A Walking Safari - 2008
Kenya is one of the great destinations for lovers of wildlife. One drawback to the traditional safari, however, is that visitors to the great game parks are confined to vehicles. There are often, of course, good reasons for this but it is also possible to enjoy some of the parks on foot. Our itinerary does just that, allowing you to enjoy some of Africa's finest wildlife in safety but with the sense of freedom and participation that being on foot confers. In the company of a knowledgeable local guide, and with a vehicle waiting at the end of the day to convey you to your comfortable accommodation for overnight, this is perhaps one of the great travelling experiences.


Day 1: Nairobi.

Arrival at the airport at night and reception. Transfer from the airport to the Holiday Inn (or equivalent hotel) in Nairobi.

Day 2: Crater Lake. O/N Crater Lake Camp

After breakfast there is the briefing by the guide about the program. By 9.00 a.m. we leave Nairobi via Nakuru road to the Rift valley. The Nairobi - Nakuru road is on a contour along the rim of the Rift valley and on viewpoints we will be able to see our whole route for the next days. Our destination is Crater Lake a lesser lake in the Rift Valley but a place where nature is at its best. We start our walk from the lodge of the sanctuary. We then do a circular trek on the top of the crater from where we see the lake from various angles. Our first count of African game should start here as this sanctuary is home to Giraffes, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Zorillas, Aardvarks, Leopards and a range of Gazelles. We will also get a close view of the many birds that are found here. Today's program should be taken as lightly as possible to wear off jet lag.

Accommodation is in the luxury-tented camp of Crater Lake. Each tent is furnished with a giant four-poster bed, and an en suite bathroom with hot shower.

Day 3: Hell's Gate National Park. O/N Crater Lake Camp

We wake up for breakfast with the sun giving a wonderful effect over the Lake. An early morning here should not be missed by anyone with an eye for birds since the lake boasts a wide variety of water birds. After breakfast we do a short transfer to the gate of the park. This is a unique park where walking is done in the middle of wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, warthogs and many types of gazelles are found here. The first part of this walk is done in typical flat African savannah in a volcanic area with huge rock boundaries. There are acacia trees all over and this is where to look for the giraffe as they mainly feed on them. A picnic lunch provided by the Crater Lake Tented Camp will be at the Rangers post. The last part of the walk is done in the Hell's Gate Gorge by descending into a steep canyon with running water from geysers and wild vegetation. The climax of the day is in walking in the Side Gorge where the rocks have split to leave only a walking path. We climb back to the rangers post for transfer back to the Crater Lake Camp through the geo-thermal plant of Ol Karia.

Day 4: Longonot Crater. O/N Crater Lake Camp

An early rising will ensure that one gets another magical display of the water birds. After breakfast we do a transfer by bus to Longonot National Park. This is an extinct crater in the rift Valley. The first part of today's trekking is a steep climb of 550m from 2220m to 2770m. We are encouraged along the climb by the herds of zebras, giraffes and gazelles. The chance should not be lost to observe the birds that are also found here in a wide variety. This takes us to the rim of the crater, the highest point in the Rift Valley and it rewards with a wide view of the crater, which is full of monkeys and soaring eagles.

The second part of today's trek is around the rim of the crater. This is a solid 3 hrs walk with the picnic on a scenic spot, the highest point on the rim. On completing the circuit we descend to the park gate. A bus transfer to Naivasha town for a well deserved drink in the best known pub of the area, "La Belle Inn". Here we can see how the "urban" African town goes through life. We then drive back to the hotel.

Day 5: Visit Lake Nakuru National Park. O/N Lake Elementaita Lodge

The nearby Nakuru National Park is the oldest park in Kenya. It is known for its thousands of flamingos and also for the vast herds of buffaloes, rhinos and big cats. We make a game drive around the lake and have lunch at the Lake Nakuru Lodge. Afternoon transfer to the Lake Elementaita Lodge for two nights.

Day 6: Lake Elementaita. O/N Lake Elementaita Lodge.

This lake may not have the big name of Lake Nakuru but its scenic beauty is unmatched. We walk up to the shores of the alkaline lake. From there we proceed up to the hot springs and into the Kokopey Hills surrounding the lake. We walk mainly in open savannah land and occasionally we will stop for a chat with a Masai herdsman. The gentle sloping hills give a good panorama .The walk should be for 3 hrs after which we go back to the Lodge in time for lunch. After noon is spent in the lodge.

Day 7: To Masai Mara. O/N Figtree Tented Camp (or equivalant)

We now take a break from walking and give all our attention to watching wildlife. To see the best of Kenyan wildlife Masai Mara is the place to be. Elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and all the big cats are found here. After breakfast we start our journey passing through Narok Town, a colourful Masai town. We reach the tented camp our home for the next three days, in time for lunch.

Day 8+9: Masai Mara.

These are cultural and activity days in Masai Mara. We do a morning game drive through the park and visit a Masai manyatta (homestead). Here we will see how the typical Masais live. An afternoon game drive makes the day complete. On day nine we do a morning and an afternoon game drive.

Day 10: Transfer to Nairobi.

After breakfast transfer to Nairobi in time for lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant, which is well known for its barbecued game meats. Giraffe, Zebra, Gazelles, Crocodile and Ostrich are absolute delicacies. Transport to airport.