Explore the Saline Lakes and the Arid Plains of Kenya. This is a trip of a lifetime where you have a wealth of sites and activities to choose from: You can hike up table top mountains with Samburu Warriors; Spend time with orphaned baby Elephants; Bird watch from the mountain summits; Enjoy some Rock Sliding and/or Swimming in Natural Pools; Take Boat Trips to search for Crocodiles and Flamingos.
Our first stop is the Samburu Game Reserve, where we pitch tents under a canopy of trees by the edge of Ewaso Nyiro River. This is where we spend time Game Viewing andexploring this diverse and interesting landscape, animals and local cultures. From here we move onto the Samburu tribe’s ancestral sacred mountain known as Mount Sabache or Ololokwe, where you will be taken on a trek up the mountain by a Samburu Warrior.
From here we move to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary where you will be able to spend time with the baby Elephants and their keepers, who accompany you at all times, explaining the work they do. It is wonderful to watch the Elephants coming in from their walk to get their bottles and have some fun in their mud hole.
We continue northwards from Reteti to the land of the Rendille, at the small settlement of Ngurunit. And it is here we set up camp surrounded by high rocky outcrops and other massifs such as Mount Poi in the back ground. On arrival we strongly recommend that you get those swiming costumes on quickly and jump into the nearby Rock Pools and of course don’t miss the Rock Slides!
Next stop is the the Jade Sea, or rather Lake Turkana, and en route you will find yourself driving through some seriously dramatic landscapes to get to South Horr, a village sitting in an Acacia paved valley beneath the towering peaks of Oldonyo Nyiro and Oldonyo Mara. Despite the delightful craggy scenery, your eyes will rarely look up from the enchanting Samburu Herders who tend to gather in the wavering trees’ shadows.
After a couple of days at the Lakeside enjoying a range of different activities, we drive back towards Maralal making a brief stop at Malasso viewpoint on Losiolo Escarpment, where you will begin to understand why travellers say it is one of the ‘most dramatic views of the Great Rift Valley’. From this lookout you will see the horizon etched with Gorges, Peaks and Plains, the valley of Suguta and beyond on a good day you may even see Lake Turkana glistening in the sunlight. We arrive Maralal early evening for a much needed night of comfort at The Maralal Safari Lodge.
From Maralal we head south to Lake Baringo the most Northerly of Kenya’s small Rift Valley Lakes, creased with Papyrus and a well developed Acacia Forest. This is a Lake where you may see Hippos, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards and numerous birds from the shore.
Depart Nairobi in the morning heading north via the shoulder of Africa’s second largest mountain, Mt Kenya to the Samburu Game Reserve. Accommodation in our semi-permanent campsite beautifully set under a canopy of trees by the edge of Ewaso Nyiro (meaning Brown in Samburu) River. (Lunch & Dinner included)
Main Activity: Game viewing
We spend today game viewing in the park and appreciating the diverse landscape and the large variety of animals. Animals to look out for include Lions, Elephants, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, Dik Diks, Ostrich, Oryx, Waterbuck, Hippos and Crocodiles. The Horn Billed Stork is a common sighting as well as various other birds. On your return to the campsite you are welcome to take a swim at a nearby lodge, or alternatively visit a Samburu village. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Main Activity: Game viewing
Optional Activities: Swim at local lodge; Visit to Samburu Village
We break up camp and depart towards the Samburu tribe’s ancestral sacred mountain known as Mount Sabache, locally known as Ololokwe. On arrival you will be met by a Samburu Warrior and experienced guide who will accompany you up Mount Ololokwe. This table rock mountain is known for the multitude of trails, which you will be able to explore and learn about from your guide, who is there to share his knowledge of the wildlife and cultural features with you. The mountain is a birders’ haven and home to a number of rare and endangered bird species, especially the large numbers of raptors and migratory birds that you will see. On our return to the Sabache Campgrounds we return to enjoy a cool shower and relaxation. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Main Activity: Trekking up Mount Sabache
We begin our day by visiting Reteti Sanctuary to spend time with the Elephants. During your visit you will be paired with a keeper who will explain their work here and answer any questions you may have. From a special viewing platform, you will be able to watch the Elephants come in from their walk to get their bottles of milk and have fun in the mud hole. From here we continue northwards towards land occupied by the Rendille people: Pastoralists whose main livelihood is keeping a variety of Goats, Sheep, Cattle, Donkeys and Camels; their traditional dress of beaded bracelets, anklets and necklaces is worn by the women. This evening we stay at the small settlement of Ngurunit surrounded by high rocky outcrops and other massifs such as Mount Poi in the background. We highly recommend having some fun either rock sliding and/or swimming at the nearby natural rock pools. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Main Activity: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Optional Activities: Rock Slides & Swimming
Break up camp departing through the dramatic landscape and dry river beds towards South Horr; half a day’s drive. This village is surrounded by flowering trees and sits in an acacia paved valley beneath the towering peaks of Oldonyo Nyiro (2752m) and Oldonyo Mara (2066m). Despite the delightful craggy scenery, your eyes will rarely look up from the enchanting Samburu herders who gather in the wavering trees’ shadows. Finally, we arrive the shores of the magical Jade Sea in the late afternoon. Overnight in the cool traditional huts at Palm shade resort (non-self contained) which provide relief from the strong overhead sun. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
After breakfast we enjoy a tour of the nearby Desert Museum, which is located on top of a hill and has an amzazing backdrop of the picturesque Lake Turkana. The museum houses a rich heritage of the eight communities living around Lake Turkana and tells the story of how these communities have survived through the ages. After this hot and dusty journey we head to a nearby lodge where you can enjoy a swim and a welcome cold drink. The rest of the day can be spent doing a range of activities of you choice. We spend thisnight at Palm shade. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Main Activity: Visit to Desert Museum
Optional Activities: Visit Rock Art Sites; Boat trip on Lake Turkana Crocodile spotting & Bird watchin; Day trips to South Island and Teleki volcano can be arranged; Visit the El Molo or Lake Turkana cultural villages; Explore Loiyangalani on foot and enjoy a cocktail watching the perfect sunset
Today is a long drive back towards South Horr and Baragoi villages, the road is bumpy though scenic as we ascend from the arid climate towards cooler Maralal. En route we make a brief stop at Malasso viewpoint on Losiolo Escarpment where you understand why travellers say this is one of the most dramatic views of the Rift Valley: The land drops away, the backdrop etched with gorges, peaks, in the distance is a barren sun bleached patch otherwise known as the valley of Suguta and beyond the very faint blue of Lake Turkana. From here we head to Maralal, where we stay the night in the luxury of a comfortable bedroom with ensuit. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
Main Activity: Days Driving; Losiolo Escarpment
Early breakfast before enjoying an optional activity offered at the lodge such as enjoy bird watching, guided nature walks by experienced samburu guides, camel riding and bush walking. Heading south we depart Maralal and travel near Mugie conservancy where you may spot Elephants, Zebra, Gazelles and Giraffe from the roadside. We arrive Lake baringo and settle in at the lodge; enjoying the breeze by the lake and spotting the numerous bird species that congregate by the shores. Overnight at Soi Safari Lodge; in en-suite rooms. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
After an early breakfast we head out to the Lake to enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Baringo. At this time of day you may well see the Njemps fishermen in their locally made canoes. Alternatively you have the choice to visit a nearby Pokot Tribal Village. It is worth noting thatLake Baringo is the most Northerly of Kenya’s Rift Valley lakes and it is creased with Papyrus and well developed Acacia Forests. Because of the sheer numbers of Hippos, Crocodiles and Monitor Lizards you will be able to see them effortlessly from the shore. After all our activties we leave here and back towards Nairobi to arrive in the late afternoon. (Breakfast & Lunch included)
Main Activity: Boat Ride on Lake Baringo
Optional Activity: Visit to Pokot Tribal Village
