Located in Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Samburu County, northern Kenya, Reteti is the first indigenous owned and run elephant sanctuary.

Reteti was established in 2016 to help these young orphaned elephants – a representation of the local Samburu communities standing up united for wildlife, in recognition of their cultural and economic value.

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is a unique project bringing communities together through a shared respect and concern for wildlife. It lies within a 975,000-acre swath of thorny scrubland in Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust – part of the ancestral homeland of the Samburu people. Namunyak is supported and advised by the Northern Rangelands Trust, a local organization that works with 33 community conservancies to boost security, sustainable development, and wildlife conservation.

The Naumunyak wildlife conservation includes the Turkana, Rendille, Borana, and Somali, as well as the Samburu – ethnic groups that have fought to the death over the land and its resources. Now they’re working together to strengthen their communities and protect the elephant population.

In spite of the fact that elephant poaching, has fallen significantly in the conservancies around Reteti, elephant calves are still sometimes orphaned or abandoned due to poaching, falling into wells, drought (potentially causing mothers to stop lactating), human-wildlife conflict and natural mortality. Around five to ten calves are saved in northern Kenya every year, from a populace of more than 8,000. Within the sanctuary, young animals are treated and cared for by the dedicated keeper team, recruited from the local communities. A mobile elephant rescue unit, with exceptionally trained staff, returns lost calves directly to their family whenever it can, and also works with surrounding communities to raise awareness and mitigate human/wildlife conflict.

This oasis where orphans grow up, learning to be wild so that one day they can rejoin their herds, is as much about the people as it is about elephants. Reteti is also empowering Samburu women to be the first-ever women elephant keepers in all of Africa. At first, the community didn’t think there was a place for women in the workplace. Now, the success of these women elephant keepers is unlocking new possibilities and setting a powerful example for girls hoping to pursue their dreams. It’s also changing how the community relates to elephants. Schoolchildren who have never seen an elephant before or who were afraid of elephants visit Reteti and experience these elephants up close. They then realize they can grow up to be a veterinarian or an elephant keeper.

Feeding elephants at Reteti

Visiting hours are between 8.30 a.m. and10 a.m. and between 11.30 a.m. and 1p.m. It is important that you arrive promptly at 8.30 a.m. or 11.30 a.m. for the full experience. Visiting the Sanctuary is not only an incredible addition to your safari but one of the best ways to safeguard the wildlife in the area, as well as supporting the local community dedicated to protecting them. Guests get an exclusive opportunity to witness feeding and playtime at the Sanctuary, as well as an in-depth look behind the scenes.

Nay Palad Bird Nest

Overlooking the African wilderness, the Nay Palad Bird Nest is a luxurious safari lodge, located in the wilds of Kenya – a raised suite that offers 360-degree views over the surrounding plains of Laikipia.

Built totally above ground, this unique retreat is part of the Segera Retreat, a 60,000-acre wildlife sanctuary in the Laikipia plains in Kenya. Nay Palad Bird Nest is a collaboration between Segera, Nay Palad and the architect Daniel Pouzet. It is two stories, constructed with interwoven natural tree branches and a viewing platform on top so guests can get 360-degree views of elephants and giraffes while they’re taking their morning coffee.

The nest is lit with lanterns and champagne and delicious food set out on the open-air top level of the nest. Inviting beds (either open-air or within the shelter of the first floor) are prepared with soft linens and hot water bottles, ready for the night ahead. From the comfort of the nest, guests will watch a sunset, feast on a picnic-style dinner and fall asleep under the starry sky. To wake up to the sounds of wild animals and a view as far the eye can see makes for a wonderful experience.

Inside the Nay Palad Bird Nest are all the modern amenities you’d want in a luxury hotel. The suite has one bathroom with solar-heated running water. Guests can either choose an indoor double bed on the lower floor or open-air accommodations on the second floor if they want to sleep under the stars. Both beds, of course, are dressed with deluxe linens and warmed with hot water bottles.

The Nay Palad Bird Nest is designed for a romantic night for two. The place is perfect for a couple, but it can be made to accommodate a small family, with children enjoying the adventure of sleeping out in the Nest while the parents cozy up in the bedroom.

The Nay Palad Bird Nest is ideal for a one night stay after a wildlife drive or a bush walk in the plains of Laikipia. In the morning elephants, giraffes and other animals can often be seen drinking at the nearby river from the nest.

 

 

whitewater rafting

Fancy an adrenaline rush? Admire Nature’s glorious spectacle amid the calm, tranquil waters of the amazing Tana River before taking on the vibrant, spirited and extreme Class IV/V rapids.

Whitewater rafting is the ultimate group adventure. It combines time outside with teamwork, camaraderie and excitement. Nothing promotes teamwork like paddling together down a class IV rapid.  Nothing enhances connections like spending a day working in unison to avoid obstacles or challenging waves.  Nothing relieves stress like being outside, focusing on the river and experiencing excitement!

White water rafting has been available in Kenya for more than 20 years, on the Tana, Mathioya and Athi rivers. The Tana River (also known as the Sagana) is the biggest in Kenya, with intense class IV and V rapids that make it an ultimate location for intrepid white-water enthusiasts.

If you have not been to Tana River, then you are missing out a lifetime experience. Located in Sagana, about an hour-and-a-half drive from Nairobi on the scenic Nairobi-Nyeri highway, Tana River is a beehive of activities and an excellent opportunity to enjoy white water rafting.

Tana’s rapids range from class II to V, meaning the water is calm in some places and raging in others. Depending on the water level, you may have to get out at some points where it’s too low or too high, and put in further downstream.

The adventure starts with a 3 km stretch of easy class II and III white water, where there is plenty of opportunity to practice the paddle skills required to run the lower part of the river. The next 5.9km of the trip offer a relaxed setting to view the birdlife around. You can take a dip in the warm waters here if you want. The final 7km of the river present the three ultimate rapids (class IV and V) with names like Captain Folly, Can of Worms and Sphincter Flexor. Rafting through these rapids will leave the adrenaline coursing through your veins like never before!

Another excellent whitewater spot is the nearby Mathioya River. Experienced paddlers love this narrow, low-volume river with five miles of continuous class IV white water. Offering the country’s most technical whitewater, the Mathioya drops 1476 feet in 22 km and offers a non-stop thrill ride.

Rafting is only available on this river during the rainy seasons (mid-April to mid-June, or October and November). 3-4 hours of rafting accompanied by professional guides and the right equipment guarantee you a good time!

And it doesn’t end there. The bountiful Athi River combines exhilarating whitewater with stunning views of African wildlife in its natural habitat. By rafting the section of the Athi that borders Tsavo National Park, you’ll have the opportunity to view elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons and hippos. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

Outfitters of whitewater rafting on Tana River include Savage Wilderness Safaris (one of Kenya’s professional whitewater rafting outfitters) and Rapids Camp.

At Savage Wilderness Camp there are a multitude of adventure activities including kayaking/rock climbing/bungee jumping/mountain biking and the list goes on! They offer multi-day packages with many activities included.

The rafting adventure is available for persons with a minimum age of 18years. In case of persons under the age of 18 they must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The min age for the whole section is 14 years old.

 

 

Looking for something a little more exhilarating this weekend? There’s loads to get your pulse racing at the forest.

From a thrilling paintball experience to being catapulted by the world class zip lines in a human slingshot, the forest is designed to give you an adrenalin rush. So, get off your hammock and have a go – if you think you’re brave enough.

Situated in the heart of the Aberdare Ranges, in Kereita Forest, the forest provides an array of activities that will cater to your spirit of adventure, only a short distance from the city.

Paintball

Paintballing at the forest

Shoot and splutter to come out on top. Pick a team, get kitted out and start dodging exploding paint balls in one of the most exhilarating activities. The Forest Paintball is a terrific team activity in a fun and safe environment. It also teaches valuable principles such as delegation, communication, motivation, strategy and trust; all perfect for team building exercises.

Every member of your team counts and participation is a must……Shoot or be spluttered in sticky paint. The atmosphere provided by the forest which ranges from thick woodland areas, to large open areas, to vantage points, which gives you the chance to get into the situations that will get excitement rushing through you as you scramble to win.

Mountain biking

mountain biking at the forest

A ride through the Forest’s enchanting routes will take you through the diverse landscapes of open grasslands and winding tracks through hills and streams. The Forest also has some top-notch purpose-built trails and for the willing, demanding circuits which offer sweeping corners and exciting jumps.

Whether you are looking for adrenaline pumping trails or a more subdued family ride out in the picturesque countryside, you are sure to find a biking adventure to cater to your desire.

Archery

Whether you are looking for a competitive sport to compete in or just a fun day out this ancient pastime is an enduring favorite at the Forest.

Foot Golf

It is an interesting game, to say the least, Players kick the ball to score in a hole. Just like the way you would play golf only this time you will be using your foot and not a Golf Stick to kick the “Golf” (Ball) into a hole. No Soccer or Golf Skills needed, go play the game and have fun in the forest with your friends.

Camping

What could be more thrilling than camping in the forest as you connect with nature in the most natural way possible.

Fly fishing

The Forest offers a fantastic location for you to try your hand at fly-fishing. The Gatemayo River is well stocked with the beautiful rainbow trout, a popular game fish for fly fishers. The river is surrounded with pools and rapids that provide a tranquil to fish in peace and quiet.

Horse Riding

Ride a Horse at the lush green grass in and out of the forest in a different but incredibly thrilling way.

Zip Lining

Revel in a hair-raising aerial expedition that is guaranteed to get your heart racing. Glide like a bird over the stunning forest with breathtaking views on East Africa’s longest zipline. The world-class zip-lines installed and managed by Flying Fox, have a carrying capacity of a maximum of 115 kilograms and are operated under European Union safety regulations. The zipline is the main event and it is more than 2 Kilometers long, the longest zipline in East and Central Africa.

The Forest has character and marvel in plenitude, and everything can be assimilated at the eatery and parlor at the adventure center. The view delights as far as the eye can see into the Aberdare Ranges and on a reasonable radiant day, Mount Kenya is magnificently apparent. Regardless of whether you want to test the mouthwatering barbecue to dining in an elegant space, the forest has everything to enchant your taste buds.

 

Red Colubus Monkey in Tana river primate reserve

This stunning reserve situated in Bohoni town in the coastal area of Kenya is characterized by woodlands, savannah grasslands and riparian forests. The reserve, which is known to the local people as Mchelelo, was established in 1976 to protect the remaining forest along the Tana River and the most threatened primate species, which are; the Tana River Red Colobus and the Tana River Mangabey, both endemic to the forests of lower Tana River. These species are threatened by habitat loss and degradation, which has increased in recent years.

It is also one of the last remaining relics of the once enormous Central African Lowland rainforest, that became detached from the rest of the forest during the seismic eruptions that caused the formation of the Rift Valley. As a result, much of the reserve’s flora and fauna are unusual to East Africa and bear traces of ancient links to the Congo Basin forests of the Miocene period.

This wonderful river primate reserve is home to many wildlife species such as hartebeest on the Eastern banks, Mangebay, red-tailed colobus monkey, hippos, buffalos, Nile crocodiles, zebras, Masai giraffes, Oryx, lesser kudu, pythons, Sykes monkey and yellow baboons.

The rare and seriously endangered, Tana River red colobus is one of 14 separate species of colobus, distributed across Africa. A relatively large member of the colobus family, the Tana River red is an elusive and exclusively arboreal and diurnal monkey, which lives in the evergreen closed canopy of the gallery forest, where it subsists on young leaves, fruit and flowers. Living in groups of approximately ten individuals the Tana River red colobus actually appears predominantly grey. It has a black face, conspicuous whiskers and the only red colouration on its body is the slight rufous tinge on the top of its head.

One of four types of river mangabey found in Africa, the crested mangabey lives in the riverine forests that border the Tana River. With a yellow-brown back, white under parts and dark-grey hands, feet and tail, the crested mangabey gets its name from the conspicuous crest on its forehead. Diurnal, arboreal, but mostly terrestrial, the mangabey lives in large multi-male multi-female social groups of up to 60 animals and spends most of its time foraging for food low in the forest.

Be lucky to sight some rare exotic birds from over 260 species of birds like African open billed stork, bat hawk, golden pipit, pygmy falcon, African barren owlet, glossy starling, white-winged Apalis, open-billed stork, scaly babbler, red-tailed ant thrush, black-bellied starling and martial.

The forest also supports a rich array of mammals, a high number of reptiles and amphibian species, as well as a number of rare plants, some of which are unique to this area. visitors with a distinct fascination for primates and birdlife can look forward to a gala time here.

The riverine forests are home to the Pokomo people, who farm the banks of the river using mainly the ox-bows to grow rice immediately adjacent to the water; and maize further back. Large areas of the forest have, as a result, been felled to make way for further cultivation. The Pokomo also use the forest for timber and traditional medicines.

Decades of uncontrolled poaching, extending human settlements, global warming and environmental changes have negatively affected the global wildlife population – and Kenya is no exception, with African savanna elephants being especially hit hard, with their numbers plunging by no less than 60% during the last 50 years.

Kenya on May 7, 2021 dispatched its first ever National Wildlife Census covering both land and Aquatic natural life. The two-month practice is fully funded by the Government of Kenya and will be executed by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya Wildlife Service and the newly created Wildlife Research &Training Institute.

The ambitious exercise, covers major species in more than 50 of Kenya’s national parks and reserves as well as private and community conservancies, and includes marine life. A significant part of the existing data on the country’s wildlife population are gathered individually by local advocacy groups or international conservationists, contributing to a scattershot approach to wildlife protection.

The registration will be completed in Kenya’s Conservation regions and key wildlife rich counties. Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Najib Balala presided over the census official launch at Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kwale County. Speaking during the Launch Hon. Balala said, “The information generated during the census will support implementation of Government of Kenya conservation and tourism policies and support tools for adaptive management.” It will also be used in addressing challenges facing wildlife in the country.

The Cabinet Secretary said the number and distribution of rare and threatened species listed in Schedule Six of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 require regular monitoring using standard methods. Hon Balala noted that Kenya has never undertaken a one-off national survey to establish a baseline of the wildlife status and distribution in the country. “It is therefore important to undertake this National Survey to establish a baseline data on wildlife population status and distribution for future use to understand wildlife population trends and shifts in their distribution,” he said.

Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Brigadier (Rtd) John Waweru assured that the KWS and Wildlife Research & Training Institute teams undertaking the census are professional and up to the task, and promised that the exercise will be undertaken with the highest level of professionalism. Brigadier (Rtd) Waweru further stated that the resources allocated by the National Government through the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife will be used prudently, following relevant laws and regulations.

The Acting Director of Wildlife Research & Training Institute Dr. Patrick Omondi said the census will follow standard methods to count different species of Terrestrial and Aquatic wildlife.

The Launch was attended by the Principals Secretaries of State Departments of Wildlife and Tourism Prof. Fred Segor and Safina Kweke respectively. The acting chairpersons of KWS Board of Trustees and Wildlife Research & Training Institute Ms. Betty Maitoyo, and Dr. Winnie Kiiru respectively also graced the occasion.

 

This are omnivorous animals that live in troops. They have arms that are longer than legs. In trees they climb with their long, powerful arms and on the ground they knuckle-walk (walk on all fours) clenching their fists and supporting themselves on knuckle. Their feet have broader soles and shorter toes suited for walking. They can stand and walk upright. Chimpanzees are tailless and its body is covered with black hair. The face, fingers, palms of hands, ears and sole of feet are hairless. Exposed skin of face, ears, hands and feet varies from pink to very dark although its lighter in younger individuals and darkens with maturity. They can move in trees by swinging from one tree to another. Chimpanzees are arboreal and terrestrial. They mostly search for food during the day.the males are aggressive and highly terrestrial to an extent of killing each other. They communicate non verbally using hand gestures and facial expression.
They construct new nests daily by lacing together branches from one or more trees ensuring the nest is comfortable and safe to sleep on. They use tools such as trees to dig into termite mound, stones as hammers to break nuts and insert leaves into termite mound where termite crawl into the leaf and the chimpanzee lick them off. They also use chewed leaves as sponge to soak up water and then drink water from the soaked leaf.
Females have estrus cycle of 34-35 days and while on heat, bare skin on her bottom becomes pink and swollen. The females give their young ones great attention and help each other with babysitting chores. The young ones learn survival techniques by watching their mother. Adult chimpanzee have special companion with which it spends most of its time with. They hold hands and groom each other.

These are herbivores animals with curved ringed horns, tan or reddish brown coat and white trump. They are social animals that herd in large groups. Since they feed in open grassland, they are prone to attack from predators hence they are always alert and sensitive to presence of other animals. They rely on their speed to escape from predators. They can reach speed of about 60mph in short bursts and sustain speed of 30-40mph. when running, they stiffly spring into the air with all four feet.
They live in hot,dry savannahs and deserts and to stay hydrated vin this environments, they shrink their heart and liver. Smaller heart and liver needs less oxygen and so the animal can breathe less and loose less water.

These are mammals mostly known to be grazers feeding on grasses, berries, barks of trees and also roots. They occasionally feed on dead flesh whenever there’s no food to eat. They have bumps on the head which is a thick patch of skin used for protection during fights. They have a thick mane on their back. They often look for already abandoned dens to make homes. Mostly they live in dens made by aardvarks. Warthogs can go for months without drinking water.
Female warthogs are social animals and they live in groups of about 40 members. They group each other and crowd together at night for warmth. On the other hand, adult males are not social and can be territorial. They search for food during the day. When threatened, the warthog can be quite fast at a speed of about 30 miles per hour. They ran with their tail up in the air heading direct into their dens sticking their tusks at the entrance for security. At times they face the attacker with their tusks and bite them with their sharp teeth.
The ox peckers and other birds ride on warthog’s body to eat insects off their bodies. Warthogs wallow in mud to get rid of insects and cool down on a hot day since they don’t have sweat glands to cool themselves. They kneel on front knees to feed since they have short neck and long legs.

It is located in the south eastern part of Kenya. It was established to protect lower tana river forest and the two endangered species of monkey which are crested mangbey and the red colobus monkey. The river forest cuts through the dry woodland and the open savannah. This national reserve has rare species of birds such as white wingled apalis, open bill stork, martial eagle, bat hawk, pygmy falcon, and barred owlet. Mammals, amphibians and reptiles are also within the reserve.