Helicopter Safari • The Ultimate African Experience
from "Safari in Style 2006"
...Our heli sped across the Laikipia plateau – through the rising sun towards Batian and Nelion - the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. We skirted above the mountain slopes where deep blue icy tarns and sparkling waterfalls caught my eye. The pilot, Ben Simpson, descended and landed gently on the edge of Lake Alice, and a champagne breakfast emerged from the Eurocopter.
At almost 3,900 meters Lake Alice is known for its rainbow trout, and I couldn't resist trying my hand at a bit of fly-fishing. Conceding defeat, I boarded again and we headed north-west along the Ewaso Nyiro River, over herds of elephant. Our destination was Ol Lolokwe Mountain - one of the most striking landmarks in Northern Kenya, standing 1000 meters above the flat plains, and accessible only by foot or heli.
A sheer rock face makes this flat topped mountain both incredibly unique and apparent from great distances, and the summit has a mist forest with giant cycads and superb birdlife including Kenya's largest nesting colony of Ruppell's vultures. Leaving Ol Lolokwe we flew along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River where spring water flows over lava rock and doum palms grow in clumps.
Finding a secluded spot on the sandy bank to land the heli was part of the adventure and stepping out into the cooling river water was yet another outstanding privilege...
...escape, explore and discover northern Kenya's most remote and stunning locations!
Escape, explore and discover...
Northern Kenya's most remote and stunning locations!
Just a few of the adventures recommended include:
- Trip to see the flamingos at Lake Bogoria, with a picnic breakfast on the lake shore.
- Early morning flight to the exclusive Samatian Island in Lake Baringo, where a full breakfast is served in the cool of the open-plan mess area, beside the horizon swimming pool. Lake Baringo is renowned for its amazing birdlife, hippo and crocodiles.
- A low level game flight down the Ewaso Nyiro River gorge in to the expanse of the Northern Frontier District – home to the Samburu Tribe. Ahead, the pristine and unexplored wilderness of the Mathews, offers you a variety of stunning locations to touch down for a chance to absorb the vista, with refreshments.
- Fly across the Laikipia plains to the slopes of Mount Kenya – arguably Africa's most beautiful and diverse mountain. Tranquil waterfalls and alpine lakes stocked with Rainbow Trout provide opportunities to land for the keen fisherman. The return flight follows a different route where the diversity of this amazing region becomes more apparent – as we travel through 5 climatic zones.
- Fly down the Suguta Valley – remote and hot with landscapes that resemble the Sahara - sand dunes, dry river beds and canyons. The lava incrusted land is dominated by giant termite mounds with enormous chimneys, some 20 feet high. A rise in the valley floor leads to the spectacular Silali Crater - one of Kenya's best kept secrets – the crater, with almost a 2 km diameter, has ridges rising a dramatic 1000 feet.
- Heli-camping for the more adventurous in the most pristine and untouched parts of Northern Kenya.
