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Prices
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Kenya Private Safaris
Best of Rift Valley
Our main activity is ecologically friendly safaris in association
with local communities.
We combine game viewing in national parks with game walking in
wilderness areas.
Day 1
Drive to
Lake Bogoria National Reserve, famous for its hot springs and a concentration of
flamingos and other salt lake birds. Lunch then a 2-3 hours game walk on the
lakeshores where thousands of flamingos, kingfishers, herons and an array of
other birds congregate to feed. It is also possible see the rare lesser kudu,
gazelles, zebra and other game in the surrounding bushes. The fascinating
scenery of Lake Bogoria National Reserve includes the steaming hot springs and
geysers. Those wishing to take it easy in this hot part of the country can ride
along on the vehicle alighting only at points of interest within the park.
Dinner and overnight Park campsite
Day 2
Depart
early for a 2- 3 hours drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is a
world famous bird and rhino sanctuary where thousands of flamingos congregate to
feed on Spirulina platensis, a blue-green alga that grows naturally in the lake.
Found here as well are plenty of other interesting wildlife and birds such as
the white rhino, leopard, lion, waterbuck, buffalo, impala, warthog, pelicans
and a spectrum of other bird species. Afternoon game drive here with an
excellent chance of seeing the rare rhino. Dinner and overnight Park campsite
Day 3
Morning
game drive then on to Lake Naivasha. On arrival at the lake you can relax or go
bird watching along the shoreline. The lake is famed for its bird life
particularly fish eagles, pelicans and love birds and has many hippos. Later
drive to the nearby Hell's Gate National Park for camping inside the Park.
Day 4
Leave the
camp for a morning walking safari in Hells Gate National park. Here we walk
amongst herds of zebra, gazelle and giraffe with a dramatic volcanic backdrop of
soaring lava cliffs, steaming volcanic vents and hot springs. In the afternoon
drive to Olonganaiyo, a small Maasai homestead ("boma") for insights into their
fascinating culture and way of life. Overnight camp under huge acacia trees by a
small spring.
Day 5
Optional
2-3 hour walking safari along small river course and through the savanna for
wildlife viewing with the Maasai as guides and interpreters of their lands. You
can take a refreshing dip in a swimming hole and walk amongst giraffe, impala,
zebra and wildebeest. Drive to our secluded camp in the Masai Mara and
afternoon game drive. Overnight Mara Springs Safari Camp
Day 6
Dawn
start for game drive. Ecologically the Mara is an extension of the great
Serengeti plains and teems with wildlife. Our expert guides ensure we get the
maximum chance of spotting the animals and a real understanding of their lives.
This is where you can see elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra,
giraffe, hippo, crocodile and a whole ark-full of other animals and birds in
their natural surroundings. During the heat of the day when the animals seek
shade we head for a lodge and a refreshing swim. Return to the camp in the
afternoon for tea then evening hike with Maasai guide to the summit of the
Naunare Hills for medicinal plant study and sunset view of the Mara plains. Or
enjoy a sundowner from the comfort of our camp lounge. Dinner and overnight at
the camp.
Day 7
Another
early game drive to spot any animals we may have missed yesterday with an
optional visit to Maasai Manyatta before return to Nairobi.
Eco Camping
Safaris
Our main
activity is ecologically friendly safaris in association with local communities.
We combine game viewing in national parks with game walking in wilderness areas.
And our safari vehicles are still very important for getting us to the best
places to commence our game walking safaris. We aim to ensure that every trip we
operate has some benefits to the local communities and we are strict to abide by
an environmental code of ethics. Our ecological policy is to leave as little
trace of our presence as possible so that others coming after will discover the
natural beauty as we have had the pleasure to experience. Each walking group is
accompanied by one of our experienced Naturalist guides.
Camping safaris allows you to go to
places where few other travellers have been before. It allows you to meet
authentic tribes and view incredible landscapes. We avoid busy campsites
preferring wilder bush surroundings from where we can stroll peacefully whilst
appreciating the scents and sounds of the spectacular African scenery. Camps are
lightweight to enable us to reach the most difficult places. Camping does not
have to mean ‘roughing it’. Remember that camping, like game walking, is a means
of accessing these wilderness areas, and with high quality food and equipment,
camping in a scenically magic location is a truly memorable experience. Our
standard camps are lightweight bush camps.
The guide and drivers help to set up
camp and a cook prepares the meals. We provide tents and mattress, toilet and
shower, tables, chairs and all kitchen equipment. You are usually expected to
put up your own tent, apart from enjoying yourself of course. The tents are
two-man dome shaped and are easily put up in a few minutes. The staff will help
you if you require any assistance. Breakfast is continental style with cereals;
lunch consists of cold salads, salami, and fruit; dinner is a hot three-course
meal. Fresh vegetables and fruit are supplied according to their availability.
Our cooks have many years' experience preparing good wholesome food over the
campfire. Soft drinks and beers are bulky. A sundowner can be a pleasant social
moment at camp, so we recommend that you bring your favourite drink from abroad,
as alcohol can be quite expensive or just not available. You also need to bring
a sleeping bag and torchlight.
It is often said that Kenya is a cold
country with a hot sun, as the blend of high altitudes and tropical sun make for
a unique and variable climate. This should be kept in mind when packing for a
visit. Both temperatures and climate vary drastically from region to region and
even throughout a single day. Basically the traveller should come prepared for
hot, cold, wet and dusty conditions.
Packing for a trip to Kenya requires some
careful thought and consideration.
Ultimately your packing should be dictated by
the activities you are planning to undertake.
- If you are travelling extensively throughout the country make sure that
you bring suitable luggage.
- If you are travelling by domestic/chartered flights within Kenya,
remember that there are luggage restrictions, particularly on smaller
aircraft. Check in advance with your Charter airline or Safari/Tour
operator.
- For those planning a lot of travel by public transport or trekkers, a
backpack is advisable. Bring a sturdy, well constructed pack with
orthopaedic support and lockable zips and catches.
- A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents and
basic everyday items.
- Equal consideration should be paid to what you bring with you.
- Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the best. For
walking safaris or game viewing on foot clothing should be of neutral
colour, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing avoided. Studies
have proven that most African game animals are able to see bright blue over
any other colour.
- Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any walking. For
serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking boots should be brought
with you.
- Remember that the tropical/Equatorial sun is strong and burns quickly.
Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun protection. Both
sunglasses and a good quality sunscreen (rated SPF15 or higher) should be
used.
- A good quality insect repellent is worth bringing.
- In some areas, mostly coastal, it is considered inappropriate for women
(and in some cases men) to wear shorts or short sleeved shirts. It is always
best to seek local advice.
- For some up-market lodges and nights out in Nairobi you may wish to
bring some more formal evening wear.
- You should bring your own Toiletries with you. Basic toiletry items are
widely available.
- Any personal Prescription drugs should be brought if necessary. Also
bring the generic names for these drugs in case they need to be replaced
locally. If you have prescription glasses it is wise to bring a spare pair.
- For those planning lengthy treks or camping expeditions, a basic medical
kit is also a good idea. A small Flashlight/Torch and a Swiss Army knife are
good accessories to carry.
- If you have a video camera battery charger or an other electrical items,
bring your own converter plug set if needed (the electricity supply is 220
Volt, 50 Hz with a square pin 13 amp plug).
- A good quality pair of Binoculars are essential for effective game
viewing.
- Divers will find excellent dive gear for hire in Kenya, but may also
wish to bring their own regulators or dive computers. Those with
prescription masks should definitely bring them along. Dive Certification
Cards and log documents should be brought along.
- All travel documentation should be kept together securely. This should
include tickets, Passports (with appropriate visa entries), Vaccination
Certificates, and Travel Insurance documents.
- Additional photocopies of Passport, Air ticket and Traveller's Cheque
numbers should be brought and packed separately. Use our personalized Kenya
Travel kit to print records of all this information. Take several copies
with you and leave some at home.
Prices
for-
Kenya Private Safaris
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