SAMPLE ITINERARY

Kenya from the Air camping expedition

SAFARI ONLY:
Itinerary: Nairobi-Chyulu-Tsavo West-Siwani-Taveta-Jipe-Chala-Amboseli-Nairobi.
Duration: 8 days - 6 nights camping / 1 nights Lodge / day rooms in Nairobi
Transport: 4Wd Toyota Land cruisers & Ultra-light plane

SAFARI (as above) + LAMU:
Duration: 10 days - 6 nights camping / 3 nights
Lodges & Hotels / day rooms in Nairobi Transport: as above + chartered flight to Lamu

Day 1: Nairobi-Chyulu Hills We drive east out of the 'green city under the sun' along the Nairobi - Mombasa road, main artery from the Mombasa port to Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali. The first hundred kilometers will be on this busy tarmac road across the Athi plains to Sultan Hamud. Here we abandon the main road and our journey begins. Alexis with his ultra-light plane is waiting by the side of the road ready to take the first two candidates in their initial flight over the endless African landscapes . By noon we will all meet up again on the western slopes of the Chyulu hills and it is time for lunch. The ultra light will take off again and again with new passengers under the curious looks of Masai kids attracted by the plane while we set up camp for a first night under the equatorial stars.

Day 2: Chyulu Hills We are now climbing the mountain range across indigenous forest and valleys, around us, a multitude of extinct volcanoes roamed by agile hartebeests. Meanwhile the ultra light with two passengers on board will zigzag between volcanoes, discovering sometimes islands of virgin rain forest inside the crater bottoms. On top of the mountain range, the run way is seldom used and well overgrown by the vegetation, a favorite spot for elands. While we set camp, you may enjoy a sunset flight over "Shitani" volcano and its amazing lava flow. We will camp on this valley for the next two nights.

Day 3: Chyulu Hills We slowly descend on the Eastern side of the Chyulu hills towards Tsavo-West National Park. Below us Shitani falls scars the moon like scenery of Tsavo. This dried lava river bed is some hundred years old and was baptized by the Masai as such believing it was the devil who created such devastation. Since they have moved with their herds a little south towards Mt. Kilimanjaro, maintaining the area was haunted. We will explore the cone of the volcano and its caves while our camp staff prepares lunch. A game drive through the rain forest will take some of us back to camp, while others may glide like an eagle in the wind among volcanoes and over the forest under the magic light of the African sunset.

Day 4: Chyulu Hills-Tsavo West By early morning we are on the road or in the air again. The red soil of Tsavo, the hardness of the volcanic surroundings, the broken infinite landscape are part of our environment. Tonight we set camp along the Tsavo river in the mist of the African sounds of the night.

Day 5: Tsavo West-Taveta-Lake Jipe This used to be a wildlife corridor only a decade ago. Today it is the property of large landowners who have fence these estates and are farming sisal and corn. Back, in the beginning of the century, an intrepid South African had began to grow sisal. Today only his giant castle type house, built on top of a hill, is the only testimony of his existence. During this transition you will fly over lake Chala, a stunning and breathtaking experience. A short drive will take us to Taveta, one of Kenya-Tanzania border post. Here we need to refuel not only with diesel, but also fresh fruits and vegetables and also change passengers. Jipe is now only fifteen minutes away by air and one of the most beautiful areas in Eastern Africa to fly over, by road it will take us a couple of hours. Tonight camp will be set among huge prehistoric looking Baobabs. This evening you may end the day with a fantastic sunset flight over the lake, landing in camp just before darkness, in time for drinks.

Day 6: Lake Jipe A sunrise flight over the misty lake and … champagne imposes itself this morning for breakfast, for our back drop to this set are Lake Jipe strait ahead of us, framed by the North Pare Mountains and Mount Kilimanjaro. This morning we will explore the fauna and flora of the lake. Hippopotamus are abundant and so is the bird life. Cape buffalo, elephants, zebras, impala and hyenas are our hosts today and we will meet them all on our afternoon game drive. Throughout the day we will use the ultra light to explore the park and the shores of the lake.

Day 7: Lake Jipe-Taveta-Chala-Amboseli This morning we will try to pack up camp early. By lunch time we should be sitting on a monolith by giant fig trees, the crater lake at our feet. You can now swing yourself 'a la Tarz-an' on a bush rope into the cool waters of the mysterious lake. A four hours drive will take us to Amboseli National Park. This evening you will have a stunning flight against the sunset, Kilimanjaro as the back drop. After dinner you may watch the stars with a giant telescope as Alexis gives a lecture on the incandescent sky above us. No more setting tents for we are at the lodge tonight.

Day 8: Amboseli - Nairobi Morning game drive in Amboseli. You can now relax by the pool before lunch and our return to Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel where you have day rooms. Dinner at Carnivore Restaurant and transfer to JKIA for your return flight home.

Option LAMU: 13:15 Transfer to Wilson and flight to Lamu. Here, a motorized dhow will take you to Stone House, an 18th century stone house ideally situated in the mist of Lamu's narrow streets, or to the Island Hotel situated in the center of Shella Village, only a four minute walk from Shella's unspoiled golden sand beach.

Day 9: Lamu, tucked away at the northern end of Kenya's coastline… you may lay on the beach, visit the 16th century Takwa ruins or go fishing and snorkeling at Manda Toto. Here you may dream away as you stroll along a bygone age of the old Arab trading route of as early as the 7th century. Stone buildings with carved doors, a waterfront teeming with dhows and women rapt in black are part of the set as you drift into the night fragrance of the bazaar life among the aromas of charcoal cooked sheeshkababs and strong coffee.

Day 10: Lamu… but remember you have a 3 pm flight to Nairobi to catch. Day rooms at Inter Continental or similar await you. Dinner will be at the Carnivore restaurant and from there to JKIA for your return flight home. ©AB'97