The spectacular scenery and wildlife of Kenya, combined with the excitement of white-water rafting, makes for a totally unique safari. Whether it may be a short one-day trip from Nairobi or a multi day safari through Samburu, rafting on one of Kenya’s rivers will provide you with a diversity of experiences unmatched in other parts of the world. Alternatively, specialists can customize a river experience to fit your request, from a serene and scenic “float” along a picturesque waterway to an adrenaline surging ride down a wild, raging white-water river.

 

Four rivers are available with international classification of difficulty ranging from calm up to Grade 5. For short one day or overnight trips, the Tana and Mathioya rivers are used. For longer rafting trips of three days or more, the Athi and Ewaso -Ny’iro rivers are offered. The level of luxury can be tailored to suit your needs, varying from a completely self-contained expedition with all gear and food being carried in the boats, to trips where all equipment, food, etc is carried in the Land rovers and the camp is pre-erected for your arrival. Hot showers, good beds and drinks are waiting at the end of each day. The Athi and Ewaso-Ny’iro rivers flow through remote areas where wildlife abounds-crocodile are always seen, hippo, gazelle, giraffe, buffalo, etc are regularly seen, and occasionally lion, elephant and leopard. As the banks of the river are usually wooded, birdlife is abundant, varied and spectacular.

  

A) SAVAGE WILDERNESS SAFARIS

White-water rafting in Kenya was pioneered by Savage Wilderness Safaris back in early 1991 when Mark Savage and 4 friends decided, despite never having set foot in a rubber boat before, to "have a go" at running an 80 km section of the Athi River. Three of the participants thought it to be the most exciting thing they'd done in years, and decided that it was an activity that should be introduced on to the Kenya tourist list of options and excursions available.

 

To date the river expert, Mark Savage, has been on the first descent of every river so far rafted in Kenya. In this activity one of the largest clients is the British Army, for whom "Adventure Training" is done for their men whilst they are over in Kenya on general exercise.

 

On any of the rivers runs described, you will get an experience that you will remember for many years to come, for on no other rivers in the world will you find the diversity of experiences offered: The spectacular scenery of Kenya and the multitude of bird and animal life, which, combined with the excitement of White-water Rafting, makes for a totally unique safari.

 

Specialised training and courses run by Savage Wilderness Safaris:

As part of the "Adventure Training" for men of the British Army and Royal Navy, Savage Wilderness Safaris teach the potential river enthusiast all the river skills necessary for him to run his own rafting adventure, or sufficiently qualified to assist the full time guides on the river. Also taught is how to "read" the river, and to find a safe route through major rapids, oarsmanship and how to command a paddle raft. River rescue, equipment rigging and knot tying. River-orientated first aid. Environmentally sensitive camping procedures and much more.

 

 

B) THE RIVERS MOST FREQUENTLY RUN:

 

i) Tana River

Due to the high quality of the white-water sections, the prolific bird life and the natural beauty of the whole area, along with its ease of access from Nairobi (just 95 km), this is the most popular river for both the white-water trips and scenic float trips. The white-water section that we do starts some 2½ km above the town of Sagana, and ends at our own campsite some 16 km down stream. The scenic float trip starts from the campsite and takes in 12 km of calm water down to the barrage close to the main road back to Nairobi.

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ii) The Mathoya River

Because of the serious nature of this river, we will only make it available to those who have rafted with us before or who have experience on a class V river. 500m of descent over 30 km of river, almost all continuous class III and IV white-water with a dozen or more sections of class V. Low volume and highly technical.

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iii) The Athi River

Distance from Nairobi is about 230 km, and hence only viable as a minimum of a three day trip. It is possible to start from near the town of Thika and to finally end the trip on the Indian Ocean near Malindi some 500 km on down. Several short portages required. Best described as a scenic river but with perhaps a third of the river being class II and III. Three sections of class IV / V.

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iv) The Ewaso-Ng'iro River

Best done as a 4 day expedition from Nairobi though sometimes as just 3 days. This river combines the best of class IV white-water with superb scenery and wildlife viewing. Unfortunately, because of extensive cultivation within the primary catchment area, water level reliability is poor and hence we can seldom confirm a departure much more than a week or so in advance.

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v) Other Rivers

Some still not run for their full length. Upper section of the Tana - Very serious with several kilometres of portage required. Lower section into Meru National Park - Scenic only. Nzoia and Yala - reasonable water but the area is heavily populated. Chania, Thiba, and several others look good from the air and are awaiting exploration.

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C) GENERAL RAFTING INFORMATION:

 

i) Equipment

Boats are manufactured by Avon of the UK, arguably the finest White-water boats manufactured anywhere. Crew capacity of each boat is licensed at 8 pax + one guide, though very seldom have more than 6 crew per boat. Most boats are also self bailers. Life jackets or PFD's are from Extrasport in the USA, conforming to US Coastguard III / V standards. Helmets are used on most sections of river as well. All rafting trips carry a very comprehensive first aid medical kit with guides trained in its use. Guides all carry a knife, throw bags, binas and pulley.

 

We prefer client participation, and hence, unless requested in advance, all boats are paddled by the participants themselves. A guide in each boat just gives the commands and steers the boat. "Oar frame", or "guide paddled" boats are available standard on all scenic float trips.

 

ii) The river programmes always include:

A professional and experienced guide in command of each boat.

A full river briefing before you set off, plus specific briefings before each set of major rapids.

Comprehensive safety (3a) and first aid equipment. All guides are CPR trained.

The opportunity to bring cameras or video in our water proof boxes, or to rent proper waterproof still cameras

Customised food catering, including complementary beer and soft drinks

Courtesy transport from Nairobi to and from the river.

 

Due to safety considerations, two or more boats and guides are used on the Mathoya, Athi or Ewaso-Ng'iro Rivers.  The minimum number of clients on each of these trips should be four thought provisional bookings for lesser numbers are taken and often, are able combine those persons with other groups, particularly if one group is flexible over dates.

 

iii) Minimum age, experience and fitness:

The lower age limit to run all the rapids is usually 14, with parental consent. We have no fixed upper limit as it's dependent on the individuals fitness and health. (We regularly have "old" men of 40, and we've even had a "young" lady of 72 with us on the Tana!). With the exception of the Muthoya North River, no previous rafting experience necessary, and an averagely fit person will encounter no physical problems.

 

iv) Accommodation

On the Athi and Ewaso Rivers, each nights' camp is set up at a scenic point, either on the side of the river or upon a sand bank. Tents are small 2-man dome types, and air beds and sleeping bags are provided.

 

v) Food

First class all the way. All perishables are carried in a freezer trailer, as are soft drinks and beer. Breakfasts are in the full "English" style with cereal, bacon and eggs, toast and coffee. Lunch, because it is carried on the boats each day, is more basic, consisting of bread, salad, cheese and cold meat cuts. For dinner, our usual 5 course meals consist of a starter, soup, barbecued main meal and vegetables, followed by fruits and coffee. It's all cooked over a wood fire by the guides, while you relax over a glass of wine or a cold "Tusker" beer.

 

vi) Guest Requirements

Shorts (or swimming costume) and a shirt, (long sleeves and pants for those with sensitive skins and essential on all multi day trips). A wide brimmed hat. A pair of fastenable shoes or "Teva" type sandals. Sunscreen of factor 25 or more. Additionally, on multi-day trips: personal toiletries and malarial prophylactics. Optional - camera, and sun glasses (with retainer cord), gloves and socks, (anti sunburn). A light weigh nylon rain jacket worn under your life jacket is also useful in cool weather or if it does rain while you are on the river. Please also bring spare warm clothing to change into at the end of the trip. What you wear on the boat for the white-water WILL get wet.

vii) Probable water conditions:

 

 SAVAGE WILDERNESS SAFARIS ACTIVITIES

Rafting: Everything from 1 day trips on the grade 4 and 5 rapids of the Tana river, to multi-day trips on the Athi river through wildlife packed Tsavo East National Park, to possible first descents on some of Africa’s more challenging white-water.

 

Kayaking: Highly qualified guides run flat water taster sessions, coaching clinics, and white-water trips from the simplest moving water to extreme first descents.

 

Corporate development: Located at Sagana camp, the base for rafting the Tana river, each course is tailored to the needs of the individual group. We offer a host of activities to develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication, which are essential in all areas of business.

 

Sailing: Custom made trips on the Indian Ocean, aboard our 42ft ketch “Free Bird”. You can take a day trip from Kilifi, overnight to Lamu or make a passage of almost any duration, for example sail to the Seychelles over ten days to two weeks, and log the mileage from the trip for future RYA qualifications.

 

Schools Expeditions: Each year during the Summer or Easter break, we organise "off the beaten track" expeditions for various international schools. Trip duration is usually about 28 days. In order to keep cost as low as possible, participants do all their own cooking and camp chores. Tourist areas are avoided as much as possible and we spend much of our time on foot, not just sitting in a mini bus. Activities always include rafting and during the summer trips, Mt. Kenya. Other areas may include walking in the Lake Turkana region of Northern Kenya, Loita or Chyulu Hills and of course one of the game reserves.

 

SEASONS AND WATER CONDITIONS:

Rafting: The Tana River is run all year round. However the river is high from April to June and November to December. The Athi, Ewaso Ng'iro and Mathoiya rivers are run only when water levels are high, i.e. April to June and November to December.

 

Mount Kenya: January, february, March, July, August and September only.

 

Trekking: Most of the year, but be aware of the rainy seasons as follows: April and May and November. It may be wet, but the coutryside is lush and green and wild flowers in bloom.

 

Offshore sailing: Best sailing time is during the North East Monsoon from October to April.

 

WHAT WE PROVIDE

River Trips: First class river equipment, all certified to European standards.

 

We provide a barbeque lunch with beers and soft drinks at the end of the one day trip on the Tana River.

 

On the multi-day trips tented accommodation is provided. Three meals a day are provided - cooked breakfast, cold platter for lunch and a three course dinner, all cooked by our guides whilst you relax by the campfire with a beer or two.

Trekking: We provide sleeping mats and tents. Three meals a day are provided - cooked breakfast, cold platter for lunch and a three course dinner under the stars with beer or wine.

 

Offshore sailing: A fully equipped offshore cruising yacht with accommodation for 6 people comes with full board including drinks.

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