Safari Information
WALKING SAFARI IN TASSIA LAIKIPIA
Tassia, Laikipia, Northern Kenya – Walks here tend to be in the morning and evening, to avoid the scorching midday heat, and Martin Wheeler, your walking guide is one of the most experienced in the business. The walk can be strenuous or relaxing, and the terrain is dry riverbeds, thick bush, mountains and escarpments, some of the most scenic in Kenya.
3 x nights including all meals, all local drinks, all game viewing activities, all walking, all park and conservation fees and return flights from Nairobi.
WALKING SAFARIS & BIRD VIEWING
For the adventurer – bush walks and hiking tours
Although bush walks and hiking tours in the Masai Mara Game Reserve are strictly prohibited, we offer our guests the exciting adventure of a walking safari in the Siana Conservancy. Feel, smell, hear and touch wild Africa. Our specially trained guides will ensure your safety at all times while explaining to you the traditional medicinal uses of different shrubs and trees as well as the tracks and spoors of the animals in the Siana Conservancy.
The smaller creatures such as dung beetles, chameleons and small gazelles are the true stars of our walking safaris. You will have time to appreciate the intricacies of this diverse eco system that is a fundamental part of the Masai Mara.
Spirit of the Masai, working in partnership with Secret Compass offers bespoke extended walking safaris through the Greater Mara ecosystem. Typically, these involve groups of 10-12 guests on a 5 day walking safari. Vehicle support is used to transport tents, water, food and luggage, leaving our visitors unburdened to enjoy the scenery.
Bird viewing
More than 570 bird species can be found in the Masai Mara, making it the perfect place for ornithologists to see a rare bateleur or saddle billed stork. For real twitchers we suggest you take advantage of the services of Ohad, one of our freelance guides, an expert with an in-depth knowledge and vast experience of the birds of East Africa. Special care has been taken with the vegetation surrounding the lodge to encourage a wide variety of bird species that can be viewed from your suites.
WALKING WITH THE MAASAI
Experience the African bush coming to life in a unique way with a guided walking safari in Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Experience first-hand how the Maasai possess a complete understanding of the savannah with this 4-night walking safari. The length and intensity of our walking safaris can be adjusted to suit guests’ preferences and fitness levels.
PROGRAM: 5-day walking safari
Day 1
Upon landing at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and transferred to Wilson Airport by our driver-guide for a scheduled flight to Masai Mara. Begin your safari adventure with a game drive in our open-sided 4 x 4 land cruiser. Explore the wildlife-rich Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a conservancy formed to protect the pristine wildlife area and safeguard the Mara ecosystem while providing a source of livelihood for the Maasai people. Arrive at Eagle View in time for lunch. After lunch, relax on the viewing deck or on your tent terrace as you watch the wildlife from an eagle’s perspective. At 4:00 pm meet your Masai guide for an afternoon game drive. Return to camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2
At the break of dawn, your Maasai guide will join you on a whole day walking safari. Begin the walk before the temperatures begin to rise. Viewing the vast plains on foot is an exhilarating way of experiencing the savannah. The thrill of going where the game is and coming up close to the wildlife awakens your senses and makes the wilderness more real. After a few hours of walking, enjoy a picnic lunch followed by relaxation till the temperatures cool. Arrive at the campsite which is surrounded by the whispering bush for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3
Rise in time to enjoy an early breakfast before your full day walking safari. During your walk, you will explore some of the finer details of the savannah, such as learning how to spot animal footprints and identifying different kinds of dung. This is a fantastic experience that will bring you closer to nature, and indeed to yourself. Arrive later at Leopard Hill. The camp is situated in the non-motorized area of the conservancy, offering an exclusive safari experience. Dinner will be served under the stars followed by stories about the wilderness at the fireplace.
Day 4
Spend your fourth day at leisure. From the comfort of the camps environ, you’ll be able to observe some of Africa’s wildlife from a large population of wildebeest, zebras, antelope, Cape buffalo, and more. Enjoy ultimate seclusion free from artificial luxury and modern-day disturbances. It is truly one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Wind up your day watching the sunset over the African horizon, with a Basecamp sundowner on an evening game drive. When driving back to camp you will have a night game drive experience.
Day 5
Wake at dawn for your final game drive arriving back at camp in time for a late breakfast. Relax until lunch, allowing yourself time to reflect on everything you have experienced. After lunch, gather your things and say your goodbyes. One final game drive takes you to Naboisho Airstrip in time for your scheduled afternoon flight, the perfect departure time for international connections.
What’s included?
- Accommodation & Activities according to the program
- All meals included
- Return domestic flights from Nairobi to Mara – all taxes included
- Airport transfers in Nairobi
- Airstrip transfers in Mara
- Unlimited shared day/night game drives at Eagle View and Leopard Hill
- Unlimited walking safaris in Mara Naboisho
- Optional picnic breakfast and lunch
- Tea and coffee service in own tent if desired
- Private dining at the platform, on availability
- Optional visit to our community projects
- Free Wi-fi at Eagle View and Leopard Hill
- Mara Naboisho Conservancy Fees
- AMREF Flying Doctor Cover during the stay
Additional Charges
International airfares and visa fees, drinks, supreme bush meals, balloon safari, laundry, telephone calls and tips, other incidental charges
Equipment and Clothing
Comfortable Safari clothes – avoid white due to the dust, warm sweater or fleece for the evenings, wind and waterproof jacket, solid hiking boots for the walking safari, comfortable footwear for the game drives, binoculars, sunscreen, sun hat & sunglasses, a good book, camera and extra battery, headlight, mosquito repellent for protection while outdoors, pack in solid soft bag.
Important Note
As a small and personal company we tailor-make all our safari programmes. Each element of the this Itinerary can be changed to suit your personal preferences.