Lions, and tigers, and rhinos, oh my! No, I’m not talking about what my family saw on our recent visit to the zoo. I’m referring to the animals that you can come face-to-face with while you and your family treks through the jungles of Kenya.
I will be the first to admit that when someone says, “safari” I immediately think, “Whoa, no way I can afford that.” Safaris are reserved for people like Oprah, Brad Pitt, and Prince Charles, right? At least that’s what I was led to believe by mainstream media. So imagine my surprise when I discovered there is an affordable way to escape my concrete jungle to ride through the wilds of Africa, stroke the side of grazing giraffes, and dine on meals prepared by a professional chef.
For a limited time Natural Track Safaris is offering you and your family a seven-day camping safari which provides access to “a mosaic of diverse habitats, cultures and abundant wildlife” for less than it would cost a family of four to enjoy a week at Disney World.
Your week in Kenya includes a trip to Samburu, Lake Nakuru, and Rift Valley Soda Lake, which is often fringed with pink flamingos. You will also visit a Rhino sanctuary, and be able to observe a diversity of bird life. The safari is tailored to families with children who love spending time in the great outdoors. Your kids will be able to see nature at its finest—safely, on board a state-of-the-art safari cruiser van that follows the tracks of reticulated giraffes. Then it’s on to Maasai Mara to see the red-clad, spear-wielding Maasai warriors and Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya’s most renowned game park.
If your children have only seen zebras, leopards, warthogs, pelicans, and elephants in books or during an outing to a local zoo, then imagine their reaction when they are afforded the chance to experience these creatures up close and personal in their natural habitats. One of the highlights of this trip is that you will avoid listening to the chorus of, “Mooooom, I’m bored.” Your kids will be too busy to complain about boredom. Typically, a full day of game viewing starts at the break of dawn, when animals are most active. Your vantage point from the Ewaso Nyiro River, will allow you unprecedented views of the vast herds of plains game that come to the water. Grab your camera to capture lions in the grass, leopards in the trees, and giant crocodiles. Then keep your eyes peeled for the long-necked gerenuks(antelopes) and the elegant Grevy’s zebra.
While Natural Track Safaris does cater to families, they also offer safari packages specifically designed for seniors, bird-lovers, mountain bike enthusiasts, and hikers. You can choose to stay 3 days or 14. Regardless of how long you spend discovering all that the region has to offer, safari directors guarantee you will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
For more information on Natural Track Safaris, including detailed daily itineraries and prices visit www.natural-track.com.