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Lake Turkana Safaris, Lake Turkana Expeditions

Areas of Interest: Northern Frontier District, Samburu Game Reserve(Gerenuk and Grevys Zebra), Marsabit National Park, Kalacha, Chalbi Desert, Loiyangalani, Lake Turkana, Turkana Villages, Maralal, Nyahururu, Thomson Falls. Activity: Culture, Ethnic, Samburu village visit (optional extra cost), Boat Ride, Wildlife, Camping, Traditional Turkana Bandas, El molo village visit, Bird Watching, Scenery, Photography, Swimming Facilities (optional at extra cost), Use of Oasis Lodge Facilities (optional at extra cost). Country: Kenya Northern Kenya is lightly populated, untamed and often barren. Setting foot in these parts is like leaving the 21st century; it is an explorer’s heaven, and the variety of tribes that live here are some of the most captivating people in the world. They include the Samburu, Turkana, Rendille, Boran, Gabbra and El – Molo. This rugged 1,800-km expedition is run in land cruiser or expedition trucks. You will traverse along some of Africa’s worst roads; see beautiful mountain forest surrounded on all sides by hot dusty deserts, eventually arriving at our camp on the shores of the Jade Sea (Lake Turkana). Gametrackers has been offering this as our best selling safari for over 21 years especially for those true explorers and travellers who want to get off the tourist beaten track and for it, we are highly recommended. Ours is the only camp situated right on the beach of the lake with spectacular views of the South Island. The camp comprises 12 double traditional Turkana palm leaf huts, a dinning/lounge, kitchen, showers and toilets that are all available for use, if not, we pitch tents nearby. You will see a great variety of tribes during the tour and cross the Chalbi Desert if dry. During the rains it becomes an enormous shallow lake. Philip Briggs, travel writer and tour consultant best describes our safari by saying “While it is the lake that provides the nominal incentives for doing this trip, it is the people of northern Kenya that make the most lasting impression, nomadic pastoralists such as the Gabbra, Turkana and Samburu whose adherence to a strictly traditional lifestyle and dress is practically unique in modern East Africa. In small villages such as North Horr or Kalacha, even in the city of Loiyangalani, you could be forgiven for thinking that the whole human spectacle is being put on for tourists – except that practically no tourists pass this way aside from the fortnightly Gametrackers truck. As we returned to Nairobi from Turkana, we felt as if we had travelled not only through space but also through time, to be granted a vision of Africa as it might have been a hundred years ago. That this ancient human landscape still exists in a country as relatively developed as Kenya simply defies belief!” Briggs, P. (2nd Ed.) East and Southern Africa: The Backpacker’s Manual, Bradt 2001. Day 1 – Samburu Depart Nairobi in the morning heading north via the shoulder of Africa’s second largest mountain, Mt Kenya to the Samburu Game Reserve. Accommodation in our semi-permanent campsite is beautifully set under a canopy of trees or we may pitch tents on the edge of Uaso Nyiro (meaning Brown in Samburu) River. Cold showers are available which are amazingly refreshing in the hot, dusty climates. Day 2 – Samburu The day is spent game viewing in the park. Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings, some large enough to be called mesas. This reserve is becoming one of Kenya’s most admired stops after the Mara. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge fury ears, gerenuk antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs and the shy Oryx. Elephant and crocodile are guaranteed sightings, excellent bird watching with numerous varieties of weaverbirds and the martial eagle. Leopard sighting is also a special feature here. Day 3 – Marsabit We head north again along the Trans-African highway to Marsabit (meaning place of cold), an astonishingly cool, green and hilly oasis rising high above the dry heat of the surrounding desert lands. The local Rendille and Samburu people in their bright red outfits, beads and earrings make it a vibrant place. After setting up camp, we visit the lodge inside the National park and as long as the roads are dry we drive to Lake Paradise and Little Lake. Here, an indigenous forest and a desert come together to create the most compelling landscape on earth. Elephants and greater kudu abound. The dense forest in the park is also home to a variety of birds. Day 4 – Kalacha We depart after an early breakfast through the scenic landscape of the arid north with views of picturesque hills. We arrive and camp at Kalacha, a small Gabbra settlement on the edge of the Chalbi Desert. The Gabbra are an Eastern Cushite people related to the Somali-Rendille in their historical origins in the southern Ethiopian highlands about AD 1000. The men wear traditional shorts and a blanket-cloak and the women wear a wrap-around and head cloth. They are pastoralists, particularly attached to their camels. Day 5 – Lake Turkana We depart early crossing the Chalbi Desert to Lake Turkana which is the largest desert lake in the world and extends for 288 kilometres up to the Ethiopian / Kenyan border. It is surrounded by volcanic rock and desert. We arrive at our semi – permanent beach village where we have our traditional Turkana Huts; making it a perfect place to relax, protected from the scorching sun and heat characteristic of the climate of this remote area. Day 6 – Lake Turkana The day is spent relaxing and you may visit the local lodge to swim or hire a boat to visit the surrounding area (at an extra cost). In addition, we may visit Loiyangalani and the community settled there while in the evening visiting one of the Turkana Manyattas [optional] for traditional dances at an extra cost if clients wish. An unforgettable experience under a star studded sky so close you can almost touch it. Turkana, formerly L. Rudolf is now named after one of the tribes who live on its shores and it is in this area that Richard Leakey uncovered the three million year old fossils of ‘Homo Erectus.’ This pre historic site is now known as the “Cradle of Mankind”. The Lake is also known as the “Jade Sea” because of its remarkable blue – green colour. This is a result of algae particles, which shift with changes of the wind and light, so that the water surface shifts from blue to grey to fabulous jade. The lake is home to the largest population of Nile crocodiles in the world. If the weather permits we take a short sunset boat ride to the surrounding areas. Day 7 – Maralal We journey via the Horr Valley situated between Mount Nyiro and Ol Doinye Mara viewing the breath taking scenery as we continue to climb on torturous, rocky hills to Maralal. Near Maralal is one of the most breath taking scenes in all of Kenya – the Losiolo escarpment, an endless stretch as land drops down to the Suguta valley. Maralal is the unofficial capital of the Samburu people and has a distinctly frontier feel about it, like something out of a ‘wild west’ movie. It boasts a colourful Samburu market and a game sanctuary that lies just outside of town. Maralal is also home of the Maralal International Camel Derby that happens once a year between July and October and attracts riders and spectators from the four corners of the world Day 8 – Nairobi Heading south again via Laikipia Plains and Nyahururu we may stop at the Thomson falls named after Joseph Thomson who walked from Mombasa to Lake Victoria in the early 1880s. Shaped by the waters of the Ewaso Narok River, the falls plunge over 72m into a rift, spraying the dark forest below. After lunch we drive back into Nairobi by mid-afternoon. info@claudioustours.com http://www.claudioustours.com

Mozambique Tours, Honeymoon Accommodation and safaris

Scuba diving,Â BigÂ Game Fishing, snorkeling and coral reefs are just a few activities available.Â Â For those wishing to enjoy a peaceful break from life’s frantic pace â?? soak up the sun on pristine white beaches , whilst surrounded by aquamarine water.Â Â We constantly strive to keep our specials page up to date – so please do not forget to ask if there are any new specials running !Â Â

Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa is an exquisite island destination situated on Bazaruto Island, the largest island in the Mozambican archipelago of the same name. It offers visitors the quintessential Indian Ocean island holiday as well as a gateway to the unspoilt beauty of the surrounding area.

The largest of the archipelago islands, Bazaruto is one of Africa’s premier scuba diving destinations. Divers are able to see over 100 species of coral, thousands of tropical fish species, five kinds of dolphins, four whale species and sharks, all five marine sea turtle species and the largest population of the rare dugong on the African east coast.

Indigo Bay offers world-class, understated luxury, with its elegant design making the most of its superb location on the white-sand shores of Bazaruto. State-of-the-art facilities include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, specialist dive pool, and an activity centre, which co-ordinates a wide variety of water sports, as well as diving and fishing activities.

Pestana Bazaruto Lodge

Bazaruto archipelago comprises Bazaruto, Benguerra and Magaruque Islands, as well as the smaller Island Santa Carolina, (previously known as Paradise Island). The archipelago, declared a National Park in 2000, sustains a diverse range of fauna and flora including forest, savannah and wetland ecosystems.
Pestana Bazaruto Lodge is situated in the largest island of the Bazaruto Archipelago, approximately 800 km to the north of Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.Â

The island of Bazaruto is undoubtedly a beautiful and unexplored destination, characterized by its wildlife, turquoise waters and idyllic beaches. Bazaruto Island is 35 Km in length and 7 km across at the widest point, and is a little piece of paradise!

Part of the island is composed of enormous sand dunes, while the remainder of the island is thicket, grassland, scrub and wetland. Thick forests of casuarinas, coconut palms and cashew nut trees grow on its shores. Marine species include dolphins, dugongs, humpback whales, marine turtles and the freshwater lakes in the area are home to crocodiles. The impressive beauty of the coral reefs complements this subtropical ecosystem, enriched by the abundance and rare beauty of the tropical fish, clear water and excellent surf, plus rock and fly-fishing.Â The archipelago is deservedly known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”.

Vilanculos Beach Lodge

Vilanculos Beach Lodge is situated in the small costal town of Vilanculos, in the subtropical province of Inhambane, Mozambique. Vilanculos lies 720kms north of Maputo and 500kms south of Beira.

The town, with friendly people and a lively atmosphere, offers the perfect base from which to explore the picturesque Bazaruto Archipelago and the Bazaruto National Park.

The marine reserve includes five islands â?? Santa Carolina (also known as Paradise Island), Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque and Bangue

The Archipelago offers some of the world’s best snorkeling, diving and big game fishing. The islands are pristine in their natural beauty and diverse ecologies.

The coral reefs are profuse with a diversity of tropical fish and turtles, and are amongst the most pristine in the Western Indian Ocean. Dolphins are seen year round and whales are seasonal visitors to the Archepelago. The park is also home to the last viable population of dugong on the east African coast.

There is an abundance of bird species, including the crab plover and olive bee-eater that tunnels its nest into the sand dunes. Large flocks of migrant waders visit the fertile mud flats from September to April, and the nomadic Greater Flamingo arrive around
mid-October.

The town of Vilanculos has grown extensively over the last decade, and has been the recipient of considerable inward investment into its tourism infrastructure.

Vilanculos has an international airport with daily flights from Maputo and South Africa.

Tourists should be reminded to take malaria tablets and wear sunscreen.

Matemo Island Resort

Surrounded by dazzling white sand and azure blue sea, Matemo offers a heady combination of exclusive sophistication and laid-backÂ Mozambique island style living. Each of the 24 palm-thatched, air-conditioned chalets opens onto the beach and is just a few steps away from the sea.

For stylish Quirimba beach living, you need look no further than Matemo’s blend of understated luxury. Each chalet is beautifully appointed, with spacious en-suite bathrooms, outside showers and deck hammocks for lazing in whilst watching passing local Mozambique dhows and the gentle undulations of the sea. Every effort has been made to ensure that the beach chalets blend into the natural Quirimba Island surroundings, with local Mokuti palm roofs offset by glamorous touches such as local white marble, ornate carved doors from Zanzibar and rich furnishings and rugs from Dubai.

The spacious guest areas are gently elevated above the sea, with the lively bar, dining area and swimming pool commanding sweeping views over the Indian Ocean. Fresh, seafood-oriented meals are served in a variety of locations, from the open dining area to the poolside or on the sand with the sea lapping at your feet. To ensure ultimate relaxation, a range of simple spa treatments is on offer and can be enjoyed wherever guests please.

African overland safaris

WHAT IS OVERLAND?

Over landing is the tried and tested style of travel for covering long distances off the beaten track, reaching those hard to get to but memorable places. Our trips range from 3 to 10 weeks. This method of travel is without doubt the safest, most sociable and cost effective; as well as the easiest way to travel. You can enjoy those areas where transport, personal security and finding accommodation can be frustrating and difficult.

Over landing is not a holiday package! It is an adventure tour through the wilderness immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and the people. It’s the ultimate experience. Whichever safari you choose you will be rewarded with experiences and sights that will remain with you forever.
We help you to realise the real adventure!!!!!.

East Africa Overland Adventure Safari
East Africa Overland Adventures: The reserves of Serengeti and Masai Mara, where the greatest show on earth takes place, await you in East Africa. Experience the culture of the Maasai and Samburu people in Kenya and Tanzania and spend time relaxing on the coast or explore the exotic island of Zanzibar. Or go on an exciting Gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda

Nairobi to Zanzibar/Dar es Salaam : 4 Weeks

We leave our camp in Nairobi at 8 am on the first day of the trip. We recommend you arrive in Nairobi at least the day before the trip departs; however if you’re there with a few days to spare there’s lots to see and do around the city. In Nairobi town is the National Museum and markets. Close to the camp are; Karen Blixen’s house, Langata Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park for a first glimpse of African wildlife.

Week One

Leaving Nairobi we stop at the Rift Valley scenic lookout at 8,000 feet high, overlooking Mount Longonot and Lake Naivasha. We pass from the dramatic landscape of the Rift Valley to the highlands and spend our first night near Nakuru, where you can end your day sipping beer at Kembu Campsite.

We have an early start, crossing over the Ugandan border at Malaba or Busia. The scenery changes to tropical rain forests and tea and sugar plantations. We catch our first glimpse of Lake Victoria on route to Uganda’s capital city, our overnight stop.

Stopping for photos as we cross the equator, we continue southwest to Kabale town, gateway to the Mountain Gorilla Reserves. We spend this evening camped on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi the deepest Crater Lake in Uganda.

Climbing through lush terraced hills to Kisoro, there are panoramic views of this unique Ugandan landscape on every turn. From the road we have outlooks over three countries – Uganda, Republic of Congo, Rwanda; and the Virunga Mountains – Mountains of the Moon, the home of the rare mountain gorillas.

Kisoro is situated under the peaks of the Mufumbiro Mountains making a stunning base for the next two to three days, which are set aside for trekking the famed mountain gorillas.

In groups of six to eight people with two guides we trek deep into the forest to find one of the gorilla families. The trek is an experience in itself, following your guides as they cut a path through the thick vegetation. The guides track the gorillas almost every day but even so, sometimes it can take eight hours to find them. You will be rewarded though by the sight of these human-like giants playing with their young, feeding, grooming and staring curiously back at you. We spend an hour observing these amazing animals – bring plenty of film.

As the groups going to the gorillas are small, it takes a couple of days for everyone to do the trek. Whilst others are searching for the great apes, you can take in the local markets; walk to the nearby mountain lakes, or enter the Magahinga National park for a day hike up a volcano or a guided nature trail.

Still on a high from our time spent with the gorillas, we head back to Lake Bunyonyi meaning “place of little birds”. It is known, not only for its water birds, but also for its fresh water crayfish population. Lake Bunyonyi is a great place to relax, or for the more energetic you can canoe to one of the many islands dotting the lake, swim, or take in the scenery on mountain bikes.

Week Two

We return to Uganda’s capital. Kampala is a modern bustling city leaving you no shortage of things to see and do. You may wish to visit the National Museum, the Kasubi Tombs of the Buganda people.

Crossing the Owen Falls dam we arrive at Jinja on the shores of Lake Victoria. Our campsite for the next few days above Bujagali Falls is a welcome break from travelling, and we have a lazy afternoon to put up our tents on the grassy terraces overlooking the Nile River.

You can spend an action-filled day white water rafting down the Nile. As well as grade 5 rapids, this river has a lot of bird and wildlife to view while drifting between the rapids. The rafting is rounded off with a sunset BBQ and drinks, then back to camp to re-live it on video.

There is no shortage of other activities in Jinja; head off on a quad bike, bungee jump, fish on Lake Victoria, take a guided village walk or give up a day of your holiday to volunteer for the local community education project.

Leaving Uganda, we head back into Kenya and onto Nakuru Town, the capital of the Rift Valley Province. We spend the next few nights at Kembu Camp, a working farm. You can visit the local weavers and school or take a tour of the farm.

We visit Lake Nakuru, viewing game in a park famous for its soda lake surrounded by thousands, sometimes millions of pink flamingoes. The park is home to over 400 species of bird, and we may spot leopard or black and white rhino amongst the zebra, waterbuck, impala, giraffe and many more.

Week Three

Not far from Nakuru in the Rift Valley is Lake Naivasha. We camp on the shores of the lake where hippos often come to graze in the evenings and black and white Colobus monkeys turn up in the early morning.

Close by is Hell’s Gate National Park where you can hire bikes to take you around the park and see the herds of zebra, buffalo and antelope. You can also wander in the predator free reserve amongst African game. There is spectacular scenery here; red cliffs, grassy plains and rock towers made of hardened lava and the remains of ancient volcanoes.

Also on the lake is Elsamere; once the home of Joy Adamson and Elsa the lion of ‘Born Free’ fame. Elsamere is now the centre of the Born Free Foundation and you can find out more about their work, watch a video on Joy’s life and take afternoon tea in the gardens.

We head south to Masai Mara National Reserve, camping on the edge of the park. The sweeping plains evoke a picture of East Africa that most people hold in their minds and are rarely disappointed when confronted with the real thing. Great game viewing is assured all year round. The Mara offers us everything, amazing scenery and abundant wildlife including the big five.

From here we return to Nairobi with the chance to feast at the renowned Carnivore Game Restaurant.

Week Four

Into Tanzania we arrive in Arusha where you can take a side trip to the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. The trip is camping for two nights in the parks amidst the animals. If you choose not to visit the park you can wander the markets in Arusha town.

A day’s drive from Arusha brings us to Dar es Salaam on the Indian Ocean coast. Over the centuries trade between Africa and Arabia has resulted in the blending of Arabs and Africans into a beautiful Swahili (coastal) culture with wooden sailing dhows crossing the ocean, coconut plantations and fishing villages with mosques on the beaches.

From Dar es Salaam you can take the ferry to Zanzibar Island. Here is the old stone capital of the Omani Sultanate, sandy beaches, spice tours, snorkelling, diving and trips to other nearby islands.

Africa is an unpredictable continent. We do not have a fixed itinerary so please treat the information given as a guideline only. Although our information is written in good faith at the time of printing, our route may vary at any time due to weather, politics or road conditions.

Gameparks & Gorillas : 3 Weeks

We leave our camp in Nairobi at 8 am on the first day of the trip. We recommend you arrive in Nairobi at least the day before the trip departs; however if you’re there with a few days to spare there’s lots to see and do around the city. In Nairobi town is the National Museum and markets. Close to the camp are; Karen Blixen’s house, Langata Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park and the Nairobi Safari Walk for a first glimpse of African wildlife.