5. THRILLS AND SPILLS SOMAK

ADVENTURE SAFARIS
Golfing in Kenya
Kenya with 35 courses - in the most diversified of terrain offers Golfers some of the most challenging games they are ever likely to play. Courses in Kenya are outstandingly picturesque, uncluttered almost all of the time (other than weekends) and fun to play. It rarely gets too hot up country and cheerful experienced caddies make your game a pleasure. Ten of Kenya's Golf Courses are 18 hole, nine of these have been regularly used for championship events. Each course has its own distinctive flavor and setting - from the most basic 'bush course' where the 'greens' give way to 'browns' through to many a lush and lavish championship course. Courses may right on the equator on the exhilarating slopes of Mount Kenya, or beside the Indian Ocean at Mombasa with an 'ocean-side hole' that demands a long drive over an inlet. Half of them are above 5,000 feet - where the ball goes so much farther, many have sophisticated fairway watering systems; others offer a 'dry season challenge' that is all its own. Sitting on the highlands of Kenya, the Windsor - Kenya's premier 18 hole Course commands a spectacular panorama of Mt. Kenya and the rugged Aberdare Range, yet is only a 30 minute drive (17Kms) north of the City.

Mountaineering
Mountaineering is a fast growing adventure among the young and old alike. Most commonly tackled are Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro. Somak can organize excursions of varying durations to these two points and any mountain of clients choice.

Whitewater Rafting
Day trips and trips of longer duration (nights under canvas) are available on the Tana, Athi and Muthoya North Rivers.

Gliding, Paragliding & Hang-gliding
Powerful thermals above the rift valley provide perfect conditions for hang-gliders and gliders. Paragliding is available at coastal resorts.

Diving
The warm tropical seas of the Indian Ocean provide ideal conditions for an astonishing variety of marine life and outstanding diving potential. The Kenya coast, protected by a coral reef offers beginners the chance to learn to dive before venturing into the deep. Diving packages can be tailored to your requirements from any hotel we feature on the Kenya coast, the Shimoni archipelago being a prime site, with 4 islands offering a variety of marine life.

Gone Fishing - Out of the blue
Deep Sea Fishing need not be restricted to the highly experienced. Bases such as Hemingway's - one of the worlds premier fishing resorts - take delight in tutoring those that wish to experience the thrill of dining on their days catch. Fishing trips usually scheduled for a full day commence at the crack of dawn with a terrace breakfast, then transfer to an Ocean vessel stocked with lunch boxes, fresh fruits and cold drinks. Making out through the reef, there is the full swell of the ocean and a blend of currents as she throttles up heading due east in search of game. Though monitored on sonar equipment, birds and fish are the best giveaways of turbulent feeding grounds, where fish of all sizes play their role in the food chain. Daylight is from 6am - 7pm.

SAFARI STYLES
Safaris By Air
A good option for those with limited time or those who want to maximize their game viewing options. Distances in Kenya can be long and flying can be a quick and convenient way to hop between the prime game viewing areas. On some safaris part of the itinerary is by air, which reduces the traveling time between parks. Flights are in light aircraft which utilise airstrips. Baggage allowance is 15 kgs per person. The lodge or camp will provide transfers and game drives.

Ballooning Safaris
Early morning balloon rides over the Masai Mara/Serengeti provide a wonderful perspective on the wilderness areas. After landing, the crew sets up a champagne breakfast. Ballooning can be arranged in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania. This exhilarating experience commences at dawn with approximately one hour in the air, followed by a bush breakfast complete with sparkling wine. You depart your lodge before sunrise and take off as the sun rises. The direction and duration of the balloon trip is dependent upon the prevailing weather conditions. Optional balloon trips take the place of the morning game drive. Please note that ballooning is subject to weather conditions. Children under the age of 12 are only permitted at the discretion of the pilot and height restrictions apply.

Safaris By Camel
The ‘ship of the desert’ offers a great vantage point for viewing nature. The arrangement, usually through north and central Kenya, is accompanied by a Samburu warrior guides. Support vehicle carries luggage, tents and supplies. Camel safaris also through the arid plains of Tsavo East National Park.

Safaris On Foot
Some Game reserves and National Parks also offer the opportunity of walking safaris which are a very exciting experience. These safaris are usually accompanied by an armed guide. For walkers and trekkers there are some stunning trails, particularly in the rugged country of the central, western and north-western regions. For the most ambitious trekker and climber Mount Kenya also Mount Elgon and the Aberdares.

Bird watching
Kenya boasts approximately 1,100 different species of birds, more than any other single country on the African continent. The Rift Valley in particular supports large populations of birds including raptors such as the fish eagle. The alkaline lakes support populations of flamingos and pelicans. Varied topography from woodland to desert, grassland to mountains, accounts for the incredible variety of species to be seen. From December to March the migrants from Europe arrive.

Horse Riding Safaris
Can be enjoyed in the hills and plains of the Masai Mara. Nights spent under canvas. This traditional style safari is growing in popularity.