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Organized Vehicle Safaris
Safaris typically start and end in either Mombasaor Nairobi. Once you are in the park you will be taken on a number of game drives, usually two to three per day. Each game drive lasts 2 to 2.5 hours and they are the most popular method of game viewing. The vehicles used for these drives have six to eight seats, either minibuses with roof hatches, Land Rovers, or open-sided trucks. You'll be at leisure as a rule between late morning and around 3 pm (except for lunch) when you will be taken for a late game viewing drive.
Camping Safari
Camping in the bush is the best way to get a real taste of Africa. Meals cooked on open wood fire acquire a unique flavor and the sounds of the African night provide a lasting memory for visitors. Camping safari cater for budget travelers and for those who want to put up with discomfort. They are no frills safaris with none of life's little luxuries such as iced drinks or running water. Such safaris depend on where you go and you will be expected to lend a hand. The price of camping safari includes three meals a day cooked by camp cooks. Food is plain but of the plentiful variety. The price also includes all the necessary camping gear except sleeping bags, which you must provide or hire locally. The tents that are provided sleep two people as a rule. The amount of luggage is limited. For a single traveler, the supplement of between 20% to 25% on the price of the safari will secure a tent of his/her own.
Walking Safari
Walking safaris will last anywhere
from a few hours to several days. The bush can be examined up close and at a slower pace. These foot safaris give you the feeling of being part of the bush life. East Africa offers unlimited opportunities for unstructured rambling. Lake Naivasha is a good base for day walks with Hell's Gate National Park, and Mount Longonot all near by. Walking is the best way to see the countryside and provides an environmentally friendly safari. For those who want to get around but don't want to spend their entire time in a safari bus, a number of companies are offering walking safaris.
White Water Rafting
White water rafting safaris in Kenya provide a combination of white-knuckle adrenaline thrills and scenic bird and game viewing. The spectacular scenery and abundant birds and game make rafting in Kenya a unique experience. The length of trips can be tailored to your own requirements and there are a variety of rivers to choose from.
The Tana River Usually rafted as a day trip the river starts with 3 km of class 2 and 3 rapids, followed by 6 km of calm and scenic river before a final 6 km of class 4 and 5 white water.
Muthoya River
The Muthoya is a narrow, low volume river, which runs for 22 km with a descent of 450 m. The water is not especially big but it is fast flowing and many of the rapids are technically difficult and class 4 and 5.
Athi River All 450 km of the Athi is raft able and the stretch bordering Tsavo National Park is especially scenic with good game viewing and exciting rapids ranging from class 2 - 4.
Ewaso-Ng'iro River
This exciting river trip takes at least 3 days and has long and difficult stretches of white water, ranging from class 3 - 5. The river flows through Samburu National Park as far as Chandler Falls in Shaba National Park. The scenery is spectacular and wildlife abounds. The lower age limit for rafting is 14 with parental consent. There is no upper age limit although individuals should be of at least average fitness and health and should respect the rivers.
Flying Safari
These safaris essentially cater only for those with a large budget and those interested in sport fishing. Many center on Rusinga Island in Lake Victoria. A light aircraft collects you from your nearest airstrip in the early morning and returns you in time for lunch or an afternoon game drive. In the meantime, a motorboat takes you out on Lake Victoria where you can feed and photograph African fish Eagles and go fishing for Nile perch, the largest freshwater fish in Africa. Angling gear is provided.
Although they sound exotic, flying safaris use the transportation infrastructure to its greatest advantage. You will pick up a small charter plane directly on arrival and in one to three hours be in camp sipping on a gin and tonic. All supplies and load will be carried in the next charter. Flying tours allow you to go fishing for giant Nile perch in Lake Victoria or Turkana.
Trekking and Mountain Climbing
There are excellent opportunities for trekkers, the main ones being Mt. Kenya, Menegai Crater, Oldonyo Sapuk, Mt Elgon and Cherangani Hills.
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