R I C E FA M I LY SA FA R I I T I N E R ARY D ESI GN E D BY JA M E S RO BE RT S O N
2 0 th
K E N YA MAY - 3 rd 2 0 1 9
JU N E
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
HOG HOUSE - LAIKIPIA WILDERNESS - KIPSING - BORANA - NABOISHO - SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS
N A I R O B I - L A I K P I A - K E N YA’ S A R I D N O R T H - B O R A N A R A N C H - M A S A I M A R A - S O U T H E R N R I F T VA L L E Y- N A I R O B I
20th & 21st May 2019: NAIROBI
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to our home, Hog House, for two nights.
22nd - 24th May 2019: LAIKIPIA
After breakfast you will �ly, by private charter, North beyond Mt. Kenya to Loisaba from where you will drive to Laikipia Wilderness where you will spend three nights.
25th May 2019: THE ARID NORTH
After breakfast you will be collected by helicopter to �ly East to Kipsing. Here we will explore on quadbikes and �ly camp in the Kipsing lugga under the stars for one night.
2 6 t h M a y 2 0 1 9 : H E L I C O P T E R S A FA R I T O T U R K A N A
Today you will be whisked up north towards the Ethiopian border to Lake Turkana, also known as the Jade Sea. This is the most breathtaking and excited trip which will totally blow you away. You will stop for lunch and a cooling swim at Koros and then be dropped at the end of the day at Borana.
26th & 27th May 2019: BORANA RANCH
You will have two nights on Borana, where you can ride horses and also walk.
28th - 30th May 2019: MAASAI MARA
We then �ly you southwest across the Rift Valley to the Maasai Mara which is probably the best known area in the World for Big Game. You will be based at Naboisho for three nights.
3 1 s t M a y - 2 n d J u n e 2 0 1 9 : S O U T H E R N R I F T VA L L E Y
Finally we �ly you along the Tanzanian border towards Lake Magadi with it’s pink fringed shoreline of thousands of �lamingos. You will be based at Shompole Wilderness for three nights.
3rd June 2019; NAIROBI
We will �ly you back to Nairobi on your last day and welcome you back to Hog House for the rest of the day. There will be time to shop if you wish, and to visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. We will transfer you to the international airport in time for your �light home.
R E G I O N S
R I C E FA M I LY S A FA R I I T I N E R A R Y This incredible 15 day safari takes in four of Kenya’s very best wildlife areas, but also showcases it’s extraordinarily diverse scenery and culture.
D AY 1 & 2
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
D AY 3 - 5
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA
LAIKIPIA WILDERNESS
Lake Logipi
D AY 6
THE ARID NORTH F LY C A M P, K I P S I N G D AY 7 & 8
BORANA
BORANA LODGE D AY 9 - 1 1
MAASAI MARA NABOISHO D AY 1 2 - 1 4
SOUTHERN RIFT
SHOMPOLE WILDERNESS D AY 1 5
NAIROBI
HOG HOUSE
We begin, after two nights at our home within the Giraffe Sanctuary in Nairobi, in Laikipia. Laikipia Wilderness is a small family run camp which is super fun for children. Great wildlife here and a good chance to explore on foot. The kids can �ish and canoe too.
Lake Baringo
Samburu
Shaba
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
Equator
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
We then encourage an exhilarating helicopter safari which will begin with a �light across to Kipsing where you can explore on quadbikes for the afternoon and sleep out under the stars that night. We then �ly you north up to Lake Turkana over palm lined rivers, giant sand dunes, stopping on pinnacles, and near ancient rock art sights, and even on top of the sacred mountain Ol Olokwe.
Ewaso Nyiro River
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
Your next couple of nights will be on Borana Ranch which has excellent rhino as well as the northen species like Grevy’s zebra and Reticulated giraffe. Here you can horseback ride, cycle an explore on foot. We then go west to the Maasai Mara where the abundance of wildlife is second to none. Predators are super here and at Naboisho Camp you will be able to explore on foot again. The last three days will be at Shompole Wilderness in the Southern rift near magical Magadi. Here you will spend time with the Maasai tribe, colourful and proud and still living a lifestyle steeped in ancient customs.
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.”
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 A I K P I A
W I L D E R N E S S
L a i k p i a , m i l e s a n d m i l e s o f u n f e n c e d w i l d e r n e s s , b e a u t i f u l s c e n e r y,
wildlife that is on the increase and in greater numbers than anywhere else in Kenya except the Mara. Laikpia has a perfect climate, wonderful people still very close to their traditions and proud, and the freedom to explore this haven any way you can imagine. A small and personal bush camp with just 5 tents catering for 10 guests, ensuite open air bathrooms with hot and cold running water. The camp has beautiful views of Mt Kenya and the wilderness and blends sympathetically into this stunning area of true wilderness. The tents are each built on a platform with a private veranda and behind the tent an ensuite bathroom made of natural materials which is partially open to the skies allowing you to shower under the stars.
The large mess tent is the central reception area with dining room, sitting room and library. Outside there is an open veranda on a wooden deck where we gather at night. There is a viewing point with a camp�ire where we often eat under the stars.
Each day is made an adventure, from game drives to walking safaris which can be focussed on speci�ic interests such as photography, tracking game on foot, following speci�ic species and watching animal behaviour. Amidst this scenery there are large numbers of elephants in smaller herds than in some parts of the country, a sign of being unstressed. Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, hippos, buffalo, warthog, lions, hyenas, bat-eared foxes and lots of antelope species are all commonly seen. Of the more exciting and interesting species you may not �ind elsewhere we are lucky to have excellent leopard sightings, striped hyena, aardwolf, aardvark and not least, some of the best wild dog sightings in Africa.
“Laikpia is like nowhere e l s e i n A F R I C A .”
K E N YA’ S
A RID
NO RT H
S a m b u r u , B u f f a l o S p r i n g s , M e r u a n d S h a b a a r e a l l w i l d l i f e r e s e r ve s w h i c h l i e i n a va s t a r e a o f o p e n , t h o r n b u s h c o u n t r y a n d d e s e r t t h a t s t r e t c h e s n o r t h f r o m M t . Ke n ya t o S u d a n a n d E t h i o p i a . I t i s t h e s t a r k c o n t r a s t between emptiness, wilderness and rising mountains that makes this 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 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 east and to the north the granite towers of Bodich, Kamanga and Tumtu that impose above the Ewaso Nyiro.
Samburu, Pokot, Turkana, Rendille, Gabbra – these are the tribes of the north. All are proud and tough. The Samburu are related to the Masai although they live just north of the equator where the foothills of Mount Kenya merge into the northern desert and slightly south of Lake Turkana in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The purported
bene�its of modern life are often undesirable to the Samburu. They remain much more traditional in life and attitude than their Maasai cousins. The Turkana, like the Samburu and Maasai, still maintain their undiluted traditional way of life. They are distinguished as being great survivors, living in harsh and inhospitable terrain. As with all other pastoralist tribes in Kenya, livestock, especially cattle, are at the core of Turkana culture, they live a nomadic life, always moving from one place to another depending on the availability of pasture and water for their animals. Lake Turkana
K E N YA’ S ARID NORTH Ewaso Nyiro River Equator
Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Mt. Kenya N.P Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Tana River Ts a v o N.P
L A T T I T U D E
A D V E N T U R E
Fo r t h o s e t h a t re q u i re a l i t t l e m o re a d re n a l i n e w i t h t h e i r h o l i d ay ! Lattitude’s unique quad expeditions follow century old elephant routes in Northern Kenya, passing through dry riverbeds, remote luggas and pristine wilderness, just begging to be explored. It doesn’t get much better than traversing the Kipsing region on quad, these all-terrain workhorses allow you to explore vast swathes of the surrounding scenery whilst satisfying your sense of adventure! Established and led by Kenyan brothers Jay and Amory McLeod, untouched and remote areas inaccessible to a larger 4×4‘s open themselves up to exploration. Guests can be �lown in by �ixed wing, dropped by helicopter, or transferred by road from a lodge in the nearby area for this 2-night expedition on quads. With a safety brie�ing complete, the morning is spent etching your way through the sand river and surrounding wilderness towards camp. Set up in the dry riverbed, the camp complete with all amenities - is comprised of raised, sheer dome tents.
Restored by an afternoon siesta, the evening brings a choice of either riding out to a hilltop for a sundowner, or setting out from camp for a tranquil evening walk.
Once back in camp, unwind with cocktails by the �ireside, and 'dining out’ takes on a whole new meaning with a 3-course meal in this remote idyll. The following day combines a visit to the local Samburu tribe and a picnic lunch out in the bush with further exploration of the area on the quads. Depending on your preference, a cultural evening of Samburu dance can be coincided with sunset and drinks, granting a mesmerising and rare glimpse of an untarnished tribal tradition.
As the day draws to a close, take in the majesty of the Kenyan night sky from your star tent.
“Lattitude Adventure
offers the perfect blend o f E X H I L A R AT I O N a n d r e l a x a t i o n .”
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
B O R A N A
B o r a n a i s n o t j u s t a g a m e r e s e r v e , b u t a l s o a w o r k i n g c a t t l e r a n c h o n t h e e d g e o f t h e S a m a n g u a V a l l e y, with panoramic views of Mount Kenya.
Borana lies at the foot of Mount Kenya, just 26 kilometres from the equator and 6,500 feet above sea level. It is located within the vast area of the Ewaso ecosystem on the Laikipia Plateau, with a view of the peaks and the glaciers of Mount Kenya to the south, and a panorama of mountains and desert to the north. This location provides an idyllic setting for any African experience. This area is home to more than 50 indigenous tree families, and more than 300 bird species. Laikipia is an area of exceptional beauty. It enjoys some of Kenya’s most proli�ic wildlife, as well as the highest populations of endangered species in Kenya.
Borana is adjacent to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Its unique geographical location makes the 32,000 acre ranch a haven for a wide diversity of wildlife: buffalo, eland, Jackson’s hartebeest and herds of Grant’s gazelle, impala and plains zebra. Reticulated giraffe are commonly seen nibbling the acacias, while the cooler forests shelter bush buck, colobus and elephant. Olive baboons, vervet monkeys and the endangered patas monkey are also resident. Predators are also found here, but
not in large numbers.
The black rhino has roamed the earth for 5 million years, yet it is now facing the greatest threat in its history – from poaching. 2013 saw the largest decline both nationally and globally of rhino due to poaching. In response to this crisis that same year, Borana Conservancy introduced 21 black rhino to its rolling hills from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Lake Nakuru National Park. Within the grounds, anti-poaching teams and more than 100 highly trained rangers fend off commercial poachers and help maintain animal populations. The Borana Conservancy is a non-pro�it conservation organisation dedicated to the sustainable conservation of critical habitat and wildlife.
“A s t h i s i s a p r i v a t e r a n c h with plentiful game,
it offers some of the
b e s t w a l k i n g i n K e n y a .”
B O R A N A
B o r a n a h a s p a n o r a m i c v i e w s o v e r t h e S a m a n g u a Va l l e y a n d t h e L e w a P l a i n s t o t h e N g a r e N d a r e Fo r e s t and Mount Kenya beyond, while all areas of the lodge overlook a lake that is a popular watering hole for the local animals so there is constant activity to watch. Borana Lodge is situated on a 32,000 acre private ranch on the Laikipia Plateau. Part of the vast Ewaso ecosystem, this setting is idyllic with the snow-tipped peaks and glaciers of Mount Kenya to the south and a vista of desert and mountains to the north. 27 kilometres north of the Equator and 6000 feet above sea level, this breathtaking area enjoys some of Kenya’s most exceptional wildlife.
As one of East Africa’s original luxury safari experiences, Borana Lodge is also an eco -lodge built with the utmost concern for the environment. The 8 secluded thatched cottages are fashioned around the contours of the hill, allowing for a natural haven of rock forged walls and ranch wood furniture. The ethnic décor is �lavoured by rich earthy tones and the rooms designed for comfort. Each cottage boasts an open �ireplace, lit every evening, a spacious ensuite bathroom with free standing bath and a private veranda from which to view the endangered Grevy’s zebra, traipsing through the Samangua Valley. Dining is enjoyed at the main lodge, or for a unique experience, a private dinner or specially prepared picnic may be arranged.
The fresh produce and juices from the ranch and Borana orchard make the visit all the more pleasurable. For the ultimate relaxation, unwind in the turquoise in�inity pool with unobstructed views of the lush plains. Game drives and guided walks offer the opportunity to view buffalo, oryx, hartebeest, lion and on occasion the more elusive leopard. Known for their horseback riding, Borana offers the thrill of a riding safari amongst reticulated giraffe and elephant herds. The wide variety of horses caters for every rider whether novice or expert, it’s an extraordinary highlight.
“ S i m p l i c i t y, c o m f o r t a n d
familiarity is at the heart of Borana Lodge,
where a rich and thriving
landscape provides the truest t a s t e o f A f r i c a .”
M A S A I
M A R A
P r o b a b l y t h e b e s t k n o w n a r e a i n t h e Wo r l d f o r B i g G a m e -
t h i s e x t r a o r d i n a r y r e s e r v e i s f a b u l o u s f o r w i l d l i f e t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r. Almost 450,000 acres of rolling grasslands, make up the Masai Mara Reserve and Conservancies, 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. After the short rains the fresh grass attracts many herbivores, and predators! 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.
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.
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
N A B O I S H O
N a b o i s h o C a m p i s f a v o u r a b l y l o c a t e d a t t h e h e a r t o f t h e 4 9 , 4 2 0 a c r e N a b o i s h o C o n s e r v a n c y, which lies to the far east of the internationally acclaimed Masai Mara eco-system.
As part of the Narok South district, the Conservancy comprises of riverine acacia forests, savannah grasslands and rolling hills which welcome one of the highest densities of game in Kenya. 8 canvas tents featuring stone verandas, are set amidst the lush plains dotted with acacia and the forms of various ungulates from eland to buffalo. Each tan structure is spacious and uncluttered, possessing a well-appointed ensuite bathroom complete with safari style bucket shower. The decor is understated yet luxurious, re�lecting the hues of the bush in soft tones of beige, crisp white and the deep russet of the wooden furnishings – the ideal simplistic sanctuary. Dining is enjoyed alfresco with delicious bush�ire cuisine savoured to the sound of bird calls as the night draws closer. The distant roar of a lion or barking zebra and the setting sun provides an unforgettable show.
Traversing the plains by vehicle offers the opportunity for a high number of up close sightings, whilst guided walks provide a more personal and intimate perspective.
Boasting over 100 lion and numerous observations of the sleek form of the leopard, coupled with a reputation for sightings of up to 11 cheetahs in a 2 day period, predator activity provides an unmistakeable highlight in this area.
“Naboisho Camp offers all the magic and inspiring wildlife
viewing which characterises the b e s t t e n t e d s a f a r i e x p e r i e n c e .”
EAST E R N R I F T VA L L E Y L A K E S
T h e K e n y a n R i f t Va l l e y i s a s e c t i o n o f t h e 6 , 0 0 0 k i l o m e t r e G r e a t R i f t Va l l e y, a g e o l o g i c a l w o n d e r o f t h e w o r l d . T h e K e n y a n s e c t i o n c o m p r i s e s o f 8 l a k e s o f w h i c h 3 a r e f r e s h w a t e r, a n d t h e r e m a i n i n g 5 a r e a l k a l i n e . The lake series begins in the north on the Ethiopian border, where the Rift Valley is deepest, with the largest lake, Turkana, widely known as the Jade Sea due to the remarkable greenish-blue colour of its fresh waters. Still north of Nairobi are lakes Logipi, Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elementeita and Naivasha, surrounded by a rugged, barren countryside contributing to the haunting nature of this spectacular scenery.
The shallow soda lakes of Logipi and Bogoria display the evidence of volcanic activity through the presence of spurting steam and geothermal pools, against the dramatic white shores of crystalised salts. Lake Baringo is the second largest of the Kenyan Rift Valley lakes, fed by 2 rivers, El Molo and Ol Arabel; its freshwaters providing an oasis in the extremely arid surrounds. At the heart of the lake is Ol Kokwe Island, an ideal base from which to explore by boat, as the lake is well stocked with �ish, hippo, crocodile and more than 470 species of bird. Nakuru and freshwater Naivasha are the most visited due to their famous �lamingo populations, a pulsing pink carpet of life feeding on crustaceans and the lake-bed algae. Nakuru has the added attraction of an abounding park which protects populations of the endangered Rothschild giraffe and both
black and white rhino, providing also the best chance of seeing leopard in Kenya. South of Nairobi, lies Lake Magadi, known for its stunning landscapes and exquisite colourations which echo the changes in the light. With many activities offered, including hiking, birding, boating, �ishing, biking, rock climbing and the observation of world class bird and wildlife; the rich natural bounty of these lake regions guarantees an exciting adventure from onset to conclusion. LAKE TURKANA LAKE LOGIPI
LAKE BARINGO LAKE BOGORIA Lake Victoria
LAKE NAKURU
LAKE ELEMENTEITA LAKE NAIVASHA Nairobi LAKE MAGADI
SHO MPO LE
WILDE RN E S S
A small luxury tented camp nestled in the shade of giant �ig trees on the banks of the
E w a s o N y i r o R i v e r i n t h e S h o m p o l e C o n s e r v a n c y o n t h e b o t t o m o f t h e G r e a t R i f t V a l l e y. Located between Lake Magadi and Lake Natron, the conservancy is a large, privately operated concession area in the south of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. The camp is located in the Shompole group ranch, and is collaboration between the local Maasai community and Shompole Wilderness Ltd, a company owned by established tour operators and safari guides and a Swiss trained hotelier. Your hosts at the camp will be the local Maasai and long-time supporters and residents, Johann du Toit and his family, who have lived and worked in the area for over ten years.
A dry climate, hottest in October and November and most likely to be wet in April and May, the �lora are adapted to semi-arid conditions and include umbrella thorn trees and the colorful toothbrush tree. The main source of water is the Ewaso Nyrio which orignates in the Mau forest to the north and �lows into Lake Natron. There are riverine thickets along the banks of the river. Wildlife include giraffe, buffalo, elephants and desert antelope such as gerenuk and oryx.
Early morning and late afternoon game drives enhance your chances of sighting a big cat and a visit to the Shompole swamps, waterfalls or soda lakes with fabulous �lamingos is a must. The camp is however, very aware of the fragile environment so tracking and walking based activities are high on the agenda. Floating down a river passing huge �ig trees, baboons and monkeys is a highlight as this river is surprisingly, crocodile free.
The 4 luxury tents stand in the shade of a giant �ig tree and are very private with plenty of space between them. Ensuite facilities have bucket showers and lighting in the tent is all solar. The camp has no electricity or internet access and the phone signal is extremely weak. This is a true get away from it all; a refuge from daily life where you can be at one with nature both in mind and body.
“A p h o t o g r a p h e r ’ s p a r a d i s e , an escapist’s UTOPIA,
b e a u t i f u l , w i l d a n d a u t h e n t i c .”
E L E P H A N T
O R P H A N A G E
Daphne Sheldrick was the �irst person in the entire world to successfully hand rear newborn fully
milk dependent African elephant orphans, something that spanned 28 years of trial and error to achieve. Located on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is home to some 20+ baby elephants. Ranging in age from a few weeks to several years, a visit here is a must for any animal lover.
To date, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully hand-raised over 200 infant elephants, and 17 black rhinos. It has also accomplished its long-term conservation priority by effectively reintegrating over 100 orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo. These hand-reared elephants are fully established and living free amongst their wild peers in Tsavo, some returning with wild born young to show their erstwhile human family. The older orphans are based within Tsavo East National Park at either of 2 established rehabilitation centres for the gradual process of the re-integration, with others in early infancy are at the Trust’s Nairobi National Park Elephant and Rhino Nursery.
The Trust has trained a team of competent elephant keepers who replace the orphans’ lost elephant family until such time as
the transition to the wild herds has been accomplished, something that can take up to
10 years, since elephant calves duplicate
their human counterparts in terms of development
through
age
progression.
Those that were orphaned too young to recall
their
dependent
elephant
longer,
but
family
all
the
remain
Trust’s
orphans eventually take their rightful place amongst their wild counterparts, including those orphaned on the day they were born.
“The world’s most emotionally h u m a n l a n d m a m m a l .”
Daphne Sheldrick
S A M
S T O G D A L E
I n 2 0 1 4 , S a m w a s s i g n e d u p a s a p a r t n e r o f A f r i c a ’ s o l d e s t e x i s t i n g s a f a r i c o m p a n y, K e r & D o w n e y.
It was a testament to the level of professionalism that he went straight from a junior guide to partner – bypassing what is usually a long and arduous process of quali�ication and mentoring.
To the Maasai people who knew him as a boy, Sam Stogdale was always destined for a prominent position in the safari trade. The son of renowned Kenyan hotelier David Stogdale, Sam spent much of his formative years with the young tribesmen who were training to become lodge managers and guides under his father’s tutelage. His godfather was the legendary John ole Parmasau, who would go on to become one of East Africa’s most celebrated Maasai guides. As mentoring pedigrees go, Sam had few equals. Since launching his own company, Africa Born, in 2011, Sam and his business partner Paolo Parazzi have established a reputation as two of the continent’s �inest ‘beach and bush’ out�itters. Sam’s specialities are the game-ruled plains of southern Kenya – and particularly the sweeping Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, considered by many to be the single-most important wildlife sanctuary on Earth. It was in the Mara that Sam cut his teeth as a young guide: walking in the conservancies that line its borders, studying the Maasais’ legendary bush skills, �ixing vehicles in rudimentary workshops. By the age of 15 he was a certi�ied guide and, at 17, travelled to South Africa to complete the de�initive FGASA Professional Safari Guide course. Along the way, he picked up advanced quali�ications in trail guiding, birding and game tracking – making him, at the time, one of Kenya’s most quali�ied young guides. Still in his 20s, Sam is one of the company’s youngest lead guides – a huge achievement in one of the most competitive sectors of the global travel industry. Sam is usually accompanied on safari by his wife Antonia, widely regarded as one of the �inest chefs in the safari business. Trained at Leith’s Cookery School in London, Antonia has helped many of Kenya’s leading camps and lodges – as well as several K&D partners – to train their chefs and design their menus. Her participation guarantees Sam’s guests the very �inest fare to be had in the bush anywhere!
M A R I A
D O D D S
Maria is a third-generation Kenyan who grew up on her family ranch in Laikipia. She is an exceptional botanist and especially good with young children who all fall in love with her easy going fun loving nature.
Maria lives a diverse and dynamic life, and loves being on safari and in the bush. She has worked
in the Kenyan tourism industry for many years, having been a naturalist, hostess, manager and guide at a number of well known Kenyan tourism establishments. In more recent years Maria has
had regular work as a �irst or second guide or hostess / nanny with James Robertson, Chairman of Ker and Downey Safaris.
Being on safari enables Maria to indulge in her passion, botany, and in particular succulents. She
is well known in the succulent community in Kenya and is currently the Chairperson of the Kenya
Aloe Network. This involves much hard work in promoting sustainable use of indigenous aloes, and working to ensure their protection. Using extracts from her own extensive aloe collection she
produces soaps and lotions for boutique hotels and lodges. She also teaches rural communities and women’s groups in parts of Kenya and Ethiopia the art of soap making, and sustainable utili-
zation and protection of aloes. She has had two species named after her – Aloe doddsiorum and Angolluma doddsiae, and also recently brought Aloe tartarensis to scienti�ic recognition.
Maria is a Silver Level guide accredited by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, and having spent most of her life in the bush, has become an excellent safari guide, with a broad knowledge of mammals, birds, botany and culture. She has a quick wit and an easy charm, and is
very comfortable guiding guests of all ages on safari, and she strives to make every safari a fascinating, fun and informative experience.
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