Activities

• Game Drives
• Camel Riding/ Safari
• Horse Riding/ Safari
• Mountain Climbing
• Walking/ Hiking
• Cultural Safari
• Scenic Flights
• Ballooning
• Birding
• Fishing
• White Water Rafting
• Snorkelling & Scuba Diving

Game Drives

The great range of natural habitats means that there is plenty to explore, and plenty of species to encounter. This is a land of endless potential for the wildlife enthusiast. From great migratory herds of the open savannah to rare species in protected areas, viewing wildlife in their natural habitat is an exhilarating experience. Wildlife viewing takes place in specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicles allowing for excellent viewing. Your guide who knows the area well will set the route for your game drive depending upon the season and their local knowledge of where the best wildlife viewing is to be found.  Game drives are not limited to daylight hours and where permitted, you can explore by night using a spotlight and the full moon when it obliges to discover nocturnal animals and predators at their most active.

Camel Riding/ Safari

A safari by camel is a unique way to see an area and a short walk from your lodge or several day trek are available in the Region. The deserts and wide arid plain lands have long been crossed by camel trains, following ancient routes through deep valleys and along winding dry river beds.

The camel is perfectly adapted and as they are usually used for pack animals rather than riding, are ideal as back up on a trek through the bush. Camels with saddles are usually also supplied for those who want to ride. Gifted local guides, for whom a camel train through the wilderness is a way of life, will accompany you and introduce you to the bush and the local wildlife.

This is a once in a lifetime experience, travelling where no vehicle can go, walking through the bush with only the sounds of the wild and the soft tinkling of the camel bells, you will find yourself travelling at a relaxed pace, moving through the wild intune with the rhythms of nature.

Horse Riding/ Safari

A horse safari is a unique experience for those who would combine the pleasures of long distance riding with a love for the wild and the thrill of an African safari. An adventure which allows you to experience African wildlife, scenery and culture at close quarters.

Horse and rider become one with the environment – sharing the same sights, scents, sounds and excitement of the African wilderness. With everything from ponies up, it is possible to cater for a wide range of experience levels and groups of mixed ability can be accommodated. You can camp out with the horses or enjoy extensive exploration of areas on horseback for a day or longer itinerary.

Mountain Climbing

Africa offers mountain climbing lovers with some of the best hiking expeditions in the world. The East African land mass lying on both sides of the equator boasts of two of Africa’s highest mountains – Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,895m) and Mount Kenya in Kenya ( 5199m) – both extinct volcanic mountains with snow capped peaks.

On the western part of East Africa and on the boarder between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo lies the Ruwenzori mountainous range reaching a height of 5100 m above sea level – Africa’s highest non volcanic mountains.

Walking/ Hiking

Escorted by your guide, view wildlife from a different perspective.

Many areas offer the opportunity to get close to nature and stretch your legs – it can be a short leisurely walk, a hike to the top of a hill or to your overnight camp.

Discover tracks and signs left by the animals as well as insight into various plants used as sustenance or traditional medicines by the local herdsmen. Take an exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and the chattering of rare golden monkey.

Your safari can incorporate these activities at various destinations or be the focus of your trip.

Cultural Safari

The destinations that we support are committed to promoting responsible culture travel that connects guest with local people in a mutually respectful and beneficial manner. You can incorporate various activities into your itinerary that include a short visit or perhaps spending longer at a facility providing support and learning how you can give back. Some of the activities available that will provide you with enriching experiences and immerse you in the day-to-day traditional way of life of the Maasai include: a visit to a local manyatta (village) observing how their traditions have evolved around their cattle; get more involved with Household chores of daily water and firewood collecting, child care and arts & crafts; a nature walk with a herdsman who will teach  you the skills of spear throwing, shooting a bow and arrow, interpreting tracks and general wildlife & environmental awareness; attend a Market day to witness their negotiating skills when bartering cattle for household items. A visit to a local is an enlightening experience where you can share the enthusiasm of teachers and pupils in a class room setting.

Scenic Flights

Bi-plane

Those seeking the ultimate thrill can take a flight in a WACO YMF-5 which will always represent the true essence of aviation pleasure. The flights skim over wilderness areas giving a wonderful eagle eye’s view of areas which are otherwise almost inaccessible.

Helicopter

Get a unique perspective of the land with a short trip for breakfast or a longer safari. Reach the highest and lowest points: over savanna plains, desert dunes, tropical forests, snow-capped mountains, lakes teeming with flamingoes and Indian Ocean islands. Touch down on the doorstep of exclusive lodges. Take a journey from the summit of Kilimanjaro to the Danakil Depression, or go for a complete East African experience, taking in the highlights of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

Ballooning

Rise above the world on an enthralling Hot Air Balloon Ride. Glide silently across the plains without disturbing the herds below, and at the flick of a hot air burner the basket can be whisked from a high altitude viewpoint to skim low across the grasslands. This incredible experience offers the visitor a fantastic view of the scenic beauty, and the chance to drift unobtrusively over the wildlife below.

Birding

From the world’s biggest bird, the Ostrich, to spectacular flamingos that congregate in their millions at the various Lakes of the Great Rift Valley and camouflage them in pink, the Region holds some remarkable birding sights. It is not unusual for birding trips to record 300-600 different varieties on a short trip or to record more than 120 at a particular site on a single day. The variety of birds is made possible by the favourable climate, diverse habitats and geographical features that make it a suitable migratory route for birds.

Fishing

The waters of the Indian Ocean along the Kenya & Tanzania coastlines are an adventurers playground with a well deserved reputation for big game fishing attracting fishing devotees such as Ernest Hemingway, drawn by the promise of world-class fishing. (These) include the Rainbow trout in the Kilimanjaro foothills or slopes of Mt Kenya and extends to the Striped Marlin in the Indian Ocean. Lake Victoria offers an opportunity to encounter freshwater lake fishing and observe daily life as the local fishermen gladly organise for you to tag along with them on their fishing expeditions to haul their nets of tilapia and Nile Perch to the waters offshore. Recreational fishing or angling is done on lake Victoria as well as on the Indian ocean islands of Zanzibar and Mafia. Local tag and release programs ensure eco-friendly fishing.

White Water Rafting

East African rivers have a rare combination of white water (up to grade 5) and rich scenic diversity. They also offer the opportunity to take in some game viewing and bird watching on the way. Trips are usually designed so as to encourage the full participation of the guests, typically using Avon rubber dinghies which are equipped with optimum safety equipment and operated by qualified guides. All safety equipment is provided plus pre-trip safety talks. White water river rafting trips typically feature rafting one way, return in safari vehicle, picnic lunches provided, and sometimes swimming as an option.