Walking and Climbing

One of the activities that distinguishes Zambia – our African safari destination of choice – from most other countries, is the facility for taking to your feet in the bush, on a walking safari, accompanied only by your guide and an armed scout. However, under Kenyan National Park rules, this is not possible in most Kenyan destinations, although there are some locations in which this can be done – ask for details.

In principle you don't get quite as close to big game as you would in a vehicle (although in practice it can turn out to be just the opposite!), but you also get the opportunity to study things - such as insects, trees, droppings and spoor - that you normally never observe from a vehicle.

Walking safaris are not particularly strenuous - you will be stopping frequently to observe the fascinating details of the bush so the pace is not brisk by any means, but you will be travelling over rough terrain. Walks tend to last for 3 to 4 hours with a mid-walk break, setting off early in the morning and arriving back at your lodge or campsite at around 10 or 11 in the morning to avoid walking during the hot midday sun. [cont.]

Known as 'The Roof of Africa', Mount Kenya offers serious climbers the opportunity to scale Africa's second highest peak (second only to Tanzania's Kilimanjaro), whilst also remaining within the scope of the merely energetic.

You probably need to schedule a minimum of seven days in order to achieve this: five days actually on the mountain itself - height acclimatisation being vital - and a day either side at a suitable base camp, or rather comfortable safari lodge.

A climb like this needs to be undertaken as part of a seriously guided expedition, and not just entered into solo. KenyaAway will be pleased to provide further details of how to go about this - using a trusted and reputable guide company (there are several of the other type around, and care is required here).