Z E C H FA M I LY SAFA R I I T I N E R A RY
2
K E N YA 2 3 rd D ECEMBER 2 0 1 8 4 th JAN UARY 2 0 1 9
R E G I O N S
Z E C H FA M I LY S A FA R I I T I N E R A R Y 2 D AY 1
NAIROBI
GIRAFFE MANOR
D AY 2 & 3
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA
L E WA W I L D E R N E S S
Lake Logipi
D AY 4
THE ARID NORTH
S E R A C O N S E R VA N C Y L AT T I T U D E A D V E N T U R E S D AY 5 & 6
SAMBURU SASAAB
D AY 7 - 9
MAASAI MARA MARA PLAINS D AY 1 0 & 1 1
AMBOSELI
K & D P R I VA T E C A M P I N G D AY 1 2 & 1 3
CHYULU HILLS
O L D O N YO LO D G E
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
This 13 day safari combines our very best wildlife areas with superb culture, spectaular scenery and plenty of adventure. After a night at Nairobi’s best known boutique hotel, Giraffe Manor, you will �ly north to Laikipia. You stay at Lewa Wilderness, one of the original bush homes. In Kenya’s north you’ll see our arid specialists; Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and scenery that is truly breathtaking. You’ll head east to Sera by chopper for a fun �illed day exploring sand luggas by quad bike and with a night �ly camping in this wild and remote area. The next day will be a real blast, up to Turkana in choppers and you’ll see more than you can imagine in a full day of exploring. Enormous sand dunes, �lamingo fringed lakes, volcanic cones, brightly coloured geothermal springs, ancient rock art. We will pack a delicious picnic. Then later you’ll be dropped off at Sasaab where we can slow the pace down just for a day before heading to the Mara. Mara Plains will be your base for the next three days and it is here that you will see predators galore. The Mara is incredible at all times of year and we will really put in the time to ensure superb wildlife interactions. Amboseli next where Kilimanjaro dominates and elephants are abundant. Here you can enjoy time with the Kisongo Maasai people with whom we have built a special relationship such that we are welcome in their homes to learn more about their ancient ways. Finally to Oldonyo for the last two days where you are also free to walk and explore on horseback or by bicycle. This is a beautifully balanced itinerary.
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
NAIROBI - LAIKIPIA - THE ARID NORTH - SAMBURU - MAASAI MARA - AMBOSELI - CHYULU HILLS
G I R A F F E M A N O R - L E WA W I L D E R N E S S - L A T T I T U D E A D V E N T U R E S - S A S A A B - M A R A P L A I N S - K & D L U X U R Y C A M P - O L D O N Y O
23rd DECEMBER 2018 - NAIROBI
If you arrive on a late �light we will transfer you to Giraffe Manor, Nairobi’s best known boutique hotel, for your �irst night.
24th & 25th DECEMBER 2018 - LAIKIPIA
After sharing your breakfast with Rothschild’s giraffe we will transfer you to Wilson Airport for your �light by private charter north, past Mt. Kenya to Lewa Downs. You will have two nights at Lewa Wilderness (if you arrive early on 23rd December 2018 you’ll be here for three nights).
26th DECEMBER 2018 - THE ARID NORTH
You will be collected from Lewa in three choppers and �ly across Samburu country to the remote Sera Conservancy. You’ll be met by Lattitude Adventures and have the day exploring on quad bikes. You will camp out in super lightweight tents tonight.
2 7 t h D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8 - H E L I C O P T E R S A FA R I
Today will be incredible. You’ll �ly in the three choppers north to Lake Turkana, the Jade Sea exploring along the way and stopping in sand deserts, on rocky pinnacles, by lurid springs, rock art. The choppers will drop you at Sasaab.
27th & 28th DECEMBER 2018 - SAMBURU
You will have two nights at beautiful Sasaab perched above the Ewaso Nyiro River and enjoy spending time with the Samburu people.
29th - 31st DECEMBER 2018 - MAASAI MARA
We will �ly you southwest, again by private charter over the Great Rift Valley and on into the Maasai Mara - probably the very best location in the World for Big Game. You will have three nights at the luxurious Mara Plains Camp.
1 s t & 2 n d JA N UA RY 2 0 1 9 - A M B O S E L I
Next we �ly southeast along the Tanzanian border and into the shadows of Kilimanjaro to Amboseli. You will have two nights in our private camp set up just for you on the edge of the National park. Incredible elephant viewing here.
3 rd & 4 t h JA N UA RY 2 0 1 9 - C H Y U LU H I L L S
Your �inal safari destination is Oldonyo Lodge in the Chyulu Hills - what a superb spot to �inish your safari. Still within sight of Kilimanjaro. We will �ly you directly to the international airport on the evening of 4th January 2019 to connect with your �light home.
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
G I R A F F E
M A N O R
The exclusive boutique hotel, built in the 1930’s, is famous for its magni�icent herd of resident Rothschild’s giraffes and the manor offers personal and unmatched experiences with these endangered mammals. Giraffe Manor is beautifully located on a private 12 acre property on the outskirts of Nairobi. Amidst half a square kilometre, dry upland indigenous forest displaying Olea africana, Albizzia gummefera and Ficus thonningii trees, this is home to over 180 bird species.
Set within a lush garden and shaded by arching trees, the 2-storey stone house is characterised by parquet �looring and a sweeping staircase. The decor tells of a bygone era with its dark wood furnishings, velvet curved chairs, plush cushions and stylish art. The accommodation is comprised of 2 luxury suites, complete with double and twin rooms and a lounge area, and 8 further bedrooms each boasting a �ireplace and beautifully appointed ensuite bathroom with shower and bath. The extensive windows offer views of the Ngong Hills as well as the garden-roaming giraffes, warthog, dik dik and bushbuck.
Dining is sensational. Breakfast is served in the sun room with giraffes comically poking
their heads through the windows, whilst dinner is savoured either alfresco lit by lanterns or, in the wood panelled dining room at the long table.
Activities vary from a visit to the Karen Blixen Museum, once home to the author of “Out of Africa”, to walks along the nature trail in the Giraffe Centre or, for a unique treat, watch the feeding and bathing of baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. The highlight however of Giraffe Manor is the ability to touch, feed and photograph the giraffes from the comfort of your breakfast table, bedroom window or the front door – a remarkable opportunity.
“English grandeur meets AFRICAN MAJESTY a t G i r a f f e M a n o r.”
PR IVAT E
CHA RT ER
F L I G H T S
A t h r i l l i n g w a y t o a p p r e c i a t e t h e d i v e r s i t y o f E a s t A f r i c a i s f r o m t h e a i r.
Flying is the perfect way to optimize your safari time, without being limited by distances and time. All our private charter �lights are operated by trusted companies that we work with all the time. Experienced pilots, passionate about Kenya – its history, geography, people and wildlife – make every effort to ensure �lights are enjoyable and part of the safari experience. The pilots we use are some of the best bush pilots in the world. The geography of this country is dominated by the Great Rift Valley, it’s lakes and volcanoes and seeing this all from above really helps to gain a greater understanding of Kenya’s varied environments. We use Cessna aircraft almost exclusively. Its proven track record as a single engine aircraft, great performance on bush strips and robust design, make Cessna aircrafts the most suitable planes for Kenya and East Africa. It is capable of taking off from nearly all bush airstrips, made possible by the large wheels, very ef�icient wing and powerful engine. Cessna Caravan (C208) - 12 pax. We use the caravan 208 the most . The caravan is the best-selling, most-�lown airplane ever, due to its proven reliability, �light characteristics and reputation as the safest
general aviation aircraft ever built.
‘Baby’ Caravan (C208) - 6 pax. Extremely comfortable, with great visibility out of the large windows. It is versatile in all weather conditions with a turbine engine. Cessna 182 (C108) - 2 pax. Single-engine light aircraft. Its high wing position allows excellent visibility and it is comfortable, reliable and versatile.
Cessna 182 (206) - 6 pax. Single-engined aircraft, popular as bush planes for its powerful, rugged construction and large cabin. Cessna (F406) - 12 pax. Twin turboprop aircraft ideal for short �lights.
Beechcraft Super King Air - 9 pax. For those looking for luxury in the air, a spacious and well appointed twin engine aircraft.
Flying between destinations is a highlight of any safari. As you �ly over the ever changing landscape and ecotones, you get an incredible birds eye view of this incredible country.
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
W I L D E R N E S S
Lewa Wilderness rests on the northern foothills of Mount Kenya,
the second tallest mountain in Africa with the Batian peaks standing at 17,057 feet. Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari ventures.
Situated on Lewa Downs, the privately owned 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located on the Laikipia plateau, a 2 million acre amalgamation of semi-arid grassland, ridged escarpments, basalt hills, small kopjes and riverine forests.
The lodge has 9 exclusive rooms: 6 thatched cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking Lewa’s Eastern Marania Valley, and 3 thatched garden cottages set in the beautiful green lawns. Each cottage is tastefully decorated with antique and handmade furniture, giving rustic charm and the character of a ranch homestead. Canopied beds, patterned cushions, crisp white linen and wooden furnishings, comfort is at the heart of the decor.
Due to the private land ownership and minimal restrictions, a wide variety of activities are available, including camel rides to a nearby animal orphanage. The main lodge offers
a refreshing saltwater pool, tennis courts and an elegant dining area where organic cuisine may be enjoyed indoors or alfresco. Walking safaris with Maasai guides and night and day drives, offer views of endemic wild life such as gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. With the highest concentration of rhino in East Africa, notable numbers of lion, cheetah and the reclusive leopard, wildlife sightings are sure to amaze. Or, accompanied by knowledgeable Maasai guides and with a red sun setting in the distance, experience the Kenyan bush on horseback.
“Lewa Wilderness Camp offers a doorway to rare wildlife and a
culturally rich people from the comfort
o f a n A f r i c a n s a n c t u a r y.”
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 Sera Conservancy 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 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 1-night expedition. With a safety brie�ing complete, the morning is spent etching your way through the sand river and surrounding wilderness made up of rocky hills, lava ridges, doum palms, and the odd permenant spring that bring in sand grouse.
Set up in a wide 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, with the chance of bumping into elephant or local tribesmen. 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 Rendile or 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 tribal dance can be coincided with sunset and drinks, granting a mesmerising and rare glimpse of an untarnished 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
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 . . .”
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 .”
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
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
M A R A
P L A I N S
Nestled in the trees on the edge of the Ntiakatek stream in the 35,000 acre private Olare-Motorogi Conservancy (previously known as Olare Orok), Mara Plains is a small, luxury tented camp which prides itself on offering personal, high-level service. Just north of the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, in the quiet wilderness of the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, there are 7 tents hidden within a copse of riverine trees. To get to them, you follow a wooden walkway that leads straight between an acacia tree's branches, which curve upward like a candelabra. Acacia trees, �lat-topped and seemingly frozen in motion, are a symbol of East Africa, and this particular tree was a deciding factor when National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert and their partners at Great Plains Conservation set out to build a lodge here. The tree is a natural gateway to an exceptional safari experience.
Mara Plains Camp is at once elegant and unassuming. The elevated tents and the main camp area are crafted of rough-hewn wooden �loors and billowing canvas and �illed with an exquisite collection of furnishings and decor that recall the colonial in�luences of bygone centuries, as well as Kenya’s Swahili and Maasai roots. Whether you come for the thundering wildebeest, the rainbow-colored birds, or to experience
the culture of the Maasai person �irsthand, Mara Plains Camp is the perfect setting for immersing yourself in the mystique and the beauty of the East African savanna.
The guiding at Mara Plains is amongst the best in Kenya - to a Gold Grade standard. The game viewing in the OOC is spectacular with resident lion, cheetah and leopard populations. Enjoy walking with a Maasai warrior at twilight, followed by a sundowner (a cocktail) under an acacia tree, as well as night drives in the very high, open-sided vehicles. Mara Plains provides unprecedented entrance to the remarkable ecosystem of the Maasai Mara.
“If a camp’s success lies in its details, then Mara Plains
i s t r u l y b l e s s e d .”
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.
O L
D O N Y O
L O D G E
W e d g e d b e t w e e n K e n y a ’ s Ts a v o a n d A m b o s e l i N a t i o n a l P a r k s i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e C h y u l u H i l l s ,
this is a place of timeless wild beauty presided over by the magni�icent summit of Africa’s greatest icon Ol Donyo Lodge is favourably located on the 300,000 acre Mbirikani Group Ranch and nestles between the great Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks, in south eastern Kenya. This exclusive, safari destination rests on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills which form part of a 100 kilometre volcanic �ield and welcomes 333 bird species and over 7,000 animals, including the endangered black rhino. 10 thatched chalets all with private lounge and 2 double bedrooms nuzzle amongst the thorny arms of acacia trees and dense thicket. All suites have a lounge, veranda, indoor and outdoor showers, double wash basins, �lush toilet and bath, and “star-bed”. All but 2 have their own pool. The roof top star-bed offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is accessed from the veranda via a winding stone staircase. This is a fabulous sleep-out option, with utter privacy and all the amenities of the suite just below. From the canopied beds adorned in crisp white linen to the eclectic paintings and oversized grass couches, the decor is lavish and �lavoured with African �lair.
– Mount Kilimanjaro.
Dining at Ol Donyo is a memorable affair, whether savoured by candlelight in the stylish dining room, alfresco on the veranda or in the heart of the bush surrounded by an orchestra of bird calls. The opportunity to ride across the verdant grasslands on horse back and witness a herd of buffalo or perhaps the long graceful necks of a family of giraffe or the rare fringe-eared oryx abound. Game drives may offer excellent opportunities for viewing predator activity with lion, cheetah and the typically elusive leopard; however guided walks provide a more intimate experience with sightings of a boisterous elephant herd and the timid gerenuk.
Ol Donyo Lodge encompasses all the wonder and exclusivity of a luxury safari experience in one snapshot.
“It is at Ol Donyo
where some of Africa’s last giant elephant bulls roam freely”
K E N YA
WILD LIFE
T RU ST
Fo u n d e d by a g ro u p o f Ke r & D ow n ey g u i d e s , Ke nya W i l d l i fe Tr u s t
is here to protect the country’s predators through a network of high-impact conservation initiatives In 2007, a small group of private guides decided to form a Trust, as a way to raise funds through their safaris for grassroots conservation projects around Kenya. The result of that pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit is Kenya Wildlife Trust.
Our long-term partnership with Ker & Downey re�lects the fact that the best private guides have conservation in their DNA. What we offer to both guides and visitors is a trustworthy pair of hands, focused on putting the right boots on the ground rather than into big of�ices. Remaining close to a range of safari partners, we are uniquely positioned to connect visitors from abroad to effective, grassroots conservation. Over the years, our team has developed a curated portfolio of high-impact conservation initiatives, with a strong focus on big cats. Since 2013, our two �lagship projects - the Mara Cheetah Project and Mara Lion Project - have been monitoring big cats with the long-term aim of stabilising the populations of both cheetah and lion. During your safari, you will spend time with both of our project teams at the Tony Lapham Predator Hub in the heart of the Masai Mara, learning about their focus, methods and �indings.
By raising funds through safaris, we can award grants to those projects (and people) achieving meaningful results across the three ‘pillars’ of Predator Conservation, Community Development and Conservation Education. Undertaking robust monitoring and evaluation of all our grants, we are the donor’s eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring every penny ends up where it should. Our team understands the importance of balancing scienti�ic research with community engagement, as well as the value of investing in people who live near wildlife. After all, conservation is really about people. “By donating to Kenya Wildlife Trust through their UK charity, I know and trust that my money is going straight to the cause.” Donor to The Friends of Kenya Wildlife Trust
Thanks to a sma ll number of donors who c o ver our c ore c osts, 100 % o f e v e r y d o n a t i o n g o e s d i r e ct l y t o o u r p r o g ra ms .
Moreo ver, for e ver y £1
we spend on c ore c osts, w e ra is e a t l e a s t £ 4 .
F R O M 2 0 0 7 T O 2 0 1 7 - C E L E B R AT I N G
1 0 Y E A R S O F C O N S E R VA T I O N I M PA C T.
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
W W W. K E R D O W N E Y S A FA R I S . C O M