A Walk Through The African Bush...
The African Safari can take many forms, and what most people think of when they think of safari is cruising through the bush in a Land Rover seeing as many species of African wildlife as possible. African Latitude has, for twenty years, been pushing the boundaries of this safari experience. Their trips take clients to areas in Africa so remote, yet so unequivocally beautiful, that vehicles can not access these areas. Thus, these expeditions take place on foot.
Trail Companions on Loita Hills Trek, Kenya, East Africa.
African Latitude leads small, personalized expeditions into the heart of traditional Masai country, the Loita Hills. This area in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania is the homeland of the Masai people, and they live as the have for thousands of years… the men taking care of their prized herds of cattle, the women building the homes and running the family and the children learning about the land and wildlife as they tend to the herds of goats. While most tribal people one comes across today during safari are familiar with “western ways,” these people rarely if ever see foreigners. In a country where nearly the entire population speaks Kiswahili, Kenya’s national language, these communities speak only in their native Maa tongue. As a result, their curiosity and friendliness are unmatched elsewhere in Africa.
The well-earned view at the end of the hike, Lake Natron, Tanzania, East Africa.
This trek through the bush begins in a private concession in the famous Masai Mara in Southern Kenya. This game reserve is home to the largest concentration and diversity of wildlife in Africa. Accommodation is a mobile tented camp, with large tents including beds and a nightstand. Dining is under a large tent next to the river, followed by cocktails around the fire. This is your chance to experience the wildlife of Africa, spending the day viewing wildlife in the Masai Mara.
Game viewing and a moment of solitude in the Masai Mara, Kenya.
Close encounters with African wildlife, a day on Safari in Kenya.
After a few days on the Mara, you travel by car to the Loita Hills where the trek begins. When traveling on foot the camping is much more light-weight, as donkeys will carry all camping equipment from this point onwards. Tents are more basic, and dining is under the stars. You will be amazed by the gourmet meals on safari, as the cooks create scrumptious menus using fresh ingredients and a campfire!
Once the walking portion of the safari begins, you will cover about 15 kilometers per day. This is not a race, and along the way you will learn about the bush, the wildlife, nature and the way of life of the Masai people met along the way. Don’t be surprised if as you walk on the Masai paths through the Loita Hills, several women and children tag along. These opportunities to meet and learn about this lovely culture in a very personal setting are truly priceless.
The final day of this hike is bittersweet, bringing you to the very edge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the stunning Lake Natron in Tanzania. The last night sleeping in the bush is a time to reflect on the powerful experience you’ve just had, as well as to look forward to a few nights of well-earned luxury at Shompole – a five star luxury resort (see www.Shompole.com) where you can soak your feet and relax by the pool.
African Latitude is dedicated to protecting and conserving natural habitats by attempting to minimize energy consumption, water consumption and waste materials. Out effort to involve community participation in our tourism projects is also aimed at promoting environmental awareness among these local communities.
