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Brave a safari on footLaikipia Plateau, Kenya
Experience the thrill of creeping up on a lion with no enclosed Jeep to separate you from the King of the Jungle – or in this case, King of the vast Laikipia Plateau.
Go beyond the reaches of a 4WD on a walking safari with Bench Africa, guided by members of the Samburu tribe, who live mainly in north-central Kenya (they’re related to, but distinct from, the Maasai people). Dressed in traditional attire they’ll lead camels carting all the essentials – food, water, cameras, camping gear – and, whenever needed, weary walkers.
The camp roams with you each day, and although it’s dismantled again and again, you never sacrifice comfort. Especially if you select the luxury option, as you’ll slumber in a tent with a proper bed, mattress and linen.
In the afternoons, as you explore the area around your new camp, it’s just you and the wild terrain. Oh, and the staff members bringing you snacks and icy G&Ts to garnish your sunset. As you sit around the evening campfire your guides will share tales and teach you about their culture, while your dinner sizzles above the flames.
When you're worn out, sink between linen and listen to the lullaby sung by the bush.
get there
South African Airways flies to Nairobi from destinations all over the world via Johannesburg. Return flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki are included.
flysaa.com
This four-days trip with Bench Africa starts at about US$2320 per person, twin share.
This is a walking safari so a reasonable amount of fitness is needed. You can ride a camel if you want a break but as anyone who has ridden a camel will attest, the novelty wears off fast.
Bench Africa
benchafrica.com
Bench Africa have more walking tours across the continent, including climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or going on a mountain gorilla trek.
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