AFRICA 2005

KENYA
An exclusive Horseback Safari on the Laikipia Plateau, combined with 3 nights in the Masai Mara to experience the great migration.

July 30 – August 13, 2005
10 riders

At the request of many clients who have come with me on several rides over the past ten years and have experienced the Okavango Delta more than once, I started working on an off-the-beaten path ride in Kenya.

Now I've mapped out what I’m sure will be a unique and very exclusive riding safari with the invaluable assistance of David Bromham and Michael Dyer, who both will be on the ride. David is one of East Africa’s leading guides, a keen horseman and polo player. Michael, of the renowned Kenyan Dyer family, is a regional Director of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, an avid and able pilot and a polo player. We will ride his polo ponies.

The Laikipia plateau in central Kenya is the last stronghold of romantic East Africa: vast open ranches, shadowed by snow-capped Mount Kenya, home to ethnically diverse communities including the Mukogodo Maasai and Samburu. These indigenous tribes people have joined together in partnership with the settlers and ranchers to create a conservation and wildlife haven that spans two million acres (800,000 hectares) of wild savannah.

Laikipia offers diverse scenery from the edge of the Great Rift Valley, to the peaks of Mount Kenya, with dusty plains and verdant grasslands, interspersed with rocky hills, rivers, and waterholes. The "Big 5" are often seen (rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo) and the district is home to more endangered mammals than anywhere else in East Africa, protecting half of Kenya’s black rhino in the Solio, Lewa, Ol Jogi, Ol Pejeta and Ol Ari Nyiro Sanctuaries. Laikipia also boasts the biggest herds of elephant (over 3200 at last count) outside the Tsavo National Parks and is the only place to view the endangered Jackson’s Hartebeest. Wild dog, leopard, lion, cheetah, and other predators that hunt the plentiful plains game: impala, gazelle, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx (endemic to the north of Kenya) and gerenuk.

During the course of this riding safari we will stay in some of Kenya’s most exclusive lodges, as well as our own private tented camp. The last three nights will be spent in the Masai Mara to witness the thrill of one of nature’s significant dramas: the great annual wildebeest migration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

DAY ONE – July 30
Arrive Nairobi on own flight arrangements. Transfer to the exclusive Muthaiga Club – day at leisure. O/N Muthaiga Club

DAY TWO – July 31
Early morning departure. Fly to Nanyuki and Game Drive to the Lolldaiga Hills. Evening ride to try out horses, tack etc.O/N A&K tented camp Lolldaiga Hills

DAY THREE – August 1
Long morning ride from camp returning to camp for lunch. Evening ride, walk or game drive. O/N A&K tented camp Lolldaiga Hills

DAY FOUR – August 2
Early departure riding east through Ole Naishu to Borana. Late picnic brunch en route. Afternoon at Borana Lodge with masseuse/pool/siesta etc… Evening walks or game drives etc. O/N Borana Lodge

DAY FIVE – August 3
Either a ride on Borana or on the moorlands of Mt Kenya above Kisima. (Kisima option could be combined with club chukkas) IF this portion does not fall over a weekend we could
re-arrange the plan accordingly. O/N Borana Lodge

DAY SIX – August 4
Early departure riding north across Borana with picnic brunch on the edge of the Mokogodo escarpment. Ride down knife edge ridges to Tassia arriving at 2pm. Afternoon by the pool. Evening exploring on foot with sundowners etc. O/N Tassia

DAY SEVEN – August 5
Morning ride in sand luggers and up the Ngare Ndare River. Plenty of opportunities for fast gallops. Evening game drive, ride or walk. O/N Tassia

DAY EIGHT – August 6
Ride through riverine bush land up the river to Il N’gwesi. Arrive for lunch. Chill and explore in the evening. At either Tassia or Il N’gwesi we will organize some cultural immersion. O/N Il N’gwesi

DAY NINE – August 7
Ride up the escarpment and on to Lewa through Lebarua. Arrive in A&K camp for lunch, evening with rhinos etc. O/N A&K camp Lewa

DAY TEN – August 8
Morning riding on Lewa. Lunch in camp and evening ride. O/N A&K camp Lewa

DAY ELEVEN – August 9
Ride across Borana and reach the Lodge for lunch. Here we say goodbye to our horses! O/N Borana.

DAY TWELVE – August 10
Leave Borana Lodge after breakfast & Drive to Nanyuki Airstrip for Air Kenya’s scheduled flight to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. (10:00/11:30). You’ll be welcomed at the airstrip and take a game drive en route to camp which may be rewarded with sightings of lion, elephant, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe and a host of plains’ game. After lunch there’s time to relax before taking the first game viewing or cultural activity of your choice. O/N Olonana

DAYS THIRTEEN & FOURTEEN - August 11 and 12, MAASAI MARA
Two full days to explore Maasai Mara with morning and afternoon game viewing drives and walks to view the MIGRATION. Optional balloon ride (extra cost, see below.) O/N Olonana

DAY FIFTEEN - August 13, MAASAI MARA – NAIROBI – DEPART
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to the airstrip for Air Kenya’s scheduled flight to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (11:00/12:15). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Norfolk Hotel where dayrooms have been reserved. Rest of the afternoon is free to relax with lunch and dinner on own account. This evening you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.

 

For further information about this ride please call Christine at (1) 212-421 0671, or email christine@adventuresonhorseback

 

David Bromham

Raised in the Himalayan foothills of India, David started his safari career on the back of an elephant at age three. After a British education and twenty years service in the British army, David moved to Florida to work for Jorie and Geoffrey Kent. Guiding in the Everglades and on the Loggerhead Turtle beaches soon became one of his extra curricular activities. Dispatched by the Kents to Kenya, he quickly earned his place as one of East Africa’s leading guides, with a deep understanding of its wildlife and culture. He is an amusing companion who delights in “spicing” itineraries with unexpected and welcome surprises. David is a keen photographer and horseman and also leads safaris to Botswana, Niger Sahara and India. Amongst many notable clients, David led Prince William and Prince Henry on their first Africa safari.

 
  ACCOMMODATION

NAIROBI – MUTHAIGA COUNTRY CLUB
From the day it opened on New Year's Eve, 1913, the Muthaiga Country Club has occupied a special place in Africa's affections. Located in fifteen acres of beautiful tropical gardens, just ten minutes' drive from the city center, the Muthaiga Country Club prides itself on offering Kenya's most comfortable and convenient club facilities: luxurious en suite bedrooms, first-class sports facilities, and a recently extended library with 15,000 books. To this day, its trademark pink walls house some of the greatest memories and milestones of East Africa’s rich history. And of course, there's the food, of which the Club is justifiably proud - a sumptuous banquet of fresh roasts and daily specials overseen by classically trained chefs. As time has continually proved, the Muthaiga Club's hospitality is second to none.

LOLDAIGA HILLS (A&K private concession)
The private tented safari is the traditional, time-honoured way to enjoy the African wilderness, reminiscent of the halcyon safari days of the ‘Out of Africa’ era. One of the most exhilarating aspects of a private tented safari is the sense of freedom it offers. Because your camp is mobile and self-sufficient, you enjoy total privacy on a private concession in some of Africa’s most game rich areas. Meals are tailored to your tastes and timed to your mood. Private safari tents are heavy, sturdy, and huge : double-fly, 28 feet long, 14 feet wide, and 9 feet high. Each has an open-sided front verandah furnished with tables and camp chairs. Inside you will find two full-sized single beds (or, by prior special request, a double bed), with warm blankets and crisp white sheets (hot water bottles are available for especially chilly nights). Each tent has its own private en suite facilities including flush toilet and shower. Hot water is available throughout the day and evening for a refreshing wash, shower or shave. The essential experience remains the same: exciting, romantic, exclusive and personally fulfilling as no other trip to Africa can be.
BORANA
Borana is located on a private ranch in a valley which meanders out of the Laikipia Plateau onto the Samburu plains of northern Kenya. The six stone, cedar and thatch cottages cluster around the main house and all blend into the rugged setting. Each cottage has its own bathroom, fireplace (the Laikipia plateau is known for its chilly nights), thatched ceiling and verandah. The main house has a morning room with views over the river gorge, a drawing-room and dining area and the dramatic over-spill swimming pool is close by.

TASSIA
Tassia is situated on the Lekurruki Community Conservation Group Ranch between the Laikipia Plateau and the Northern Frontier District, neighboring Il N'gwesi Group Ranch and Borana. Accommodation compris es of six bedrooms, all ensuite. Open-plan sitting and dining areas. Natural rock swimming pool with pool deck.

IL NGWESI
The Lodge is situated adjacent to the Ngare Ndare River on the edge of the Mukogodo Hills and boasts panoramic views across Northern Kenya. It is constructed with materials from the local area and comprises six individual bandas, each with a double bed and a single bed. They are thatched, open plan and on high supports to fully ensure both fantastic views and privacy.
LEWA DOWNS CONSERVANCY
The Lewa Downs Conservancy is a 55,000 acre private game reserve in the foothills of Mount Kenya were you can walk freely (accompanied by an armed escort), take a short safari on horse - or camelback, and enjoy both day and night time game drives. Your private mobile camp is set in a secluded valley or next to a game attracting spring where oryx, kudu, eland, rhino, lion and cheetah all become part of the Lewa Downs experience.

OLONANA CAMP – MAASAI MARA
A luxury A&K camp, Olonana extends a service and style reminiscent of the romantic safari era at the turn of the 19th century, and a peaceful haven from which to explore the Maasai Mara, one of nature’s most thrilling eco-systems. Whilst retaining an old world charm, Olonana is at the forefront of eco-tourism in Kenya with solar power, bio degradable products and an ingenious wetlands project which allows for all used water to be totally recycled.

The camp comprises just 12 spacious and airy en suite accommodation tents (all with 2 queen size beds, floor to ceiling mosquito net ‘windows’ and verandah) located on the banks of the Mara River, where the resident hippo pods spend their days wallowing.

Guests at Olonana enjoy an intimate and relaxed atmosphere where the pace of your safari can be as active or as leisurely as you wish. A wide range of ‘a la carte’ activities are offered including bush/tracking walks, Maasai walks, visits to the nearby Maasai cultural village, picnic lunches, sundowners and game viewing drives... The flexibility of Olonana allows guests to take both activities and meals as and when they wish.
 
 

COST: per person based on 10 riders

Per person sharing twin room: $6,960
Single room supplement: $2,000

Scheduled flights: Per person: $390
Nairobi/Nanyuki - Nanyuki/Mara - Mara/Nairobi
NB: Flight costs are current and subject to change without notice.

Option for Riding Only (July 30 – August 10)

Per person sharing twin room: $5,870
Single room supplement: $1,600

Scheduled flights: Per person: $155
Nairobi/Nanyuki/Nairobi

Costs Include:

  • Full board accommodation on safari and at Muthaiga Country Club and, bed only, at Norfolk
  • All park entrance and conservation fees
  • Porterage of 2 pieces of luggage, per person
  • Beer, wine and soft drinks
  • All activities at Olonana including sundowners, bush breakfasts; dinners, game viewing drives, night game drives and visits to the nearby ‘engang’ (cultural village)
  • Government levies and taxes
  • Services of private label guide, David Bromham.
  • Services of Michael Dyer as riding guide

Costs Exclude:

  • All expenses of a personal nature, such as telephone calls, laundry service and International airport departure tax
  • International airfares
  • Entry visa fees
  • Any extras/meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel and health insurance (required)

Optional:

Baloon safari in the Mara: $425 per person

POSSIBLE EXTENSION PRIOR TO THE RIDE:

Uganda 5-day Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park at "Gorilla Forest Camp," a Sanctuary Lodge. Please contact Christine if you are interested in this opportunity to see some of the remaining few gorillas in the world today (600 approx). Permits are very limited and need to be booked far in advance.
 
 
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Christine Chauvin (Ltd.)
430 East 56th Street
New York, NY 10022

Tel: 212 421-0671
Fax: 212 935-0559

e-mail:
christine@adventuresonhorseback.com