4-day kayaking excursion on the Ewaso Nyiro River
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAfrica / Kenya
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions103.01 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
Experience a total four-day immersion in the heart of Kenya 's Great Rift Valley . This exclusive expedition begins in Nairobi with a spectacular descent to the prehistoric site of Olorgesailie , the cradle of humankind. You will then travel to the imposing Nguruman Escarpment , a natural wall marking the border with Tanzania.
Once there, the adventure intensifies: you trade your vehicle for a unique motorcycle experience to reach the wild banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River . Here begins a memorable kayaking journey , winding through the heart of unspoiled nature. Your days will be punctuated by picnics on the river and magical nights camping under the stars .
This trip is distinguished by an authentic encounter with the Maasai people . You will share in the daily life of the warriors during the roundup of the herds at sunset. Finally, you will explore the Shompole Community Reserve , an exceptional sanctuary home to elephants, giraffes, and big cats, before concluding with a unique morning walk alongside baboons.
The highlights
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Kayaking down the Ewaso Nyiro River
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Visit to the prehistoric site of Olorgesailie
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Immerse yourself in Maasai life by helping the herders with their cattle.
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
The expert's opinion
The kayaking route includes Class 1 rapids and stretches of calm water. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows into Lake Natron and is hydrologically isolated from other waterways; therefore, there have never been crocodiles in this river.
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Majority river class : Class 2 - some simple rapids
Management
English
Program
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From Nairobi to Kalema
- Transportation Car - 04h - 150km
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Your adventure begins with a roughly 3-hour drive southwest, heading down into the Great Rift Valley . Along the way, you'll stop for an hour to explore the prehistoric site of Olorgesailie , a major archaeological site containing fossils and stone tools from the dawn of humanity. You'll then continue your journey, crossing Lake Magadi , famous for its salt flats and flamingo colonies, to the Nguruman Bridge. Facing the impressive Nguruman Escarpment , you'll swap your vehicle for motorbikes for a memorable ride through the Kiramatian Reef to Kalema. After a picnic lunch in the wilderness , you'll reach your campsite on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River . You'll spend the afternoon setting up camp before attending a safety briefing and an introduction to kayaking techniques to prepare for the coming days on the water. Your first day ends with a relaxing moment at sunset and dinner around the fire by the water.
Day 1 -
Kayaking trip down the Ewaso Nyiro river and visit to the local community
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Majority river class Class 2 - some simple rapids
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After waking up early to the sounds of nature, you pack your dry bags with your day's essentials and leave the rest of your equipment in the support vehicle. Your kayaking trip begins on the Ewaso Nyiro River , ideal for beginners with its easy and fun Class 1 rapids . You spend the day paddling through pristine wilderness , a perfect environment for birdwatching and crocodile spotting. After a picnic lunch in the shade on the riverbank, you continue your descent in the afternoon to your new campsite to pitch your tents. At the end of the day, you hike to a nearby Manyatta ( traditional Maasai settlement). There, you experience a unique cultural immersion by helping Maasai warriors herd cattle back to the enclosure for the night. This shared experience allows you to understand their pastoral way of life before concluding the evening with dinner at the camp.
Day 2 -
Walk with the baboons, kayak on the river and evening safari
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You wake up at sunrise for an early morning coffee before heading out to observe a troop of habituated baboons . This walking approach offers a rare immersion in their natural habitat, allowing you to analyze their social behaviors. After breakfast, you pack up camp and resume your kayaking journey . This much calmer section of the river is perfect for wildlife viewing. You glide along to the Shompole Conservancy , a 20,000-acre community reserve nestled between two escarpments. Following a shaded lunch on the riverbank, you arrive at the campsite in the mid-afternoon to settle in. At the end of the day, you embark on a game drive, which extends into a nighttime excursion . You try to spot the elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes that inhabit the reserve. Managed entirely by the Maasai community, this reserve also offers guided walking safaris for closer animal tracking. You return to the bivouac for dinner around the fire .
Day 3 -
Motorcycle ride in the reserve, handing over the stoves to the community and return to Nairobi
- Transportation Car - 04h - 149km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, you pack up camp and load the support vehicles. You then hop on your motorcycles for a memorable ride through the reserves towards the Lale'enok Research Centre , located on the Olkiramatian Community Ranch. Run by the local community, this centre studies how scientific research can generate sustainable income to complement ecotourism. There, you actively participate in an eco-responsible initiative by distributing eco-friendly stoves to Maasai families; each equipped household saves approximately 3 tons of CO2 per year. You continue your motorcycle journey through these wild landscapes to reach the Nguruman Bridge, where your transfer vehicle awaits. After a final lunch there , you set off for your return trip to Nairobi, arriving around 5:00 PM .
Day 4
Accommodation
Accommodation is in simple tents for one or two people, pitched on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Sleeping mats are provided. You must bring your own sleeping bag, although one can be provided upon request. All meals are cooked over a campfire.
Access
You will be met by the driver at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and taken to the Nguruman Bridge. Along the way, you will visit the prehistoric site of Olorgesailie. You will then board motorbikes to reach the starting point of your kayaking session.
Go to the starting point
A transfer is included from Nairobi. However self drive customers can park in secure parking at the kayak tour starting point.
Price details
The price includes
- Return transfers from Nairobi in 4x4 vehicles.
- All meals, snacks, drinks and a basic bar.
- All camping and kayaking equipment, including dry bags for the day.
- All community taxes.
- Entrances to the reserve, camping, community visits and excursion with the baboons.
- Motorcycle transfers, community-run safari and guiding fees.
- One "eco-stove" (valued at $40) per participant, to be donated to the community
The price does not include
- Tips and gratuities for staff
- Sleeping bag or light blanket, sleeping bag liner, small pillow (available on request)
- Flights
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment
Equipment to bring
- Sleeping bag or light blanket, sleeping bag liner, small pillow (available on request)
- Headlamp, compact pocketknife, insect repellent, camera/phone with waterproof pouch
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing; long sleeves and trousers for evenings and sun protection
- Sun hat, high protection sunscreen, lip balm with sunscreen, sunglasses
- Shoes that provide good foot support in water (river shoes or sandals) + sturdy walking shoes for bush hikes
- Personal medications, a reusable water bottle, enthusiasm and curiosity
The Diana team
Specializing in safaris since 2012, our local expert is led by Richard and Diana. Drawing on their expertise, they offer eco-responsible, off-the-beaten-path trips in Kenya, particularly to Lake Turkana. Committed to conservation, they manage their own camp and invite you to explore on foot with local tribes. Currently pursuing Travelife certification, they are fluent in French, English, German, and Spanish to provide unique and sustainable experiences.