Kenya Adventure Safaris

Bicyling - one of the best ways to explore the South Coast and surrounding villages is by bicycle. Cycling is a popular form of transport in this area. The quiet villages and beachside roads around Malindi and in Watamu are readily explored by bicycle. Mountain bikes are widely available for hire from lodges and camps around Lake Naivasha. They are a great way to explore the lakeshore and an even better way to explore Hell’s Gate National Park. At the annual Maralal Camel Derby, there is a challenging cycling race. In Laikipia, many sanctuaries offer Mountain bikes for guest use or hire and guided cycling trips can be arranged.

Trekking (Mountains) - This is Mount Kenya’s main attraction and anybody of reasonable fitness can attempt Point Lenana at 4,985m. There are four main trekking routes on the mountain; Naro Moru, the most straight forward, Barugot, Sirimon-Chogoria and Timau, Reaching Batian 5,199m, the summit of Mount Kenya is a very challenging and technical climb. The high isolated passes and moorland of Mount Elgon also make for excellent trekking. The series of craggy peaks around the caldera reaching 4,321m are an enjoyable climb but equally rewarding is exploring its forests geothermal springs and caves. Wild and isolated yet easily accessible, the Cherangani Hills are a series of rolling hills, gently rising to a peak of 3,529m at Kamalgon. There are extensive series of tracks and paths that wind through semi-arid scrub farmland, open fields and higher into dense forest. Mount Longonot at 2,100m is an enjoyable way to spend the day. The views from the top across to Naivasha and the Aberdares are sensational and the views of the crater within the mountain even more breathtaking. The Loroghi Hills are one of Kenya’s best trekking regions providing stunning views across the Great Rift Valley as well as high mountain passes and the cool of deep forested valleys.

Trekking (Forests) - There are no well defined trekking routes through the Aberdares, but there is a lot to explore including a well marked trail and observation at Karuru Falls. The lush Kakamega Forest has many good trails and a wide variety of unique plants and animals. There are good walking trails through the Arubuko Sokoke Forest and excellent guides are available from the Forest Station.

Trekking (Nature Reserves and National Parks) - Walking in the Masai Mara itself is strictly controlled and must be arranged through lodge, camp or safari operator. Outside the Reserve however, there are many options for hiking and walking, especially in the attractive Loita Hills. These Hills are home to many Masai and also attract a range of wildlife. An excellent hike in this area is the rim of Menengai Crater, high over Nakuru town. This huge volcanic crater is 12km across and 500m deep. Lake Magadi is the finishing point for treks from the Nguruman Escarpment and the Loita Hills. These lengthy treks wind their way down from the cool forested highlands to the sweltering plains of Magadi, often taking 5-7 days. At Amboseli, some lodges and camps organize game walks and hikes outside the Park. The wide open country is ideal for game viewing on foot. The Bamburi Nature Trail has nature trails that are good for shorter walks. Naivasha is great place for those who enjoy walking. Hell’s Gate National Park is easily accessible and unlike many national parks, visitors are completely free to walk anywhere in the park. There are stunning landscapes, spectacular rock towers and a lot of wildlife. Walking into the lower gorge is a fascinating trek through winding rock canyons, with geothermal steam vents and hot springs along the way.

Trekking (Beaches) - Lamu is an ideal island for walking. The rolling sand dunes behind the beaches at Shela are well work exploring. A lengthy hike along the beach from Shela to Kipungani on the opposite side of the island is an enjoyable experience.

Ballooning - The Taita Hills are good ballooning country and dawn balloon safaris are available over the sanctuary. This is a fantastic way to witness the sunrise and also to spot the elusive game on the forested slopes of the Taita. Visitors can take an early morning drift across the hills and then be back on the ground for a champagne breakfast. Other parks like Amboseli and Masai Mara also offer ballooning.

Horseback - Horseback safaris are offered at Ol Donyo Wuas in the Chyulus, the foothills of the Aberdares and the Masai Mara. These safaris are a unique way of viewing game that allows travelers to move at ease through herds of plains game and a truly unique equestrian experience. Camelback - Samburu land is an ideal place for a camel safari. This kind of safari is becoming an increasing popular way to explore the ranches of Laikipia. For a longer safari, there are many possibilities out of Maralal and Wamba. The high and beautiful Matthews Ranges offer excellent camel trekking. Camels and saddles are usually also supplied for those who want to ride. Many camel safaris either carry all camping equipment and supplies with them or use vehicle back-up to set up camp ahead of participant’s arrival at a prearranged spot. Samburu guides, for whom a camel train through the wilderness is a way of life, will introduce participants to the bush and the local wildlife.

Whitewater Rafting - One of Kenya’s best adventure safaris is a rafting expedition along the Ewaso Nyiro River. The trip can last between three and eight days depending on water levels and accessibility. The river wends its way through spectacular white water and wildlife including crocodiles and hippos, big game and herds of elephant. Each night camp is made on a sandbank and rafters sleep under the stars surrounded by exotic sounds of the African night. These trips can be arranged through Meru lodges.

Fishing - For the devoted fisherman, inland lakes and rivers of Kenya offer world-class fishing. The high altitude streams of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya contain mountain trout and quiet forest glades are ideal for fly fishermen. Lake Victoria and Turkana equipped with island fishing camps are home to the Nile perch, tiger fish and tilapia. Kenya is famous for its gamefishing opportunities for marlin, sailfish, shark, swordfish, tuna and wahoo off the coast around Malindi, Shimoni, Mombasa, Kilifi and Watamu.

Rock Climbing - The impressive stark Ol Olokwe 30km north of Samburu Reserve has some excellent climbing routes. Hell’s Gate National Park also has some of Kenya’s best rock climbing. There are cliffs with several routes.

Helicopter Rides - For those with larger travel budgets who wish to cover plenty of ground on their safari, charter helicopters are available. A helicopter is an ideal way to access remote areas quickly and easily, without need for landing strips or clearances. Some of the ranches in Laikipia can arrange ‘heli-camping’ in which a helicopter is used to transport guests to remote destinations where a luxury camp awaits. This is also an unusual way to see the local landscapes and wildlife.