Helicopter Excursions with The Safari Collection - Agent...Kieran has created a variety of thrilling helicopter excursions for guests of The Safari Collection which depart from Sasaab

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HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS WITH THE SAFARI COLLECTION

If vast panoramas, jaw-dropping views and awe-inspiring landscapes are your thing, then a helicopter adventure is a MUST.

WHAT TO EXPECTDropping down into valleys and soaring up over mountains with wind in your face… expect the ULTIMATE EXHILARATION and a truly unforgettable experience.

Having your own wings gives you total freedom to explore Kenya’s wildest, most spectacular and most extreme locations. Places inaccessible by land, untouched by humans and full of hidden geographical wonders are suddenly at your fingertips.

Looking down on Kenya’s vast wilderness from above offers an entirely new perspective. The spontaneity and freedom of a helicopter is unbeatable: enjoy instant access to remote locations (that might otherwise be unavailable under time constraints) as well as incredible manoeuvrability – turn back and hover over wildlife or touch down beside a turquoise pool for a refreshing swim.

This is why at The Safari Collection we have our very own helicopter and pilot so that we can offer you a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the wildest corners of Kenya.

OUR HELICOPTEROur Eurocopter AS 350 B3 helicopter is based at either Sasaab or Solio and is on standby to whizz guests off on a variety of excursions to the most remote destinations in Kenya. With five passenger seats, sliding doors and proven superior performance in extreme conditions, our AS 350 is perfect for low level cruising with optimum viewing.

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OUR PILOT

Kieran Allen is our fabulously talented and trusty pilot who has clocked up over 1,000 flying hours in the AS 350 helicopter model alone. Born and raised on a farm in the Kenyan bush, he is fluent in Swahili and English, as well as two other African languages and a little French. From flying in hostile environments to carrying celebrities, guiding world-renowned photographers and undertaking game capturing operations, Kieran has extensive and diverse flying experience. His knowledge and passion for Kenya’s flora and fauna (especially insects and butterflies),

coupled with his wisdom on the geology of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley and nomadic tribes, make him our ideal pilot. Did we also mention that he’s a grade III helicopter instructor with night rating and commercial licences for six different helicopter types?

Kieran has created a variety of thrilling helicopter excursions for guests of The Safari Collection which depart from Sasaab and Solio. Avid anglers might be pleased to learn that Kieran also loves fly fishing, so can guide keen fishermen to the best secret spots on Kenya’s mountain lakes and streams. The following helicopter excursions are recommended routes that include some of the highlights of the area. It is possible to combine elements of different trips from Solio Lodge or Sasaab to create a bespoke experience for the specific needs of our guests. Please talk to Kieran or the manager for more information.


HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS

OUR FOOTPRINTIn line with our commitment to conservation and sustainability, we are always conscious of having a positive impact on the environment around us. Therefore, we will plant two trees to help reforest Mount Kenya for every hour of flying time to offset the emissions. For more information on this initiative, please speak to our pilot.

TRANSFERS BETWEEN DESTINATIONS

Make the most of the transfers between safari destinations and do more than getting from A to B by taking a scenic helicopter tour. This option is available between Solio and Sasaab and vice versa, or between one of our properties and another property in the area.

Route: Solio Lodge to Sasaab Transfer (and vice versa)

Length: 1 hour trip / flying time (no stops and includes positioning fees)

Description: Solio Lodge and Sasaab are only a short distance from each other, yet the terrain between the two is stunningly diverse. With mountains, forests, gorges and open plains, you’ll be awed and amazed by the incredible scenery.

Depart Solio at 10:00 am and fly over Borana Conservancy. Keep an eye out for rhino as Borana is a highly successful sanctuary for these prehistoric looking and highly threatened creatures. Look down on the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve with its inviting blue pools before dropping off the edge of the Laikipia Plateau and down into the Mokogodo Gorge. Fly through the Kipsing Valley – a dry sand river often frequented by herds of elephant. As you near Sasaab you will join the Ewaso Nyiro River. Fly low over the water spotting wildlife on the riverbanks before arriving at Sasaab.

Baggage: Luggage will be strictly limited to 15kgs per person including hand luggage. If there are 2 people or more on the flight who weigh over 100kgs, the baggage allowance reduces to 10kgs per person including hand luggage. Should the baggage exceed this limit, it will need to be transferred by road. This will incur an extra cost depending on your destination. All bags must be soft sided. It is not possible to put hard sided cases into the helicopter baggage hold.

Cost: US$ 3,300 for up to 5 passengers.



Scenic Sundowners on the Sacred Mountain

Route: Sasaab – Mt. Ololokwe - Sasaab

Length: 2 hour trip / 1 hours flying time

Description: Set off around 4:00 pm from Sasaab and follow the Ewaso Nyiro River as it winds its way through the Samburu plains. Look out for all sorts of wildlife with the advan-tage of a bird’s eye view, including the Grevy’s zebra, endemic to this area of northern Kenya. You might also come across vultures nesting, and the swamp is a great place to spot majestic herds of elephant.

Continue flying north and circle Ololokwe, a solitary rocky mountain rising 2,000 metres out of the surrounding Samburu lands. With sheer cliffs and a wide flat top, it is rather imposing and impressive. For the local Samburu people, Ololokwe is a sacred mountain of great cultural significance. It is also stunningly beautiful and hosts vast biodiversity of flora and fauna on its lush forested slopes. Its indigenous forests include podo, cedar and fig trees, as well as ancient giant cycads which are endemic to the mountain.

Land on one of its smooth rock ledges where you will enjoy a sundowner with the most spectacular panoramic views. Feel like you’re on top of the world and the only people in Africa. Depart at 6:00 pm to return to Sasaab.


SASAAB EXCURSIONS


Ancient Cycads and Baby Elephants

Route: Sasaab - Orica – Reteti - Sasaab

Length: 2.5 hour trip / 1 hour flying time

Description: Enjoy a light breakfast in the cool of dawn before setting off at 7:00 am. Follow the Ewaso Nyiro River and head north towards the Matthews Mountain Range, one of the wildest and most untouched areas left in Kenya. The Matthews is a chain of peaks which rise out of the desert-like lands of Kenya's Northern Frontier District, stretching for over 150 kilometres. Covered in a lush tropical forest, they are a refuge for an incredible number of species who rely on the forest for water during the dry season. Elephants, buffalo, Grevy’s zebra, lion, leopard, colobus monkeys and wild dog are just some of the animals found here.

Enjoy a coffee stop at 7:30 am, where you might be able to spot and hear some of the 200 bird species and 150 butterfly species that live in the forest. As well as stunning views, you will be able to marvel at the giant cycads – enormous palm-like trees whose origins date back millions of years.

Leave the mountain forest and fly down to Reteti – the first ever community owned and run elephant sanctuary - in time for the 8:30 am feeding. Reteti works with local communities to rescue orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim of returning them back to their wild family herds as soon as possible. It is a heartwarming experience to see the new wave of thinking that has taken place within surrounding Samburu communities who have united to protect their local wildlife.

Watching the baby elephants come in from their walk to enjoy milk and frolic in the mud hole is magical. You will have a keeper on hand to tell you about Reteti’s work, answer any questions and give you a behind the scenes tour of the sanctuary before your return flight back to Sasaab.

Cost: US$ 2,200 for up to 5 passengers, plus US$ 20 per person for Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (payable direct).

SASAAB EXCURSIONS


Glorious Gorges and Stunning Swims

Route: Sasaab - Ewaso Gorge - Fig Swim – Tail Rock - Sasaab

Length: 3 hour trip / 1 hour flying time

Description: Set off at 7:00 am after enjoying an early breakfast in the cool of the dawn light. Weave up the Ewaso Nyiro River spotting herds of elephants and other wildlife below. Continue north and fly through the Ewaso Gorge, a deep ravine in the landscape, spotting crocodiles sunning themselves on mud banks below. Touch down in the gorge at an idyllic spot with a giant fig tree and little beach where you can recline in the shade and soak up the incredible scenery. Relish being the only people for miles around. This section of the gorge has running water and no crocodiles, so is perfect for a cooling dip. Set off again to marvel at some of the dramatic rock formations in the gorge, including an impressive formation that looks strikingly like a whale’s tail. Head back to the lodge in time for lunch.


SASAAB EXCURSIONS


Cultural and Geological Wonders

Route: Sasaab - Pokot - Silali - Lakes - Stacks - Sasaab


Description: Awaken for an early breakfast before setting off in your private helicopter at 6:30 am. Fly north for your first stop to spend time with a remote community of Pokot people, just west of Mount Silali. The Pokot are one of the nomadic pastoralist tribes who inhabit Kenya’s arid northern lands. Totally dependent on their livestock, their survival in such a harsh environment is quite remarkable. Spend a fascinating hour here, learning about their cultural traditions, as well as being treated to a traditional dance.

After an unforgettable experience with the Pokot, fly east over Mount Silali, the largest caldera volcano in the Great Rift Valley. This giant volcanic crater forms part of a chain of dormant volcanoes located at the southern tip of the Suguta Valley. Towering 1,528 metres high, it is rather impressive and otherworldly, with 300 metre deep walls and a base diameter of 30 kilometres. Land on the crater rim for a coffee stop with epic views.

Next, you will fly into the Suguta Valley to visit some of the naturally occurring springs there, famous for their endemic species of cichlid fish. Fly through the southern end of the Suguta Valley to marvel at the iconic rock formations. Towering rock stacks known as ‘Hudus’ have been weathered over thousands of years and make for dramatic viewing. Head back to Sasaab in time for lunch.

Cost: US$ 6,600 for up to 5 passengers, plus the Pokot visitor fee of US$ 1,000 per group.

SASAAB EXCURSIONS


The Jewels of the North

Route: Sasaab - Suguta Valley - Turkana - Reteti - Sasaab


Description: Awaken with an early breakfast before setting off at 6:15 am for this epic adventure which will take you through the most diverse and incredible scenery imaginable. From hidden valleys to sparkling lakes and extreme deserts to volcanic craters, prepare to be amazed.

As the sun creeps over the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya, you will fly northwest from Sasaab, dropping off the edge of the Laikipia Plateau and descending into the Great Rift Valley.

Marvel at the extraordinary landscape as you fly up the Suguta Valley, one of the hottest places on earth and sensationally nicknamed ‘The Valley of Death’. Geologists have long been fascinated by this remote landscape, full of ancient fossils and rock formations. Giant granite rocks perched atop eroded volcanic ash stacks known as ‘Hudus’ dot the valley, before giving way to the ‘Painted Valley’. Here, the deep rocky gorge is layered with contrasting strata of rock and volcanic ash, creating a rainbow-like effect. There is the option of landing for a coffee stop amidst the dramatic rock formations or by one of the natural springs found here.

After a while, the valley opens up into a flat expanse of grassland and palm trees, before giving way to miles and miles of sand dunes, created by the relentless winds that sweep through the Suguta Valley. Touch down to disembark and fully take in this desolate and extraordinary place with no signs of life for miles around.

SASAAB EXCURSIONS


At the northern end of the Suguta Valley spot an abundance of crocodiles in the oasis of crystal clear pools which arise here in the middle of the desert. From here, continue north over Lake Logipi, a six-kilometre gleaming expanse of greenish-blue, streaked with the pink plumage of flamingos. This seasonal saline lake is a vital breeding ground for the lesser flamingo. In the middle, a rocky island rises out of the water known as ‘Cathedral Rock’.

Separating Logipi from its colossal neighbour, Lake Turkana, is an enormous barrier of jet-black molten lava. As you ascend up over its 152-metre sides, you will be met by spectacular views of Lake Turkana stretching as far as the eye can see. Known as ‘The Jade Sea’ for its rich turquoise colour and vast size (it is the largest permanent desert lake in the world), it’s a true hidden jewel of the north.

Fly over the perfectly conical Nabiyotum Crater on the edge of Lake Turkana. This geological marvel looks like a giant funnel and is fascinating to see. There is the option for a landing here if you wish. As you fly back towards Sasaab, stop for lunch at Koros Camp which lies in a beautiful and un-spoilt conservancy just south of Lake Turkana. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way back to the lodge.

Route: Sasaab - Suguta Valley - Turkana - Reteti - Sasaab


Description: Awaken with an early breakfast before setting off at 6:15 am for this epic adventure which will take you through the most diverse and incredible scenery imaginable. From hidden valleys to sparkling lakes and extreme deserts to volcanic craters, prepare to be amazed.

As the sun creeps over the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya, you will fly northwest from Sasaab, dropping off the edge of the Laikipia Plateau and descending into the Great Rift Valley.

Marvel at the extraordinary landscape as you fly up the Suguta Valley, one of the hottest places on earth and sensationally nicknamed ‘The Valley of Death’. Geologists have long been fascinated by this remote landscape, full of ancient fossils and rock formations. Giant granite rocks perched atop eroded volcanic ash stacks known as ‘Hudus’ dot the valley, before giving way to the ‘Painted Valley’. Here, the deep rocky gorge is layered with contrasting strata of rock and volcanic ash, creating a rainbow-like effect. There is the option of landing for a coffee stop amidst the dramatic rock formations or by one of the natural springs found here.

After a while, the valley opens up into a flat expanse of grassland and palm trees, before giving way to miles and miles of sand dunes, created by the relentless winds that sweep through the Suguta Valley. Touch down to disembark and fully take in this desolate and extraordinary place with no signs of life for miles around.

The Jewels of the North from Solio Lodge It is also possible to enjoy The Jewels of the North excursion from Solio Lodge. The route will differ at the beginning and end of the trip due to the location of Solio. The trip time, flying time and cost will remain the same.

SASAAB EXCURSIONS


Cost: US$ 8,800 for up to 5 passengers, plus an extra charge of US$ 60 per person for lunchat Koro's Camp and US$ 20 per person for Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (payable direct).Lunch is subject to availability.

At the northern end of the Suguta Valley spot an abundance of crocodiles in the oasis of crystal clear pools which arise here in the middle of the desert. From here, continue north over Lake Logipi, a six-kilometre gleaming expanse of greenish-blue, streaked with the pink plumage of flamingos. This seasonal saline lake is a vital breeding ground for the lesser flamingo. In the middle, a rocky island rises out of the water known as ‘Cathedral Rock’.

Separating Logipi from its colossal neighbour, Lake Turkana, is an enormous barrier of jet-black molten lava. As you ascend up over its 152-metre sides, you will be met by spectacular views of Lake Turkana stretching as far as the eye can see. Known as ‘The Jade Sea’ for its rich turquoise colour and vast size (it is the largest permanent desert lake in the world), it’s a true hidden jewel of the north.

Fly over the perfectly conical Nabiyotum Crater on the edge of Lake Turkana. This geological marvel looks like a giant funnel and is fascinating to see. There is the option for a landing here if you wish. As you fly back towards Sasaab, stop for lunch at Koros Camp which lies in a beautiful and un-spoilt conservancy just south of Lake Turkana. Enjoy more spectacular scenery as you make your way back to the lodge.

The Jewels of the North continued...

SOLIO LODGE EXCURSIONS

Jagged Peaks and Sparkling Lakes

Route: Solio – Mount Kenya - Solio

Length: 3 hour trip / 1.5 hours flying time

Description: Enjoy a light breakfast at dawn before setting off from the lodge at 6:30 am. From Solio, you will fly straight to Mount Kenya for a scenic tour of Africa's second highest mountain whose lofty peaks are the result of a volcanic eruption around three million years ago. There are in fact three separate peaks, the highest of which is named Batian and rises to 5,199 metres. Fly between the eye of the needle – one of the jagged rock formations at the top – and marvel at the icy crags and geographical variety. Despite being on the equator, Mount Kenya still has a smattering of icy snow and contains eleven glaciers, although experts predict that they are likely to have disappeared by 2050.

The rugged and diverse terrain on the mountain is hugely biodiverse. Keep your eyes peeled for the extremely elusive and critically endangered mountain bongo. Less than 100 individuals are remaining in the wild, and a small pocket of these live in Mount Kenya National Park. You might also spot elephant and buffalo, as well as a variety of plains game adapted to high altitude living.

Sparkling mountain lakes make for rather idyllic viewing on this excursion. Fly over Lake Michaelson, a glacial erosion lake set in a deep valley and surrounded by towering cliffs. Touch down at Lake Rutundu or Lake Alice, another two trout-filled tarns, invitingly azure yet too icy for a dip! Enjoy coffee and a light bite before heading back down to Solio.

Cost: US$ 3,300 for up to 4 passengers, plus Mount Kenya park fees at US$ 52 per adult andUS$ 26 per child (between 2 and 17 years inclusive). *Park fees are current and correct at the time of producing this document but are subject to change without warning.

The helicopter can only land on the mountain if there are 4 passengers + pilot or less.



Misty Moorlands and Lichen-hung Forests

Route: Solio Lodge – The Aberdares – Solio Lodge

Length: 2 hour trip / 1 hour flight time

Description: Awaken for a 6:30 am breakfast before departing at 7:00 am for the Aberdare Mountain Range just southwest of the lodge. This narrow volcanic massif stretches 70 kilometres through central Kenya, its highest peaks rising to almost 4,000 metres. Designated a National Park in 1951, the 766 square kilometres of protected land holds an astonishing diversity of habitats, from rolling moorland, deep river valleys and lichen-hung forests, to bamboo thickets and giant heather woodland. Not surprisingly, it also hosts prolific wildlife. Here you can find the second largest herd of endangered black rhino as well as African wild dog, giant forest hog and black and white colobus monkeys, to name but a few. It is also one of the only places on earth (along with Mount Kenya National Park) where elephants live at over 3,000 metres in altitude.

Your scenic Aberdares flight will begin by flying over the Salient – the lowest altitude area of the park where most of the larger species tend to be concentrated. Look out for black rhino in this area, as well as plains game such as buffalo, eland, zebra, waterbuck and various other antelope species.

As you ascend the slopes of the mountain, you will notice changes in the vegetation, with several distinct zones and incredible botanical richness. Leaving the dense montane forests of the lower slopes, you will fly over bamboo forest, before entering woodland of East African rosewood (hagenia) trees and giant figs. Look out for movement of elephant herds below as they crash through the trees. Continuing your ascent, you will notice the terrain changing again to scrubland and zones of giant heather, before giving way to rolling tussock moorland higher up.

As you soar above this diverse and pristine wilderness, look out for crystal-clear trout-filled streams and thundering waterfalls, the highest of which, Karuru Falls, crashes 300 metres into the spray-filled gorge below. In the misty, damp realms at the top of the Aberdares, touch down to explore a unique rock formation known as ‘Dragon’s Teeth’. Sporadically jutting out of the earth, these volcanic towers of rock are said to resemble a dragon’s jaws, hence their nickname. Enjoy a coffee stop here while you explore the rocks. Return to Solio in the late morning.

Cost: US$ 2,200 for up to 5 passengers, plus Aberdare park fees of US$ 52 per adult and US$ 26 per child (between 2 and 17 years inclusive). *Park fees are current and correct at the time of producing this document but are subject to change without prior warning.



Pink Plumage and Dramatic Gorges

Route: Solio - Mukutan Gorge – Lake Bogoria - Solio


Description: Enjoy an early breakfast before departing from the lodge at 6:30 am. Fly northwest to explore the remote Mukutan Gorge, a deep fault line that drops off into the Great Rift Valley. The landscape here is a labyrinth of rolling green hills and deep valleys filled with lush, unspoilt vegetation and wildlife. Fly low over palms, orchids, hot springs and towering waterfalls cascading into turquoise pools.

From here you will fly to Lake Bogoria – a stunning blue ribbon of mirror-like water fringed pink with the plumage of thousands of flamingos. After a brief touch down at the Bogoria National Reserve gate to pay park fees, glide over the glassy water, marvelling at the incredible diversity of birdlife, for which the lake is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake is a haven for flamingos and is one of their major feeding and breeding sites; the strongly alkaline and algae-rich waters can attract an itinerant population of up to two million lesser flamingos at a time. Seeing the sky streaked crimson with flamingo flight formations beside you is an incredible site. Also enjoy the perspective of seeing an array of birdlife from the ground, stopping for a beautifully scenic lakeside coffee and bite to eat.

As you take to the skies again, fly over bubbling pools and billowing clouds of steam on Bogoria’s western shores which are dotted with hot volcanic springs and geysers. Head back to the lodge in time to relax and reflect on your morning’s adventures before lunch.


Cost: US$ 4,400 for up to 5 passengers, plus Bogoria park fees at US$ 50 per adult and US$ 10 per child (between 5 and 9 years inclusive. Under 5 years is free of charge). *Park fees are current and correct at the time of producing this document but are subject to change without warning.

Pink Plumage and Dramatic Gorges from SasaabIt is also possible to enjoy the Pink Plumage and Dramatic Gorges excursion from Sasaab. Due to the change in route, the trip time will increase to 4.5 hours and the flying time will increase to 2.5 hours. The cost of this excursion is US$ 5,500 for up to 5 passengers, plus Bogoria park fees at US$ 50 per adult and US$ 10 per child (between 5 and 9 years inclusive. Under 5 years is free of charge).*Park fees are current and correct at the time of producing this document but are subject to change without warning.

BOOKING INFORMATIONWe recommend pre-booking helicopter excursions for your clients when making their reservation. This both guarantees the availability of the helicopter and only pre-booked helicopter sales are commissionable.

For more information and your applicable net rates, please email our office - [email protected].

Minimum chargeable flight time is 1 hour. 100% payment is required at the time of confirmation before the flight.

Cancellation charges are 50% if cancelled within 48 to 24 hours prior to the scheduled excursion time. If cancelled within 24 hours prior to the excursion cancellation fees will be 100%. Cancellation of a pre-booked helicopter trip must be made in writing.

All entrance and park fees are to be paid in addition to the hourly flying rate and can be paid directly on the day of the excursion.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONSThe flight time may increase or decrease depending on the weather en route.

The cost of diversion due to war or weather is billed directly to the client. The quotation is subject to change. Actual hours flown will determine the invoice.

Should there be a situation where the weather/other unforeseen circumstance (e.g. force majeure/technical issue with helicopter/illness of pilot) mean that the excursion is not able to take place, a full refund will be provided to the guest.

Luggage will be strictly limited to 15kgs per person including hand luggage. If there are 2 people or more on the flight who weigh over 100kgs, the baggage allowance reduces to 10kgs per person including hand luggage. All bags must be soft sided. It is not possible to put hard sided cases into the helicopter baggage hold.

Minimum age of passenger flying is 2 years old.

A safety harness will be provided and must be worn by all children if deemed necessary by the pilot.

The helicopter that The Safari Collection is operating is a Eurocopter AS350 B3+ powered by an Arriel Turbomeca 2D engine, with five passenger seats and one pilot.

Costs are based on the helicopter being at the property that is mentioned as the starting point for the excursion. Additional costs will be incurred if the helicopter is required to re-locate to the starting point for the excursion.

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Documents

Helicopter Excursions with The Safari Collection - Agent...Kieran has created a variety of thrilling helicopter excursions for guests of The Safari Collection which depart from Sasaab