Preparing for the Safari :: While on Safari with Somak :: EastAfrican Map :: Masai Itinerary :: Special Interests

Preparing for the Safari

Safari days are adventure days - your search for wildlife is the most exciting part of your holiday, but please be guided by your experienced driver/guide. At the conclusion of your safari it is customary to show your appreciation by way of tipping.

If you have little appetite for adventure, or the unexpected - including coming upon wild animals at close range, traversing unmade roads, roughing it and helping out when the odds are down, we recommend you limit yourself to a one/two day excursion, not a full-blown safari. It is sometimes possible to be temporarily stranded (e.g. during the rainy season, or by unforeseen breakdown) - although Game Rangers (and their 4WD vehicles) are never far away and reassuringly all drivers form a close community of mutual support.

You will return dusty as you travel the African bush and may wish to equip yourself with Safari Clothing. Obviously a fresh change of clothes will prove most welcome. It is advisable to travel light on Safari. A small sports bag/rucksack is ideal and makes travel convenient and comfortable. Your regular luggage can be left at the City/Beach Base Hotel.

You probably cannot pack too much film. Freshen-up towels and insect repellent are useful. Evenings can sometimes be cold, a pullover, comfortable shoes and a small torch are practical kit - 'forget your hi-heels'.

With SOMAK the longest established operator in Kenya, you are in competent hands. Safari vehicles are also equipped with cooler boxes, for your own supply of drinks.

When on Safari

On a Somak safari, vehicles are driven by expert driver/guides. All Somak safaris in Kenya including our coastal overnight safaris are with a guaranteed window seat. Somak are the only company to offer this. Somak microbuses are equipped with a cool box to store your drinks. 

4-wheel drive vehicles are available on request at a supplement. These hardy vehicles seat upto 5 adults (all with window seats) and have game viewing roof hatches. Game drives normally takes place in the cool of the day i.e. early morning or evening when the animals are most active. They are usually around 1 to 2 hours in duration. In the game parks, as throughout Kenya as a whole, road conditions vary considerably. Surfaces can be rough and bumpy and may be dusty or muddy. Despite skilful driving, heavy rains may cause a vehicle to get stuck in the mud and you may be called upon to give a helping hand. At some of the Lake lodges, game drives are not included but optional excursions are available which can be purchased locally.

SAFARI TRANSPORTATION

Our fleet is equipped with both Microbuses and Landcruisers. These two most popular forms of transport both offer a high level of comfort and rugged durability. They are also ideally suited to the often rough terrain on game drives, and are arranged to enable each client to be able to enjoy both a window seat, plus free unimpeded standing access in the Parks. All safaris unless otherwise indicated use a maximum of seven seats, thus guaranteeing you a window seat. Somak microbuses have game viewing hatches (accessible from the rear six seats). Both are equipped with high frequency radios for instant and effective communication and a cool box.

 A SAFARI EXPERIENCE - FIRST HAND

6 AM The dawn call from the wild awakened me from a deep slumber. Kennedy our driver/guide was spot on time for our morning game drive and ensured the safari bus was ready to go sharp at 6 am. It was still dark as we pulled away from the lodge, descending the ridge and heading out on to the Mara Plains. A solitary Buffalo mused at our departure whilst chewing the cud. The air was a little fresh yet filled with the heavy scent of moisture. Kennedy paused briefly at the fork in the track, his eyes scanned the horizon. He reached for his binoculars, which were hanging, loosely around his neck and I could see the concentration in his jet black eyes. Later he explained his thinking: 'shall we do the Mara Triangle Circuit'. He had that quite assured confidence and was humming to himself as we headed up the track and along for about 2 km. All eyes were peeled, the six of us were covering every direction, but apart from the morning cries of birdlife and mistaking several far-away trees for animals there was nothing.

6:45 AM The dawn was steadily giving way to sunrise. Within its beam the grasslands were aglow, yet into the shadow and we could see only gloom. We welcomed its strong rays as it heated up the air and appeared to switch everything on, but for Kennedy the challenge was to locate some action before the full power of the sun switched certain predators off. He located a high point to reassess the scene and focused hard though his binoculars. Within 30 second he said quite calmly 'Look Lions over there, you see them?' Ralph had his telephoto trained for at least a minute before he admitted 'Can't see anything' Others in the party were checking with the binoculars when Kennedy said 'we must move in or we will miss it'. The bus peeled off the track in a short-cut to a more direct path. 'There are about 6 ' he said. 'Look you can see, they have something, they are going for it'. Two females created a pincer movement and a third pounced and brought the adult warthog swiftly to a stop. Within seconds, she had smothered him and he was dead meat, but the question was for whom? As the majestic black-mained male moved in, the females withdrew and allowed him to tuck in. Apparently warthog is a Lions delicacy.

7:02 - 8:55 AM The beauty for us was not in the kill but in spending the next 2 hours in their company, seeing the coming and going of the pride; and a minor dispute as 2 intruder lions approached and were warded off. Just across a mixed herd of Antelope and Zebra seemed oblivious to the potential danger, but the females did not regroup 'for a second bite of something else'. Apart from one, they lay there apparently contented, though doubtless hungry. The young female was engaged in game of bluff with the male. As he chewed and was getting ever more in to the full flavour of his apperative she gingerly nudged ever closer inch by inch until they were just a lions width apart, as his head turned to nose on the bone he caught sight of her, roused himself and pounced, roaring his disapproval at her cramping his style; she yelped, backed off and turned on her back in submission. This happened twice more, but to no avail. There appeared nothing left over but some stained grass which for the moment had to satisfy the pride. Whilst this occurred, in a separate dispute we saw a sudden rush of activity as another intruding female got into a tussle with the pride. At the critical moment the Black male left his meal, and legged into the affray to investigate. He had a slight limp and was satisfied with the result so decided to return to his kill. First he paused and awaited the return of his pride as they came alongside one by one noses touched in a tender display of affection. It suddenly occurred to us that we might ourselves miss breakfast unless we broke away. But we couldn’t leave. The final determining factor was not hunger but lack of film. We had finished off all that we had brought out.

 Masai Safari

The Masai Mara - the most famous game reserve in the world, combined with Samburu. 

This safari provides a wide choice of game viewing, plus a visit to the most exclusive, Sweetwaters Tented Camp, on the slopes of Mt. Kenya…….

Tourists are met on arrival by a Somak representative and escorted to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax or to take an optional excursion or explore the City. Overnight at the Nairobi Serena Hotel or similar on bed and breakfast basis.

After breakfast head north across the Equator into the panoramic northern frontier district and into Samburu National Reserve (300 kms). Lunch at Samburu Serena Lodge. Late afternoon game drive on the look out for species seldom seen elsewhere - Grevys's zebra, the reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the blue legged Somali ostrich. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives, with breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodge. Overnight at Samburu Serena Lodge.

Day 4 - Sweetwaters Mt. Kenya

After breakfast drive to the Sweetwaters Tented Camp (180 kms). The camp lies in the heart of the privately owned 22,000 acres Sweetwaters Game Reserve, enjoying magnificent views across the game-studded plains to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. This is one of the few game reserves, which is home to chimpanzees. Accommodation is provided in luxuriously appointed tents, set under thatch, with en-suite facilities and a private verandah. Within the quaint, original farmhouse is the dining room, bar and reception. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the camp.

After breakfast head out to the world famous bird sanctuary of Lake Nakuru (260 kms). Lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 6 - Masai Mara

After an early breakfast descend to the floor of the Great Rift Valley and on into the Masai Mara Game Reserve (370 kms). Lunch is taken en route to Mara Serena Lodge. Late afternoon game drive. Afternoon and overnight at the lodge.

 Day 7 - Masai Mara

Early morning optional balloon trip or an early morning game drive. Late afternoon game drive. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at the Mara Serena Lodge.

Day 8 - Nairobi

After breakfast return to Nairobi (370 kms). On arrival proceed with chosen option or prepare for departure flight home.

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Special Interests

SAFARIS BY AIR
A good option for those with limited time or those who want to maximise their game viewing options. Distances in Kenya can be long and flying can be a quick and convenient way to hope between the prime game viewing areas. On some safaris part of the itinerary is by air, which reduces the travelling time between parks. Flights are in the light aircraft, which utilise airstrips. Baggage allowance is 15 kgs per person. The lodge or camp will provide transfers and game-drives.

BALLOONING SAFARIS
Early morning balloon rides over the Masai Mara/Taita Hills provide a wonderful perspective on the wilderness areas. After landing, the crew sets up a champagne breakfast. Ballooning can be arranged in the Masai Mara and the Taita Hills (and the Serengeti in Tanzania). This exhilarating experience commences at dawn with approximately one hour in the air, followed by a bush breakfast complete with sparkling wine. You depart your lodge before sunrise and take off as the sun rises. The direction and duration of the balloon trip is dependant on the prevailing weather conditions. Optional balloon trips take the place of the morning game drive. Please note that ballooning is subject to weather conditions. On certain safaris we offer 2 for 1 ballooning for honeymoon couples. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted and height restrictions apply.

SAFARIS BY CAMEL
The 'ship of the desert' offers a great vantage point for viewing nature. The arrangement, usually through north and central Kenya, is accompanied by a Samburu warrior guide. Support vehicle carries luggage, tents and supplies. Camel safaris also through the arid plains of Tsavo East National Park.

SAFARIS ON FOOT
Some Game Reserves and National Parks also offer the opportunity of walking safaris, which are a very exciting experience. These safaris are usually accompanied by an armed guide. For walkers and treks there are some stunning trails, particularly in the rugged country of the central, western and north-western regions. For the most ambitious trekker and climber Mount Kenya also Mount Elgon and the Aberdares.

BIRDWATCHING
Kenya boasts approximately 1300 different species of birds, more than any other single country on the African continent. The Rift Valley in particular supports large population of birds including raptors such as the fish eagle. The alkaline lakes support populations of flamingos and pelicans. Varied topography from woodland to desert, grassland to mountains, accounts for the incredible variety of species to be seen. From December to March the migrants from Europe arrive.

HORSE RIDING SAFARIS
Can be enjoyed in hills and plains of Masai Mara. Nights spent under canvas. This traditional style of safari is growing in popularity.

 Numerous extension are available on all safaris