K RO E S FA M I LY S A FA R I D ESI GN E D BY JA M ES RO BE RT S O N
3
1 7 th
K E N YA - 2 8 th JU N E 2 0 2 0
R E G I O N S
K R O E S FA M I LY S A FA R I I T I N E R A R Y 3 This fabulous 12 day safari combines Kenya’s incredible wildlife abundance with spectacular and diverse scenery and fascinating ancient tribal cultures. We have incorporated plenty of activity to keep the young happy and you’ll be professionally guided throughout.
D AY 1
NAIROBI E M A KO KO
D AY 2 - 4
L E WA W I L D E R N E S S
Lake Logipi
D AY 5 - 7
AMBOSELI TORTILIS D AY 8 - 1 1
MASAI MARA TA N G U L I A D AY 1 2
NAIROBI/ T R A V E L D AY
1 4 8 G I R A F F E S A N C T UA RY
You begin on arrival with a night at the Emakoko on the edge of Nairobi National Park - this lovely family run lodge is great for your �irst night.
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA
Lake Baringo
Ewaso Nyiro River
Samburu
Shaba
Lake Bogoria
Lake Victoria
Next to Amboseli where we have our own concession that we share with Tortilis Camp where you will stay. Great elephant here and also the chance to learn more about the Maasai - we will introduce you to some of the education and community projects we run here.
Equator
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru Masai Mara
Next day you �ly North, over the Equator to Laikipia at the foot of Mt. Kenya where the arid specialists Reticulated giraffe, and Grevy’s zebra can be seen as well as both Black, and White rhino. Lots of freedom here to walk, ride horses or even camels, and explore at night.
Lake Naivasha Nairobi Tana River
Lake Magadi Amboseli
Ts a v o Watamu
Mombasa
Lamu
Finally to the Maasai Mara for four nights and have selected Tangulia Camp for it’s position close to both the main Reserve and the Mara Conservancy. You’ll see plenty of plains game here and all the big cats. In late June the frontrunners should be coming through and from here you can literally head out to �ind them in any part of the Mara. On your last day you’ll �ly back to Nairobi and be based close to shops and the elephant orphanage at 148 Giraffe Sanctuary.
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
E M A K O K O - L E WA W I L D E R N E S S - T O R T I L I S C A M P - TA N G U L I A C A M P - 1 4 8 G I R A F F E S A N C T U A R Y NAIROBI - LAIKPIA - AMBOSELI - MAASAI MARA - NAIROBI
D AY 1 : N A I R O B I
On arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to The Emakoko, on the edge of Nairobi National Park, for one night. You will meet your guides here and they will take care of you throughout the trip.
D AY S 2 - 4 : L A I K I P I A
After breakfast we �ly you by private charter North to Laikipia where you will spend three nights at Lewa Wilderness.
D AY S 5 - 7 : A M B O S E L I
We then head South, to Amboseli at the foot of Kilimanjaro to spend three nights at Tortilis Camp.
D AY S 9 - 1 1 : M A A S A I M A R A
Finally we head West, across the Great Rift Valley into perhaps the best known area in the World for Big Game - the Maasai Mara. You will have four nights at Tangulia Camp.
D AY 1 2 : N A I R O B I / T R A V E L D AY
On your last day we �ly you back to Nairobi and you will spend the remainder of your day at 148 Giraffe Sanctuary. There will be the opportunity to visit the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and to shop if you wish before we transfer you back to the International Airport for your �light home.
K E N YA
‘ S A FA R I ’ i s t h e S w a h i l i w o r d f o r ‘ a j o u r n e y ’ a n d K e n y a e v o k e s n o s t a l g i a f o r t h e e a r l i e s t o r i g i n s
of the African safari. Romance and adventure are plentiful in the classic stories told in ‘Out of Africa’ a n d ‘ B o r n F r e e ’, i l l u s t r a t i n g K e n y a ’ s s c e n e r y, w i l d l i f e a n d p e o p l e , w h i c h h a v e e n d u r i n g a p p e a l .
Kenya is a sovereign state achieving political independence from the British in 1963. Since, anxious times have been de�ied, mainly due to its dynamic people who are amongst the most colourful in East Africa. Friendly and hospitable, the Kenyan people rely heavily on tourism.
Located on the east coast of Africa, the Equator bisects the country resulting in a tropical climate, although diverse geography provokes wide variations in temperature, rainfall and humidity. In relation to size, the assorted landscape is unparalleled and the multitude of national parks and reserves all have their own unique attractions. Marine reserves boast coral reef gardens with palm fringed beaches and turquoise oceans, while the savannah grasslands exhibit quintessential depictions of imagined Africa, harsh trackless expanses, solitary �lat - topped acacias and incredible concentrations of plains game.
Kenya remains one of the best places in Africa to see great wildlife – lions, elephants, leopards and of course the annual ‘wildebeest migration’ streaming into the Masai Mara from Tanzania. The East African Rift Valley runs through the country from top to bottom and provides stunning landscapes of giant volcanoes, hot springs and �lamingo sprinkled lakes.
Dominated by Lake Turkana, the ancient source of the Nile, the Rift Valley lakes are some of the most picturesque in Africa. The formation of the Rift created Mt Kenya, the second highest peak in Africa, some three millions years ago. “The spiritual home of safari, Kenya is where it all began. From the big cats of the Mara to the elephants of Amboseli, combined with traditional tribes, real tented camps and an unparalleled physical diversity, Kenya has it all. ”
Uganda
KENYA Lake Victoria Rwanda Burundi
Tanzania
Zanzibar
“A c o n t i n e n t i n o n e c o u n t r y ” Sandor Carter
T H E
E M A K O K O
Uniquely positioned on the edge of the Nairobi National Park, this elegant lodge is a spectacular way to start or end your safari.
The Emakoko is a family-owned and run
offers a wealth of treasures all locally
Nairobi National Park. It is located a short
Take a game drive in one of the most unique
lodge, artfully built into the side of a valley
on the Mbagathi River which borders the 45 minute ride from both airports in Nairobi city.
5 rooms are located on the same level as the
airy main dining and lounge areas and a
further 5 rooms are at the top of the lodge, perched on the cliff overlooking the valley and with the most spectacular views. All
are ensuite and beautifully furnished with
contemporary African �lair in rich chocolate browns, creamy beiges and crisp white linens.
Deep, comfortable chairs nestle
around your own stone �ireplace.
Whether you are enjoying an Emakoko
cocktail in the viewing area or simply a
coffee by the pool overlooking the river, relaxation
is
assured.
The
Emakoko
crafted in Kenya.
game parks in the world, Nairobi National Park, or visit the community that borders it.
An excursion in the environs of Nairobi to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the giraffe centre or the local shops may be more appealing.
“The park is home
to lion, leopard & rhino, all of which range
within spitting distance of camp, while hippo
and impala are known to frequent the
l o d g e ’ s g r o u n d s .”
L A I K I P I A
I n t h e c e n t r a l h i g h l a n d s o f K e n y a , s t r e t c h i n g f r o m M o u n t K e n y a i n t h e e a s t t o t h e R i f t Va l l e y i n t h e w e s t is a 2.149 million acre area of semi-arid grassland and bush savannah known as the Laikipia Plateau.
This region serves as a portal to Kenya’s remote and wild, Northern Frontier and is a patchwork of cattle ranches and tribal lands that have been amalgamated under the umbrella of eco-tourism.
The Laikipia Wildlife Forum promotes this collaboration and is an incredible example of successful conservation whereby ranchers and pastoralists encourage the practical co-existance of people, livestock and wildlife. The desire to truly understand all the inhabitants of this natural environment is illustrated in the large number of research and community conservation projects within the area. Straddling the Equator at altitudes of between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, this secluded part of Africa is incredibly scenic, comprising of magni�icent escarpments which descend into open grasslands, basalt hills, lonely kopjes and riverine forest, fed by rivers sourced on the slopes of Mount Kenya. This diversity attracts considerable animal numbers and is home to the highest number of endangered species in East Africa. Half the population of black rhino, Kenya’s second largest elephant population, the fastest growing wild dog population on the
continent and the globally threatened Grevy’s zebra have all found their home in Laikipia. This is a unique and fascinating wildlife experience when adding the animals that occur solely in central and northern Kenya, such as the reticulated giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. With such an array of plains game come the predators and Laikipia is home to signi�icant numbers of lion, cheetah and the ever elusive leopard.
Lake Turkana
LAIKIPIA Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
Masai Mara
Nairobi Amboseli N.P
Kilimanjaro N.P
Ts a v o N.P
L E W A
W I L D E R N E S S
Lewa Wilderness rests on the northern foothills of Mount Kenya,
the second tallest mountain in Africa with the Batian peaks standing at 17,057 feet. Lewa Wilderness is one of Kenya’s oldest and most private safari ventures.
Situated on Lewa Downs, the privately owned 62,000 acre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is located on the Laikipia plateau, a 2 million acre amalgamation of semi-arid grassland, ridged escarpments, basalt hills, small kopjes and riverine forests.
The lodge has 9 exclusive rooms: 6 thatched cottages tucked into the hillside overlooking Lewa’s Eastern Marania Valley, and 3 thatched garden cottages set in the beautiful green lawns. Each cottage is tastefully decorated with antique and handmade furniture, giving rustic charm and the character of a ranch homestead. Canopied beds, patterned cushions, crisp white linen and wooden furnishings, comfort is at the heart of the decor.
Due to the private land ownership and minimal restrictions, a wide variety of activities are available, including camel rides to a nearby animal orphanage. The main lodge offers
a refreshing saltwater pool, tennis courts and an elegant dining area where organic cuisine may be enjoyed indoors or alfresco. Walking safaris with Maasai guides and night and day drives, offer views of endemic wild life such as gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. With the highest concentration of rhino in East Africa, notable numbers of lion, cheetah and the reclusive leopard, wildlife sightings are sure to amaze. Or, accompanied by knowledgeable Maasai guides and with a red sun setting in the distance, experience the Kenyan bush on horseback.
“Lewa Wilderness Camp offers a doorway to rare wildlife and a
culturally rich people from the comfort
o f a n A f r i c a n s a n c t u a r y.”
A M B O S E L I
Against the magni�icent backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro lies Amboseli, a national park and ecosystem. Meaning the ‘salty earth’ in the language of the Maasai, Amboseli is aptly named after the alkaline volcanic ash that spewed from the now dormant volcano Kilimanjaro. The 1.2 million acre ecosystem lies on Kenya’s boarder with Tanzania and incorporates habitats of dry lake beds, savannah grasslands, woodland and swamps fed by springs emanating from Mount Kilimanjaro.
The area is home to grassland dwellers such as buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, gazelle and warthog, while the resident predators include lion, cheetah and hyena. Amboseli is also a birding hotspot, with over 600 species recorded. The principal attraction at Amboseli however, is the large herds of free roaming elephants made famous by Dr. Joyce Poole who, through the Amboseli Elephant Research Project, put these intelligent giants on the map. Her long running large mammal research project in Africa combines 30 years of uninterrupted study and chronicles Amboseli’s elephant herds, from new born calves to 60 year old matriarchs and old bulls that carry some of the longest tusks in Africa. Contiguous with Amboseli National Park is the Kitirua Wildlife Conservancy, a partnership between a local Maasai community and the private sector.
Designed to protect wildlife, this private and exclusive conservancy enables both day and night drives, walking and an unparalleled opportunity to meet members of the Maasai community in a welcoming and culturally sensitive manner.
This is a quintessential African landscape of elephants and traditional tribes with the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro rising above the clouds behind. Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
Mt. Kenya N.P
Masai Mara
Nairobi
AMBOSELI N.P
Kilimanjaro N.P
Ts a v o N.P
T O R T I L I S
C A M P
To r t i l i s C a m p i s o n t h e e d g e o f A m b o s e l i N a t i o n a l P a r k a n d w i t h i n a c o m m u n i t y c o n s e r v a n c y,
surrounded by an Acacia tortilis woodland; the thorny umbrella tree from which the camp takes its name. An exclusive getaway, the camp is framed by the world’s highest freestanding mountain, the snow-capped and majestic Mt Kilimanjaro. Boasting over 300 bird species and over 1000 elephants, many of which are the largest in Africa, this particular mammal population is one of Amboseli’s most elite characteristics.
The 17 spacious tents with ensuite bath rooms and the palatial private house, with a dining area and stone laid �loors, are nestled amongst acacia trees along the side of Llimbarishi Hill. The decor is natural yet lavish, complimented with eclectic carpets and grass lamps. The main lodge offers elegantly thatched dining, bar and lounge areas as well as a sparkling pool. For further relaxation, guests may peruse the shop or indulge in a revitalising massage.
Cuisine is offered in the dining area overlooking the breathtaking surroundings, or in the form of a bush breakfast for
serene enjoyment. Game drives and bush walks, offered by the Maasai guides, within the Reserve and the almost 300,000 acre concession, provide a spectacular opportunity to view a variety of wildlife up close – dikdik, jackal, cheetah, leopard, lion, rhino, zebra and buffalo. However, the true wonder of Tortilis Camp lies in its setting, whether sipping sundowners in the bush surrounded by sounds of the wild, or enjoying an excursion to the Elephant Research centre.
“The natural beauty
and magni�icence of viewing the African elephant up close with
Mt. Kilimanjaro as a
b a c k d r o p i s u n s u r p a s s e d .”
M A A S A I
T h e M a a s a i t r i b e s p e o p l e o f s o u t h e r n K e n y a a n d n o r t h e r n Ta n z a n i a
are a Nilotic ethnic group who arrived in this area about 300 years ago from the North. They are among the best known, and most distinctive tribes living in the semi arid lands along and beside the Great Rift Valley and close to many well known national parks and reserves. Their cousins North of the Equator are the Samburu, with whom they share many customs. The Maasai occupy a total land area of 39.5 million acres and number around 1.5million. They are semi-nomadic herding cattle over large areas of communally owned land. Their family encampments are comprised of a circular boma (fence) of Acacia to protect livestock from predators. Inside the boma they build small loafshaped houses made of mud, sticks, grass and cow dung. The women are responsible for building houses, supplying water, collecting �irewood, milking cattle and cooking. The young men or warriors (Moran) enforce security while boys are responsible for herding livestock. The elders are directors and advisors of day-to-day activities and make decisions for the whole community. On the western boundary of National Park lies Kitirua – concession shared between Downey and the local Kisongo
Amboseli a private Ker and clan. We
have nurtured a relationship over 35 years such that we are welcomed into their homes to learn something of their traditional way of life. By the same token we welcome them into camp thereby creating a unique opportunity for guests to interact. K&D sponsors two local schools in the area. The Ngararambuni Nursery school is on the edge of Kitirua Conservancy and caters to children between 4 & 10 years old. It is still set up underneath a large spreading Acacia tortilis and has three dedicated Maasai teachers. We helped to set this little school up in 2003, before this the children would have to walk 7km through an area rich in big game to get to school.
Whilst in Amboseli we encourage as much interaction with local people as possible. Even though we do not share a language it is extraordinary to watch our children play with theirs as the common language of fun transgresses these boundaries. Learning to throw spears and how to use bows and arrows, digging for water, and donning traditional garb are all a part of being with these colourful, friendly, fun and fascinating people.
THE
G REAT
RIFT
VAL L E Y
T h e G r e a t R i f t V a l l e y, a l a n d s c a p e i n t u r m o i l , t o r n a p a r t b y t h e t w i s t i n g a n d b u c k l i n g o f t h e E a r t h ’ s c r u s t . I t i s a l s o a l a n d s c a p e o f h u g e u n p r e d i c t a b l e c h a n g e , t h a t f o r c e s a n i m a l s d a y b y d a y, s e a s o n b y s e a s o n t o gamble with their lives, but for those that win, this is one of the most fertile landscapes on Earth. The Great Rift Valley was the name given by British explorer John Walter Gregory, to the continuous geographic trench, approximately 6,000 kilometres in length, running from northern Syria to central Mozambique in South East Africa. The East African Rift Vally has two branches – the Eastern branch which runs through Kenya and Northern Tanzania, and the Western branch through DR Congo, and Western Tanzania. The Western Rift is edged by some of the highest mountains in Africa including t h e V i r u n g a M o u n t a i n s i n Rwa n d a , a n d a l s o includes the Great Lakes. These are some of the deepest lakes in the world and all of the African Great Lakes were formed as the result of the rift.
In Kenya, the valley is at it’s most dramatic to the north of Nairobi, the ancient volcanoes of Longonot and Suswa are easy to see from the road. Most lakes in northern Kenya are shallow and poorly drained and therefore have become alkaline. Their waters are rich in blue - green algae which
David Attenborough
feed insect larvae, small crustaceans and massive �locks of �lamingos. The Kenya Lake system is also a key location on a route followed by huge numbers of birds in their annual migration from breeding grounds in the north, to wintering places in Africa. The lands around the lakes include large populations of Black rhino (Lake Nakuru), Rothschild's giraffe, Greater kudu, lion, cheetah and wild dogs. Lake Turkana
GREAT RIFT VALLEY Shaba N.P Buffalo Springs N.P Lake Victoria Masai Mara
Mt. Kenya N.P Nairobi
Amboseli N.P
Ts a v o N.P
M A S A I
M A R A
Only in the Mara does the whole spectrum of life and death, birth and growth seem to be there for you, right before your eyes. Most documentary wildlife �ilmmakers choose the Mara due to the abundance and easy access to wild animals here. Almost 450,000 acres of rolling grasslands make up the Maasai Mara and its surrounding conervancies, bordered by mountains to the north and east and the Siria escarpment to the west. The permanent meandering rivers traced by deep forest snake across the savannah. The Mara’s proximity to Lake Victoria, which creates its own weather patterns, ensures that the area receives much higher rainfall than the Serengeti ecosystem. This crucial fact enables millions of animals, including gazelle, zebra and antelope, to survive through the driest time of year. An estimated one and a half million wildebeest make the annual migration up from the southern Serengeti plains into Kenya and remain here from late June into October. You will be staying in one of the quitest parts of the Mara, a conservancy. Even during migration season you can be away from the crowds. An hour can pass in nail-biting anticipation as a cheetah conducts a painstaking stalk of her prey, only to lose her meal at the last moment when the wind changes.
Watch the peculiar quality of the light, and the shadows of the clouds on the plains, the strange optical illusions of the distant herds silhouetted along the horizon. Light and shadow, rock and grassland, predators and prey, this is quintessential Africa.
Lake Turkana
Lake Victoria
MASAI MARA
Mt. Kenya N.P
Nairobi Amboseli
Serengeti N.P Ts a v o N.P
T A N G U L I A
M A R A
S i t u a t e d o n p r i v a t e l a n d o n t h e w e s t e r n b o u n d a r y o f t h e M a r a R e s e r v e , Ta n g u l i a a l l o w s f o r e a s y a c c e s s i n t o b o t h t h e T r i a n g l e a n d R e s e r v e p r o p e r. B o t h a r e a s h a v e a r i c h b i o d i v e r s i t y a n d o f f e r p r i m e w i l d l i f e viewing and, during the migration ready access to the main crossings.
This small and intimate camp is solely
open-fronted
owned”.
River. The camp has expansive views south
Maasai owned and aims to demonstrate that Community Conservation can be “home
It is a great alternative to the
traditional cattle-owning way of life of the
Maasai people and recognises the potential on their doorstep.
building,
overlooking
Olotulo Murt Salt Lick, frequented by wildlife, and which leads down to the Mara and eastward across the Mara.
With over twenty-�ive years of guiding visitors to the Mara the team at Tangulia are
more than quali�ied to give their guests a truly authentic insight into the Maasai Mara
and have a deep knowledge of the fauna and �lora here.
Game drives in the Mara Reserve or Triangle
are the main attraction but Tangulia also
offers uided walks on the slopes of the escarpment outside the Reserve.
TANGULIA MARA is a traditional safari
camp built on a rocky hill. The mess – living
room and dining area – is a thatched and
the
“A c a s u a l l y c o m f o r t a b l e
tented camp, combining EXCEPTIONAL wildlife with a contemporary e x p e r i e n c e .”
1 4 8
A new boutique hotel located on the outskirts of Nairobi,
complete with peacocks and warthogs romaing freely through the garden. Located in the peaceful suburb of Langata,
An incredible private home forms the
business or safari traveller with an ideal
living gallery. The 5 brand new suites are
bordering the Giraffe Sanctuary, this beautiful
little gem with just 8 rooms will provide the
location to rest and relax in tranquil surroundings.
The location itself is completely unique with warthog, parrots, peacocks and monkeys
freely coming and going through the garden. Often lions and hyenas can be heard from
the proximity of the incredible Nairobi National Park - the only major city in the world to share spaces with wildlife.
The house is built out of wood from an old sailing dhow that was carrying tea and had
washed up onshore on the Kenyan coast,
turning the ocean brown. The house now
takes its cue from nature, visually as well as physically it is part of the African bush.
foundation of the hotel, original artwork is featured throughout - making this hotel a
converted from the on site artist's studio,
the hotel itself spares no modern convenience - delicious food and wine, beautifully appointed rooms, �irst class service, in room televisions and wi�i, boutique designer shops on site, as well as access to amazing restaurants, museums and wildlife on our very doorstep. One Forty Eight is an ideal location to retreat from or delve into and explore Nairobi.
“Whatever your reason
for visiting Nairobi, this is an U N F O R G E T TA B L E s e t t i n g .”
E L E P H A N T
O R P H A N A G E
Daphne Sheldrick was the �irst person in the entire world to successfully hand rear newborn fully
milk dependent African elephant orphans, something that spanned 28 years of trial and error to achieve. Located on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is home to some 20+ baby elephants. Ranging in age from a few weeks to several years, a visit here is a must for any animal lover.
To date, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully hand-raised over 200 infant elephants, and 17 black rhinos. It has also accomplished its long-term conservation priority by effectively reintegrating over 100 orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo. These hand-reared elephants are fully established and living free amongst their wild peers in Tsavo, some returning with wild born young to show their erstwhile human family. The older orphans are based within Tsavo East National Park at either of 2 established rehabilitation centres for the gradual process of the re-integration, with others in early infancy are at the Trust’s Nairobi National Park Elephant and Rhino Nursery.
The Trust has trained a team of competent elephant keepers who replace the orphans’ lost elephant family until such time as
the transition to the wild herds has been accomplished, something that can take up to
10 years, since elephant calves duplicate
their human counterparts in terms of development
through
age
progression.
Those that were orphaned too young to recall
their
dependent
elephant
longer,
but
family
all
the
remain
Trust’s
orphans eventually take their rightful place amongst their wild counterparts, including those orphaned on the day they were born.
“The world’s most emotionally h u m a n l a n d m a m m a l .”
Daphne Sheldrick
K E N YA
C O N S E R V A T I O N
Meet some of Kenya’s conversation heroes and see �irst-hand the challenges they face The conservation landscape of Kenya is ground zero for every type of wildlife strategy that is currently being employed across the Continent and nowhere is that more relevant than in Laikipia.
Straddling the Equator, Laikipia is a mosaic of wildlife and human habitats covering some 2.149 million acres and therein lies the issue. The human pressure on wildlife and wilderness is only increasing and so, throughout Laikipia, extraordinary organisations are exploring different ways to mitigate the cost to both people and wildlife. Laikipia is home to Kenya’s largest population of rhino, the second largest population of elephant after Tsavo, the second largest number of lion after the Mara, the fastest growing population of wild dog on the Continent as well as the endemic northern species of reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. All in all, this is a biodiversity hot spot and, with the ever growing demand for elephant ivory, rhino horn, lion penis and giraffe meat, the race is on to try and curb the tide.
protecting Africa’s iconic species. It can be fascinating to take a look ‘behind the scenes’ and see what it takes to maintain and hopefully protect these iconic landscapes and species that make going on safari so wonderful. This might take the form of visiting a rhino sanctuary and possibly going out with the anti-poaching, tracker dog team. It is also fun to test the dogs out and attempt to evade being found by the bloodhounds and sniffer dogs. There are many excellent research bodies in the region and it is always rewarding to join them in tracking wildlife, using satellite or radio telemetry, while occasionally an animal needs to be tranquillised and collared. Whether it is a half day activity or something more involved, there a multitude of ways in which to engage and make a difference.
“ We b e l i e v e o n e o f t h e
best ways to help protect
our wildlife is to show people w h a t i s r e a l l y h a p p e n i n g .”
M A R I A
D O D D S
Maria is a third-generation Kenyan who grew up on her family ranch in Laikipia. She is an exceptional botanist and especially good with young children who all fall in love with her easy going fun loving nature.
Maria lives a diverse and dynamic life, and loves being on safari and in the bush. She has worked
in the Kenyan tourism industry for many years, having been a naturalist, hostess, manager and guide at a number of well known Kenyan tourism establishments. In more recent years Maria has
had regular work as a �irst or second guide or hostess / nanny with James Robertson, Chairman of Ker and Downey Safaris.
Being on safari enables Maria to indulge in her passion, botany, and in particular succulents. She
is well known in the succulent community in Kenya and is currently the Chairperson of the Kenya
Aloe Network. This involves much hard work in promoting sustainable use of indigenous aloes, and working to ensure their protection. Using extracts from her own extensive aloe collection she
produces soaps and lotions for boutique hotels and lodges. She also teaches rural communities and women’s groups in parts of Kenya and Ethiopia the art of soap making, and sustainable utili-
zation and protection of aloes. She has had two species named after her – Aloe doddsiorum and Angolluma doddsiae, and also recently brought Aloe tartarensis to scienti�ic recognition.
Maria is a Silver Level guide accredited by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, and having spent most of her life in the bush, has become an excellent safari guide, with a broad knowledge of mammals, birds, botany and culture. She has a quick wit and an easy charm, and is
very comfortable guiding guests of all ages on safari, and she strives to make every safari a fascinating, fun and informative experience.
F I N L A Y
M A R R I A N
A tall, young and charming man, Finlay grew up in Kenya and was partly educated in the United Kingdom. His easygoing nature and humour are underpinned by an intimate knowledge of his homeland. Finlay is born and raised in Kenya, son of the well-known African landscape artist David Marrian. Finlay’s childhood was spent in the remote corners of East Africa exploring new areas and locations with his family.
The school runs to Banda School in Nairobi were the opportunity of twice daily game drives across Nairobi National Park – it’s fair to say that these were far more enjoyable and informative
then the traditional schooling process! After Banda, Finlay left to �inish schooling in the UK but
the call of the African bush was never far away and at every opportunity there was the chance of another safari, be this on foot or car in Northern Kenya or the more traditional destinations.
In 2013 Finlay returned to Kenya and into the safari business full time, managing Borana Lodge in Northern Kenya. In 2015 he and his girlfriend Hannah joined the Robert’s family taking over the management of the world acclaimed Richard’s Camp in the Masai Mara, and running it to their
impeccable high standards for 3 years. Now focused on private guiding, Finlay loves nothing more than being in the bush with his camera to hand.
With an easy disposition and the guests experience always at the forefront of his mind, there is
no one better to have with you on your safari. His passion for wildlife, culture and �inding the best in every situation mean that you will get the most out of your safari.
Aside from guiding Finlay is also an avid photographer and is happy to assist guests with this. Other hobbies, when not on safari include paragliding, �ly �ishing and sailing.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
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