What to Expect on a Walking Safari
Unlike a vehicle-based safari, a walking safari allows the traveler to enjoy a more intimate insight into Kenya’s animals and its people.
These mobile safaris are walking safaris supported fully by camels and they are used to move the entire camp to a new location each day with the help of the Laikipia Masai and Samburu staff. The amount of camels on the safaris vary between 8 – 25 depending on how many guests arewalking. The number of staff will range between 6 and 18. By using camels rather than vehicles, you can access areas that vehicles cannot reach and still have a comfortable camp. It is a very peaceful way of travelling through the landscape.
Typically, you are woken before sunrise with a friendly ‘hodi hodi’ (wakey wakey) outside your tents and hot water in your basins. After a cup of tea or pressed coffee, some granola, eggs, toast and fruit you will set off with the rising sun. You walk through the morning looking for wildlife and birds, at the scenery and culture along the way and arrive at your new camp before lunch. You are accompanied by an armed guide, Laikipia Masai tracker and riding camels who also carry the refreshments and day-packs. Camels can be ridden whenever the terrain allows.
The daily walk is typically between 8 and 16 kms in the morning hours depending on the group, your interests and physical abilities. The walks are all tailormade and the team can remain as flexible as possible. You will stop occasionally for water and a light snack before carrying on to your next camp. The main team will have packed up the camp behind you and aim straight for the next campsite without stopping. You arrive at your new camp to be greeted with a cool drink and a freshly prepared lunch.
The afternoon is spent relaxing, enjoying a stream or river or having a siesta before going for an evening walk, rock climbing, visiting a village encampment, birdwatching or sundowners. The camels also use this time to relax and browse around camp. In the evening, the staff will offer hot showers before you have drinks by the fire and a three-course dinner under the stars.
Occasionally, you will stay in the same camp for more than one night, venturing out to explore the immediate area, have brunch, visit the local market or school and go rock climbing or tracking wildlife.
The team has led people of all ages from children of 4 to folks over 80. As each safari is tailormade to suit the group, they can adjust each one accordingly.
WHAT YOU WILL SEE ON A
WALKING SAFARI
A walking safari offers a different perspective than a regular game drive trip. There are so many details that one can miss bouncing along in a vehicle. Plants, Reptiles, and Birds are all a much bigger part of a walking experience. Landscapes too are a bit more accessible, namely because you can get farther from the roads and the distractions of other vehicles.
The walking safari traverses beautiful country with geologic structures of immense age that tell stories of a turbulent and rich history beside the Rift Valley. Archaeological artifacts, like flints, shards, graves and pottery litter much of the ground near the camps and in all this evidence are fascinating stories of an equally turbulent cultural history.
The trips are guided by Laikipia Masai and Samburu guides. The area has a very rich traditional culture and on market days (Tuesday, in your case) all the warriors and women come dressed in their finest adornments. It is a beautiful site and a fun stop.
Below is a short synopsis of the large mammals, and the most showy birds and reptiles that you can see on the walking trips.
Mammals: Guenther’s Dikdik (Eric’s favorite!!!), Steinbuck, Klipspringer, Thompson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle, Gerenuk, Impala, Highland Hartebeest, Beisa Oryx, Waterbuck, Eland, Bushbuck, Lesser Kudu, Reticulated Giraffe, Elephant, Common Zebra, Grevy’s Zebra, Hippo, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Caracal, Serval Cat, Wildcat, Spotted Hyena, Striped hyena, Aardwolf, Wilddog, Black-backed Jackel, Bat-eared Fox, White-tailed Mongoose, Dwarf Mongoose, Slender-tailed Mongoose, Genet Cat, Bushbaby, Aardvark, Porcupine
Birds: Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Von Der Decken’s Hornbill, White-bellied Go-away Bird, Vitelline Masked Weaver, Spotted Thickknee, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Tawny Eagle, Bateleur Eagle, Marico Sunbird, Red-fronted Warbler, Rufous Chatterer, Arnaud’s Barbet
Reptiles and Amphibians: Garmani Toad,Bubbling Kassina, Cryptotsis Sandfrog, Picturatus Dwarf Gecko, Brooks Gecko, Variable Skink, Red-headed Agama, Elementaita Agama, Long-tailed Lizard, Side-striped Chameleon.
PROTECTION WHILE ON THE
WALKING SAFARI
The team carries 1 heavy rifle on the trip and they use .458 caliber.
You will walk with a guide, tracker and follow the camel handler leading the riding camels. He is essentially an extra pair of eyes and a great spotter.
Kenya is extremely tight with guns and so the team is not allowed any more on a trip. On the sidelines, they have their security going around and they use AK 47's - government issue.
The team takes safety very seriously and errs on the side of caution rather than being cowboy-ish and getting in too close to wildlife. They have only ever had to fire 3 shots in total between all guides in the last 15 years. All warnings only.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
WALKING SAFARIS
Are camels bad natured and do they spit?
Camels like most animals are good-natured, if they are not mistreated. Your camels are treated very well and for that reason they do not have a bad attitude towards people or work. The camels are cuddly. Camels do not spit, but will only regurgitate their cud when they are stressed. This happens rarely with your camels, typically only when they are getting medication or when a young one is in training. Camels are very sociable animals and like being around people. After being near your camels for a few days most people become quite attached, or at least pleasantly surprised by them.
Do we have to carry our own water and snacks for the walk each day?
No, the riding camels will carry water, juice, snacks and these are easily accessible and we stop often to keep hydrated. You can also put your daypack / camera on the camels when you have had enough of carrying them.
If I’m allergic to horses will I also react to camels?
We do not know for sure but we can say that three guests who have been allergic to horses have found no problems around the camels.
What are average temperatures?
It is generally dry and hot in the day with temperatures reaching 80F maximum. Because you are at about 5,000 feet in altitude it is always cool in the shade. At night it can get quite cool, about 50F and we suggest long trousers and a fleece.
Do we have to bring our own towels?
No, they are provided.
What are the toilets like?
The toilets are long drop style with a comfortable wooden seat inside a simple box tent. They are freshly dug every day and outside each toilet is a rinsing basin.
What are the showers like?
The showers like the toilets are simple tents open at the top for a hung bucket shower. The showers are supplied with hot water that is heated over the fire and can be provided as ordered. Please use water responsibly.
Is shampoo provided?
On the walking safaris, only soap is provided.
How do you communicate with the rest of the world?
Cell phones work sometimes. Radios are used to speak to security teams. A satellite phone is on hand for emergencies only.
Can we check our emails on safari?
This is only possible when you pass through areas with network, which is not guaranteed.
What are the insects like?
The dry climate means there are very few insects that are noticeable. There can be ticks in the grass, but these can be easily spotted and controlled by spraying one’s socks, shoes and legs with insect repellant.
What is the food like on safari?
The team can cater to all diets and everything is freshly baked and prepared each day. They serve lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. The food is always tasty and delicious.