Activities
Culture
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| Africa is rich with tribal culture. A visit with the nomadic Samburu people is an unforgettable experience. |
Africa still boasts incredible tribal assets; the people whose cultures all vary, have changed very little over the years in some parts of the countries. The colour and nature of some of the nomadic tribes like the Maasai and Samburu, is a truly rewarding experience. Almost every safari we do has a large cultural element to it.
Conservation and communities
The directors of the Specialised Safari Company have direct links to conservation in East Africa, and are very involved in various community and wildlife conservation projects. For those interested in visiting and learning more about such developments we would be able to offer you access to the experts in the field, and allow you an experience to become more involved and familiar with their intricacies.
Fishing
East Africa boasts a variety of fishing. Try fly fishing for trout on mountain streams and lakes, fish for Nile perch on Lake Victoria or remote Lake Turkana, Tiger fish for a little excitement in a variety of locations, and deep sea fish for Marlin, Sailfish, and a variety of other game-fish on the Indian Ocean.
The Coast, diving and marine life
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| Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity. |
The East African coast has an ancient history heavily influenced by trading. The Portuguese and the Arabs have during the centuries heavily influenced the coastal tribes people. The result is a cocktail of cultural influence, found on islands such as Zanzibar, Lamu and Mombasa. Dive and snorkel on these coasts with their spectacular marine life, relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.We recommend the coast as either a relaxed start or finish to your safari.
Horseback riding
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| A trip into the bush on camel or horseback is a great way to get close to wildlife. |
Enjoy horseback riding from a variety of the luxury lodges that we include in our destinations, where the experience of riding right up amongst the game is an enriching moment.
This activity can be included as a short morning or afternoon ride, or incorporated into your itinerary as a longer "in the saddle" safari, across the Loita Hills or Mara plains.
Camel safaris
Usually operated in the dryer Northern Country of Kenya this adventure offers a hands on experience of the lives of the colourful nomadic people, while briefly experiencing the harsh arid life they live.The camels can be ridden, or just used to move your fly camp. For a second time traveler to Africa this is a wonderful addition to a safari, it involves a lot of hiking and exposes a totally different side of the country.
Boating and water-sports
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| Watersports are a fun and relaxing diversion. |
We offer a variety of water-sports, with the added thrill of being on waters that are home to hippos! Boating, canoeing, rafting, or water-skiing on rivers or lakes can be included for the more "adrenaline searching" members of your group.
Bird viewing
For those of you who are avid orthnothologists Africa's spectacular bird variety is unparalleled. For the enthusiastic or less interested alike this array of birdlife, both migrant and resident is a spectacle not to be missed.
Hot air ballooning
Drift across the Mara plains at dawn, above the mass of wildlife, and experience this novel and rewarding morning game view from the air. Enjoy a champagne breakfast on landing amidst the grassy plains of the Mara. Ballooning can be done year round, but is always best during the great wildebeest migration.
Africa's peaks and climbing
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| Africa's rugged terrain makes an ideal place for rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, and exploring. |
Africa hosts a variety of mountains, volcanoes, and craters, each varies in degree of adventure and challenge. The slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro with its snow capped glaciers are always popular or the towering peaks of Mt. Kenya or the volcanic screed of Ol Donyo Lengai (the mountain of the Gods) whose active crater is an added fascination. Each destination offers a different challenge for the avid explorer.
Rock climbers delight in the Great Rift Valley, with its huge sheer cliffs, boulders and caves to explore.
Walking and hiking
Every safari includes an element of walking whether it be a stroll in the bush or a long hike, each giving the chance to admire the smaller detail, always a good evening addition to a day spent in the car game driving.
Night game viewing
The experience of game driving at night is so totally different to the daylight hours. The nocturnal animals all arise. Night viewing is generally done with spotlights, taking care not to disturb the animals with the glare of the light. Under request night vision glasses can be used.
Art safaris
Africa exudes beauty, light, culture and wildlife, as a result anyone with an artistic talent gets very vitalized by this environment. Africa has many of its own talented artists and photographers, with whom, we can arrange a "personalized" bush art studio.
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| Even in some of world's most remote and wild area, opportunities pamper yourself are plentiful! |
For the purely recreational artists we recommend bringing your own materials, you are sure to be thrown into lots of artistic opportunity!
Spa and health
A massage under canvas or a spa at one of your lodge destinations, regenerates mind, body and soul! Take the plunge and spoil yourself to a little treat somewhere remote!
Geology and anthropology lectures
The Great Rift Valley is a geographic spectacle, hearing about its movements over the centuries, and developments, rock structures, and minerals, is a very interesting addition to an evening on safari. By request we offer to bring someone in to give a lecture to our clients.
There is fascinating anthropological history in the Rift too, rock paintings, fossil beds, origins of mankind, and various other hominids whose history is ours to share. The famous Leakey family (by request) would be willing to come in and give a lecture to your group, always a fascinating compliment to a safari.
David Coulson, a famous photographer, has also brought cave art to the forefront internationally and an evening lecture by David certainly stimulates the mind.
Cycling/Quad bike riding
Some of the luxury lodge destinations offer mountain bikes and quad bikes for their guests use. Riding along rough roads while at the same time spotting game is always good for a touch of energetic exertion.
Helicopter excursions
For a novel, or different experience, a gift or a blast, we can also arrange a day trip or a leg of your safari to be by helicopter! The experience of landing in untouched territory, having a beautifully prepared champagne breakfast, and then flying back to the canvas camp can be a truly rewarding activity
