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Prices
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Kenya Private Safaris
Hidden
Treasures of Northern Kenya
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:
Depart
early and drive to Mount Kenya region enjoying splendid views of the Kikuyu
farms and the big pineapple and passion fruit plantations. We arrive at our Base
Hotel on the forested slopes of Mt. Kenya just in time for lunch after a three-
hour drive. In the afternoon we go for a two- hour walk through the forest where
local natural history expert will reveal the medicinal plants, birds and animals
of the forest environment. The natural Forest that surrounds the hotel was once
a base for the Kenyan freedom fighters who fought against the British colonial
masters in the 1950's. Another option is a visit to a Kikuyu farm where you will
have a chance to learn about the agricultural activities of the Kikuyu People.
During the hike we learn a lot about the history as well as the flora and fauna
of this tropical montane forest from our guide. Dinner and overnight Mountain
Rock Lodge.
Day 2:
Depart
early and drive towards Samburu National Reserve enjoying splendid views of the
majestic mountain ahead. We journey further to the north, taking us 4 hours to
reach Samburu Game Reserve where we do an early afternoon game drive en route to
our well-selected campsite along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Located in the semi-arid
parts of northern Kenya, Samburu teems with wildlife and birds and it is a true
representative of the semi-arid ecosystems of East Africa. Some of the unique
wildlife species found here include the long-necked Gerenuk, Grevy's Zebra and
birds such as the Batelleur and Buffalo weaver. Dinner and overnight Park
campsite
Day 3:
Early
morning game drive as we leave the reserve. Drive further north for 6-7 hours to
Loroghi Hills via Maralal Town. On the way you enjoy the fascinating landscape
of rolling hills and the arid vegetation. As we approach the Lesiolo viewpoint
campsite, the vegetation gradually changes to green. At the campsite the land
drops suddenly 600 metres down to the spectacular Malaso Valley. Dinner and
overnight the campsite
Day 4:
After
breakfast we set off on a 4 hour hike along the wooded slopes of Lesiolo up to
the Kapendera peak (2086m). The peak offers a panoramic view of the beautiful
landscapes of the vast Rift valley below. On a clear day it is possible to see
Lake Baringo, Cherangani Hills and the Suguta Valley (reputed to be the hottest
part of Kenya and one of the hottest parts in the World). Return to the camp for
lunch and in the late afternoon visit a Samburu Manyatta to discover the
fascinating life of the Samburu people who have a lot in common with the Maasai
of southern Kenya. Dinner and overnight at a campsite
Day 5:
Set off
early with your packed lunch for a seven - hour trek in the Malaso valley. The
relatively flat valley with a rich flora was once inhabited by the Pokot people,
one of the highland Nilotic groups of Kenya. Break off from the midday heat for
a picnic lunch under a giant acacia tree. Dinner and overnight at a campsite
Day 6
Leave
early, driving eastwards for 6 hours up to Lake Bogoria National Reserve, famous
for its hot springs and a concentration of flamingos and other salt lake birds.
We arrive there in the late afternoon and we do a game drive en route to our
campsite. All along the lakeshores thousands of flamingos, kingfishers, herons
and an array of other birds congregate to feed. With some luck it is possible to
see the rare greater 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 7:
Today we
do a four-hour hike around the camp on the shores of Lake Bogoria. Here we have
a chance of spotting a variety of wildlife and aquatic birds. In the afternoon
we drive halfway and trek the other half up to the geysers where you have a
chance to look at the hot springs. Dinner and overnight Park campsite
Day 8:
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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