6-Day Laikipia Walking Safari | Karisia & Tumaren Camp
A 6-day Laikipia walking safari typically features a 4-night camel-supported mobile trek through the wilderness, combined with 2 nights in a comfortable camp like Tumaren. Led by Samburu guides, these trips focus on tracking wildlife on foot, exploring remote landscapes, and learning about local culture.
A vehicle transfer will be arranged to take you to the beginning of your safari after your flight from Nairobi, the Mara, or the Coast! Your luggage will be collected from either the scheduled airstrips Nanyuki or Loisaba, or the nearest private airfield. From Nanyuki, the drive takes three hours, while from Kimancho, it takes an hour and a half. Of course, if you’d rather not use a helicopter, you may always fly into camp.
For the next four nights, you and your camel will traverse the wilds of Laikipia, stopping at different sites each day on your mobile safari.
Karisia Walking Safaris has three tiers of tented camps: Classic, Luxury, and the legendary “Air Bed and Camel” for those on a tighter budget. As you embark on your daily trek, the Karisia Team, aided by their trusty camels, will transport the entire camp to your next destination in advance of your arrival. Morning walks range from 12 to 16 kilometres and are moderate to vigorous in intensity. Under the guidance of your knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide, you can expect to see some truly remarkable species as you travel through breathtaking scenery. After lunch, you should head over to the new campsite for a nap before joining in on one of the numerous afternoon activities.
Tumaren Camp is the perfect place to unwind for the final two nights of your safari after a four-night mobile safari. With an open plain and salt lick directly in front of camp, wildlife viewing is excellent, and there’s plenty of room to spread out in the comfy tents. You may do as much or as little as you like here. For those who would like to lead a more active lifestyle, there is a wide variety of options available.
On your final morning, following a filling breakfast, the team will transport you to the nearest airfield, whether it’s Nanyuki or Loisaba, a private airstrip, or, of course, you can take another helicopter ride.
A Detailed 6-Day Laikipia Walking Safari Itinerary
Night 1: Nantodo, Karisia Mobile Camp
The Team will have come the day before and camped out behind a huge rock known as Nantodo; they will be waiting to greet you. After a rejuvenating lunch and some downtime in the afternoon, visitors will have the opportunity to ascend Nantodo hill for a breathtaking view of the Mathews Range and the Karisia Hills. You keep an eye out for gerenuk, elephant, impala, and ostrich from your vantage point on the hill. Everyone is invited back to camp, where hot baths and refreshing refreshments are waiting.
Night 2: Nantodo Fig Tree, Karisia Mobile Camp
Following a modest breakfast, you will rise early and make your way towards the far-reaching Ewaso River. Bear in mind that the grevy zebra, gerenuk, and grants gazelle are all sights to behold along the route. As you make your way through this ancient landscape, keep an eye out for the Samburu women leading their donkeys to the water and the warriors shepherding their camels and goats.
In order to chill down after the hike, you can take a dip in the river from the campsite. Following a leisurely afternoon spent at the water’s edge, you’ll set out on an evening stroll down the sandy riverbank in search of greater kudu, golden-breasted starlings, and the gregarious but wary stone partridges.
Night 3: Ngai Suisui, Karisia Mobile Camp
Once again, you’ll have to get up bright and early to make your way up the sand river, praying that you spot animals like klipspringers, Verreaux eagle owls, warthogs and elephants making their way to cooler areas. Located on a ridge adjacent to the peak, the campsite is a leisurely ascent of the hill.
After you’ve cooled down from the day’s heat, you’ll ascend Ngai Suisui, a magnificent peak that offers a breathtaking panorama and is home to a pair of Verreaux eagles. Sundowners here are guaranteed to be unforgettable!
Night 4: Nagaratat, Karisia Mobile Camp
As the sun rises, you’ll set off on foot to reach Namasaa, a peaceful location on the riverbank, after descending a stunning valley. Out of the valley, you’ll climb a rocky river course where fig trees cling to rocks and klipspringers sit high on the rocks above. The scenery is stunning, and you’ll walk along the river’s side under some gigantic Neutonia trees, keeping an eye out for hippos in the deep pools.
In the distance, you’ll see elephants and the unusual pancake tortoises that make their homes in crevices in the rocks as the trail leaves the valley behind and heads into rolling countryside. We may observe local herdsmen bringing water to their livestock from camp, and as the sun sets, we can take a leisurely stroll down the river, watching the many birds swoop by.
Nights 5 and 6: Tumaren Camp
The following morning, make your way up and out of the river valley to the waiting vehicle. It will transport you back to Tumaren Camp, which is in a wildlife-rich area, via the local market.
Every day, we will go for walks on the edge of the expansive plains, climbing rocks in search of animals, having picnics by the river, and maybe even catching a fish or two. Our cosy camp is located here. We have the option of visiting the nearby school and camel herd, or we can just relax at Tumaren and observe the birds and animals that come to the salt water in front of the camp.
End of the 6-Day Laikipia Walking Safari