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P11
Self drive in the
Masai Mara
Adventurous types staying at
Angama Mara camp (new and
utterly glorious) can explore
solo. After a training drive with
the head guide to learn the
‘dos and don’ts’ you can set off
with a picnic lunch to explore.
A junior guide will accompany
you to help with everything
from recommending the best
game viewing spots to helping
with a puncture.
Explore Laikipia by Buggy
and Quad Bike
Laikipia in northern Kenya has
always offered a huge variety
of activities from camel and
horse riding, river tubing and
mountain biking, to traditional
game drives and walking
safaris. Now it’s possible to
explore on a buggy (think quad
bike with a roof). They’re great
for an afternoon adventure,
or as an interesting way to
transfer from one camp
to another.
What’s New?
Rhino:
Solio, on the southern edge
of Laikipia, has been incredibly
successful breeding both black
and white rhino. Watching these
remarkable animals take a dust bath
one morning was a huge privilege
and a ray of hope for their future.
Cheetah:
Spotting a cheetah and
her cubs with a wildebeest kill in the
Mara early one morning was magical.
With no one else around we were
able to watch the family interact,
eat and play quite undisturbed.
Wild dog:
Wild dog are notoriously
hard to find but the pack around
Laikipia Wilderness roam a reasonably
regular patch. We found them hunting
– unsuccessfully on this occasion –
but exhilarating to follow nonetheless.
Ostrich:
They always make me smile
so to see a brood actually hatching
was quite a treat. All wobbly legs and
fluff – we didn’t stay long but I hope
they survived that first day or two and
are now scuttling along after
their parents.
Wildlife
Contrary to the oft-perceived notion that Kenya is back to back tour buses, most
of my wildlife viewing was enjoyed in glorious isolation. Pick the right camp and
it’s easy to avoid the busier areas. Among my stand out moments:
Kenya
Already well versed with the delights of East
Africa, Lucinda recently re-visited Kenya to
find out the latest from one of our favourite
safari destinations. Here are her highlights:
Personalities
A private guide during any safari
is a real treat and I enjoyed a
few days with Mikey Carr-
Hartley on this visit. A childhood
surrounded by local hunters,
trackers and trappers on his
family’s ranch in Laikipia, and
many years since in the safari
industry, means he knows this
beautiful country inside out. I
learned, and laughed a lot, in
his engaging company.
REPORT BY LUCINDA
Wildlife at Solio Lodge
Sundowners in Samburu
Sasaab tent
Camps
Sala’s Camp:
In the heart of the Masai Mara,
with easy access to incredible game viewing, this
friendly and comfortable camp is among my all-
time favourites. There were lion galore here and
huge herds of migrating wildebeest and zebra.
Sasaab:
The heavenly rooms at Samburu
Sasaab catch the hilltop breeze and have
spectacular views over the plains below. There
is good wildlife, given the dry conditions,
including elephant, reticulated giraffe and the
elegant gerenuk. I would urge that you tear
yourself away from the lodge for a one night
fly-camp – it’s a brilliant experience.
Kenya was recently featured in the BBC series ‘This Wild Life’. Read our
Q&A with camp owner Saba Douglas-Hamilton at bit.ly/Saba-QA
