikambala Beach in northern Mombasa. The hotel offers a choice of four restaurants, a snack bar and three bars. The excellent leisure facilities include three pools, two children’s pools, tennis and volleyball courts, football, pool tables, bicycles, a kids’ club and a beauty salon. Guests wanting to experience the local culture can learn Swahili and visit a village school, while those who want a more active holiday can enjoy scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking in the warm azure sea. Each air conditioned room has a balcony with a garden, pool or ocean view and satellite TV.

Departures 16 & 23 June 2008. Prices start from £789 per person for 14 nights at the Sun ‘N’ Sand Beach Resort on an all inclusive basis. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick with Monarch Airlines.

For more information and to book go to Somak.co.uk.