Karisia Walking Safaris

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
Laikipia covers a significant portion of dramatic countryside in northern Kenya, sandwiched between Samburu and Mount Kenya in the east and the Aberdare Mountains and Great Rift Valley in the west. The central section of the area is covered by a lava plateau which creates a series of rocky escarpments offering epic views, whilst a series of rocky outcrops and hills dot the landscape revealing the landscapes much more ancient history (some of these rocks are thought to be around 80 million years old). The region is divided into a number of private ranches, conservancies and community lands with farming (cattle mainly), wildlife conservation and local populations all existing in relative harmony. As the region is increasingly closely managed, and the local communities are made more aware of their role in conserving wildlife and benefiting from this, there has been an increase in properties dedicated solely to wildlife, and in these areas the wildlife populations are growing steadily. Some private ranches have been concentrating on wildlife conservation for many years and offer superb game viewing experiences, though in general the Laikipia region is better known for its wilderness, scenery and the wide variety of activities on offer.

The terrain and habitat is varied with two main rivers dissecting the region – the Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok. These rivers are fed from Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains respectively, and provide year round water through what can otherwise be described as a dry and harsh environment. Around 250 species of birds have been recorded and the mammal list includes greater kudu, gerenuk, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, lion, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Thompson and Grants gazelle, eland, Beisa oryx, defassa waterbuck, striped hyaena, spotted hyaena, baboon, vervet monkey, jackal, warthog and many smaller species such as caracal, African wild cat, serval, genet, civet, porcupine, aardvark, aardwolf and rock hyrax.

Activities
Walking is always the main activity with Karisia, whether longer walks on a mobile safari, or short walks from a base camp, with or without camels. Swimming in the Ewaso Nyiro River, picnic lunches on mountain tops and spontaneous cultural experiences make the whole experience very flexible and rewarding, whilst you can also expect to see a large amount of game and learn a significant amount of bush skills along the way. For those looking for something a little different, Karisia have trained guides for rock climbing (prior notice must be given). From Tumaren Camp it is also possible to undertake game drives (both day and night), visit a school, market or manyatta (also available from Classic and Luxury mobile camps) and visit a baboon research centre (prior notice must be given); while activities for families include Masai frisbee, football, beading, visiting the female camel boma to see baby camels and Samburu games. Stays are always tailored and flexible to suit guests’ interests.

Seasons
Karisia Camps are open all year round, though rain is more likely in November, April and May.