Lion Research
Safari
Lion
conservation recently became an issue of
international concern when statistics revealed
that lion numbers in Africa have plummeted to
between 16,000 and 45,000. The lion population
has declined by 30%-50% in just over the past
two decades, a reduction largely due to habitat
loss and conflict with humans. The lions in the
Samburu / Buffalo Springs / Shaba ecosystem of
Kenya are in an extremely vulnerable situation
as they live in or adjacent to areas inhabited
by nomadic people. Lions and their predatory
behaviour have caused great resentment among the
increasing rural pastoralist populations, and
this has led to increased persecution of lions
– lions continue to be shot, poisoned and
speared.
This
unique 9 day safari will provide you with an
authentic and close-up insight into lion
research in some of Kenya's most stunning areas.
Spend 6 days with lion expert Shivani Bhalla in
the Shaba and Samburuareas with 2 nights at Joys
Camp and 3 nights at Sasaab Camp and
then the last 3 days at Porini Lion Camp in
the famous Maasai Mara in an exclusive
conservancy with several resident prides of
lion.
Itinerary
Duration: 8 nights/9 days
Day 1:
Depart from
Wilson Airport for your scheduled flight to
Shaba. The Joys Camp 4x4 and guide will meet you
at the airstrip and transfer you to the lodge.
Settle into your tent and then meet lion expert
Shivani Bhalla, over lunch, where she’ll brief
you on the lions in the area, the research and
opportunities to participate over the next few
days. This luxury camp is built on the site of
Joy Adamson’s tented home in Shaba National
Reserve, made famous by Elsa the lioness.
Afternoon game drive with Shivani to learn about
the lions of the area and participate in
recording data and identifying the lions.
Overnight Joy's Camp.
Day 2: After breakfast spend the day with
morning and afternoon game drives in the with
Shivani in the camps 4x4. Shaba is a perfect
location for discerning guests interested in an
authentic wildlife experience, away from the
crowds. Joy Adamson produced the film "Born
Free" after a lifetime with lions right
here at Shaba. Lunch, dinner and overnight will
be at Joy's Camp.
Day 3: Depart after breakfast and
transfer from Shaba National Reserve to Archers
Post where a vehicle from Sasaab Lodge will be
waiting to transfer you through the Samburu
Reserve to the lodge which is in the West Gate
Conservancy. Settle into your spacious rooms
overlooking the river. Sasaab is located above
the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River, in the arid
heart of Samburu land, a tranquil setting that
offers views towards the Laikipia plateau and
Mount Kenya. After lunch, relax in your room and
then take an afternoon game drive to track the
resident 'community lions'. Overnight Sasaab
Camp.
Day 4: Full day with guided bush walks,
lion tracking and visits to the local community
to monitor lion predation of livestock and other
such issues. Overnight Sasaab Camp.
Day 5: Spend the day in the Samburu
Reserve with a picnic lunch tracking lions and
viewing the numerous wildlife drawn to the
river, many of which are unique to this part of
Kenya including the endangered Grevy’s Zebra.
Overnight Sasaab camp.
Day 6: After breakfast transfer to the
airstrip for a flight to the Maasai Mara. You
will be met at the airstrip by the Porini Lion
Camp guide and 4x4 and take a game drive to
Porini Lion Camp, located in the Olare Orok
Conservancy, famous for its numerous lion
prides. Afternoon game drives in 4x4 vehicles
within the game rich Mara ecosystem followed by
a sundowner before dinner and overnight at
Porini Lion Camp.
Day 7: Full day in the Mara with a picnic
lunch. Overnight Porini Lion Camp.
Day 8: Optional Balloon Safari and
Champagne Breakfast. After an early breakfast,
go on a morning walk in the Conservancy escorted
by Maasai warriors and a guide, returning to
camp later in the morning. In the afternoon you
will go on a game drive to explore more of the
Olare Orok Conservancy on the lookout not only
for the Lion but also elephants, buffalo,
giraffe, other big cats. Enjoy a night game
drive after dinner to in search of the nocturnal
animals including Lion and the elusive leopards
which are resident in the expansive Olare Orok
Conservancy. Overnight Porini Lion Camp.
Day 9: One last early morning game drive
or guided bush walk, before returning to the
camp for breakfast. Check out for transfer to
the Ol Kiombo airstrip where you will board a
scheduled flight departing at 11 a.m. to arrive
at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, at around 12.05
pm. There are connections to Mombasa, Lamu or
Zanzibar where you may opt for a few days of
relaxation at the beach.
Planning your safari holiday with Adams & Butler ensures a truly personal and intimate experience - a totally hassle free process from beginning to end.
If you would like to speak with us about your own unique requirements please do not hesitate to contact us.
Telephone: +353 1 288 9355
From Canada & the US 1-800-894 5712
By e-mail info@privateluxurytravel.com
