5.More Participatory Activities
a.Baboon walk:
the baboon ecotourism project gives a chance to walk with an habituated baboon troop in their natural habitat while learning the troop family structure, their social structure, dietary habits, ranging pattern, as well as learning each individual by its name, relatives and others social aspects.
b.Bird watching:
Nguruman and its environs are known for its diverse bird’s species. Meet bird local watchers who will lead you to where you see different bird species of your interest while they explain the cultural theories behind a number of bird species in the area…learn why Maasai do not kill some bird species, which one are worn by the heroic and cowardly lads during their initiation period e.t.c
Other important bird areas:
i.Ol Doinyo Orok in Namanga is another spectacular bird watching region. The area is well vegetated and have a wide variety of bird species.
ii.Lake Natron is the breeding site for flamingoes in East Africa. Both young and adult flamingoes as well as other saline water bird species are seen in large numbers. Some of these species can also be seen in Lake Magadi.
c.Culture talks/Exchange:
Learn different culture through discussion and culture talks. Herbs (medicinal plants) exhibition, talks, explanation on their usage by distinguished local experts is also not to be missed.
d.The research center:
Visit the local research center to meet and chat with the researchers contacting different research; Carnivore research and Ecology. Have an opportunity to accompany them to the field tracking collared lions and hyenas, learn from their research activities; vegetation plots and transects.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Trekking and Hikking Itinerary
Hiking and walking safaris itinerary
The journey will take you across the world’s most famous solid-salt lake; Lake Magadi, giving you a memorable chance to view flamingoes and other saline water bird species. Driving through a vast semi-arid savanna region inhibited by Maasai, to a cosmopolitan agricultural area at the foot of the Nguruman escarpment where the Nguruman bush camps are sited. The natural hiking terrain will help relax your mind, exercise the body and heal the spirit. Come and experience what nature has in store for you.
1. Nguruman to Maasai Mara
Day 1
1400hrs: Leave Nairobi for Nguruman
1630hrs: Visit the Oloogesalie prehistoric site
1800hrs: Arrive at Nguruman Bush Camps
1900hrs: Dinner at Bush Camps and spent overnight in comfortable mobile tents.
Day 2
0600hrs: Break fast at Nguruman Bush Camp
0630hrs: Depart from Nguruman Bush Camps-Hike Nguruman Escarpments
0900hrs: Stop at the edge of the escarpment to view the panorama; view Lake Magadi, Oloorgesaille hills, Shompole hills, and Olkiramatian plains, all this magnificently seen at the chasm of the Great Rift Valley.
1030hrs: Arrive at Entasopia Water Falls, rest and enjoy the cool breeze under the natural unscathed riverside forest.
1145hrs: Picnic lunch served at the foot of the falls
1430hrs: Get ready for a two and half trekking safari to Yianta.
1700hrs: Arrive at Yianta Camp
1900hrs: Dinner is served and spent- ample resting time in preparation of the next day walk.
Day 3
0600hrs: Early breakfast at camp
0630hrs: Break the camp and get ready for a walk.
0730hrs: Depart from Yianta Camp for Oltulelei Camp.
1200hrs: Arrive at Enkutoto, Picnic Lunch is served and rest for a while before start trekking to Oltulelei camp.
1400hrs: Start trekking to Oltulelei Bush Camp.
1630hrs: Arrive at Oltulelei Bush Camp and spent overnight.
Day 4
0630hrs: Breakfast at the mobile bush camp.
0730hrs: Depart for majimoto.
1030hrs: Stopover at Oloirowua, rest for awhile.
1100hrs: start trekking to Narosura.
1230hrs: Arrive at Narosura, have lunch and rest for a while.
1400hrs: Start trekking to Majimoto.
1630hrs: Arrive at majimoto.
1700hrs: Stay overnight at the nearest mobile camp.
Day 5
0730hrs: Breakfast at camp, prepare for a whole day of driving through different locations of the Mara and watching animals n their habitats, feeding resting e.t.c.
1130hrs: Picnic lunch at a strategic point either at the Hippo Pool where you watch hippos swimming in pools or by the river depending on the game drive direction.
1400hrs: Another short game drive for wildlife viewing. Mara being one of the spectacular game viewing places, one will be able to see a number of animals; elephant, rhino, giraffe, hippo, antelopes, lion, buffalo, zebra, kongoni, leopard.
1530hrs: Choose between staying overnight in the Mara and, or travelling to Nairobi.
2. Ngurumanbushcamp to Entasopia water falls
0600hrs: Early breakfast is served at the Ngurumanbushcamp.
0645hrs: Drive to the foot of the escarpment to hike up.
0745hrs: Arrive at the foot of the escarpment, start hiking up.
1030hrs: Arrive at the water fall; enjoy what nature offers; gorgeous ravines, evergreen forest and certainly the nippy water that recompense the heat after the hike.
1200hrs: Picnic lunch served at the foot of the falls.
1330hrs: Take a short nature walk (plant walk) with experienced guides who will show different medicinal plants and how they are used.
1500hrs: Start trekking back to Ngurumanbushcamp.
4. Client tailored short safaris
a.Half day trip to Lake Natron to see flamingoes.
b.Half day bird watching activity and or short walk to see Columbus monkeys.
c.Visit to community projects, social amenities (schools)
The journey will take you across the world’s most famous solid-salt lake; Lake Magadi, giving you a memorable chance to view flamingoes and other saline water bird species. Driving through a vast semi-arid savanna region inhibited by Maasai, to a cosmopolitan agricultural area at the foot of the Nguruman escarpment where the Nguruman bush camps are sited. The natural hiking terrain will help relax your mind, exercise the body and heal the spirit. Come and experience what nature has in store for you.
1. Nguruman to Maasai Mara
Day 1
1400hrs: Leave Nairobi for Nguruman
1630hrs: Visit the Oloogesalie prehistoric site
1800hrs: Arrive at Nguruman Bush Camps
1900hrs: Dinner at Bush Camps and spent overnight in comfortable mobile tents.
Day 2
0600hrs: Break fast at Nguruman Bush Camp
0630hrs: Depart from Nguruman Bush Camps-Hike Nguruman Escarpments
0900hrs: Stop at the edge of the escarpment to view the panorama; view Lake Magadi, Oloorgesaille hills, Shompole hills, and Olkiramatian plains, all this magnificently seen at the chasm of the Great Rift Valley.
1030hrs: Arrive at Entasopia Water Falls, rest and enjoy the cool breeze under the natural unscathed riverside forest.
1145hrs: Picnic lunch served at the foot of the falls
1430hrs: Get ready for a two and half trekking safari to Yianta.
1700hrs: Arrive at Yianta Camp
1900hrs: Dinner is served and spent- ample resting time in preparation of the next day walk.
Day 3
0600hrs: Early breakfast at camp
0630hrs: Break the camp and get ready for a walk.
0730hrs: Depart from Yianta Camp for Oltulelei Camp.
1200hrs: Arrive at Enkutoto, Picnic Lunch is served and rest for a while before start trekking to Oltulelei camp.
1400hrs: Start trekking to Oltulelei Bush Camp.
1630hrs: Arrive at Oltulelei Bush Camp and spent overnight.
Day 4
0630hrs: Breakfast at the mobile bush camp.
0730hrs: Depart for majimoto.
1030hrs: Stopover at Oloirowua, rest for awhile.
1100hrs: start trekking to Narosura.
1230hrs: Arrive at Narosura, have lunch and rest for a while.
1400hrs: Start trekking to Majimoto.
1630hrs: Arrive at majimoto.
1700hrs: Stay overnight at the nearest mobile camp.
Day 5
0730hrs: Breakfast at camp, prepare for a whole day of driving through different locations of the Mara and watching animals n their habitats, feeding resting e.t.c.
1130hrs: Picnic lunch at a strategic point either at the Hippo Pool where you watch hippos swimming in pools or by the river depending on the game drive direction.
1400hrs: Another short game drive for wildlife viewing. Mara being one of the spectacular game viewing places, one will be able to see a number of animals; elephant, rhino, giraffe, hippo, antelopes, lion, buffalo, zebra, kongoni, leopard.
1530hrs: Choose between staying overnight in the Mara and, or travelling to Nairobi.
2. Ngurumanbushcamp to Entasopia water falls
0600hrs: Early breakfast is served at the Ngurumanbushcamp.
0645hrs: Drive to the foot of the escarpment to hike up.
0745hrs: Arrive at the foot of the escarpment, start hiking up.
1030hrs: Arrive at the water fall; enjoy what nature offers; gorgeous ravines, evergreen forest and certainly the nippy water that recompense the heat after the hike.
1200hrs: Picnic lunch served at the foot of the falls.
1330hrs: Take a short nature walk (plant walk) with experienced guides who will show different medicinal plants and how they are used.
1500hrs: Start trekking back to Ngurumanbushcamp.
4. Client tailored short safaris
a.Half day trip to Lake Natron to see flamingoes.
b.Half day bird watching activity and or short walk to see Columbus monkeys.
c.Visit to community projects, social amenities (schools)
Destinations.
1.The Nguruman Escarpments
Nguruman Escarpment is located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Nairobi city. It is in the southern most part of Kenya, bordering Tanzania.
Nguruman Escarpment is an escarpment in southern Kenya. The escarpment is around 50 kilometers long and elongated in N-W direction. Its northern edge is approximately 120 km southwest of Nairobi, while the southern edge is near the Tanzanian border, at the northwestern corner of Lake Natron. The southern Ewaso ngiro river flows along the foot of the escarpment, while Loita Hills are located west of the Escarpment. The escarpment forms the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. Below it are the vast plains and the volcanic hills of the Great Rift Valley and in the distance are Lake Magadi and Lake Natron. The valley floor is about 750m above sea level, while the Elevation of the crest of the escarpment is about 2300m
The Nguruman escarpment marks the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. The escarpment is approximately 50 kilometers long stretching north-west from the Kenyan-Tanzanian border. Its environs are true land of contrast; ranging from open woodland, vast plains with patches of bushes and open woodland on the eastern part of the escarpment to the dense thicket on the slopes of the escarpment. The escarpment is a source of numerous streams which make up the four main rivers in the area namely; Entasopia, Oloibortoto, Sampu and Pakase. The escarpment serves as a home (habitat) to numerous wildlife species; animals, birds and plants. Along the base of the escarpment flows a permanent relatively bigger river known as Ewaso-Ngiro which is christen so due its brown color of its water. This is the longest rivers in the area originating from the Mau Escarpments and drains to Lake Natron.
2.Maasai Mara
-The most spectacular wildlife destination (Game Reserves) in East Africa.
-Famous for its annual Wildebeest migration from Tanzania to the vast Savannah grasslands and crossing the Mara River.
-A spectacular Wildlife area that leaves everyone to cherish nature and its diversities.
-Wide variety of game can be viewed at a close but save distant; these include the following: The big five (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino), Giraffes, Warthogs, Hippos, Crocodiles, Cheetah, Hyena, Jackals, Impalas, and numerous species of birds.
3.Amboseli
•Elephants seem to out number the rest of the wild animals species in the area.
•The flatness of the area and its terrain gives a spectacular view of the snow caped mountain-Kilimanjaro.
•A land of with diverse contrasts between arid dry plains to swamps (oasis), with plenty of game everywhere.
•Habitat to large varieties of game (wildlife) species.
Nguruman Escarpment is located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Nairobi city. It is in the southern most part of Kenya, bordering Tanzania.
Nguruman Escarpment is an escarpment in southern Kenya. The escarpment is around 50 kilometers long and elongated in N-W direction. Its northern edge is approximately 120 km southwest of Nairobi, while the southern edge is near the Tanzanian border, at the northwestern corner of Lake Natron. The southern Ewaso ngiro river flows along the foot of the escarpment, while Loita Hills are located west of the Escarpment. The escarpment forms the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. Below it are the vast plains and the volcanic hills of the Great Rift Valley and in the distance are Lake Magadi and Lake Natron. The valley floor is about 750m above sea level, while the Elevation of the crest of the escarpment is about 2300m
The Nguruman escarpment marks the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. The escarpment is approximately 50 kilometers long stretching north-west from the Kenyan-Tanzanian border. Its environs are true land of contrast; ranging from open woodland, vast plains with patches of bushes and open woodland on the eastern part of the escarpment to the dense thicket on the slopes of the escarpment. The escarpment is a source of numerous streams which make up the four main rivers in the area namely; Entasopia, Oloibortoto, Sampu and Pakase. The escarpment serves as a home (habitat) to numerous wildlife species; animals, birds and plants. Along the base of the escarpment flows a permanent relatively bigger river known as Ewaso-Ngiro which is christen so due its brown color of its water. This is the longest rivers in the area originating from the Mau Escarpments and drains to Lake Natron.
2.Maasai Mara
-The most spectacular wildlife destination (Game Reserves) in East Africa.
-Famous for its annual Wildebeest migration from Tanzania to the vast Savannah grasslands and crossing the Mara River.
-A spectacular Wildlife area that leaves everyone to cherish nature and its diversities.
-Wide variety of game can be viewed at a close but save distant; these include the following: The big five (Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino), Giraffes, Warthogs, Hippos, Crocodiles, Cheetah, Hyena, Jackals, Impalas, and numerous species of birds.
3.Amboseli
•Elephants seem to out number the rest of the wild animals species in the area.
•The flatness of the area and its terrain gives a spectacular view of the snow caped mountain-Kilimanjaro.
•A land of with diverse contrasts between arid dry plains to swamps (oasis), with plenty of game everywhere.
•Habitat to large varieties of game (wildlife) species.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
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Lake Magadi and The Natrons
•Magadi is a Maasai word which means ‘Soda’, while the word Natron is a chemical word for natural sodium carbonate. The lakes are gigantic bath, partly liquid and partly solid (soda). . Covering the lake is a corrosive sump of water and soda.
•Magadi and Natron are the Rift valley great tracks of soda.
•The Natron is the breeding ground of millions of flamingoes in the East African region. Both flamingo species i.e. lesser flamingoes and the greater flamingoes are the majority in these salty lakes.
•The lesser flamingoes feed on the green algae growing near the water surface while the greater flamingoes feed on tiny mollusks and crustaceans.
•Food supplies in the soda lakes contain canthaxanthin, a substance similar to Vitamin A which turns the flamingoes pink in color.
•Marabou stork is among the few flamingo predators.
•The lakes are quite shallow, less than three meters (10 feet) deep, and vary in width depending on its water level.
•Magadi and Natron are the Rift valley great tracks of soda.
•The Natron is the breeding ground of millions of flamingoes in the East African region. Both flamingo species i.e. lesser flamingoes and the greater flamingoes are the majority in these salty lakes.
•The lesser flamingoes feed on the green algae growing near the water surface while the greater flamingoes feed on tiny mollusks and crustaceans.
•Food supplies in the soda lakes contain canthaxanthin, a substance similar to Vitamin A which turns the flamingoes pink in color.
•Marabou stork is among the few flamingo predators.
•The lakes are quite shallow, less than three meters (10 feet) deep, and vary in width depending on its water level.
The Nguruman Escarpment
Nguruman Escarpment is located approximately 150 kilometers southwest of Nairobi city. It is in the southern most part of Kenya, bordering Tanzania. The Nguruman escarpment marks the western wall of the Great Rift Valley. The escarpment is approximately 50 kilometers long stretching north-west from the Kenyan-Tanzanian border. Its environs are true land of contrast; ranging from open woodland, vast plains with patches of bushes and open woodland on the eastern part of the escarpment to the dense thicket on the slopes of the escarpment. The escarpment is a source of numerous streams which make up the four main rivers in the area namely; Entasopia, Oloibortoto, Sampu and Pakase. The escarpment serves as a home (habitat) to numerous wildlife species; animals, birds and plants. Along the base of the escarpment flows a permanent relatively bigger river known as Ewaso-Ngiro which is christen so due its brown color of its water. This is the longest rivers in the area originating from the Mau Escarpments and drains to Lake Natron.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Background information.
Masai people inhabit Olkiramatian group ranch. The group ranch is divided into three phases; the northwest fringe is potential for agriculture hence has been set aside for farming, The eastern part of the group ranch is the widest with vast space for livestock keeping and lastly the Northeast part is blessed with vast plains, forest parches that are wet and green year round and therefore provide home for different animals and bird species including the Big five except rhinos. Other rare species like the laser kudus are also available among others important and instinct species. More than two hundred beautiful bird species have been reported to be available within the conservation area and the whole area of nguruman.
Meaning of the name: the name nguruman is a Masai term ‘enkurma’ which means maize meal. It’s derived from the farming activity in the area.
Camping and picnic sites
Nguruman bush camps, gives their clients a wide variety of different camping sites to choose from. Numerous sites are sited along River Engare-ng’iro, over elevated anthill like ground sits, or over the nguruman escarpment. The customer is the king so they decide for themselves, ours is to serve them as per their wish.
Sceneries
Nguruman is well known for it gorgeous and beautiful sceneries, from waterfall, Evergreen environment, Navigable Rivers, Gorgeous nguruman escarpments to its vast and diverse wild Animals and Birds species.
Hiking to River Entasopia waterfalls up the escarpment with its attractive, gorgeous and panoramic view of Nguruman irrigation scheme, stretching plains of Olkiramatian, Shompole and Oloogisalie hills, Lake Magadi and the Natrons from a distance, the meandering of Engare-ng’iro River and depression of the rift valley among others is something you can’t afford to miss!
People and Culture
Although nguruman is a cosmopolitan place with diverse culture and way of life, Masai culture is equally well practiced and adhered to. Everyone who visits enjoy the hospitality of the Masai people. Masai people treasure their culture but through their openness and hospitality, one would easily interact and learn from them. Nguruman bush camps, arranges interactive session between the community and the visiting team or any interested person who wish to borrow from the coveted Masai culture.
Economic Activities
With plenty of flowing fresh water from the Nguruman escarpments, the place is viable for agriculture. Although the place is a Masai communally owned land, its inhibited by other tribes from Kenya and the neighboring country and living in harmony. The priority of the Masai people is pastorals life and this has been possible with vast of land to keep livestock and setting a side a portion only for farming. Through embracing of different culture and way of life from incoming tribes, the Masai people have adopted farming as an alternative way of life. Having in mind the problem that resulted from climate change, with the diversity ways of earning a living means a lot to them in opposed to solely depending on livestock.
Nguruman is well known for its production of good quality Asian vegetable for export. Among the export produce grown in Nguruman are, Short carella, Okra, Chilies, Eggplants, Aubergine among other. The produce is consumed locally and overseas.
Topography and altitude
The area lies from 650m to 1500m above the sea level, with an average rainfall of 200mm per year. Generally the place is flat and low, except for the hilly escarpment part, which is bumpy with thick forest.
Bird watching and Game Drive
With more than 200 different beautiful bird species, bird watcher find real, perfect place to spent their holidays, free time or even good study places to those in love with nature. Lake Magadi and the Natrons are ideal places to watch, learn about flamingoes and their breeding season, habits and places. Take time to learn about the migratory bee-eater bird species with its only breeding grounds. The nguruman bush camps arrange game drives to the local conservancies.
Conservation
Meet Masai people; people who knew about environmental and natural resources conservation and management before the word did, through their normal way of life. Learn how they use and manage their natural resources equitably, co existence with wild animals while using the same resources at the same time.
Masai people inhabit Olkiramatian group ranch. The group ranch is divided into three phases; the northwest fringe is potential for agriculture hence has been set aside for farming, The eastern part of the group ranch is the widest with vast space for livestock keeping and lastly the Northeast part is blessed with vast plains, forest parches that are wet and green year round and therefore provide home for different animals and bird species including the Big five except rhinos. Other rare species like the laser kudus are also available among others important and instinct species. More than two hundred beautiful bird species have been reported to be available within the conservation area and the whole area of nguruman.
Meaning of the name: the name nguruman is a Masai term ‘enkurma’ which means maize meal. It’s derived from the farming activity in the area.
Camping and picnic sites
Nguruman bush camps, gives their clients a wide variety of different camping sites to choose from. Numerous sites are sited along River Engare-ng’iro, over elevated anthill like ground sits, or over the nguruman escarpment. The customer is the king so they decide for themselves, ours is to serve them as per their wish.
Sceneries
Nguruman is well known for it gorgeous and beautiful sceneries, from waterfall, Evergreen environment, Navigable Rivers, Gorgeous nguruman escarpments to its vast and diverse wild Animals and Birds species.
Hiking to River Entasopia waterfalls up the escarpment with its attractive, gorgeous and panoramic view of Nguruman irrigation scheme, stretching plains of Olkiramatian, Shompole and Oloogisalie hills, Lake Magadi and the Natrons from a distance, the meandering of Engare-ng’iro River and depression of the rift valley among others is something you can’t afford to miss!
People and Culture
Although nguruman is a cosmopolitan place with diverse culture and way of life, Masai culture is equally well practiced and adhered to. Everyone who visits enjoy the hospitality of the Masai people. Masai people treasure their culture but through their openness and hospitality, one would easily interact and learn from them. Nguruman bush camps, arranges interactive session between the community and the visiting team or any interested person who wish to borrow from the coveted Masai culture.
Economic Activities
With plenty of flowing fresh water from the Nguruman escarpments, the place is viable for agriculture. Although the place is a Masai communally owned land, its inhibited by other tribes from Kenya and the neighboring country and living in harmony. The priority of the Masai people is pastorals life and this has been possible with vast of land to keep livestock and setting a side a portion only for farming. Through embracing of different culture and way of life from incoming tribes, the Masai people have adopted farming as an alternative way of life. Having in mind the problem that resulted from climate change, with the diversity ways of earning a living means a lot to them in opposed to solely depending on livestock.
Nguruman is well known for its production of good quality Asian vegetable for export. Among the export produce grown in Nguruman are, Short carella, Okra, Chilies, Eggplants, Aubergine among other. The produce is consumed locally and overseas.
Topography and altitude
The area lies from 650m to 1500m above the sea level, with an average rainfall of 200mm per year. Generally the place is flat and low, except for the hilly escarpment part, which is bumpy with thick forest.
Bird watching and Game Drive
With more than 200 different beautiful bird species, bird watcher find real, perfect place to spent their holidays, free time or even good study places to those in love with nature. Lake Magadi and the Natrons are ideal places to watch, learn about flamingoes and their breeding season, habits and places. Take time to learn about the migratory bee-eater bird species with its only breeding grounds. The nguruman bush camps arrange game drives to the local conservancies.
Conservation
Meet Masai people; people who knew about environmental and natural resources conservation and management before the word did, through their normal way of life. Learn how they use and manage their natural resources equitably, co existence with wild animals while using the same resources at the same time.
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