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 White
water rafting safaris in Kenya provide a combination of white-knuckle
adrenaline thrills and scenic bird viewing on a wilderness safari on game
viewing. The spectacular scenery and abundant birds and game make rafting
in Kenya a unique experience. The length of trips can be tailored to your
own requirements and there are a variety of rivers to choose from
White-water rafting in kenya was pioneered by back in early 1991 when
mark savage and 4 friends decided, despite never having set foot in a
rubber boat before, to "have a go" at running an 80 km section
of the athi river.
White water rafting safaris in kenya provide a combination of white-knuckle
adrenaline thrills and scenic bird viewing on a wilderness safari on game
viewing. The spectacular scenery and abundant birds and game make rafting
in Kenya a unique experience. The length of trips can be tailored to your
own requirements and there are a variety of rivers to choose from.
GENERAL RAFTING INFORMATION
ETS 051 TANA RIVER DAY TRIP RAFTING
ETS 052 THE ATHI RIVER 3 DAYS TRIP
ETS 053 MALEWA RIVER WHITEWATER RAFTING TRIP 2 DAYS
ETS 054 MATHIOYA RIVER DAY TRIP
ETS 055 EWASO-NG'IRO RIVER 4 DAYS
Due to the high quality of the white-water sections, the prolific bird
life and the natural beauty of the whole area, along with its ease of
access from Nairobi (just 95 km), this is our most popular river for both
the white-water trips and scenic float trips. The white-water section
that we do starts some 2½ km above the town of Sagana, and ends
at our own campsite some 16 km down stream. The scenic float trip starts
from the campsite and takes in 12 km of calm water down to the barrage
close to the main road back to Nairobi.
The tana river usually rafted as a day trip the river starts with 3 km
of class 2 and 3 rapids, followed by 6 km of calm and scenic river, abundant
bird life(over 120 species),before a final 7 km of fast and exiting grad
4 and 5 white water. Calm water section to the camp lasts 4 hours to the
camp.
Distance from Nairobi is about 230 km, and hence only viable as a minimum
of a three day trip. The description attached covers the more usual 80
km section that we do, but it is possible to start from near the town
of Thika and to finally end the trip on the Indian ocean near Malindi
some 500 km on down. Several short portages required. Best described as
a scenic river but with perhaps a third of the river being class ii and
iii. Three sections of class iv / v.
All 450 km of the Athi is raft able and the stretch bordering Tsavo national
park is especially scenic with good game viewing and exciting rapids ranging
from class 2 - 4.
Pick up very early from Nairobi and transfer to naivasha Kigio wildlife
conservancy in the rift valley. Here you view some of the resident wildlife
before you head off the property and up to the put in point far upstream.
After instruction in rafting techniques and safety on the river you are
out in charge of your own 2-3-person raft. The first day is a smooth water
session with the occasional small rapid that is easily negotiated with
your new skills!
Later in the morning as you pull over to the riverbank at a local Kikuyu
tribe homestead and view how rural Kenyans in this region make a living.
Onwards we paddle viewing python, waterbuck, and Sykes, velvet and colobus
monkeys that live in the towering riverbank acacia trees. You stop for
the night at the campsite for a hot shower then join us under the stars
for an aperitif before dining under the stars.
Now with days paddling experience we tackle rapids up to grade 3+ on the
Malewa river negotiating rapids called the waterfall, otter and eland
bend. A magic, fun day where you are in command of your craft. A sense
of satisfaction is felt as we near the end of our trip and pull out at
Malu lodge. We then transfer you back to Nairobi arriving late evening.
Price is inclusive of the following:
1. Transport from Nairobi to naivasha and back Nairobi by road
2. Meals and accommodation for the entire trip
3. Paddling in 2-3 person craft
4. Experienced guides guide the rafting.
A day trip for 95 kms from Nairobi the Mathioya is a narrow, low volume
river, which runs for 22 km with a descent of 450 m. The water is not
especially big but it is fast flowing and many of the rapids are technically
difficult and class 4 and 5.
This exciting river trip takes at least 4 days and has long and difficult
stretches of white water, ranging from class 3 - 5. The river flows through
samburu national park as far as chandler falls in shaba national park.
The scenery is spectacular and wildlife abounds. The lower age limit for
rafting is 14 with parental consent. There is no upper age limit although
individuals should be of at least average fitness and health and should
respect the rivers.
PRICE PER PERSON USD 405
GENERAL RAFTING INFORMATION
Equipment
Crew capacity of each boat is licensed at 8 pax + one guide, though we
very seldom have more than 6 crew per boat. Helmets are used on most sections
of river as well. All rafting trips carry a very comprehensive first aid
medical kit with guides trained in its use. Guides all carry a, throw
bags, binas and pulley.
We prefer client participation, and hence, unless requested in advance,
the participants themselves paddle all boats. A guide in each boat just
gives the commands and steers the boat. "Oar frame", or "guide
paddled" boats are available standard on all scenic float trips.
• A professional and experienced guide in command of each boat.
• A full river briefing before you set off, plus specific briefings
before each set of major rapids.
• Comprehensive safety (3A) and first aid equipment. All guides
are cpr trained.
• The opportunity to bring cameras or video in our water proof boxes,
or to rent proper waterproof still cameras
• Customized food catering, including complementary beer and soft
drinks
• Courtesy transport from Nairobi to and from the river.
Due to safety considerations, we use two or more boats and guides on
the athi or ewaso-nyi'ro rivers, the minimum number of clients on each
of these trips should be four. We do take provisional bookings for lesser
numbers and are often able combine those persons with other groups, particularly
if one group is flexible over dates.
Minimum age, experience and fitness
The lower age limit to run all the rapids is usually 14, with parental
consent. We have no fixed upper limit as it's dependent on the individual’s
fitness and health. (we regularly have "old" men of 40, and
we've even had a "young" lady of 72 with us on the Tana!).
Accommodation
On the Athi and Ewaso Rivers, each night's camp is set up at a scenic
point, either on the side of the river or upon a sand bank. Tents are
small 2-man dome types, and airbeds and sleeping bags are provided.
Food
First class all the way. All perishables are carried in a freezer trailer,
as are soft drinks and beer. Breakfasts are in the full "English"
style with cereal, bacon and eggs, toast and coffee. Lunch, because it
is carried on the boats each day, is more basic, consisting of bread,
salad, cheese and cold meat cuts. For dinner, our usual 5 course meals
consist of a starter, soup, barbecued main meal and vegetables, followed
by fruits and coffee. The guides cook it all over a wood fire, while you
relax over a glass of wine or a cold "tusker" beer.
Guest requirements
Shorts (or swimming costume) and a shirt, (long sleeves and pants for
those with sensitive skins and essential on all multi day trips). A wide
brimmed hat. Pair of fasten able shoes or "teva" type sandals.
Sunscreen of factor 25 or more. Additionally, on multi-day trips: personal
toiletries and malarial prophylactics. Optional - camera, and sun glasses
(with retainer cord), gloves and socks, (anti sunburn). A light weigh
nylon rain jacket worn under your life jacket is also useful in cool weather
or if it does rain while you are on the river.
Please also bring spare warm clothing to change into at the end of the
trip. What you wear on the boat for the white-water will get wet. Probable
water conditions
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