Karisia specialise in walking safaris supported by camels in the Laikipia and Samburu region of northern Kenya. This area is vast and encompasses areas rich in wildlife – around Tumaren, the Ewaso River basin, Laikipia Plateau and Borana – and dramatic scenery – the forested Karisia Hills, Mukogodo Forest, and the remote rocky outcrops on Tale, Nantodo and Kirimun, which sweep into sand rivers far below. Walks to other regions such as Mathews Range north of Mt. Kenya can also be arranged.
Karisia’s walking safaris are very flexible, with different options for luxury and classic, mobile and fixed safaris. Guests can choose to spend their time in one camp (Tumareen Camp, which is located on the Karisia ranch) and go out from here each day for walks. The other option is a multi-day safari (3-5 days) walking from A to B using overnight fly-camps in the bush.
There are two safari choices – “luxury safari” or “classic safari”. On a luxury safari you will have a large walk-in frame tent with more space. Loo and bathroom facilities consist of one toilet and one mobile shower for each tent on a luxury safari (the showers are typical safari-style “warm bucket showers”). On a classic safari you will have two-person dome tents and a shared shower and loo tent. Both types of safari have long drop loos with wooden seats which are freshly dug for each camp. On all safaris camels will carry luggage and equipment as well as tired walkers! Although it’s not the most comfortable way to travel, riding camels is something which kids often love – Karisia walking safaris can make for wonderful family holidays.
Samburu warriors will be your guides and trackers and they know the area intimately. It’s also possible to engage Kerry or James, the owners of Karisia, to be your guides (an extra charge applies). Whoever hosts your safari, you can be sure they will be extremely knowledgeable about the local wildlife, people and history.
The itineraries can be tailored to suit individual requirements from the distance walked each day to the areas visited. A typical day would start with a hearty breakfast, followed by an 8-12km walk during which time the Samburu will move the camp ready for your arrival for lunch. Afternoons can be spent birdwatching, swimming or fishing. Evenings are spent around the campfire enjoying a delicious three course meal. There are lots of activities to keep kids entertained, including fishing, tracking, making bows and arrows, swimming, boating in the rivers, rock climbing, and more. Visits to schools, bomas and markets can also be arranged.
Game is shy of walkers so you will see the animals at a distance. While exploring Laikipia and Samburu, you can hope to see reticulated giraffe, elephant, lion, common zebra and Grevy’s zebra, as well as a great variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians. The walks do not take place in the core game-viewing regions, where it would be too dangerous, but rather in the more remote parts of Samburu.
Gane and Marshall can help you plan complete Kenya safari package including a Karisia walking safaris – contact one of our specialists to discuss the available options.
