In the Footsteps of Tusk – Kenya
This is where it all began, on the foothills of Mt Kenya. Thirty years on, and we invite you to follow In the Footsteps of Tusk. A country of diversity, this journey takes you through Kenya's wildlife rich areas, giving access to the next generation of safari.
Day 1 - 3
Laikipia
A short flight from Nairobi, step out of the plane onto the 93,000 acre Lewa and Borana conservancies, one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, including 12% of the country’s black and white rhinos. The Conservancy is also home to herds of elephants and buffalo, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, more than 400 species of birds and if lucky, a pack of wild dogs! Renowned for the pioneering conservation initiatives, as well as community and education programs, Tusk has been a major donor for over 30 years. ©Lewa Wilderness
Day 4 - 7
Northern Kenya
A region once infamous for conflict and poaching is now at the forefront of community-led development, enterprise and peace effort, all linked to the protection of its wildlife and dramatic landscapes. This area offers a vast amount diversity to enjoy including unique wildlife sightings, nicknamed the “Samburu 5”, camel treks and time spent with your Samburu guide, visiting their village or singing wells. This is a wilder Kenya where change is happening at a staggering pace with the guidance of Tusk supported Northern Rangelands Trust. ©Sasaab
Day 8 - 11
Masai Mara
One of the most famous Reserves in the world, well documented for it’s annual wildebeest migration and dramatic Mara River crossings, but it also sustains 25% of Kenya’s total wildlife. The rolling plains are best explored by 4×4 and the pristine nature of the conservancies is carefully managed by the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association, supported by Tusk. Their work encompasses community engagement, an essential element with the ever growing local population, ensuring the safe guarding of the Maras habitat and wildlife.© Cottars
Day 12 - 15
Kenyan Coast
The warm and rich Kenyan waters surrounding the cultural town of Lamu are home to 5 threatened species of sea turtle: Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Loggerhead. Tusk support the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust and by spending time on the coast you will soon enjoy the benefit of their expert work. From snorkelling to sailing and touring the narrow streets of Shela filled with local boutiques, Lamu is an oasis of creativity and calm. © Manda Bay
Laikipia
Safari: The Lewa and Borana conservancies offer some of the most productive and diverse wildlife sightings in East Africa, largely due its pioneering conservation and habitat efforts, supported by Tusk. Home to the endangered rhino (both black and white), grey zebra, elephant and a large numbers of plains game, every day is eye opening. Credit: Lewa Wilderness
>
Accommodation: Kenyan styled, luxury accommodation with outstanding views is what can be expected on Lewa or Borana conservancies. We even have a few private houses which are perfect for families or friends travelling together. Credit: Lewa Wilderness
>
Conservation: We can arrange behind the scenes access to the onsite conservation and community departments including; meeting the Lewa dog handling unit and observe a demonstration of the scent tracking used to stop poachers, spend time with the security HQ and learn about the sophisticated system the rangers use to monitor wildlife, visit the Conservation Education Centre, one of their many Community Healthcare Clinics or spend time with the team providing water access to local communities and their livestock. All of these programmes are supported by Tusk.
>
Activities: It’s not all about 4×4’s! There is a wealth of activities and experiences to be had at every turn including horse riding amongst the herds, walking safaris, visiting the neighbouring Ndare Ngare Forest and jumping into one of the waterfalls or taking to the skies for an aerial safari over the conservancy or around Mount Kenya. Credit: Lewa
NORTH
The next stage of your journey takes you off the Plateau, down into the arid north of Kenya, into the geographically fascinating Samburu region and “The North”. By contrast to the Lewa / Borana Conservancies, here the landscape is dry and breathtakingly baren. An area that has seen dramatic change in the last 10 years thanks to Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT), a Tusk supported organisation. NRT provide a shared resource to help build and develop community conservancies, which are best positioned to enhance people’s lives, build peace and conserve the natural environment. Credit: Sasaab
>
Wildlife: A spectacular location to spend time with lion, elephant and leopard, this ecosystem is home to five rare and endemic animals, nicknamed the “Samburu Five”, which are: Gerenuk (photo), Somali Ostrich, Beira Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe and Grey Zebra. Credit: Sasaab
>
Culture: Samburu guides are encyclopaedias of knowledge and proud of their deep heritage which is still central to their way of life today. Living a semi nomadic lifestyle, cattle, as well as goats, sheep and camels, play a vital role in the Samburu way of life and culture. Credit: Kalepo
>
Accommodation: It’s all about keeping cool! Open tents, pools, shaded areas and views…or we can arrange a beautiful night fly camping under the star filled sky. Credit: Sasaab
Masai Mara
One of the most acclaimed reserves in the world with plentiful wildlife year round on the rolling plains. One thing we love about the Mara is to enjoy a full day safari with picnic lunch.
>
Activities: Our team are experts at finding that “lonely tree” to shade under for bush breakfast.
>
Highs: The early bird catches the worm! The early wakeup call is well worth it, floating above the Mara River and Masai Mara Reserve in a hot air balloon. Credit Angama Mara
COAST
White sands and turquoise waters filled with marine life. The Kenyan coast is the ideal place to relax post safari. Credit: Manda Bay
>
Conservation: Northern Rangeland Trust supports marine conservation initiatives including the protection of the 5 species of turtle found off the Kenyan coast from illegal poaching. Through supporting NRT, the trust aims to improve the lives of coastal communities and health of marine ecosystems through well-governed and sustainable community-based institutions.
>
Relax: Some say, after a safari, the best activity is D.N.A (Do nothing at all!). Credit: Manda Bay
+44 (0) 1608 638777
Get in touch
