G O RS K Y FA M I LY SA FA R I I T I N E R ARY G U I D E D BY JA M E S RO BE RT S O N
7 th
-
K E N YA 1 3 th AU GU ST 2 0 1 8
R E G I O N S
G O R S K Y FA M I LY S A FA R I I T I N E R A R Y This short safari to Kenya will combines three of Kenya’s most spectacular destinations: the Masai Mara, Lake Turkana and Samburu. D AY 1 - 3
Lake Turkana
MASAI MARA K & D LUXU RY P R I VA T E C A M P
Lake Logipi
D AY 4
TURKANA
KO RO S C A M P D AY 5 & 6
SAMBURU SASAAB
The Masai Mara in August hosts the Wildebeest migration and you will be right in the thick of it. We will set up our private camp just for you on the banks of the Mara River close to one of the major crossing points. Predator viewing will be exceptional. Our traditional safari camp is true luxury under canvas, set up in the Mara Conservancy, a corner of the Reserve which is much less used and therefore more private. James has helped to secure this important refuge and implimented the private management of the area. The Mara Conservancy is the only successful public private partnership in Kenya and is widely praised by conservation organisations Worldwide.
Lake Baringo
Ewaso Nyiro River
Samburu
Shaba
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
Equator
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
We will be using a helicopter throughout and this will enable us to reach remote areas normally inaccessible. We will �ly over the migration and also to head north, up the Great Rift Valley, it’s lakes and volcanoes, all the way to Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea. We will �ly you over �lamingo-fringed lakes, vast sand dunes, lurid coloured volcanic springs, stop at ancient rock art sites, on top of rocky pinnacles and beside mighty rivers. At Turkana we will have one night at Koros Camp before heading to Sasaab in Samburu where you will see arid species like Reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra as well as time with the Samburu tribe. James Robertson, chairman of Africa’s oldest safari company, Ker and Downey, will be your guide.
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
K E R & D O W N E Y L U X U R Y P R I VA T E C A M P - K O R O S C A M P - S A S A A B MASAI MARA - TURKANA - SAMBURU
7th - 9th AUGUST 2018: MASAI MARA
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred directy onto your privately chartered helicopter. James will meet you on the tarmac and together we will �ly west, over the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara. We will land in camp. Your luggage will travel by �ixed wing aircraft. We will have three nights camped on the banks of the Mara River in the centre of all the drama that surrounds the Wildebeest migration. One of the largest crossing points is just downstream of camp. We’ll be in the Mara Conservancy which is a more private part of the Reserve. We will use the helicopter to observe the migration from the air as well as to access the Siria Escarpment and the Sand River on the border with Tanzania.
10th AUGUST 2018: LAKE TURKANA
Today we will �ly North over the Mau Forest and tea plantations of Kericho, over the Rift Lakes Nakuru, Bogoria and Baringo. We’ll stop in the Suguta Valley with its vast sand dunes, then on to Logipi where �lamingoes feed in the shallows. We’ll stop in the Painted Valley and be able to see rock art created by our ancestors. The lurid springs seeping out of recent lava �lows will be our next stop and then over the Barrier Volcano to Nabuyatum on the shores of Lake Turkana - the Jade Sea. We will stay at Koros Camp that night, tucked into a valley behind South Horr.
11th & 12th AUGUST 2018: SAMBURU
We will �ly south over the southern end of the Chalbi Desert, the Ewaso Nyiro Valley and Mathew’s ranges to Samburu. James’s specially adapted safari vehicle will be there to meet us and we will explore Samburu National Park, home to animals that can withstand the arid conditions here. We will stay at the beautiful Sasaab lodge, perched high above the Ewaso. Again we will use the chopper to explore and land on top of some of Kenya’s wildest mountains - Ololokwe and Warges both sacred to the Samburu tribe. We’ll have two nights at Sasaab and the opportunity to spend time with the Samburu and learn something of their ancient ways and traditional pastoralist lifestyle.
1 3 t h A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 : T R A V E L D AY
You will depart from Sasaab directly for the international airport and connect onto your private aircraft to South Africa.
K E N YA
‘ S A FA R I ’ i s t h e S w a h i l i w o r d f o r ‘ a j o u r n e y ’ a n d K e n y a e v o k e s n o s t a l g i a f o r t h e e a r l i e s t o r i g i n s
of the African safari. Romance and adventure are plentiful in the classic stories told in ‘Out of Africa’ a n d ‘ B o r n F r e e ’, i l l u s t r a t i n g K e n y a ’ s s c e n e r y, w i l d l i f e a n d p e o p l e , w h i c h h a v e e n d u r i n g a p p e a l .
Kenya is a sovereign state achieving political independence from the British in 1963. Since, anxious times have been de�ied, mainly due to its dynamic people who are amongst the most colourful in East Africa. Friendly and hospitable, the Kenyan people rely heavily on tourism.
Located on the east coast of Africa, the Equator bisects the country resulting in a tropical climate, although diverse geography provokes wide variations in temperature, rainfall and humidity. In relation to size, the assorted landscape is unparalleled and the multitude of national parks and reserves all have their own unique attractions. Marine reserves boast coral reef gardens with palm fringed beaches and turquoise oceans, while the savannah grasslands exhibit quintessential depictions of imagined Africa, harsh trackless expanses, solitary �lat - topped acacias and incredible concentrations of plains game.
Kenya remains one of the best places in Africa to see great wildlife – lions, elephants, leopards and of course the annual ‘wildebeest migration’ streaming into the Masai Mara from Tanzania. The East African Rift Valley runs through the country from top to bottom and provides stunning landscapes of giant volcanoes, hot springs and �lamingo sprinkled lakes.
Dominated by Lake Turkana, the ancient source of the Nile, the Rift Valley lakes are some of the most picturesque in Africa. The formation of the Rift created Mt Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa, some three millions years ago. “The spiritual home of safari, Kenya is where it all began. From the big cats of the Mara to the elephants of Amboseli, combined with traditional tribes, real tented camps and an unparalleled physical diversity, Kenya has it all. ”
Uganda
KENYA Lake Victoria Rwanda Burundi
Tanzania
Zanzibar
“A c o n t i n e n t i n o n e c o u n t r y ” Sandor Carter
M A S A I
M A R A
Only in the Mara does the whole spectrum of life and death, birth and growth seem to be there for you, right before your eyes. Most documentary wildlife �ilmmakers choose the Mara due to the abundance and easy access to wild animals here. Almost 450,000 acres of rolling grasslands make up the Maasai Mara and its surrounding conervancies, bordered by mountains to the north and east and the Siria escarpment to the west. The permanent meandering rivers traced by deep forest snake across the savannah. The Mara’s proximity to Lake Victoria, which creates its own weather patterns, ensures that the area receives much higher rainfall than the Serengeti ecosystem. This crucial fact enables millions of animals, including gazelle, zebra and antelope, to survive through the driest time of year. An estimated one and a half million wildebeest make the annual migration up from the southern Serengeti plains into Kenya and remain here from late June into October. You will be staying in one of the quitest parts of the Mara, a conservancy. Even during migration season you can be away from the crowds. An hour can pass in nail-biting anticipation as a cheetah conducts a painstaking stalk of her prey, only to lose her meal at the last moment when the wind changes.
Watch the peculiar quality of the light, and the shadows of the clouds on the plains, the strange optical illusions of the distant herds silhouetted along the horizon. Light and shadow, rock and grassland, predators and prey, this is quintessential Africa.
Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
MASAI MARA
Mt. Kenya N.P
Nairobi Amboseli
Serengeti N.P Ts a v o N.P
L U X U R Y
T E N T E D
C A M P I N G
Our camps are the most luxurious available in Africa, but what truly distinguishes Ker & Downey i s t h e p r o f e s s i o n a l i s m a n d e n t h u s i a s m o f o u r c a m p c r e w.
Our custom-made tents are the largest and roomiest available, consisting of a bedroom, verandah and changing area with private shower and toilet. Each tent has plenty of room to move around and unpack your belongings. Showers are available anytime and you will �ind them piping hot and wonderfully relaxing. On the other side of the partition is your bathroom with �lush toilet. In the cool evenings, slip into your duvet-covered bed that has been warmed with hot water bottles. The insect-proof windows are extra large for superb ventilation and exquisite views of the surrounding wilderness. Our delectable food is well known throughout the industry. Our menus are customdesigned to suit your tastes. Breads, such as our scrumptious cinnamon rolls are baked fresh each day. Fresh fruits and vegetables are delivered as needed throughout the safari. Fine wines, sodas soft drinks, beer, liquor, coffee, tea and mineral water are provided in camp. All of your needs and comforts are attended to, such as laundry, shoe polishing; our tents and beds are made up every day.
For lighting we use a combination of gas lamps, rechargeable �luorescent and kerosene lanterns. Cameras and video recorders can be charged in our game driving vehicles. Mobile telephones with full international roaming will work in many areas.
Our vehicles are specially modi�ied Land Cruisers with large roof hatches allowing for fantastic game viewing and photography. They have fridges stocked with cools drinks. Our luxury private camp is set up only for you. Live in world of luxury far away from the daily rush you have left behind.
“Ker & Downey Safaris PIONEERED a dream,
a dream that we still offer t o o u r g u e s t s t o d a y.”
M O B I L E
C A M P
C U I S I N E
Fo o d h a s b e c o m e a l m o s t a re l i g i o n fo r a va s t n u m b e r o f p e o p l e a ro u n d t h e wo rl d . It is a reason to travel and explore. It is about fashion, passion and inspiration; all these components make the kitchen an intrinsic part your mobile camp experience. The cuisine is an integral part of your safari
The kitchen is extremely mobile, so you will
vibrant and packed full of �lavour. All our
We also offer a 'Bitings' evening, which is
with us. We believe that the food has to match food
is
your
experience.
light,
fresh,
It's
organic
colourful,
ingredients are locally sourced.
and
the
The food is a fusion of cuisines from around the globe with an African twist. It is a combination
of
Mediterranean,
Middle
eastern, Pan Asian, Moroccan and Swahili.
Antonia Stogdale trained as a chef at Leith’s
school of Food and Wine. She has published
her own cookbook and teaches cookery courses all over East Africa. You can join Antonia and her team and learn how to bake
fresh bread & pastries or how to make the
dine in a variety of locations with exquisite
views to match the food you'll be enjoying. African Tapas under the stars by the camp �ire.
Our food is very healthy and we are happy to
cater for all dietary requirements. Fresh fruits, vegetables and salads feature greatly
on our menus, as well as organic meats and
cheeses. All breads and pastries are freshly made in camp every day. Food safety is of
the upmost importance to us and all chef 's
and food handlers have completed one of Antonia's food safety & hygiene courses.
perfect egg benedict in the bush. It's a great
We also carry a large selection of �ine wines,
tin trunk oven!
water is provided in camp.
activity for the kids: they can learn to make
pizza or brownies over an open �ire & in a
beer, spirits, sodas, soft drinks, freshly made juices, coffee, tea, herbal teas and mineral
THE
G REAT
RIFT
VAL L E Y
T h e G r e a t R i f t V a l l e y, a l a n d s c a p e i n t u r m o i l , t o r n a p a r t b y t h e t w i s t i n g a n d b u c k l i n g o f t h e E a r t h ’ s c r u s t . I t i s a l s o a l a n d s c a p e o f h u g e u n p r e d i c t a b l e c h a n g e , t h a t f o r c e s a n i m a l s d a y b y d a y, s e a s o n b y s e a s o n t o gamble with their lives, but for those that win, this is one of the most fertile landscapes on Earth. The Great Rift Valley was the name given by British explorer John Walter Gregory, to the continuous geographic trench, approximately 6,000 kilometres in length, running from northern Syria to central Mozambique in South East Africa. The East African Rift Vally has two branches – the Eastern branch which runs through Kenya and Northern Tanzania, and the Western branch through DR Congo, and Western Tanzania. The Western Rift is edged by some of the highest mountains in Africa including t h e V i r u n g a M o u n t a i n s i n Rwa n d a , a n d a l s o includes the Great Lakes. These are some of the deepest lakes in the world and all of the African Great Lakes were formed as the result of the rift.
In Kenya, the valley is at it’s most dramatic to the north of Nairobi, the ancient volcanoes of Longonot and Suswa are easy to see from the road. Most lakes in northern Kenya are shallow and poorly drained and therefore have become alkaline. Their waters are rich in blue - green algae which
David Attenborough
feed insect larvae, small crustaceans and massive �locks of �lamingos. The Kenya Lake system is also a key location on a route followed by huge numbers of birds in their annual migration from breeding grounds in the north, to wintering places in Africa. The lands around the lakes include large populations of Black rhino (Lake Nakuru), Rothschild's giraffe, Greater kudu, lion, cheetah and wild dogs. Lake Turkana
GREAT RIFT VALLEY Shaba N.P Buffalo Springs N.P Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Mt. Kenya N.P Nairobi
Amboseli N.P
Ts a v o N.P
H E L I C O P T E R
S A F A R I S
Using a helicopter during your safari really allows for an extraordinary view of Kenya – and accessibility to areas otherwise way beyond reach.
Phil Mathews is one of our country’s most experienced helicopter pilots. Now hold on to your hats because the fun really starts now! The joy of a helicopter is that we can stop en route to explore. Below is just a selection of highlights you may explore. THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY We may �ly along the dramatic escarpments which de�ine the walls of the Great Rift Valley. Earthquakes and faulting over the last 2 million years have left behind lava cliffs, volcanic activity in the �loor of the Rift has created a spine of volcanoes through the centre – interspersed with lakes. We may �ly straight over Suswa Volcano with it’s double crater and “Lost World” island block at its heart. LAKE MAGADI In the �loor of the Great Rift Valley lies Lake Magadi – baking hot and soda rich. Lake Magadi is a soda lake and its extraordinary salt formations can best be appreciated from the air. MOUNT KENYA AND ABERDARES Kenya’s highest mountain, this impressive
volcano stands at 17,047 feet high. It dominates the area and is a tough climb. You will �ly at low level over the breathtaking Aberdare Mountains which form the Eastern wall of the world’s most recent continental rift valley. Straddling the equator and rising up to 13,106 feet these mountains are characterized by dense forest, misty valleys, icy waterfalls, giant heather, high moorlands and stands of impenetrable bamboo. THE NORTH We fully encourage you to explore this area with the helicopter. The Ewaso Nyiro River snakes through Samburu and ultimately into the Lorian Swamp beyond the Mathews Range. Its banks shaded by graceful doum palms, poplars and Acacia elatior trees. This land is home to the Samburu, relatives of the Maasai.
OLOLOKWE Sacred to the Samburu, this mountain can be seen from almost anywhere in the area. Wherever you look mountains rise, the rugged cliffs of Ololokwe form a stunning backdrop to much of this dry North country wilderness. We may land here at around lunchtime and will picnic with champagne to celebrate!
H E L I C O P T E R
S A F A R I S
The possibilities are endless...wilderness, wildlife and
nomadic tribal communities of the untouched north of Kenya.
MAGADO CRATER Magado is an incredible volcanic crater in which salt deposits at the base are used by local Meru and Boran tribes people. This is a wild spot where we plan to explore and picnic on one of the days.
We could spend a day and go north to Lake Turkana – the Jade Sea – far up towards the Ethiopian border – and a place where very very few people ever go…. LAKE TURKANA This lake formerly known as Lake Rudolf, is the largest of Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes, with its far northern end crossing into Ethiopia. It is the world's largest permanent desert lake and the world's largest alkaline lake. Blue-green algae give the water a greenish tint and when you see it you will understand why it is also known as the “Jade Sea”. It is surrounded by volcanoes at its southern end, and Central Island is still active.
SUGUTA VALLEY We may �ly north over the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley and into the Suguta Valley where the river is lined with doum and barassus palms. The river snakes its way in slow meanders but is trapped by the walls of the Great Rift. Its headwaters lie south of Lake Turkana in a land dominated by sand dunes.
LOGIPI Just south of Lake Turkana and separated from it by a volcanic barrier, lies Logipi – a shallow lake which is home to many thousands of �lamingos and other water birds. This part of Kenya is incredibly remote, very few people have ever seen this lake. The helicopter allows unbeatable views of the birdlife. We do hope to maximize your safari by using the helicopter – certainly it will give you the very best view, enable us to spot game from the air, and appreciate the enormous diversity of this country – from snow capped mountains, to dusty deserts, plains covered with game and lush river valleys.
L A KE
T URKA NA
I n t h e n o r t h e r n m o s t p a r t o f t h e K e n y a n G r e a t R i f t Va l l e y i s L a k e T u r k a n a . It is widely known as the Jade Sea due to the remarkable greenish-blue colour of its waters, an ethereal mirage immerging from the sweltering arid desert surrounds. Lake Turkana is the largest alkaline desert lake in the world, 300 kilometres long and 50 kilometres wide with the main tributary, the River Omo, entering from the north and contributing more than 90% of the total water in�lux.
The lake lies at the heart of the Sibiloi National Park, established originally to protect some of the world’s most important paleontological and archaeological sites. Turkana has one of the longest living histories and is regarded by many as the birthplace of humanity; the humanoid fossils unearthed by the Leakey family in the 1960’s are around 2.5 million years old. Lake Turkana offers a cultural glimpse at colourful tribes unaffected by the 21st century, utterly reliant on the lake as the only permanent water source in the area. Sibiloi National Park has excellent game-viewing, a refuge for a number of dry country species including gerenuk, oryx, lesser kudu, Grant’s gazelle and Grevy’s zebra. Along the shorelines an abundance of topi and Burchell’s zebra entice the resident predators, including lion, cheetah, side-striped jackal, spotted hyena and the rare striped hyena. Three South Island from
volcanic islands in Lake Turkana – Island, Central Island and North – provide incredible vantage points which to experience the rich
lacustrine wildlife supported by the lake itself. Central Island, with its stunning scenery and three crater lakes, is a breeding ground for the world’s biggest population of Nile crocodiles. There is proli�ic birdlife and at certain times of the year, well over 300 species can be observed as African and Palaearctic migrants break their northward journeys. Scenic beyond belief, surrounded by cliffs, gentle beaches, desert and volcanic rock outcrops, Lake Turkana is certainly one of East Africa’s best kept secrets. LAKE TURKANA
Buffalo Springs N.P Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Shaba N.P Mt. Kenya N.P
Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Ts a v o N.P
K O R O S
C A M P
A rustic and luxurious private camp in a genuinely remote and unspoilt location, Koros Camp is the perfect base from which to explore Lake Turkana, the Chalbi Desert and the wilds of Northern Kenya. Set on the 250,000-acre Ol Donyo Mara Conservancy, Koros is the inspired creation of a Nairobi family who have been involved for many years with the nearby Lake Turkana Wind Power Project. What started off as a basic weekend retreat became, over time, a comfortable and well-equipped base for family holidays. And now they have decided to share this wonderfully original and much-loved retreat with visitors to the area. Bedroom accommodation at the camp consists of three luxurious safari tents – sleeping a total of six guests. Hot showers are alfresco, along with lavatories in the separate bathroom block. The Mess, the camp’s main living and dining area, is comfortably furnished with dining table and chairs and built-in sofa seats. One of the highlights of the camp is the incredible, and incredibly refreshing, natural rock swimming pool. Enjoy a relaxing dip and incredible 360-degree views of the valley and the surrounding hills of Mount Ol Donyo Mara and Mount Nyiru.
The area has an abundance of bird life including the rare Heuglin’s Bustard. It’s possible to see around 50 different species of bird in the vicinity of the camp – and friendly and entertaining hornbills are always on hand at the birdfeeder beside the Mess. One is also likely to see dik dik, Caracal, Grevy’s zebra, baboons, vervet monkeys, black-backed jackals, honey badger, gerenuk, mongoose, greater and lesser kudu, grants gazelle and porcupine. The resident genet cat ‘Wi�i’ may join you for dinner each evening.
" KO RO S , a re m o t e
wilderness waiting t o b e E X P L O R E D .”
SA M B URU
Samburu and Buffalo Springs are wildlife reserves which lie in a vast area of open,
thorn bush country and desert that stretches north from Mount Kenya to Sudan and Ethiopia. It is the stark contrast between emptiness, wilderness and rising mountains that makes the Samburu area such a spectacular destination.
The lifeblood of the North is the Ewaso Nyiro River and the crystal clear springs that empty into it. Its banks shaded by graceful doum palms, poplars and Acacia elatior trees, the Ewaso Nyiro attracts more and more wildlife as the dry season lengthens from June to October, although it is beautiful at any time of year. Here you will �ind animals like the Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, the Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the tiny dik-dik; all species of northern Kenya which have adapted to the harsh arid conditions of the Northern Frontier District. With luck you will also �ind the 'big cats' staking out the favourite drinking places of their prey along the lovely palm-fringed banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Wherever you look mountains rise out of the plains in the blue distance, the conical ash cones of the Nyambenis to the south, Lolokwe and the rugged Mathews Range in the west and to the north the granite towers of Bodich, Kamanga and Tumtu that impose above the Ewaso Nyiro.
Lake Turkana
SAMBURU N.P
Shaba N.P Buffalo Springs
Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Mt. Kenya N.P
Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Ts a v o N.P
S A S A A B
S i t u a t e d a b o v e t h e b a n k s o f t h e E w a s o N y i r o R i v e r, i n t h e a r i d h e a r t o f S a m b u r u l a n d ,
Sasaab’s tranquil setting offers views towards the Laikipia plateau and of Mount Kenya. Located in northern Kenya, Samburu has a wild beauty of its own. The descent from the lush slopes of Mount Kenya, into the semidesert of Kenya’s Northern Frontier District, is breathtaking. Sasaab is on Samburu community land, on the Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch, known as the West Gate Conservancy.
The main area sits on a high rocky ridge allowing one to enjoy the spectacular views through the Moroccan interior and courtyard.
Accomodation is 9 Moroccan tents, each over 1000 square feet comprising a bedroom, sitting room and fully serviced bathrooms, and private plunge pool. 5 tents have double beds, 4 tents have twin beds. Electricity is solar powered, offering outlets for charging equipment in each tent. All tents have wireless internet connection and cooling fans.
Sasaab is where Samburu culture really comes alive. We will meet warriors, elders and youngsters all of whom love to dance. This is a wonderful opportunity for genuine interaction with an tribe of people with ancient customs and a way of life almost incomprehensible to us. Other activities include; excursions into National Reserves known for its large herds of elephant and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, day and night game drives, walks along the river, mountain biking, camel rides and cultural visits. Sasaab’s spa is a little luxury halfway through your safari. Take the ultimate time out, and head for Kenya's hottest new spa.
“From your plunge pool watch across the river HERDS of elephant c o m e t o b a t h e .”
L A I K I P I A
I n t h e c e n t r a l h i g h l a n d s o f K e n y a , s t r e t c h i n g f r o m M o u n t K e n y a i n t h e e a s t t o t h e R i f t Va l l e y i n t h e w e s t is a 2.149 million acre area of semi-arid grassland and bush savannah known as the Laikipia Plateau.
This region serves as a portal to Kenya’s remote and wild, Northern Frontier and is a patchwork of cattle ranches and tribal lands that have been amalgamated under the umbrella of eco-tourism.
The Laikipia Wildlife Forum promotes this collaboration and is an incredible example of successful conservation whereby ranchers and pastoralists encourage the practical co-existance of people, livestock and wildlife. The desire to truly understand all the inhabitants of this natural environment is illustrated in the large number of research and community conservation projects within the area. Straddling the Equator at altitudes of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, this secluded part of Africa is incredibly scenic, comprising of magni�icent escarpments which descend into open grasslands, basalt hills, lonely kopjes and riverine forest, fed by rivers sourced on the slopes of Mount Kenya. This diversity attracts considerable animal numbers and is home to the highest number of endangered species in East Africa. Half the population of black rhino, Kenya’s second largest elephant population, the fastest growing wild dog population on the
continent and the globally threatened Grevy’s zebra have all found their home in Laikipia. This is a unique and fascinating wildlife experience when adding the animals that occur solely in central and northern Kenya, such as the reticulated giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. With such an array of plains game come the predators and Laikipia is home to signi�icant numbers of lion, cheetah and the ever elusive leopard.
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
Masai Mara
Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Kilimanjaro N.P
Ts a v o N.P
K E R
&
D O W N E Y
“ S o m e t h i n k t h e b e s t l a r g e - s c a l e o p e r a t i o n a f t e r t h e w a r…
was the one launched over a drink or two on the veranda of the Imperial Hotel in Addis Ababa” – Bartle Bull, Safari: A Chronicle of Adventure, 1
Like so many great ventures, Ker & Downey Safaris was born from a chance encounter. Donald Ker and Syd Downey, two big game hunters from Kenya, had been �ighting with the British in Ethiopia shortly before the fall of Addis Ababa in 1941. Syd had just been released by the Italians and was celebrating at a local hotel when he bumped into Donald Ker. With one car and a lot of bravura, the pair made a plan to establish “the best safari company the world has ever known”.
and 70’s, the company continued to grow – extending its reach across southern Africa, east to the jungles of Congo, and north into the deserts of Ethiopia and Sudan. By 1977, when hunting was of�icially banned in Kenya, K&D had transformed itself into the leading provider of customised mobile photographic safaris in Africa.
In 1962, shortly before Kenya’s Independence, Ker & Downey spread its wings to Botswana, with Harry Selby and a couple of other guides offering safaris in this ‘new’, uncharted corner of Africa. Through the 60’s
“Because we’ve been doing
It was not until January 1946 that Syd and Donald, newly discharged from the army, took out their �irst safari. They were hired to run a camp in the Maasai Mara for the production of “The Macomber Affair”, the United Artists blockbuster starring Gregory Peck and Joan Bennett. It was the beginning of a long love affair with Hollywood, which would see “K&D” out�it some of the biggest �ilms ever to come out of Africa.
Today, Ker & Downey is celebrated as the longest-existing safari out�itter in the world, and the standard-bearer for unsurpassed luxury in some of its last great wild places. So successful has the “K&D” name been that it has been brazenly borrowed by a number of copycat companies in Africa and the West. Yet to this day, no one has come close to emulating the luxurious standards, the rich experiences, or the peerless guiding of “The Original Ker & Downey Safaris”.
t h i s f o r 7 0 y e a r s . . .”
J A M E S
R O B E R T S O N
T h i r t y - � i v e y e a r s a f t e r l e a d i n g h i s � i r s t e x p e d i t i o n , J a m e s i s c h a i r m a n o f t h e b o a r d a t K e r & D o w n e y, and an in�luential leader of the new movement in community-led conservation.
Like the safari industry itself, James Robertson was born and raised in Kenya, where his appetite for adventure has earned him a reputation as one of the modern pioneers of the global safari business.
James’ dependability for never following the same itinerary twice, and for continually searching out new experiences for his clients, has won him admirers across the industry, as well as an army of repeat guests (including two families who have each travelled with him 26 times!). Among his long-standing Kenyan crew, he’s known as “Ndorobo” after the fabled hunter-gathers of northern Kenya – a tribe renowned for their resourceful bushcraft, and their complete absence of fear for wild animals. Although James’ �irst love and main base is Kenya, he is an “all-Africa guide” and just as likely to be found travelling through the game-rich parks, reserves and conservancies of eastern and southern Africa. In recent years, he has been supporting a number of Maasai and Samburu communities that have turned part of their grazing lands over to conservation – giving guests a chance to see some rarer wildlife species, and to experience an absolutely authentic immersion in two of the world’s oldest tribal cultures. In 2001, James was a founder of The Mara Conservancy, a ground-breaking and widely-admired partnership between conservationists and the county government, which established a new public-private template to protect the critical wildlife dispersal areas north of the Maasai Mara Reserve. He sits on the board of the (removed the MMWCT) Kenya Wildlife Trust , and his unrivalled contacts enable his guests to meet some of the leading conservationists and wildlife researchers in the world.
Having been raised on the edge of Kenya's largest National Park, Tsavo is close to James’ heart. His most recent focus is on protecting the last remaining Great Tuskers of which there are around 10 bulls each carrying in excess of 100lbs of ivory per side. He is working closely with the Tsavo Trust to protect these valuable elephants.
James and Abigail live within a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, where they host most of their guests personally. They work together as much as possible out on safari where their shared passions are apparent to anyone travelling with them.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
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