Rift Valley Expedition - Wildlife Sanctuaries

Suggested Programme

Private Wildlife Sanctuarys close to the National Parks and Reserves of Nakuru, Hells Gate, and Lake Bogoria and Baringo are our base for this fantastic adventure. Situated in the Great Rift Valley and occupying large areas of grassland, mixed Acacia and riverine forest, with clear rivers and freshwater lakes, volcanos and craters the Great Rift Valley is a wonderful site.

The objectives of the Wildlife Sanctuaries are to conserve bio-diversity whilst developing viable alternative sources of income through eco-tourism, and wildlife management whilst Rift Valley Adventures adds additional income by operating student educational programmes.

Our programme ethos is minimum-impact, and students are encouraged to interact with the local community as well as experience the recreational activities we have on offer like nature walks, bird watching, mountain biking & canoeing.

Day 1: To Nairobi

Day 2: Nairobi to Wildlife Sanctuary
Arriving in Nairobi you are met by the Rift Valley Adventures Team and transferred to your private Wildlife Sanctuary. Your journey takes you high onto the wall of The Great Rift Valley with breathtaking views down into the craters of the dormant volcanoes Mt. Longonot and Mt. Suswa.

Your rooms have been prepared at the sanctuary and you have time to relax and enjoy the sounds of the wilderness before a guided walk around the camp and Wildlife Sanctuary. The evening is free to settle in and recover from your journey.

Day 3: Kasuki Gorge & Bush Skills
For the adventurous, an early rise for a morning canoe trip down the river or on Lake Naivasha, gives a unique view of Kenyan Wildlife. Onwards we paddle viewing python, waterbuck, Sykes, Vervet and Colobus monkeys that live in the towering Acacia trees.

In the afternoon we walk through dense forest and swim in natural spring pools high up in the gorge. With the help of our Samburu guides we track wild animals, learn how to make fire using two sticks, which plants are edible and which ones are used for bush medicine.

Day 4: Hells Gate National Park
Cycling or walking in this park provides a wonderful opportunity to see nature up close! Amazing rock-formations like Fischers Tower, a volcanic plug, and two extinct volcanos; Olkaria and Hobley’s provide for a dramatic landscape.

Natural steam vents rise from fissures in volcanic rock and obsidian, a striking black, glassy rock formed from cooled molten lava is a feature of this landscape. Game includes hyrax, buffalo, lion, giraffe, eland, hartebeest, leopard, cheetah and many types of birds nesting in the towering cliffs that dominate the park.

Day 5: Local School Visit
After a short mountain bike ride we reach a local Kenyan School. The morning is spent interacting with kids your own age, gaining an insight into how a Kenyan child grows up in the Rift Valley. The school visit is usually the highlight of every trip with a profound effect on the visiting students.

Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park
A day trip to Nakuru National Park to see some big game. Black and white rhino, flamingos, lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, baboons; the list is endless! Tonight we camp in the sanctuary, watching the stars in the African Sky by the campfire.

Day 7: Lake Bogoria
A spectacular site with searing blue skies and the rose pink of the thousands of flamingos that make their home here. The surrounding bush grasslands are home to number of animals.

A huge attraction, apart from the resident wildlife, are the hot springs and baths that are refreshing to bathe in after a long day. A tranquil camp by the lake shore adds to a beautiful setting.

Day 8: To Nairobi
A morning drive through the Great Rift Valley ends a fantastic trip through one of the worlds great geological marvels.

Day 9: Arrive Home

Kenya

Australia

A view from an eco-lodge

A warthog at Kigio.

A giraffe at Kigio Wildlife Conservancy.