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Kenya Ecotour Goes Beyond "The Big Five"
New “learning safari” promotes interaction
with local people
While spotting “The Big Five” is the focus of many
safari trips to Africa, a new 11-day Ecotour Kenya is offering visitors a
chance to go beyond the typical safari trail and discover local initiatives
that are promoting both sustainable economic development and ecological
conservation.
The first two days of Ecotour Kenya are based at Sinya Omelok, a camp
located 90 minutes from Nairobi. Here, visitors will meet local Kenyans and
learn about new resource management systems to support income generation and
food security. They will also be guided along a nature trail that explores
caves, sacred sites, and the biodiversity of this unique sub-humid
ecosystem.
The tour continues through Mount Kenya National Park, Aberdare National Park
and Kakamega, via the Rift Valley. Kakamega Forest in western Kenya is a
superb slab of virgin tropical rainforest in the heart of an intensively
cultivated agricultural area. The forest is home to a huge variety of
animals and birds, including the rare DBrazza monkey. Guests will overnight
in the Rondo Retreat Centre, surrounded by beautiful gardens in the middle
of the forest.
From Kakamega, the tour passes through the White Highlands, arriving in Lake
Nakuru to witness the spectacle of millions of flamingos creating a “pink
carpet” over the lake. Then it’s on to the Elsamere Conservation Centre
which was once the home of Joy Adamson, who together with her husband George
became world famous for their pioneering conservation work and relationship
with the lioness Elsa, as told in the best selling book and film “Born
Free”. The centre, situated on the edge of Lake Naivasha, is a functioning
conservation complex providing accommodation for 15-18 people in cottages
set in the gardens around the main house.
Travelling south along the floor of the Great Rift Valley, the next stop is
the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, which is renowned for its extraordinary
density and diversity of wildlife, including the black-maned lion, cheetah
and leopard. Three days are spent in the Mara with stops at the Mara river
where visitors can also see abundant hippo and crocodile. One of the
highlights is a 3-hour walking safari, led by a Maasai guide who explains
fascinating details about the local flora and fauna and teaches participants
to identify animal footprints. Tented accommodation is at an Eco-camp where
there will be many opportunities to interact with the Maasai guides.
The tour starts and finishes in Nairobi with accommodation at the Nairobi
Safari Club. The price per person is CAD$1,919 per person, twin share,
including all transfers, breakfasts in Nairobi, most meals while on safari,
accommodation in tents and lodges, all park, camp and activity fees.
Safari Seekers, a leading safari company in East Africa, has designed the
Ecotour Kenya itinerary exclusively for Worldwide Ecolodges. For additional
information about this unique tour, contact Worldwide Ecolodges at (403)
933-4333, or 1-888-778-2378 or
www.worldwideecolodges.com.
Safari Seekers has been in business for more than 15 years organizing a
variety of safaris and tours throughout East Africa. Operating their own
fleet of vehicles, Safari Seekers can handle everything from short
sightseeing visits to extended custom-designed itineraries. All price levels
and standards of accommodation can be arranged from budget camping safaris
to luxurious lodges.
Safari Seekers is committed to introducing Canadian adventurers to the
wonders of East Africa. For additional safari information, visit
www.safari-seekerskenya.com.
Edited by Dave Shultz
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