Day 1
Drive from Nairobi via the
Maasai town of Ewaso Ngiro for lunch and colourful market visit. Then
into the bush to Olonganaiyo, a small Maasai homestead ("boma") for
insights into their fascinating culture and way of life. Overnight camp
under huge acacia trees by a small spring - dinner round camp fire,
starlit skies and sleep to the sounds of the African night - often lions
and hyenas roaring in the distance. (Don't worry! - our camp is guarded
by the Maasai all night).
Day 2
Optional 2-3 hour walking
safari along small river course and through the savanna for wildlife
viewing with the Maasai as guides and interpreters of their lands. You
can take a refreshing dip in a swimming hole and walk amongst giraffe,
impala, zebra and wildebeest. Drive to our secluded camp in the Masai
Mara and afternoon game drive. Overnight Mara Springs Safari Camp.
Day 3
After breakfast do a morning
hike to the summit of the Naunare hills guided by a local Maasai
warrior. Descend and drive to the Mara for game drives. This is where
you can see elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, zebra, giraffe,
hippo, crocodile and a whole ark-full of other animals. Overnight Mara
Springs Camp.
Day 4
Early morning game drive then
return to Nairobi.
Eco Camping Safaris
Our main activity is ecologically
friendly safaris in association with local communities. We combine game
viewing in national parks with game walking in wilderness areas. And our
safari vehicles are still very important for getting us to the best
places to commence our game walking safaris. We aim to ensure that every
trip we operate has some benefits to the local communities and we are
strict to abide by an environmental code of ethics. Our ecological
policy is to leave as little trace of our presence as possible so that
others coming after will discover the natural beauty as we have had the
pleasure to experience. Each walking group is accompanied by one of our
experienced Naturalist guides.
Camping safaris allows you to go to places where few other travellers
have been before. It allows you to meet authentic tribes and view
incredible landscapes. We avoid busy campsites preferring wilder bush
surroundings from where we can stroll peacefully whilst appreciating the
scents and sounds of the spectacular African scenery. Camps are
lightweight to enable us to reach the most difficult places. Camping
does not have to mean ‘roughing it’. Remember that camping, like game
walking, is a means of accessing these wilderness areas, and with high
quality food and equipment, camping in a scenically magic location is a
truly memorable experience. Our standard camps are lightweight bush
camps.
The guide and drivers help to set up camp and a cook prepares the
meals. We provide tents and mattress, toilet and shower, tables, chairs
and all kitchen equipment. You are usually expected to put up your own
tent, apart from enjoying yourself of course. The tents are two-man dome
shaped and are easily put up in a few minutes. The staff will help you
if you require any assistance. Breakfast is continental style with
cereals; lunch consists of cold salads, salami, and fruit; dinner is a
hot three-course meal. Fresh vegetables and fruit are supplied according
to their availability. Our cooks have many years' experience preparing
good wholesome food over the campfire. Soft drinks and beers are bulky.
A sundowner can be a pleasant social moment at camp, so we recommend
that you bring your favourite drink from abroad, as alcohol can be quite
expensive or just not available. You also need to bring a sleeping bag
and torchlight.
It is often said that Kenya is a cold country with a hot sun, as the
blend of high altitudes and tropical sun make for a unique and variable
climate. This should be kept in mind when packing for a visit. Both
temperatures and climate vary drastically from region to region and even
throughout a single day. Basically the traveller should come prepared
for hot, cold, wet and dusty conditions.
Packing for a trip to Kenya requires
some careful thought and consideration.
Ultimately your packing should be
dictated by the activities you are planning to undertake.
- If you are travelling extensively throughout the country make
sure that you bring suitable luggage.
- If you are travelling by domestic/chartered flights within
Kenya, remember that there are luggage restrictions, particularly on
smaller aircraft. Check in advance with your Charter airline or
Safari/Tour operator.
- For those planning a lot of travel by public transport or
trekkers, a backpack is advisable. Bring a sturdy, well constructed
pack with orthopaedic support and lockable zips and catches.
- A small daypack is ideal for carrying cameras, travel documents
and basic everyday items.
- Equal consideration should be paid to what you bring with you.
- Casual, lightweight, and comfortable clothing is usually the
best. For walking safaris or game viewing on foot clothing should be
of neutral colour, and white, bright or vividly patterned clothing
avoided. Studies have proven that most African game animals are able
to see bright blue over any other colour.
- Strong footwear is advisable if you are planning to do any
walking. For serious climbers and trekkers a good pair of hiking
boots should be brought with you.
- Remember that the tropical/Equatorial sun is strong and burns
quickly. Wide brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps for sun
protection. Both sunglasses and a good quality sunscreen (rated
SPF15 or higher) should be used.
- A good quality insect repellent is worth bringing.
- In some areas, mostly coastal, it is considered inappropriate
for women (and in some cases men) to wear shorts or short sleeved
shirts. It is always best to seek local advice.
- For some up-market lodges and nights out in Nairobi you may wish
to bring some more formal evening wear.
- You should bring your own Toiletries with you. Basic toiletry
items are widely available.
- Any personal Prescription drugs should be brought if necessary.
Also bring the generic names for these drugs in case they need to be
replaced locally. If you have prescription glasses it is wise to
bring a spare pair.
- For those planning lengthy treks or camping expeditions, a basic
medical kit is also a good idea. A small Flashlight/Torch and a
Swiss Army knife are good accessories to carry.
- If you have a video camera battery charger or an other
electrical items, bring your own converter plug set if needed (the
electricity supply is 220 Volt, 50 Hz with a square pin 13 amp
plug).
- A good quality pair of Binoculars are essential for effective
game viewing.
- Divers will find excellent dive gear for hire in Kenya, but may
also wish to bring their own regulators or dive computers. Those
with prescription masks should definitely bring them along. Dive
Certification Cards and log documents should be brought along.
- All travel documentation should be kept together securely. This
should include tickets, Passports (with appropriate visa entries),
Vaccination Certificates, and Travel Insurance documents.
- Additional photocopies of Passport, Air ticket and Traveller's
Cheque numbers should be brought and packed separately. Use our
personalized Kenya Travel kit to print records of all this
information. Take several copies with you and leave some at home.