This African Wild Dog Safari invites you to track one of Africa’s most endangered animals on foot, horseback and by helicopter.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > African Wild Dog Safari in Kenya
Our travel mission is one based on the search for unique, challenging and memorable African experiences. Kenya offers up everything needed to make that mission a reality. With our African wild dog safari, we bring together everything at the apex of African Travel. Challenge yourself through taking on the world-class thrashing rapids of Kenya; fishing in the Ewasu Nyrio river and walking through the wild, tracking the wild dogs of Kenya’s Laikipia. Connect with the Samburu people as you observe their age-old traditions in the Kenyan wild, including camelback safaris and, finally, leave your Legacy through aiding the conservation of the Wild Dogs of Laikipia.
Your first stop on your African Wild Dog Safari in Kenya is Giraffe Manor – Nairobi’s must-see location. Why? It’s unique. Lucky for you, we’re all about unique. Giraffe Manor is just that, a stately manor with the resident Rothschild Giraffe providing guests with a memorable ability to engage with these impressive animals in once in a lifetime ways.
There are quite a few options available for your first day in Nairobi, in close proximity to Giraffe Manor is the Giraffe Center, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust where you will be able to leave your legacy by adopting an elephant and being the primary sponsor for its care throughout its life. The Karen Blixen and Nairobi Museums are also nearby for those that want to connect with the deep and rich history of Kenya.
At the end of the day, you can sit back on the terrace, whiskey in hand, and watch the sun set behind the Ngong Hills. While Nairobi and Giraffe Manor are only a thoroughfare on your LuxVenture® Experience, we assure you that your time here will not quickly slip from your mind.
Today you’ll arrive by helicopter at Laikipia Wilderness Camp, a small intimate camp surrounded by the vast and untamed Rift Valley and the foothills of Mount Kenya. The camp is elegant and simple – a handful of tents built on platforms with private verandas – each with an en suite bathroom open to the sky so that you can shower under a canopy of stars.
The surrounding grassy plains are home to cheetah, ostrich, gazelle and oryx and the thick acacia woodlands are where the elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo roam. Laikipia supports more endangered mammals than anywhere else in East Africa. This area is also known for its sightings of wild dogs – the second rarest predator in the world.
While you are here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy many thrilling activities during your stay including fishing, rafting and game drives. Walking Safaris are also an option, which gives you a great break from game drives and allow you to stretch your legs while immersing yourself in the bush and learning from your knowledgeable guide.
Laikipia Wilderness Camp is a small intimate camp surrounded by the vast and untamed Rift Valley. The camp is elegant and simple – a handful of tents built on platforms with private verandas – each with an en suite bathroom open to the sky so that you can shower under a canopy of stars.
On this trip you will be tracking one of the most endangered and elusive creatures – the Wild Dog. Fewer than 7,000 wild dogs are left in Africa and they are known as “painted wolves” due to their multi-hued coats. Although researchers have dedicated years to studying them, much about them remains a mystery.
The camp moves ahead of you and will be set up in a different location every night over the next three days. Typically, you’ll spend your first night on top of an escarpment, then the next morning you will hike down into a valley where you will camp the next night. The lush valley is teeming with life and is home to leopards, elephants, owls, kudu and buffalo. This journey will take you deep into the wilderness and give you opportunities to spot these animals in their natural habitat.
Your guide, Steve Carey, leads you confidently through the wilderness armed with a radio, rifle, first aid kit and tracker. He has 20 years of experience running safaris, so you are in good hands. He is an expert on finding wild dogs and he will be able to sniff out where these creatures are hiding.
Laikipia Wilderness Camp works closely with the Laikipia Predator Project, collecting a large amount of data from sightings of wild dogs so that they can figure out where the animals will be.
On this intrepid adventure you will swim in rivers, climb the kopjes to admire the Laikipia views, eat dinner prepared over a fire and even collect honey with the help of a local honey guide. This experience will allow you to be closer to the bush than you have ever been before.
Laikipia Wilderness Camp’s mobile tents will be set up in a different location every night over the next three days. Typically, you’ll spend your first night on top of an escarpment, then the next morning you will hike down into a valley where you will camp the next night.
Today you’ll depart the wild dogs you have been observing and make your way on foot to Ol Malo, a stunning lodge in the heart of the Laikipia Plateau. This 5,000 acre game sanctuary and ranch lies along the Ewaso Nyiro River and consists of four cottages made from natural rock, with thatched roofs and antique olive wood furniture. Your luxurious cottage will have a separate bathroom, living area and private veranda with view that will make your jaw drop.
On this final full day of your tour, take a moment while sipping well earned drink to look back on all of the thrilling experiences and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters you have had over the last week.
You may want to spend your day relaxing, but if you still have an appetite for adventure you can discover the wilds of the Ol Malo Conservancy on the back of a horse or a camel. Or, you can take a cultural visit to meet the Samburu people and learn about their traditions and visit their local nursery school.
Today marks the end of your African Wild Dog Safari. Seven days filled with absolute adventure, wildlife and Kenyan culture. This morning you will enjoy a final breakfast before being driven from Ol Malo to Nairobi Wilson airport for your onward travel home.
Our experts are here to help.
Head office:
7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.