Destination visited:

Activities included: Birdwatching, Canoeing, Mountain Climbing, Walking

This past summer I was made privy to one of the best kept secrets in all of Kenya: Island Camp at Lake Baringo. A remote yet luxurious and affordable tented camp, that sits atop it’s own enchanted island in the middle of one of Kenya’s most spectacular volcanic lakes, Lake Baringo.

I spent the entire summer in Nairobi as an Intern for McCann-Erickson Advertising and traveled extensively with my girlfriend who has family in Kenya going back several generations. I experienced Kenya as the locals do, and for many of them, Lake Baringo is unquestionably their favorite spot

Lake Baringo holds the world record for the largest number of bird species seen in a 24 hour period. Although for me, kicking back with a cold Tusker (the local brew) in my secluded tent and soaking up the beauty of this majestic lake is what I remember most. The panoramic views are amazing and as the sun sets the water comes alive in a myriad of colors. Baringo is a fresh water lake and like no other I have seen before. It’s high concentration of volcanic ash and electrolytes gives it a consistency and color more like chocolate milk. For the brave at heart, the water skiing is excellent. However with little to no visibility, the resident hippos and crocodiles move about virtually undetected.

Locals assure you that the hippos and crocs stay far enough away from the island to pose any real threat, but never the less, their presence is an undeniable risk. For me, the feeling of the silky water against my skin, the ideal conditions for skiing, and the outrageous story I could tell of swimming with crocodiles, proved too big of a temptation. I made the plunge!!

Fly into Nairobi, Jomo Kenyata International Airport. Check the Internet for the cheapest tickets. Because of expensive airfares and the time lost in travel, a minimum stay of two weeks is suggested. Spend some time getting to know Nairobi. Also, if you can convince a local to go with you, chances are you too can pay resident rates for all accommodations and park entrance fees. This cuts your cost by more than half, plus the company makes for a far more memorable experience! The best way to get to Lake Baringo is by car. Kenyan busses or “Matatus” are quite dangerous but a great way to absorb the local culture, also a lot cheaper that renting a car. If you decide on a car be sure and drive carefully. The roads are horrible and Matatus rarely observe the center dividers. The four hour drive North to Baringo takes you down the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley through Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. Both of these National Parks merit at least a one night stay. The Flamingo concentration on Lake Nakuru is considered one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and the National Park is filled with some of the best wildlife in Kenya. I prefer camping, which requires advance planning, but both locations have great safari lodges. Once you have arrived at Lake Baringo you will take a half hour boat ride out to the island. Be sure to call in advance for reservations at Island Camp.

Sundowner at Gibraltar Rock. (It is customary to climb the highest point at sundown and have a beer, glass of pimms, wine etc. Gibraltar rock is a ten minute boat ride from Island camp and provides a spectacular view.) Water skiing and or a morning swim in the lake . (Whatever you do, make sure you get in the water!) A boat safari to observe the hippos and crocodiles. (Do this AFTER you have gone in the water, otherwise you’ll never make it in!)Watch the Fish Eagles and the King Fishers dive for fish. Relax and discover why so many locals find this place to be so magical. Oh, last but not least, spend some time getting to know the boat keeper. (An absolute character…he’s probably 90 years old, but who can tell in Kenya, and he wears these flamboyant oversized disco sunglasses).

Destination:

The house, a working farm, is large with many guest rooms, each with its own private bath.

Many tribes including Kikuyus and Turkanas are employed at the farm, and even some Masai live there. The ranch produces vegetables, beans, potatoes, cabbage, etc. and lots of strawberries, that are eaten fresh with cream, made into jam and sometimes even into strawberry wine.

The ranch has about 100 head of cattle and even more sheep and goats that are herded over the surrounding fields. There are several riding horses with wonderful places to ride (mostly Western saddles).

Your stay includes Game Rides that will take you deep into the private game reserve just across the Amboni River. There are 60 elephants, 60 cape buffalo, zebras, giraffes, eland and seven other kinds of antelope.

Of course there are also many scenic rides through one of the most beautiful tropical valleys in Africa. And yes, there are lots of good hiking trails (hikes up Kilimanjaro can be arranged). At night you can spot wildlife from comfortable blinds where wildlife come to feed or lick salt in well-lighted areas.

Destination:

The ride starts from Nairobi where you driven 150 miles/241 km across the Rift Valley into the beautiful and secluded Loita Hills where your camp is set up.

Then, enjoy eight days of fabulous cross country riding in Masailand covering about 160 miles/257 km until your reach the Masai Mara — perhaps the most outstanding game reserve in the world. Ride in the periphery and less visited areas teeming with wildlife.

The camp moves by truck almost every day with your final camp set up on the banks of the Mara River at Kiboko bench.

Tour Plan

Aloe Blossom Ride Itinerary

Day 1: You will be collected from your Nairobi Hotel at 0900 hrs and we drive out to the edge of the Great Rift Valley. We then descend 2,000 feet/610 m to the valley below studded with volcanic mountains. Picnic lunch en route. Our route takes us through the small trading town of Narok before winding up into the forested Loita Hills. We reach camp set up on the edge of the Morijo Swamp in the Morijo Valley. Overnight: Tented Camp Morijo.

Day 2: A full day ride with picnic lunch exploring the beautiful Loita Hills which rise up to 8,600 feet/2,621 m above the Nguruman escarpment. We ride through forests and glades in search of the game. Picnic lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Morijo.

Day 3: Today we ride up to Subugo, the highest point on the Loita Hills before descending to Leshuta Lugga where our camp is set beneath yellow acacia trees. Picnic lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Leshuta.

Day 4: After an early breakfast we saddle up and trek across open plains, reaching Barkitabu in the late afternoon. There are a number of Masai manyattas in this area so we shall come into close contact with these fine nomadic people. Picnic lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Barkitabu.

Day 5: Ride across the Loita Plains, picnic lunch on Shangalara lugga. We enter the Olare Lamun (rhino salt lick) lugga where our camp is situated. Picnic lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Olare Lamun.

Day 6: Our ride today skirts the southern end of the Bardamat Hills where we have a picnic lunch looking out over the Mara plains. We reach camp set up in a glade of riverine forest of the Olare Orok lugga. Picnic lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Olare Orok.

Day 7: Today we ride in a westerly direction across the Mara plain. After a picnic lunch on the Mara River, we ford the river and climb the Soit Oloolol escarpment. From our campsite set on the top of the escarpment, we have superb views of the rolling Masai Mara Game Reserve, perhaps the most densely populated game sanctuary in Africa. On arrival we picket our horses and enjoy dinner round the camp fire. Overnight: Tented Camp Soit Oloolol.

Day 8: We ride down the Soit Oloolol escarpment and then along the south bank of the Mara River inhabited by the occasional crocodile and some large pods of hippo. The riverine forest harbours a variety of tropical birds including the rare Ross’s Turaco. We arrive in camp in the middle of the afternoon. There may be time for a short game drive in the late afternoon. Picnic lunch and dinner in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Mara River.

Day 9: The horses have a rest day and we go by landcruiser into the Masai Mara Game Reserve to photograph wildlife including lion, cheetah, hyena, elephant and rhino at close quarters from the safety of a vehicle. This is your best chance of seeing the Big Five. There is also a great abundance of bird life here. Optional game rides on horseback in the late afternoon. Other options are a hot air balloon safari or a winged excursion to Lake Victoria to fish for the giant Nile Perch. All meals in camp. Overnight: Tented Camp Mara River.

Day 10: Today we leave our horses and return via Narok to Nairobi, where you are delivered to your hotel in the early afternoon.

This is where the tourist is still a rare animal. Dive and snorkel amongst some of the most spectacular reefs. Experience big game fishing from a fully equipped boat, or join the locals and fish from a galawa.

An unspoilt tropical island holiday, lacking in commercialism and abounding in variety – from ‘glamour’ at the upmarket hotel to the basics of a pailotte (thatched beach hut).

While safaris are Kenya’s main tourist lure, there is a lot more to this country than its wildlife and savannas. Kenya is a land of diversity from the bustling African capital of Nairobi to the sleepy archipelago of Lamu with its strong Arabic influences. Geographically diverse as well, the Kenyan landscape includes glaciers, arid desert, fertile farmlands, snowcapped mountains, large lakes, and dense forest. Mountaineering and hiking are popular inland, while the coral reefs along the coast are ideal for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. Kenya is also a hub for evolutionary enthusiasts. It was in Lake Turkana, Kenya that Richard Leakey discovered important fossils that dated the early hominids back to three million years ago; consequently, East Africa has become known as the “cradle of humankind.”

Add to this a temperate climate and outgoing, friendly locals and you will see why Zambia is a tourist destination of choice.