A wide variety of activities are available, to suit all age groups and interests.
Examples of activities include walking, cycling, horse-riding, swimming, balloon safaris in the Masai Mara or Serengeti, flying, night game-drives, fishing and camel safaris.
Balloon safaris in the Masai Mara or Serengeti
Balloon safaris depart in the early morning, just as the first rays of light fill the sky. Once in the air, watch the sun rising as a ball of golden fire as stunning views of the landscape unfold beneath you. See the vast grassland plains teaming with wildlife as you glide quietly overhead and the fascinating patterns of mammal trails. After landing your trip will conclude with a champagne breakfast.
Camel safaris may last from one hour to a whole day or many days. Accompanied by local camel herders, you will have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about the life of the traditional pastoralists of the region, their culture and traditions and how they cope with the conditions in which they live.
Mountain biking offers an opportunity to take some serious exercise in magnificent scenery and surrounded by herds of mammals. Experience the smells and sounds of the bush, the sounds of wildebeest grunting to each other, zebra stallions rounding up their females or exquisite bird-calls.
Fly-fishing for trout in mountain streams, Nile Perch and Tiger Fish in Lake Victoria or deep-sea fishing on the Coast can all be arranged on request.
See the wilderness from the air in true ‘Out of Africa’ style in the yellow Bi-plane, the vast grassland plains and rolling savannahs. Alternatively charter a helicopter to fly up the Great Rift Valley, fly over dramatic desert scenery, view the glaciers on Mount Kenya, land on top of Ololokwe or simply see the world and its extraordinary landscapes from a different perspective.
Horse-riding is offered at many of the lodges and is one of the best ways to see big game. It provides an ideal opportunity to see much of the flora and fauna that is so easy to miss when you are on a game-drive and, in the absence of a human silhouette, enables you to get close to mammals without them being aware of your approach.
Night game-drives are not permitted within National Parks and Reserves, but some of the Lodges offer opportunities for night game-drives.
Most of the lodges have their own private swimming pool, a welcome way to cool off during the heat of the day and to soak up the peace and tranquility of the surroundings.
Walking is often permitted outside National Parks and Reserves and many Lodges organize bush-walks accompanied by highly experienced guides who will share with you their extensive knowledge of the bush. Walking is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences, looking at new tracks made by wildlife the previous night, learning about the defence mechanisms used by acacia trees or the insect life which is so easy to miss when you are on a game-drive. You will never forget that heart-stopping moment when you get your first glimpse of a giraffe or elephant feeding and appreciate the true size of these incredible mammals.
Visits to schools, villages or local markets can be arranged, to learn about the history of the many tribal groups, their lives and traditions. For example the Masai people, a strongly independent tribal group who still value tradition and ritual as an integral part of their daily lives. On the fringes of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Masai communities live in close association with the land and the wildlife. Masai warriors share the plains with lions, buffalo and other mammals, and many years of close association has resulted in an almost symbiotic relationship where the wildlife and people live in relative peace with each other. Another example are the colourful Samburu people in the northern region of Kenya, a group of semi-nomadic pastoralists who have for many years shown tolerance for the wildlife that co-exists alongside their livestock.
