R A H I M FA M I LY SA FA R I I T I N E R A RY D E SI GN E D BY JA M E S RO BE RT S O N
K E N YA 1 7 th - 2 5 th 2 0 1 8
J U LY
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
H O G H O U S E - K E R & D O W N E Y P R I VA T E L U X U R Y C A M P - L E WA H O U S E - A N G A M A M A R A NAIROBI - AMBOSELI - LAIKIPIA - MAASAI MARA
1 7 t h J U LY 2 0 1 8 : N A I R O B I
On arrival in Nairobi you will be met and transferred to our home, Hog House, set within the Giraffe Sanctuary in Langata. You will be here for one night.
1 8 t h & 1 9 t h J U LY 2 0 1 8 : A M B O S E L I
After breakfast you will �ly by private charter south towards the Tanzanian border and into the shadows of our continent’s highest mountain - Kilimanjaro. Here you will be based in your own luxury camp set up in our private concession on the edge of Amboseli National Park.
2 0 t h & 2 1 s t J U LY 2 0 1 8 : L A I K I P I A
Today you will �ly north across the Equator, again by private charter, to Lewa Downs at the foot of Mt. Kenya. Here you will be based at Lewa House for two nights. On your second afternoon we will bring in a helicopter for a sundowner �light across the arid north to land on some breathtaking pinnacle to watch the sunset.
2 2 n d - 2 5 t h J U LY 2 0 1 8 : M A A S A I M A R A
On the 22nd July hold onto your hats for an incredible adventure. You will jump into the chopper again and �ly over the Aberdare mountains and the margins of the Great Rift Valley souring over its �lamingo �illed lakes and drammatic volcanoes. You will �ly over the beautiful tea plantations and on to the Maasai Mara. You will �ly over one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles the World has to offer - the Wildebeest migration. You will be based at the newest most luxurious camp in the area - Angama Mara. You will be here for three nights.
2 5 t h J U LY 2 0 1 8 : T R A V E L D AY
On your last day you will depart late from the Mara and we will �ly you by private charter directly into the international airport to catch your �light to Mauritius.
R E G I O N S
R A H I M FA M I LY S A FA R I I T I N R A R Y This fantastic 8 night safari takes in three of Kenya’s wildlife hotspots - Amboseli, Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. We have chosen these three destinations to highlight the abundance and diversity of animal species seen here.
D AY 1
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
D AY 2 & 3
K & D LUXU RY P R I VA T E C A M P
Lake Logipi
D AY 4 & 5
LAIKIPIA
L E WA H O U S E D AY 6 , 7 & 8
MAASAI MARA ANGAMA MARA
There is nowhere better to see elephants than Amboseli where they make a daily trek to water at the emerald green swamps fed by the meltwaters of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Here you will be in your own exclusive camp set up in our private concession area. You will also be able to enjoy time with the Kisongo Maasai with whom we share the area and have developed a close relationship with. Their ancient traditions are fascinating and fun for children to learn about.
Lake Turkana
AMBOSELI
Lake Baringo
Ewaso Nyiro River
Samburu
Shaba
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Next we go north to Lewa Downs which is one of the places where it is quite possible to see all the big �ive in a morning! Excellent rhino viewing here and also the arid specialists Reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. Here your helicopter safari will begin with a trip over the arid north at sunset.
Equator
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
Then we will use the chopper to take you to the Maasai Mara which in July plays host to the Great Migration - there is absolutely nothing like it - hundreds of thousands of head of game. Still - it is very important to be in the right location and at Angama, the Mara’s most luxurious lodge, you are in a commanding position above the Mara River and from here you should be able to see it all play out. Predators here will be excellent too. You will be private guided throughout.
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
H O G
H O U S E
Hidden in the 130 acre Giraffe Sanctuary in Langata, Hog House is a private home with incredible views across to the Ngong Hills. Serene and peaceful you would hardly believe you are in one of Africa’s largest capital cities.
Located close to both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Wilson Airport, this unusual family home is an ideal place to begin or end your safari. Its rustic décor and the fact that it is surrounded by wildlife will help to ease you in, and out, of your time here on safari. The straw bale construction uses plantation cedar and fallen African olive and blends with the wooded sanctuary perfectly. The house itself comprises 2 double bedrooms and a triple, all ensuite. There are a further 2 cottages outside in the garden for larger groups. Hog House is only available for exclusive use. The large open plan sitting/dining is cosy with a warm �ireplace and lots of seating for all to congregate. Daytime meals we normally take outside in the shade of the Euclea trees in the garden, and a beautiful horizon pool beckons on hot afternoons. Walking in the sanctuary is the perfect way to loosen up stiff joints from long intercontinental �lights and you have
every chance of seeing Rothschild’s giraffe, warthog, dik dik, bushbuck, suni and Syke’s monkeys. Birds of every colour throng around the bird table and hyrax will doubtless entertain you at night! The Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Karen Blixen Museum, and many craft centres are all within a stone’s throw of Hog House.
“It is a privilege to stay in this unusual and
beautiful home within the G I R A F F E S A N C T U A R Y,
so close and convenient to all the classic
Nairobi attractions, and yet quietly tucked away in your o w n h a v e n o f s e r e n i t y.”
A M B O S E L I
Against the magni�icent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro lies Amboseli, a national park and ecosystem. Meaning the ‘salty earth’ in the language of the Maasai, Amboseli is aptly named after the alkaline volcanic ash that spewed from the now dormant volcano Kilimanjaro. The 1.2 million acre ecosystem lies on Kenya’s boarder with Tanzania and incorporates habitats of dry lake beds, savannah grasslands, woodland and swamps fed by springs emanating from Mount Kilimanjaro.
The area is home to grassland dwellers such as buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, gazelle and warthog, while the resident predators include lion, cheetah and hyena. Amboseli is also a birding hotspot, with over 600 species recorded. The principal attraction at Amboseli however, is the large herds of free roaming elephants made famous by Dr. Joyce Poole who, through the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, put these intelligent giants on the map. Her long running large mammal research project in Africa combines 30 years of uninterrupted study and chronicles Amboseli’s elephant herds, from new born calves to 60 year old matriarchs and old bulls that carry some of the longest tusks in Africa. Contiguous with Amboseli National Park is the Kitirua Wildlife Conservancy, a partnership between a local Maasai community and the private sector.
Designed to protect wildlife, this private and exclusive conservancy enables both day and night drives, walking and an unparalleled opportunity to meet members of the Maasai community in a welcoming and culturally sensitive manner.
This is a quintessential African landscape of elephants and traditional tribes with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds behind. Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
Masai Mara
Nairobi
AMBOSELI N.P
Kilimanjaro N.P
Ts a v o N.P
A M B O S E L I
M O B I L E
C A M P
The raw beauty of this diverse landscape and astounding ecosystem complete with the backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, is unsurpassed.
Amboseli Mobile is located on a 30,000 acre private conservancy belonging to the Kisongo Maasai people. Lying in the Amboseli area and adjacent to the National Park, the mobile camp has undisturbed views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Amboseli eco- system comprises open grasslands, woodlands and swamps, which are watered by mountain springs.
The purpose of Amboseli Mobile is to forge a temporary, yet ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. The tented camp is equipped with all the necessities required for a unique getaway, its simplicity adding to the experience. The presence of the mobile camp supports the conservancy, the local community and the conservation of the Amboseli ecosystem. When the camp leaves, it leaves nothing behind, the land being left to the wildlife and their Maasai custodians. Being a mobile camp, all activities, be that on safari or choosing when to eat, are completely �lexible. Generally the day revolves around an early m o r n i n g g a m e d r ive , fo l l o we d by a l a te morning drive after breakfast. There is a healthy population of lion in the area with
the chance of spotting cheetah, as well as good numbers of general game.
It is also possible to walk, and a late afternoon stroll as the sun sets across the plains towards Kilimanjaro is spectacular. Another unique opportunity is to be able to spend time with the Kitirua community and learn about their rich culture. Ker & Downey has nurtured a relationship over 30 years with the Kisongo Maasai, as a result, respect and trust have developed for one another making trips to the local school and homesteads possible. One of the highlights of the Amboseli Mobile however, is the opportunity to view large herds of magni�icent elephant, many of the bulls still carrying some of the longest tusks on the African continent.
“A m b o s e l i M o b i l e C a m p
is a natural gateway to the w i l d A f r i c a n b u s h .”
M A A S A I
T h e M a a s a i t r i b e s p e o p l e o f s o u t h e r n K e n y a a n d n o r t h e r n Ta n z a n i a
are a Nilotic ethnic group who arrived in this area about 300 years ago from the North. They are among the best known, and most distinctive tribes living in the semi arid lands along and beside the Great Rift Valley and close to many well known national parks and reserves. Their cousins North of the Equator are the Samburu, with whom they share many customs. The Maasai occupy a total land area of 39.5 million acres and number around 1.5million. They are semi-nomadic herding cattle over large areas of communally owned land. Their family encampments are comprised of a circular boma (fence) of Acacia to protect livestock from predators. Inside the boma they build small loafshaped houses made of mud, sticks, grass and cow dung. The women are responsible for building houses, supplying water, collecting �irewood, milking cattle and cooking. The young men or warriors (Moran) enforce security while boys are responsible for herding livestock. The elders are directors and advisors of day-to-day activities and make decisions for the whole community. On the western boundary of National Park lies Kitirua – concession shared between Downey and the local Kisongo
Amboseli a private Ker and clan. We
have nurtured a relationship over 35 years such that we are welcomed into their homes to learn something of their traditional way of life. By the same token we welcome them into camp thereby creating a unique opportunity for guests to interact. K&D sponsors two local schools in the area. The Ngararambuni Nursery school is on the edge of Kitirua Conservancy and caters to children between 4 & 10 years old. It is still set up underneath a large spreading Acacia tortilis and has three dedicated Maasai teachers. We helped to set this little school up in 2003, before this the children would have to walk 7km through an area rich in big game to get to school.
Whilst in Amboseli we encourage as much interaction with local people as possible. Even though we do not share a language it is extraordinary to watch our children play with theirs as the common language of fun transgresses these boundaries. Learning to throw spears and how to use bows and arrows, digging for water, and donning traditional garb are all a part of being with these colourful, friendly, fun and fascinating people.
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
L E W A
H O U S E
L o c a t e d a t t h e v e r y h e a r t o f t h e C o n s e r v a n c y, L e w a H o u s e i s s e t o n t o p o f a h i l l w i t h e x t e n s i v e v i e w s over gentle valleys. It faces Mount Kenya to the south, the rugged Mathew’s Range and the sacred mountain of the Samburu, Ol Lolokwe to the north. The exclusive Lewa House is located to the east of the Laikipia district, and central within the 62,000 acre Lewa Wild life Conservancy. This acclaimed Conservation area comprises of semi-arid grassland, ridged escarpments, small kopjes and riverine forests and contains 10% of Kenya’s black rhino population, 15% of its white rhino population as well as the highest concentration of endangered Grevy’s zebra in the world.
4 single room cottages and 3 family cottages, which enjoy double and twin rooms, rest on lush lawns beneath the dappled shade of acacia trees. Each family cottage boasts lavish ensuite bathrooms with Victorian baths and a private viewing deck for outstanding bird spotting. The decor re�lects the wild surrounds with dark wood furniture, stone walls and bright bursts of blue, reminiscent of the cerulean day-time sky. The crystal clear waters of the swimming pool provide a welcome escape from the African heat whilst observing herds of lumbering elephants as they trample their way to the waterhole below. The superb African style cuisine invites indulgences in the culinary delights offered either in an elegantly appointed boma area or alfresco beneath a star scattered ceiling.
Lewa House places heavy emphasis on time spent in the bush and therefore offers wildlife viewing by way of vehicle, walking safaris with expert Maasai guides, or both horse and camelback safari excursions. Each unique experience provides the opportunity to view endemic species including the gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich, as well as the more fearsome predators such as the ever elusive leopard, high numbers of wild dog, lion and cheetah. At the close of each day, adventures are shared while sipping sundowners with a backdrop of the breathtaking Mt. Kenya, as the setting Kenyan sun stains the sky pure crimson.
“A c e l e b r a t i o n o f s e r e n i t y and African passion,
Lewa House provides an intimate and
e x c l u s i v e s a f a r i g e t a w a y.”
H E L I
A D V E N T U R E
W h e t h e r y o u u s e t h e h e l i c o p t e r f o r t r a n s f e r s d u r i n g y o u r s t a y, o r f o r s i g h t s e e i n g e x c u r s i o n s , it is the most convenient way to travel and an unforgettable way to see the pristine wilderness a n d w i l d l i f e t h a t K e n y a h a s t o o f f e r. Kenya is a country of extraordinary landscapes, rich in wildlife and culture. Our helicopter safaris are all tailor made, all unique and all completely exciting. With snow capped mountains, islands in the Indian Ocean, deserts, volcanic lakes, lush tropical forests, open savannahs - and hundreds of different mammals, birds and plant life in their awe- inspiring natural habitats - this is a land with so much to explore. Our trips make the most of the various regions, always following the most scenic routes and touching down wherever possible. Depending on your available time and interests, helicopter itineraries include day trips, lodge to lodge scenic transfers or overnight explorations into much more remote and wild areas.
A visit to Mount Kenya is particularly recommended, the jagged peaks are the remnants of the tubes that once carried huge volumes of lava to the surface, and travelling by helicopter you will land at one of the many spectacular lakes and tarns that dot the upper slopes. A delicious picnic breakfast is supplied and you can spend a few hours �ly-�ishing for rainbow trout from the lakeshore.
Even more adventurous is a �light to Ol Lolokwe, the sacred mountain of Northern Kenya's Samburu people. The mountain rises a virtually sheer 3,000 feet above the plains with a �lat summit covered with giant cycads (one of the planet’s oldest plants) lending the whole place a distinctly 'Lost World' feel but without the inconvenience of carnivorous dinosaurs. See the Great Rift Valley lakes, and the dramatic shores of Lake Turkana. Soar over the thousands of �lamingos on the shallow soda Lake Logipi in the remote Suguta Valley. Land on a remote river bank or hill-top, and enjoy a beautiful picnic and a cool glass of wine – with the sights and sounds of Africa all to yourselves. Or…for those who simply want the helicopter ‘on-call’, the helicopter can be parked at your location and used as much (or as little) as you like.
“The possibilities a r e E N D L E S S . . .”
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
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
A N G A M A
M A R A
Perched high above the magni�icence of the Maasai Mara, Angama has the best seats in the house f o r t h e Wo r l d ’ s g r e a t e s t w i l d l i f e s p e c t a c l e - t h e W i l d e b e e s t M i g r a t i o n .
Angama Mara is the newest edition to the luxury camps and lodges of the world famous Masai Mara. This amazing owner–run safari lodge is located on the edge of a dramatic escarpment boasting what could easily be the one of the best views in the whole of Africa; the seemingly endless grass plains of the Masai Mara. The camp is split in two over two Kopjes with vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, a third Kopje – just a short walk from the lodge has been left untouched; it was the setting of some of the most iconic scenes in the movie Out of Africa and now makes for a fantastic walk and sundowner spot for guests. Each of the guest tents are incredibly comfortable and luxurious, elegant and classical. The rooms are vast and boast a �loor to ceiling glass front to maximise the views in the comfort of your own privacy. Interconnecting tents are perfect families, privacy with proximity.
for
The food at this beautiful camp does not disappoint. Simple and delicious, the chefs focus on amazing fresh local produce for which Kenya is famous; grass fed beef, wonderful salads and seafood from the coast. Whilst staying at Angama Mara there are many adventures to be had, all tailored to how you feel and what you would like to experience.
Game drives tend to take place early morning and late afternoon. In the heat of the day just relax and enjoy the myriad birds around camp and the wildlife below your tent.
“Pure ‘Out of Africa’ elegance... The golden age of s a f a r i r e c r e a t e d .”
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.
O L I V E R
N I C K L I N
Born and brought up in Kenya, Oliver spent much of his childhood on the east African coast and exploring the bush. With a surfer for a father and a safari guide for an uncle,
Oliver developed a passion for water sports and a parallel love of the African wilderness.
An unconventional student with a love of physical and mental challenges, on leaving school Oliver
set up a kite-sur�ing business in Watamu with a friend. They ran the business successfully for
three years, teaching kite-sur�ing, organizing tailor-made trips for clients and guiding kite-sur�ing safaris along the coastline. During this period, he travelled extensively around East Africa - climbing
Mount Kenya, �ishing on remote lakes and camping in diverse landscapes. He also broadened his experience with trips to South East Asia, South Africa and Europe - sur�ing in Indonesia and Vietnam and travelling by train around Europe.
Three years ago, Oliver decided that it was time for a change and a challenge, and shifted his
career from the beach to the bush. He studied Business in South Africa and completed an EcoTraining course in Borana, Kenya. Since then, he has worked on several safaris, guiding for
Ker and Downey Safaris, The Luxury Safari Company and Africa Born. When Oliver is not guiding he also works as a lodge manager in Northern Kenya and the Mara working closely with the Maasai and Samburu tribes. More recently Oliver spent 3 months in Rwanda Managing Sabyinyo
Silver Back Lodge where he was able to immerse himself in the inspiring Rwandan history and learn all about the incredible Mountain Gorillas of the Volcanos National Park. Invigorated and
inspired, he is passionate about conserving Kenya’s wildlife and habitats on land and in the ocean - and about sharing that very special world with others.
Oliver is a professional, informative and entertaining guide with an infectious love of wilderness and exploration.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
W W W. K E R D O W N E Y S A FA R I S . C O M