Walking Safaris
Ormaroroi Walking Safari
Walking safari in northern Kenya with Masai guides, through the Mokogodo forest and down the hills to Il Ngwesi Lodge. Baggage carried by camels and donkeys.
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Arrive Nanyuki airstrip. Met and cross the Equator and transferred to Loragai.
Meet guided, donkeys and camels, load up, and then walk approx. 2 hours through Cedar and Oliver Forest. Make camp. Rest up in the afternoon heat. Tea, then short walk in local area. Overnight camp in forest. -
Early wake up, tea/coffee, fruits and cereal and depart on walk through forest, past springs and out into more open country with beautiful views of the arid north and outlines of the distant mountains and the Samburu sacred Ol Lolokwe. Make camp on a ridge top. Late afternoon short walk in local area with sundowner drinks. Overnight under the stars.
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Early wake up and walk on down through the open bush lands following elephant tracks, and on through Acacia Tortilis canopy arriving at Ilngwesi Lodge by midday.
Enjoy the welcome and refreshing swimming pool followed by lunch.Minimum 2, maximum 8 people.
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person sharing | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | US$ | 210 |
| Resident Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | Groups | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person sharing | 2 | 2 Jan 2012 | 31 Dec 2012 | Ksh | 44115 | Kenya Residents |
North Kenya Donkey Safari
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Safaris of different lengths may be arranged.
Local Rates
Tanzania Serengeti, Lengai, Lake Natron
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Half an hours drive from Nairobi and we are already in the midst of Africa as it was known by Hemingway. This excellent tarmac road lined with acacias and termite mounds brings us quickly to the Namanga border post. The sacred mountain Oldonyo Orok dominates Namanga. There lies the grave of one of the most important Laibon or Masai sorcerers. It is not however the religious aspect that attracts people to this busy town but the trading opportunities offered by the border post. Whilst carrying out the formalities to enter Tanzania we will have proposals to purchase a wide variety of contraband goods. Once we have crossed into Tanzania we penetrate the heart of the greatest geological feature of this continent. The Rift Valley is 8000 km long and runs from the Dead Sea to Madagascar. The difference in altitude between the valley floor and the high plateau forming its escarpment creates dramatically contrasting climates. The valley floor receives very little rain and is the territory of the Nilotic Masai herdsmen. Up on the high plateau the higher precipitation levels allow the agriculturist Bantu to develop large plantations of coffee and tea. Late afternoon we arrive at Karatu in the Ngorongoro highlands and pass the night in a lodge.
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Half day game-drive in the crater. Ngorongoro Conservation Area was created with a separate entity from the Serengeti to protect the Masai herdsmen. The Masai had in fact found themselves thrown out of their traditional pasturelands. It was decided that to protect the ancestral rights of the Masai they should be given the right to graze their cattle in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area but not in the Serengeti. This compromise seems to be a success as we are able to observe an enormous variety of wildlife against the backdrop of some spectacular landscapes. The amateur photographer will appreciate the contrast of the cloudy skies and the brilliant golden sunlight illuminating the vegetation on the crater floor, and the white soda lake where pink flamingos search for food. Night spent in Lodge on crater rim.
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Ngorongoro Conservation Area is not only an animal reserve but also a very important location for research into the roots of mankind. At Olduvai and Laetoli, Louis Leakey discovered several Australopithecus as well as footprints that date back 3.5 million years. We visit the museum at Olduvai Gorge, before entering the Serengeti ecosystem with endless plains of game. Camping inside the park. Full day game driving in one of the most famous areas of the Serengeti, Seronera at the heart of the Serengeti. Camping inside the park. Full day game driving in the Lobo area, the northern section of the Serengeti which borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. Elephants, lions, and plains animals are plentiful. At certain times of the year, when the game moves away from this area, this day could be spent in Seronera. Camping inside the park.
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Morning game drive before crossing into Masai country. The Gol Mountains form the escarpment of the western wall of the Rift Valley. This higher altitude makes it a greener area where Masai herdsmen concentrate with their animals. It will be also the starting point of our trek. Camping.
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The Masai are of Nilotic origin and once these warriors frightened even the bravest explorers, but today they live a peaceful existence principally caring for their enormous herds of cattle. We meet them grazing their herds and perched on the top of the highest granite rock they can keep guard over the plains for any lion or other possible threat to their cattle. Accompanied by our Masai guides, with lunch and water for the day’s journey, we set off to cross this small chain of mountains. The large valleys that cut through the mountains are gathering points for wildlife in search of water and grazing. Even the large predators are attracted during February and March when the young wildebeest are born. The peaceful cohabitation between the Masai and this wildlife is spectacular, and it’s not unusual to find herds of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and cattle grazing together. Passing Masai villages we frequently meet with the warrior herdsmen. A river has cut a deep gorge in the escarpment wall and in some places we walk in narrow canyons of basalt barely a few meters wide and towering a hundred meters above our heads. The river at this stage flows permanently and occasionally we have to walk waist deep in the clear water. It’s a refreshing and cool moment we enjoy to its fullest, knowing that quite soon we will reach one of the hottest places in Tanzania. Later strolling easily on the high plateau we appreciate the rock formations and views of the surrounding mountains. Our vehicles meet us in the evening to set up camp. Camping.
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We follow an important track used by the Masai from Lake Natron during the dry season when they herd their cattle up onto the highlands for grazing. In turn the Masai from the highlands herd their cattle down onto the salt plains of Natron. Descending the escarpment towards Lake Natron, the path is rough and the vegetation changes rapidly. Incessant meetings with the Masai slows our progression, as we must make way for their herds of goats and cattle to pass on this steep and rocky pathway. Even for the Masai of Natron the environment is inhospitable and tough. Deep down on the floor of the Rift Valley, the giant fault that cuts its way across the African continent, the world continues to evolve. Several other volcanoes rise from the plains and Gelai dominates at some 3000 metres over Lake Natron. This lake was discovered by English geologist named Gregory and is certainly the most spectacular in the Rift Valley. An enormous pan of pink soda stretches for over 30 kilometres. All around the edge of the lake there is hot salty water bubbling from the ground at temperatures exceeding 50° C. These springs produce a microscopic aquatic life that feeds a variety of local bird species, along with a number of migratory birds. A species of perch, "Tilapia Grahami" manages to survive in these extreme conditions, breeding in puddles of fresh water. Areas More...ncentrated in soda are favourable for the reproduction of algae that flamingos feed upon. It's not unusual for the flamingos to number into the hundreds of thousands. Camping.
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The active volcano Ol Donyo Lengai is the sacred mountain of the Masai. Lengai means God in Maa language and on the summit, protected from the vapour and heat of the volcano, resides 'Ngai'. We start our climb at 1am to the summit of Lengai at 2800 metres above sea level. The climb is a steep one that we attempt in the moonlight, so that we'll reach the summit in time to watch the sun rise on Kilimanjaro 200 km away. From the jagged crater rim we have a spectacular view over Natron and the surrounding volcanoes and escarpment. We follow our guide carefully down into the caldera where the volcano is active and lava flows regularly from small eruptive cones. We make a weary descent back to our vehicles and after some brunch to regain our energy head cross the Rift Valley towards Longido. Lengai is one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the area, not because of the technical difficulty but due to the steepness, hot climate and loose volcanic gravel.
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After the dusty track of Longido we meet a good tarmac road that takes us to Namanga and the border post once again. Once the formalities to cross the border are completed we head to Nairobi. After a last glance over Hemmingway's Africa we find ourselves once again amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. After saying our farewells to the group with whom we have shared so many memorable experiences you will be dropped at your hotel.
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2012 - 8 Jan / 5 Feb / 11 March / 1 April / 10 June / 8 July / 19 Aug / 9 Sept / 7 Oct / 2 & 16 Dec. Private departures welcome.
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10 days Safari/3 days walking/7 nights camping/ 2 nights in lodges . FITNESS LEVEL - moderate (except Lengai Climb - advanced). Travel in Style - Upgrade to comfort option. A larger tent will be set up for you, with camp bed and bedding.
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Low season: March/April(except Easter week end)*/May*/June*/Nov*/1 to 20 December
Mid season : Jan/Feb/1 to 7 July/27 August to end September/October/Easter week end
High season :February/ 8 July to 26 August/20 Dec to 4 January
* means beware of rain
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person (Mid Season) | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Oct 2012 | US$ | 3495 | ||
| Per person (Low Season) | 2 | 1 Mar 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 3370 | ||
| Per person (High Season) | 2 | 1 Feb 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 3745 | ||
| Single supplement | 1 | 1 Jan 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 227 |
Local Rates
Masai and Samburu Trek
Combining game drives in both Masai Mara & Samburu Reserves, together with a short trek in the Karissia Hills in Samburu land guided by traditional Samburu guides.
Masai Mara game reserve is the best of Kenya’s game reserves for viewing all of the big game in their natural habitat.Crossing Kericho highlands you will see huge plantations of tea.
Lake Bogoria is a soda lake and home to millions of flamingos feeding in the hot springs flowing from the geysers.Walking safari with local Samburu guides over open plains where cattle & wildlife graze together, into densely forested hills where elephant & leopard take refuge. With spectacular views
from high rocky outcrops, we descend a steep escarpment and the trek ends in the dry sandy riverbeds, lifelines of vegetation in the arid north.
Our vehicles then take us to Samburu Game Reserve where we see animals endemic to this region such as the reticulated giraffe, Grevys zebra & long necked gerenuk, as well as the elephant, lion and
leopard that are found along the banks of the picturesque Uaso Nyiro River.
Safari Highlights
- Masai Mara Game Reserve with private campsite in the reserve
- Kericho highlands & tea plantations
- Flamingoes and geysers at Lake Bogoria Game Reserve
- Trek with traditional Samburu guides
- Trek indigenous forest inhabited by elephant, leopard & lion
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Drive to the Masai Mara and game driving in the afternoon. Private camping in the reserve. Second full day game viewing in the reserve.
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Drive across the Masai plains and past tea plantations up to the Western edge of the Rift Vally. Overnight at Kembu Cottages.
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Descend in to the Rift Valley to Lake Bogoria Game Reserve, where gysers shoot hot steam in to the air and thousands of flamingo feed on algae in the warm spring waters.
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Drive through the northern desert to the high plateau of Maralal. This area is sanctuary to eland, buffalo and numerous other animals. Today we meet our Samburu guides.
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Samburu guides lead us on narrow forest paths. Wildlife is prolife and monkeys bound through the trees. We camp near roccky shoulder outcrops where views across the palins are spectacular.
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We trek on the high plateau and then in to the forest where we observe many birds and animals across the valleys. Spectacular views across the Rift Valley.
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Steep tracks descend into sandy river beds where lephant come to dig for water.
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This reserve has an increadible variety of flora and fauna. It is a small and pretty reserve of semi desert savannah surrounded by the foothill sof Mount Kenya in the south, and the Matthews Range to the north, and separted from Buffalo Sprongs Game Reserve by the Uaso Nyiro river.
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Passing the Mount Kenya on out left, with the peaks to be seen on a clear day. Plantations of coffeee and pineaples are cultivated in this area, and mango trees can be seen by the raod side.
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Departs on request. Please note rate varies according to number of people up to max. 12. Travel in Style - Upgrade to comfort option. A larger tent will be set up for you, with camp bed and bedding.
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Low season: March/April(except Easter week end)*/May*/June*/Nov*/1 to 20 December
Mid season : Jan/Feb/1 to 7 July/27 August to end September/October/Easter week end
High season : 8 July to 26 August/20 Dec to 4 January
* means beware of rain
Local Rates
Loita Hills Trek
8 days safari / 5 days walking / 7 nights camping / Fitness level - easy to moderate.
Game viewing in Masai Mara Game Reserve by vehicle and then a walking safari with a team of traditional Masai guides in their homeland progressing through a variety of fast changing landscapes, forest,plains and summits reaching 2200m altitude.
Rich cultural contact with the Masai passing villages on our journey up to the edge of the Rift Valley and then down onto the hot valley floor.
Walking up to 12 km per day with plenty of stops to appreciate the nature and surroundings
and talk with the people. Donkeys carry equipment and luggage during walking safari. A small daypack with your camera, sun cream and drinking water is all you are expected to carry. Last night of trek ends on the shady riverbanks of the Ewaso Ngiro in the relaxed comfort of ‘Loisiijo’ Shompole Community Eco-lodge(Family departures suitable for children 12 years & above)
Safari Highlights
- Masai Mara Game Reserve, superb wildlife observation in Africa’s best wildlife reserve
- Walking safari with traditional Masai guides across the Loita forest & Rift Valley escarpment passing villages
-Spectacular landscapes & birdlife of the Rift Valley & its soda lakes Natron & Magadi
-Night at ‘Loisiijo’ Shompole Community Eco-lodge located on Ewaso Ngiro river banks
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NAIROBI / MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE. CAMPING FB. Drive to Masai Mara and game viewing in the reserve.
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On a small track we drive into the heart of the Loita Hills. We meet our Masai guides who will accompany us for the next 3.5 days.
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Passing villages we walk through thick forest where we can observe colobus monkeys, many different birds and gigantic forest trees. Camp on a hilltop with great views towards the escarpment.
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Passing through many villages we meet with the friendly Masai inhabitants and stop to drink tea and chat with the local people.
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Making our way to the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment we cross small streams & pass outcrops of rare plant life. We set up camp from where we have breathtaking views over Lake Natron.
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An early start for a hot descent to the Rift Valley floor, down a rocky escarpment and across the desert plains brings us to the cool shade of the Pakase River. Transfer to ‘Loisiijo’ Shompole Community Eco-lodge on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro river for a relaxed afternoon in the shade of giant fig trees & overnight.
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Early morning walk along the riverbank viewing birds & wildlife in the riverine forest. Back in the vehicles we cross the hot salt plains of Lake Natron where the wildebeest's silhouette shimmers in the heat. Our journey takes us to Lake Magadi where we can see thousands of flamingoes & different birdlife in the shallow alkaline waters. Climbing back up the Rift Valley escarpment in our vehicles we return to the hussle & bustle of Nairobi.
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2012 - 8 Jan / 5 Feb / 11 March / 1 April / 10 June / 8 July / 19 Aug / 9 Sept / 7 Oct / 2 & 16 Dec Private departures are welcome.
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Travel in Style and upgrade to Comfort Option. A larger tent will be set up for you with a camp bed and bedding. Please contact us for details.
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Low season: March/April(except Easter week end)*/May*/June*/Nov*/1 to 20 December
Mid season : Jan/Feb/1 to 7 July/27 August to end September/October/Easter week end
High season : 8 July to 26 August/20 Dec to 4 January
* means beware of rain
| Rates | Group | Valid From | Valid Until | Rate | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per person (Mid Season) | 2 | 1 Jan 2012 | 31 Oct 2012 | US$ | 2395 | ||
| Per person (Low Season) | 2 | 1 Mar 2012 | 20 Dec 2012 | US$ | 2286 | ||
| Single supplement | 1 | 1 Jan 2012 | 4 Jan 2013 | US$ | 200 |
Local Rates
Loita Hills Walking Safari
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Guest joining for the hike will either have spent the night at Leleshwa Camp or will arrive in the morning. Lunch is served at Leleshwa Camp, where you be met by your guide who will brief you on the walk and the correct equipment and clothing to be packed. Hiking and day packs are provided by the Camp and you will only pack what you need for the hike – all other luggage can be left at Leleshwa Camp. The drive up to our starting point in the Loita Hills takes 1½ hours. Here we are met by our porters and donkeys, who will take care of transporting our luggage and camping equipment over the next few days. Our 2 hour walk commences through cedar forests before briefly opening up onto Maasai farmland. Hereafter we enter a deep valley shouldered by forests that characterise the Loita Hills. We reach Inchapai Base Camp which is set in an ox bow and fed by crystal clear mountain springs.
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We awake early and, after a fortifying breakfast, commence our 3 hour hike to one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kenya. The route we take this morning follows game tracks through the forest, pausing to admire the magnificent birdlife or examine where a herd of buffalo passed on their way to water. Lunch will be enjoyed after taking a well deserved swim in the plunge pool to the base of the waterfalls. Once the day has started to cool, we head back to camp using different routes. We arrive back at base camp as the warm evening light fills the valley before sunset. This evening, we sit out under the stars and reminisce over the day’s experiences and chat with our Maasai guides about their magnificent land and traditional ways.
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After breakfast it is time to start the 1 hour journey back into the modern world. Once we arrive at the vehicles it is time to bid our guides goodbye and drive back to Leleshwa Camp. Guests who are departing on the morning scheduled flight from Siana Springs will drive straight to the airstrip where their other baggage will have been delivered from Leleshwa Camp. Most guests will prefer to spend at least 1 more night at Leleshwa Camp, arriving for lunch then spending the afternoon relaxing at camp or enjoying an afternoon game drive and sundowners.
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Safaris of different duration can be arranged.
Local Rates