Incredible Journey Trip

Short but oh so sweet; Silver or Gold Expedition

The six-day Laikipia Adventure lets you hike, bike, raft and climb across raw African wilderness …

One of our slightly shorter trips, this is a stonking expedition that offers wind-in-your-hair exploration of one of the most remarkable regions of Africa. From the glacier-coated peaks, to the silvery rivers that cross the vast plains, to the spectacular faces of the Lendille Rocks, you’ll take a journey across a wild, ever-changing landscape. On route you’ll see superb wildlife, wonderful flora and fauna, and nomadic brightly dressed morans: Samburu warriors in headband, necklaces and beaded bracelets guarding their cattle. One of the ultimate ways to escape the populated tourist trails, this is an unforgettable foray into the dramatic Northern Frontier.

We kick off by looking at the Laikipiak Maasai culture with a visit to a manyatta – typical Maasai timber and cattle dung home.

Today you’ll grasp the basics of Swahili and Maasai languages, hear about their traditions, mythology, hunting methods and dances, along with learning a few bush skills: making a bow and arrow and spear throwing.

You’ll also get to grips with some very unusual bush food and plant life, including the toothbrush and deodorant trees! Feeling creative? Then learn the significance of the mesmerizing local jewellery worn by tribe members and have a go at making your own beaded bracelet. Pack your rucksack then head off on your Silver Expedition!

Suggested 6 day Programme

Day 1: To Nairobi and Orientation

Meet Rift Valley Adventures Staff at JKIA and transfer to either Nanyuki in Kenya or Arusha in Tanzania. We drive in our modified safari viewing the wonderful wildlife on the way, it may just be your first glimpse of a wild elephant! We have lunch and spend the afternoon with our orientation. A chance to familiarise yourself with the Maasai culture by visiting a manyatta – typical Maasai timber and cattle dung home. Grasp the basics of Swahili and Maasai languages, hear about traditions, mythology and hunting methods of the tribes you’ll meet during the visit, and try out local bush skills – lighting a fire with sticks and spear throwing. Then pack your bags and get ready for the expedition.

Day 2: Canoeing or Trekking

Walking or travelling in two-man inflatable rafts, we navigate to our camp. As the river slips in and out of rocky valleys, you never know whether there’ll be an elephant or gazelle drinking around the next bend. After many hours we set up a spectacular camp, crash out around the fire and look up at sky of stars that’s more duvet than blanket.

Note: Option to trek for Days 2-4

Day 3: Ewaso Nyiro to Il Motiok Group Ranch

We continue walking along the riverbank where the local Maasai go about their daily lives. If we navigate well, at a pre-arranged pick-up point, we can transfer to mountain bikes for a couple of hours. As well as watching the often prolific game, you may also get involved in radio tracking the ranch’s wild dogs in the evening.

Day 4: Rockclimbing and Abseiling

Navigate to Kijabe Group Ranch and see a hotbed of local culture and tradition, helping it earn valuable funds from tourism for community development. Today we navigate to our rockclimbing site along with the ranch’s rangers, where Rift Valley Adventure’s naturalist can explain traditional Maasai skills from using medicinal plants, collecting honey, tracking animals or finding water in apparently barren riverbeds. Alternatively visit a local school. It’s your call!

Day 5: Mountain Bike to Sinyai Luggar

After a leisurely breakfast it’s back to pedal power for a thrilling morning descent to the Sinyai Luggar (dry, sandy river beds) – where we visit a local school and spend a couple of hours interacting, playing games and sharing experiences.. The afternoon’s spent relaxing, exploring the incredible view or walking down the luggar to see the massive Mugumo (fig) trees.

Day 6: Home

Back to the international airport via a wildlife reserve packed full of animals and then home.