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Ever dreamed of being a lion researcher? Well here’s your chance! On our Kenya Lion Research Safari, you’ll spend more than a week tracking, identifying and recording data on some of Kenya’s famed but vulnerable lions. Lucky participants will spend 5 days assisting lion researcher Shivani Bhalla in the Shaba and Samburu reserves, followed by 3 days on safari at Porini Lion Camp in a private conservancy adjacent to the Maasai Mara. Five percent of the safari cost will be donated to the Ewaso Lion Project.
Day 1 – NAIROBI: Upon arrival at Nairobi International Airport you will be met and transferred to the House of Waine in the pleasant suburbs of Karen for overnight.
Day 2 – SHABA GAME RESERVE: Morning transfer to Wilson Airport for your flight to Shaba Game Reserve. You will be met on arrival and transferred to Joys Camp. Settle into your tent before meeting lion expert Shivani Bhalla over lunch, where she’ll brief you on the lions in the area, the research and opportunities to participate in over the next 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 Joys Camp. (B, L, D, Dr)
Day 3 – SHABA LION RESEARCH: After breakfast spend the day on game drives with Shivani. Shaba is the perfect location for travelers interested in an authentic wildlife experience that is set away from the crowds. Adamson produced the film "Born Free" after spending a lifetime with the lions at Shaba. Overnight at Joy's Camp. (B, L, D, Dr) Note: Exclusive-use vehicle at Joy’s Camp.
Day 4 – SAMBURU GAME RESERVE: Transfer from Shaba National Reserve to the Samburu Reserve, via 4x4. Sasaab Camp is in the West Gate Conservancy on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the arid heart of Samburu land, overlooking the Laikipia plateau and Mount Kenya. After lunch, relax before a game drive to track the resident ‘community lions’. Overnight Sasaab Camp. (B, L, D, Dr)
Day 5 & 6 – SAMBURU LION RESEARCH: Two full days with guided bush walks, lion tracking and visits to the local community to monitor lion predation of livestock and other such issues. In addition to the lion, view the unique Northern species including the endangered Grevy’s Zebra and other wildlife at the river’s edge. Overnights Sasaab Camp. (B, L, D, Dr) Note: Exclusive-use vehicle at Sasaab Camp.
Day 7 & 8 – OLARE OROK CONSERVANCY: After breakfast transfer to the airstrip for a flight to the Masai 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 in the game rich Mara ecosystem followed by a sundowner. Enjoy the following full day on game drives. Overnights Porini Lion Camp. (B, L, D, Dr)
Day 9 – OLARE OROK CONSERVANCY: After an early breakfast, go on a morning walk in the Conservancy escorted by Maasai warriors and a guide. This afternoon, explore more of the Conservancy by 4x4, 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 Conservancy. Overnight Porini Lion Camp. (B, L, D, Dr)
Day 10 – DEPART: One last early morning game drive, before your flight to Wilson Airport. A car and driver is available for use in Nairobi, have a late lunch before your international departures. (B, L)
About Shivani Bhalla, lion researcher: A Kenyan national working on her PhD through Oxford University, which focuses on the lions of the Ewaso ecosystem in Northern Kenya. Through this project, she is continuing and complementing the research she did for her Masters’ degree (MSc) in 2003. She currently works in Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves and the West Gate Community Conservancy with the objective to investigate factors influencing the lion population in the Ewaso ecosystem in Northern Kenya. The area of study includes the 3 National Reserves (Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba) and the West Gate Community Conservancy. This research will formulate strategies for the long-term conservation of lions by understanding the issues and threats facing their population, their movements in the wild and the extent of human-lion conflict. There is a huge knowledge gap in this area and it’s her intention to address this.
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Duration
10 days
2010 Departures
Anytime except Nov 1-30 & Apr 16-May 31
Accommodations
Luxury tented camps
Fitness Rating
Easy
Activities
Game drives, night drives, cultural tours, lion research
Land-only price*
From $7,667
* All pricing per person based on double occupancy, group size min. 4 pax. High season surcharge: $500 July to Oct and Dec 21-31. Changes to itinerary and pricing may apply. Price includes all accommodations, meals, some drinks, guides, transfers, vehicles, park fees, activities as indicated, flying doctors insurance, and a $25 donation to a worthy African charity. Price excludes international flights, visas, tips, inoculations, travel insurance, and anything not specified above. We accept Visa, Master Card & AMEX. We offer a 2% discount for payments by cash/check. No refunds—see terms & conditions for details.
Travel Green: We offset 50% of carbon emissions on all safaris!
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