WORDS AWAY
Literary Expeditions in Spectacular Locations Around the Globe

Kenya: A Literary Safari
October 10 to 21, 2007

Now in its 6th year, Words Away is an annual international literary expedition. Each fall we travel to a spectacular location on the globe with an itinerary planned with readers and writers in mind. Past trips have included fiction workshops with Pam Houston, Ron Carlson and Amy Bloom at Jamaica’s Good Hope Plantation; a creative writing workshop with Hugo Hamilton and Colum McCann at Kinnitty Castle in Ireland; and a river writing journey with Page Lambert on the Colorado River.

Safari with Abercrombie & Kent
New this year, we are collaborating with Abercrombie & Kent to present a custom guided literary safari in Kenya. Over the course of 11 days, this singular trip will combine five-star travel; wildlife viewing during peak migration season; an exclusive lecture series by Kenya-based authors and a writer-in-residence who will accompany you on the trip; side trips to literary sites; an anthology of local literature; and personal time each day for reading, writing, round table discussions and relaxing.

The centerpiece of the trip will be safari, highlighting the Amboseli National Park (at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro), Samburu and Masai Mara Game Reserves, the Karen Blixen Giraffe Center and the phenomenal wildlife that call these protected habitats home: wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, lion, cheetah, elephants, crocodiles, waterbuck, gazelle and some 300 species of birds.
View full itinerary

Literary Africa
Booklovers will enjoy a variety of special programs designed for readers and writers that make this a uniquely literary tour:

Early in the trip, participants will be treated to a private lecture by Bryan Harris. Born and raised in Kenya, Mr. Harris is a writer, journalist and member of the Kenya Railway Museum Board.
He will share colorful stories about the late 19th century construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway, known as the “Lunatic Express,” whose builders were bedeviled by the notorious man-eating lions of Tsavo.

Other Kenya-based authors who may participate in readings and talks include wildlife photographer and author Jonathan Scott, African bird expert and wildlife author Terry Stevenson, and fiction writer David Malieu.

Additionally, the itinerary will include side trips to schools and literary haunts such as the Karen Blixen Giraffe Center and Museum, home of the famed Out of Africa author. There will also be time set aside for fireside discussions, led by our writer-in-residence, of works such as Hemingway's The Snows of Kilimanjaro and other regional literature from the custom anthology we provide for you weeks before your departure. Each day will include ample time for personal reading and writing.

Accommodations
The Nairobi Serena, located a short walk from the Kenyan capital’s downtown, blends a charming ambience with full five-star facilities in a surprisingly green and peaceful setting.

Located just on the outskirts of Amboseli National Park, facing majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tortilis Camp is a luxury, tented resort featuring a dining room, open air bar and swimming pool.

Positioned on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro river, Larsens Tented Camp offers luxury accommodations in spacious tents raised on wooden platforms and nestled between acacia trees and doum palms.

Serian Camp, an exclusive wilderness camp, is flanked by a secluded valley and is located along the Mara River. Each of the eight tents is furnished in a comfortable colonial style and has an en-suite bathroom.

Anticipated Costs
$10,000 Per person (double occupancy)
$875 Single supplement (optional)
Fees include: luxury accommodations, internal flights, meals and beverages for travel listed on the itinerary; group transfers and ground transport; baggage handling; entrance fees; the services of an A&K guide from arrival through departure; and gratuities, taxes and service charges. Personal expenses and international airfares are not included.
Complete terms and conditions are available from the Aspen Writers’ Foundation. (See below.)

Information and Reservations
Jamie Kravitz
Director of Programs
970.925.3122 ext. 3#