Sitatunga Tours

Kenya’s coastal waters are warm all year round so it is possible to dive without a wetsuit and have a rewarding dip under the wave almost anywhere.Most of the diving bases are located at Malindi,Watamu or on the coast south of Mombasa.Diani Beach is probably the most popular area.There are centres here which will provide training to PADI leader level.For underwater photogrphers,in particular,the immense coral reef is a major draw-the landscape is spectacularly varied,with shallow coral gardens and blue-water drop-offs sinking as deep as 200m and, as there are few rivers to bring down sediment,visibility is generally excellent.

If you plan to do a fair bit of snorkelling,it makes sense to bring your own mask and snorkel though they can always be rented.The Dive Sites of Kenya and Tanzania,by Anton Koornhof is highly recommended,and also covers sites suitable for snorkelling.For fish identification,A  Guide to Common Reef Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean and Kenyan Coast by Kenneth Bock . Another good book is Coral Reef Fishes -Indo-Pacific and Caribbean by Ewald Lieske and Robert Myers .

Most obviously,the beaches are the launch pad for one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world,rated in the top three by experienced divers,along with Australia’s Barrier Reef and the Red Sea. With breathing apparatus you can do some spectacular dives ,including night and wreck dives, but even with the most limited equipment-a snorkel and a mask- you can still enter what really is another world,either taking a boat or swimming out to discover sections of reef for yourself.The three most spectacular zones,enclosed in Marine National Parks,are far to the south off Wasini island,the area between Watamu and Malindi,and in the extreme north,off Kiwaiyu island.

Watamu National Marine Park

The Watamu National Marine Park and Reserve offers extensive diving and snorkeling opportunities for novice and advanced levels.
Some of the sites in the protected areas include:

• Moray Reef
• Drummers Reef
• The Canyon
• Brain Coral
• The Wreck
• Turtle Reef

Diving conditions vary, due to the seasonal monsoon winds. Snorkelling can be done all year round, although conditions vary according to the season, wind and weather.

The best times to dive and snorkel in Watamu are between November and March.

Between April and October, diving is often limited to the sites inside the fringe reef as the monsoon winds make it difficult to travel beyond this protective barrier.

Some dive bases are closed during June and July; if you wish to dive during this period, it is best to check with us to ensure your preferred dive base is open.

Scuba Diving

The warm tropical seas of the Indian Ocean provide ideal conditions for an astonishing variety of marine life and outstanding diving potential. The Kenya Coast, protected by a coral reef offers beginners the chance to learn to dive before venturing into the deep. Diving packages can be tailored to your requirements from most hotels we feature on the Kenyan Coast, the Seychelles and Mauritius. Scuba Diving is an opportunity for recreational divers to see beautiful multicolored corals, explore sunken ships and underwater caves.

Camels have been coined the Ships of the Desert, and for good reason.

Domesticated more than 3000 yrs ago, humans even rely upon them to this day to transport them across arid/desert environments in Africa and Asia. They can easily carry up to 200 lbs and travel up to 20 miles/day! Wow! They are as fast as a horse, but can go for extended periods of time without any food or water. This makes them well equipped to live in the desert. (http://www.sandiegozoo.org/animalbytes/t-camel.html, 2007)

They are well adapted to the desert landscape as their feet are round and broad, working somewhat like a snowshoe would in the snow, so that they don’t sink into the sand. For humans, sand blown into our eyes can be annoying and painful, as well as unhealthy for the eyes. However, camels have a special membrane over their eyes to protect them from the sand called a nictitating membrane, which works as a clear inner eyelid, letting enough light in for them to see, along with a double row of eyelashes. They are also able to close their nostrils to keep the sand out of their nose.

Daily Camel Walks.

We organise camel walks over a half day or full day within the Maralal Game Sanctuary, where you are escorted by our English speaking Moran Guidse who will explain local traditions and customs as you walk. These walks are either on foot, on camel, the choice is yours . A packed lunch is sent on the full day treks.

Camel Treks with Night( s) Out.

These are very popular and we can offer you a selection of possibilities. If you have only a couple of days to spare, then we can erect a amp in the bush for you; moved each night and serviced from a Camel Club. You ride during the day, returning to a new camp each night for dinner and camp fire.

The section of the Athi River that we run borders Tsavo National Park to the east.  In many ways, this river is unique.  Wonderful scenery, a multitude of wild-life, hugely varied and spectacular bird-life, coupled  with the best of medium grade white water river, makes for a truly unforgettable experience.

Of the wild-life, bushbuck, giraffe, buffalo and elephant are among the most common animals seen. Crocodiles are a certainty, as are monkeys and baboons. The bird life along the river is of course spectacular and to date our guides have recorded over 120 different species.

Day 1

Pick up by SWS in Nairobi and driven down to the start of the rafting venue near  Yatta Gap Bridge (4hrs). Put in at the bridge, afternoon float trip for 10km down the river (4hrs). Mainly calm water. The night is spent on a suitable sand bank along the river.

Day 2

Early start, so as to be on the river for the best of the game viewing, (early morning and evening is when the animals mainly come down to drink); full day rafting, with numerous sections of class II and III white water plus two big drops of class IV. Lunch on one of the many small islands, (30km) Arrive at camp – again a suitable sand bank, late afternoon.

Day 3

Very similar to day 2, but with some more exciting rapids and “jungle” to pass through. (25km).  Optional overnight or depart to Nairobi.

Mathioya River

With over 450m of descent in around 22km the Mathoya River offers some of the most technical water to be found in Kenya. A narrow, low volume river with rapids up to grade V. Previous experience is recommended.
For inexperienced rafters a two-day package is available; one day rafting on the Tana, overnight at our camp, then have a second action packed day on the Mathoya.

What to Bring:-

Clothes you do not mind getting wet i.e. T Shirts, shorts or long sleeved shirt and trousers (especially for those who burn easily) and shoes that will not come off.

All trips depart from the Norfolk Hotel at 0800 hrs. Prices are shown in Euros and are inclusive of transport, accommodation and food. Soft drinks and beers are included in the price. Group sizes on the rivers are from a min. of 3 to maximum of 60.

Lukenya

The most popular crag in Kenya is certainly Lukenya, located just 45 minutes from Nairobi. The land on which most of the cliffs are located is owned by the Mountain Club of Kenya and as such, access is restricted to members only and their accompanied guests. Arrangements can be made for visitors to get temporary or even daily membership if necessary. Lukenya offers a variety of climbing routes including face climbs, jamming cracks, and overhangs. It offers good-quality routes in all grades, is also an excellent place to provide instruction provides a chance for first-time and intermediate climbers to learn

Hells Gate National Park

The park is attracting hordes of local and international tourists from all walks of life, its scary name—Hells Gate National Park—notwithstanding.
The beautiful sceneries are a sight to behold for holiday makers who love site seeing while a climb to the towering cliffs is a breathtaking session. Voyagers and nature lovers are allowed a free walk in this game sanctuary.

And the natural attraction inside the park is not limited to wild animals. The famous Fischer’s tower that stands stoically in the middle of the park and the belching plumes of geothermal steams stand out.

Visitors have ample time to while their day in designated places enjoying the cool evening breeze and listening to the various species of birds cooing their popular tunes in unison, as the sun sets in the horizon.

A rock climbing session is an irresistible allure especially for students and pupils.  Here, one needs nerves of steel as he or she goes through a delicate balancing act to scale to the highest peak. This is a rare feat for many and those who manage to do so win a round of applause from the expectant watchers.

East Africa is one of the richest bird areas in the world. With a wealth of different habitats, often close to each other, it’s quite easy to spot over 100 species in one day. Although many of the birds are brightly colored and exotic looking, they are generally quite easily recognized; within a day or two you will be identifying the various species with ease! Their main habitats include water, open plains, woodlands and farmlands.

On or near water, you will find bright pink Flamingos, Hammerkops, iridescent Kingfishers, Plovers, Herons, Storks, Geese, Cranes, Jacanas and of course the magnificent African Fish Eagle. In certain places along the coast there are breeding pairs of Osprey as well. The open savannah plains, where the majority of the big safaris take place, offer excellent bird watching opportunities for some unusual ground dwellers. The Ground Hornbill, at nearly 110 cm. tall is one of the largest and most visible; the tall Secretary bird is also spotted often. Eagles, vultures, and ostrich, the largest bird on earth, are also spotted frequently.

The smaller plains birds, such as the Ox-peckers, snowy white Egrets, brilliant Sunbirds and bustards are also found in abundance; you can’t miss seeing birds on any game drive! Near the woodlands, you’ll find yet more species with starlings of every color, Bee-eaters, Drongos, Hornbills, Shrikes, the beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller, Barbets and Guinea Fowl.

Arriving into the big city airports, frequently the first birds spotted are the urban and farmland dwellers, such as the Wagtails and Weaverbirds, with their huge nest colonies.  Even a short two or three day safari will provide an excellent species count for the ardent bird watcher; a longer trip will ensure a superb introduction to the over 1,000 species found in East Africa.

Kenya has one of the richest avifaunas in Africa with around 1090 bird species recorded. At least eight of these are national endemics. Around 170 species of Kenya’s birds species are Palearctic migrants (11 species of them with a local breeding population too), mainly from eastern Europe, Russia, the middle East and Siberia. Another 60 species migrate regularly within the Afrotropics or from Madagascar. Some 335 species are found in forest; 230 species are entirely forest dependent and 110 species are “forest specialists” requiring intact, undisturbed habitat and Forty species of global conservation concern are known to occur in Kenya. Four of these are criticallyEndangered, two Endangered and 16 species are Vulnerable.

14 Days Bird Watching Safari

10 days Exclusive to Kenya’s Meru National Park, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Lake Naivasha Bird Watching Safari. Kenya Ornithology
Birding Safari

Day 1: Nairobi (arrival)

Arrive at the JKI Airport to be met by your guide. Birding starts right away from the stairs off the plane as the Little, African Palm Swifts and the Superb Starling appears common while the Red-winged Starling whistles to remind you to have your binoculars ready. Transfer to the hotel for a rest, followed by a visit to the Nairobi National Museum’s birds, ethnography, geology, prehistory galleries (among others) as well as the Snake Park.

This is the right place to learn and see many of the Kenya’s multifacets of culture, pre-history and it’s natural resources. Birding continues around the museum’s botanical garden or elsewhere depending on the time.
Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 2: Olorgesaille

We’ll drive down the escarpment towards this dry, arid, scrub country about 75 km south of Nairobi (towards Lake Magadi). Makes an excellent whole day birding trip. All the way down the rift valley, stops along the way shows ta distinctive change of habitat and species. Recorded species includes the Cut Throat, Blue-capped Cordonbleu, Northen Crombec, Banded Parisoma, White-bellied Canary, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Grey Wren Warbler, Taita Fiscal, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark, Grey-headed Silverbill, Grey-capped Social-Weaver, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Straw-tailed Wydah, Tiny Cisticola etc.

We’ll also spend some hours at the Olorgesaille prehistoric Site, a museum displaying many hand tools by man. Picnic lunch at the Museum.
Overnight in Nairobi.

Day 3: Lake Nakuru National Park via Gatamaiyu Forest

Leave early for the Gatamaiyu forest, located about 50-km n.w. of Nairobi stretches through the Kieni forest (part of the central highland) and boost many montane species includes the Chestnut-throated, Grey, Black-collared, Black-throated Apalis, Montane Oriole, Narina & Bar-tailed Trogon, Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Yellow-rumped, Mustached Green Tinkerbird, Scarce Swift, White-browed Crombec, while Abbott’s Starling and the Sharpe’s Starling have been recorded, among others.

While Manguo Ponds makes an excellent birding spot en-route to the forest. It boost a wide variety of waterfowls such as the Yellow-billed Ducks, Little Grebe, Red-billed Teal, Red-knobbed Coot, while Maccoa Ducks are regularly recorded, Grey, Black-headed Heron, African Spoonbill, White-faced Whistling Duck, Hottentot Teal, while sometimes waders may occur in large numbers such as the Greenshanks, Sandpipers, Plovers etc.

Leave late afternoon for Lake Nakuru National park passing by the Kinangop plateau in search of Sharpe’s Longclaw, one of the Kenya’s endemic.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru.

Day 4: Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is referred to as the “the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world” with both Lesser and the Greater Flamingoes sometimes exceeding 1.5 million individuals. The alkaline habitat supports thousands of resident and migratory waterfowl. The alkaline lake, acacia woodland, grassland, rivers and inlets with marshes hold over the 450 species.

Some of the common birds includes the Little Grebe, Great White Pelican, Black-winged Stilt, Gull-billed, Whiskered Tern, Grey-headed Gull, Cape and Red-billed Teal, Southern Pochard, Long-crested, and African Crowned Eagle, White-fronted Bee-eater, Arrow-Marked Babbler, Little Rock Thrush, Wailing Cisticola, Ruppell’s Long-tailed Starling, Lilac-breasted Roller, Cliff Chat and many species of waders.

In addition, the park is rich in big games that includes the Giraffe, Buffalo, Waterbuck, Eland, Hippo, both Black and White Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena among many small mammals.

Overnight at Lake Nakuru.

Day 5: Lake Baringo

We take a morning game and bird-drive in the park before leaving for the Lake Baringo Conservation Area, another Kenya’s birding hotspots. Afternoon, visit the cliffs not far from the lake, a good site for Hemprich’s & Jackson’s Hornbills, White-faced Scops Owl, Bristle-crowned Starling, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Green-winged Pytilia, and Red & Yellow Barbet, Bat Hawk, Three Banded Courser, Slender-tailed Nightjar (among many others).

Birding along the camp site and the hotel could yield the Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, African Pigmy kingfisher, Black Headed Plover,
Overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club.

Day 6: Kapedo

We drive north of Lake Baringo about 75km to Kapedo lying on a semi-desert and the specialties around this area includes the Magpie Starling, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark, Pigmy Batis, Somali Sparrow, Somali Fiscal, Pale Prinia, Mouse-Coloured Penduline-Tit, among others.
Overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club.

Day 7: Kitale

Today we take an early morning boat ride before going back to the cliff and the bush around hoping to see the Goliath, Grey Heron, Great White Pelicans among many waterbirds. Before lunch we leave for Kitale where we spend the night looking forward for tomorrow birding day down the Kongelai Escarpment.

Overnight in Kitale.

Day 8: Kongelai Escarpment

We drive down the Kongelai escarpment on the west of Makutano (Kitale – Turkana Road). This is yet another excellent birding area where we expect localized birds such as the Yellow-billed Shrike, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, White Crested Turaco, Chestnut Crowned Sparrow-weaver, Dark Chanting Goshawk among many other interesting species.

Late afternoon we leave heading for the Kakamega Forest.

Overnight in Kakamega.

Day 9 & 10: Kakamega Forest

2 Days long around the forest trails in the northern circiut. The Kakamega Forest, the only rain forest remaining in Kenya, was once a continuation of the Guinea-Congolian rainforest, rich in species nowhere else to be seen in Kenya. Spending a few days here we hope to see a good number of these forest species that could include the Blue-headed Bee-Eater, Red-headed Malimbe, Green Sunbird, Grey-winged Robin, Yellow Spotted, Yellow-bellied Barbets, African Blue Flycatcher, African Shrike-Flycatcher, Snowy-headed Robin, Common, Jamesson’s, Chestnut and with much luck the Yellow-bellied Wattle-Eyes and may be the Blue-shouldered Robin Chat among many others.

Overnight in Kakamega.

Day 11: Kisumu (Lake Victoria)

Birding before breakfast and after, later drive to Kisumu City just-by the second largest fresh-water lake in the world. Visit Impala Sanctuary and the Sewerage Works that could yield a Southern Red Bishop, Black-billed Barbet.
Overnight at Kisumu.

Day 12: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Today we take an early morning boat ride along the Papyrus vegetation at the Dunga Beach (a fishing village/jet) with expectation to see some the specialties like the Papyrus Canary, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Slender-billed, Northern Brown-throated, Jackson’s Golden-backed, Yellow-backed Weavers, Greater Swamp Warbler e.t.c.

After this we leave for the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve for the next 3 days.

Overnight in Mara.

Day 13: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Masai Mara Game Reserve is a plain of rolling grassland dotted with a mixture of acacia trees and the plain game which includes large herds of Elephants, Zebras, Topis, Hartebeests, gazelles, Impala’s not forgetting the well known Mara/ Serengeti Wildebeest’s migration, Lions, Cheetah among other cats. We’ll stay on the western part of the reserve along the Olololo Escarpments blended by river, swampy, grassy and forested habitats. Specialties could include the Tabora, Rock Loving Cisticola, Wattled Plover, Penduline Tit, Pale Wren Warbler, among others. Those interested with Balloon Safari- this is the place to view Mara and her wildlife by air.

We’ll spend sometime in the afternoon to visit the Masai Village for a cultural dance and experience their way of life.

Overnight in Mara.

Day 14: Nairobi

En route game drive on our way to Nairobi while searching for more bird species especially the Magpie Shrike and others on the eastern part of the reserve. While on the way to Nairobi we’ll stop in search of the Swallow-tailed Kite.

Return to Nairobi where our tour ends with a dinner before the transfer to the airport.

Kenya ’s tourism sector thrives on the natural resources and the scenic landscape. According to the Ministry of Tourism the country has 59 national parks and reserves that spread from the Coast to Lake Victoria in the western region.

It is estimated that the game parks and reserves occupy about 7.5 percent of the land surface.

The tourist attractions include marine parks, mountains, the Rift valley and lakes. Each of these is unique and offers varied attractions. Marine parks are renowned for the coral reefs, gardens and sea animals. The beaches and lagoons offer opportunities for sun bathing, boat riding and big game fishing. Similarly the inland lakes offer a variety of attractions.

Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley is famed for flamingos, while Lake Victoria offers opportunity to see fresh water fish, unique species of birds, crocodiles and hippos. Other inland water attractions are available in Lake Turkana, Bogoria , Baringo, Naivasha and Elementaita .The mountains are scenic and host numerous species of wild game.In themselves,the mountains such as Mt.Kenya ,Mt Kilimanjaro and Elgon offer excellent opportunities for climbing adventures,photography trekking and camping.

Besides these, the country has some of the indigenous and highly valued forests such as the Arabuko Sokoke and Kakamega, which are rich in wildlife, including birds and insects that are beautiful to watch.

The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the national game parks. While the game reserves are under local councils. The Kenya Wildlife Service is a state corporation that is responsible for conserving the natural resources and ensuring that they commercially benefit the country.

This safari combines two of the most interesting and contrasting Game Parks in Kenya. It provides an even balance between traveling by car and some real outdoor walking in the African bush. From the Northern frontier (Samburu), which is famous, for it’s rare species such as the Reticulated Giraffes, Gravy’s Zebra, the long necked Gerenuk and Lance Oryx.

You drive into the Great Rift Valley where you will experience the thrill at a real foot safari. You have the opportunity to hike up the Vulture -inhabited cliffs of Hell’s Gate National Park. The last four days are spent walking and game viewing through a wildlife kingdom unsurpassed anywhere else in Africa. We mingle with the Nomads and wander among huge herds of plain game – a thrilling experience especially during the period of the wildebeest migration up from the Serengeti between July and October. We return to Nairobi for your final departure or Coastal extension.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi/Mara

Depart Nairobi at 0930hrs and drive through the escarpment past Mount Longonot and mount Suswa to be in the Maasai Mara in the afternoon for a short game drive and possible walk (Ramble) around, Ilkeliani camp. LD

Day 2: Maasai Mara/Walking – Game View

After breakfast we head off to hike up with the local Maasai naturalists returning for lunch. Late afternoon game drive, Ilkeliani camp. BLD

Day 3: Maasai Mara/Game View

Whole day game viewing in the comfort of our vehicle to hunt for more game, which cannot be, approached on foot e.g. lion, elephants, buffaloes, leopard, cheetah and rhino, Ilkeliani camp. BLD

Day 4: Maasai Mara/ Mt. Longonot/Hells Gate

Leave Maasai Mara after breakfast driving to the foot of Mount Longonot where we hike to the crater before proceeding to Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge for the night. BLD

Day 5: Hells Gate – Trek

Drive to Hell’s Gate National Park. Wwalk the gorge down a dry riverbed to the boiling sulphurous springs. Late afternoon we hike up the vulture inhabited cliffs of Hells Gate National Park,Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. BLD

Day 6: Hells Gate / L. Nakuru

Drive to Lake Nakuru to view the flamingoes and wildlife with the overnight spent in the comfort of Mbweha Tented Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or Lake Nakuru Lodge. BLD

Day 7: Nakuru / Samburu

Your drive past Mt. Kenya with its spectacular views of some of the peaks of the mountain (if it’s a clear day) before driving to Samburu Game Reserve. You arrive late in the afternoon for dinner and overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge. BLD

Day 8: Samburu / Game view /Tribal Walk

Early morning game drive is followed by breakfast. After breakfast you have a short game drive before lunch. Late afternoon tribal walks with Samburu Warriors who will be happy to share with you about their culture and life style, Sarova Shaba Lodge. BLD

Day 9: Samburu / Mt. Kenya

Early Morning game drive is followed by breakfast before driving to Mt. Kenya, for lunch and overnight at Mountain Lodge Serena. BLD

Day 10: Mt. Kenya / Nairobi

After breakfast, enjoy morning nature walk on the snow-capped Mount Kenya. After lunch, drive back to Nairobi where the tour ends. B

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Sitatunga Tours is one of Kenya’s finest tours, safaris and travel companies, specializing in short excursions, extended safaris, specialist and tailor-made travel and safaris, car hire, hotel and safari lodge bookings and much much more…

We are a Kenyan inbound and domestic tour operator offering customers the freedom to design their own safaris according to their interests. You tell us all you want and we put it together for you seamlessly.