Day Trip | 3 Hours Flying
SAMBURU & THE MATHEWS
BY HELICOPTER
ITINERARY
As we fly north over Laikipia and into Samburu country, the landscape is exceptionally interesting with the plains interspersed with wild valleys and hills.
Our first stop is on the summit of Lekuruki - located on the Laikipia- Samburu border, within community owned land.
We head north over the vast savannah plains of Samburu, flying low over the Ewaso Nyiro River and at the foot of the Warges mountains, within Namunyak Conservancy, we land at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, for the 9am feeding session with the orphans - a special experience learning about each baby’s story.
After an hour on the ground, we board the heli and embark on the second part of our adventure. We rise up on to the summit of the spectacular Mathews - a dominant mountain range that emerges from the arid plains, topped with mist forests and ancient cycads. With breath-taking views we enjoy a picnic breakfast.
A short hop further north, and part of the same range are the Ndotos - another wonderful spot to touch down, and stretch our legs, before heading back to our Lodge.
SAMBURU & THE EWASO NYIRO
The Samburu people are semi nomadic livestock-keepers, their territory ranges from the northern slopes of Mount Kenya to the southern shores of Lake Turkana, living in temporary homes called 'manyattas'.
The Ewaso Nyiro River flows constantly - it represents life for the people, livestock and wildlife of the arid north.
RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTURY
Reteti, set up in 2016, is the first community-owned and managed orphanage of its type in Africa. Located at the foot of the remote Mathews Range amongst Kenya’s second largest elephant population, Reteti’s baby elephants (and one rhino) have each been orphaned as a result of the prolific poaching or relentless drought in northern Kenya.
Reteti is a partnership between Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, Samburu County Government, Kenya Wildlife Service, Northern Rangelands Trust, San Diego Zoo, Conservation International, Tusk Trust, The Nature Conservancy and Save the Elephants.
THE MATHEWS
Known as a ‘sky island’, the 150km long Mathews Range rises from the dry
desolate country, exposing lush forested hills and craggy peaks. A pristine ancient
cycad forest grows here in abundance.
THE NDOTOS
The Ndoto and Mathews are iconic landmarks, yet their remote location has kept them secret and inaccessible to most. The range, separated by the Milgis river lugga, has montane forests, dramatic cliff faces, grassy glades and captivating views.
END OF YOUR SAFARI
Tropic Air is based in Kenya, and offers a broad range of professional air services using helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Areas of operation: 16 African countries, covering more than 10 million square kilometers: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Congo, Chad, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Madagascar, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.