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Camel Safaris
This is a superb way of getting right off the beaten track and to areas where vehicle safaris cannot go. Most of them take place in Samburu and Turkana tribal areas, between Isiolo and Lake Turkana. They also provide plenty of opportunity to become accustomed to the pace of nomadic life and to mingle with indigenous people. You can also encounter wildlife, though naturally sightings of any animal and in what numbers cannot be guaranteed.
People can ride camels or walk along them according to choice, except in a few spots where you will be forced to get off. Many clients spend more time on foot than on camels. The camels are led by experienced Samburu Morani accompanied by English speakers of the same tribe who are well versed in bush lore, botany, ornithology and local customs. Most traveling is done as early as possible (at dawn) in the cool of the day and campsite established around noon, followed by lunch. People are free to relax during the day and evening while staffs organize sleeping and dinner arrangement; hot showers are available before drinks and dinner is served around a campfire. Camping equipments are provided by all companies (two person tents as a rule) and ablution facilities, which vary according to what you require.
Sometimes, alcoholic drinks are
provided at extra cost. The distance covered each day is usually between 15 and 20 Km. Several different camel safaris are offered in the drier Northern part of Kenya and are suspended during the rainy seasons. Prices tend to vary by group size and duration of the safari.
Camel racing in Kenya continues to go from strength to strength as it is recognized not only as a serious sport and tourist attraction but also as a positive way to create awareness of the rapid encroachment of desertification of Kenya.
The aim of the event is to create a focal point in justifying and attracting interest in better camel breeding among the people of North Eastern Kenya and to better understand the benefits that such camels can bring to these desert and arid land inhabitants. At the same time within the last 5 years, Kenyans are beginning to take animal husbandry seriously with the result that the national herd of over 1 million animals is being rapidly improved with an eye on the export market.
Camel owners all over Kenya are
now aware of the value of these animals, especially after the latest drought. The derby is run in 5 sections: amateur, junior, semi-professional, novice and professional. The event takes place in Nanyuki Town, Laikipia district that is 208 km on a tarmac road from Nairobi.
Popular Itineraries
Many people visit Kenya and combine time at the coast with safaris to some of the national parks. Obviously, time will determine which places people can visit and the following itineraries give an indication of some of the more popular safaris, which can realistically be achieved in limited time schedules.
The Rift Valley -15 days
Day 1 : Arrive Nairobi
Day 2 : Nairobi
Day 3 : Drive via Buffalo Springs to Samburu
Day 4-5 : Samburu
Day 6 : Drive to Lake Baringo
Day 7 : Drive to Lake Nakuru
Day 8 : Drive to Lake Naivasha
Day 9 : Walking in Hells Gate National Park
Day 10 : Drive to Loita Hills
Day 11 : Walking in Loita Hills
Day 12 : Drive to Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 13 : Game drives in Masai Mara
Day 14 : Return Nairobi
Day 15 : Depart
Kenya Highlights -10 days
Day 1 : Drive Nairobi - Amboseli
Day 2 : Amboseli game viewing
Day 3 : Drive to Mount Kenya
Day 4 : Drive to Samburu
Day 5 : Samburu
Day 6 : Drive to Lake Nakuru
Day 7 : Drive to Masai Mara
Day 8-9 : Masai Mara game viewing
Day 10 : Return to Nairobi
Lake Turkana -9 days
Day 1 : Drive Nairobi - Samburu
Day 2 : Samburu
Day 3 : Drive Samburu-Marsabit
Day 4 : Marsabit and Kalacha
Day 5 : Drive to Lake Turkana
Day 6-7 : Lake Turkana
Day 8 : Drive to Maralal
Day 9 : Return Nairobi
Game Parks and Coast -10 days
Day 1 : Nairobi
Day 2 : Drive Amboseli
Day 3 : Amboseli game viewing
Day 4 : Drive Tsavo West
Day 5 : Tsavo West game viewing
Day 6 : Tsavo East game viewing
Day 7 : Drive Mombasa
Day 8-9 : Malindi beach
Day 10 : Depart
Coast -14 days
Day 1 : Arrive Mombasa
Day 2 : Diani beach
Day 3 : Shimba Hills
Day 4 : Watamu beach
Day 5-9 : Lamu
Day 10-12 : Malindi
Day 13 : Mombasa
Day 14: Depart
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