Walking Safari Kenya – Ewaso Nyiro River

Our walking safari in Kenya’s wild and remote Laikipia plateau and Karisia Hills is a journey back in time across one of Africa’s most spectacular wilderness areas. The walking safari route traverses the rolling hills of the forested Karisia Hills, one of Kenya’s most important old-growth forests high on the Leroghi plateau. As with many walking safaris in Africa, the experience is defined by a subtle combination of adventure and style. The walking safari is planned and organised by some of Africa’s most experienced guides and you are accompanied throughout by a skilled local Samburu warrior guide plus a team of local Samburu and Laikipia Maasai cooks and camp staff.

The walking safari descends from the lush forests to the dry country of the Seya lugga and onwards to the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river. This is a Kenyan walking holiday with a difference! You’ll follow ancient wildlife trails with nights spent in spectacular camps, erected each night for you by our team. The walking on safari is easy (about 4-5 hours per day) and the days’ activity will be conducted at a pace which suits everyone. This trek is well within the capability of anyone who can manage a gentle day's hiking in the hills at home.

This is luxury ecotourism! Camps are completely organised for you, with all the comforts possible in the bush – delicious 3-course meals around blazing camp fires, hot showers, wash hand basins, spacious tents with comfortable mattresses. Chilled wines and beers are served with meals each evening.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kenya Arrive in Nairobi, where you will be met and transferred to a quiet hotel in the suburbs, with pool and excellent restaurant. Relax and recover from the journey.

Day 2 – Journey to northern Kenya We drive through the Great Rift Valley and Laikipia plateau to the foot of the Karisia hills, where our first camp is in a clearing at the edge of the forest. Home to buffalo, elephant, lion and leopard, the Karisias are one of Kenya’s most magical regions.

Day 3 – Walking Safari begins Our walking safari begins as we explore the ancient old-growth Podocarpus forests of the Karisias. A picnic lunch is enjoyed on a spectacular rock outcrop and we continue to our next camp at the foot of the hills.

Day 4 – Walking safari – Siuyan Camp Descend the spectacular escarpment into the valley of the Suiyan river, where the walking safari continues through stands of Acacia Tortillis. We dig for crystal clear water in the lugga and look out for Klipspringer on the rocks above camp.

Day 5 – Walking safari – Seya Lugga We walk down the Suiyan dry river bed to the confluence with the Seya Lugga. If water is flowing, we swim in the pools and beneath waterfalls.

Day 6 – Walking safari – Leroghi plateau We ascend the Chanook escarpment and traverse the edge of the Leroghi plateau, enjoying incredible views. This area is frequented by wild dog. We enjoy sundowners on a high rock outcrop overlooking the wilds of northern Kenya.

Day 7 – Walking safari – Laikipia Our walking safari continues over the gently undulating Laikipia plateau. We visit a local Samburu manyatta and water is drawn from a nearby spring for our beautiful camp at Nageragero.

Day 8 – Walking safari – Ewaso Nyiro River Our walking safari descends to the Ewaso Nyiro River, winding its way in the valley below. Along the way we are likely to pass Elephant, Impala, Dikdik, Steinbuck, Gerenuk, and hopefully Lesser Kudu. Enjoy bathing in the deep pools beneath our camp.

Day 9 – Walking safari ends – Tumaren Wake early and ascend the incredible rock pinnacle of Ngai Suisui, a nesting site for Verreaux Eagles with panoramic views of northern Kenya. Our walking safari ends and we meet our vehicles to continue to Tumaren reserve. Enjoy a thrilling night drive, hopefully spotting elusive nocturnal creatures such as Zorilla and Bat Eared Fox.

Day 10 – Tumaren, Laikipia Plateau Enjoy a morning wildlife drive, looking for hartebeest, reticulated giraffe and Grevy zebra amongst many animals. We enjoy a picnic lunch by the river followed by a further evening drive and sundowners on a high hilltop to celebrate the end of our safari.

Day 11 – Return to Nairobi or continue safari Our hosts will drive us to Nanyuki, from where uoi will fly back to Nairobi.

Safari Extensions: Many of our guests choose to extend their safari to one of several excellent wildlife reserves in northern Kenya. Additionally, we would be pleased to organize a safari extension to many other parts of the country including the Great Rift Valley Lakes, the Masai Mara or the Indian Ocean coast.