Things to do in Kenya

Take a bush walk with a Maasai naturalist in Tsavo

As a Maasai Kenyan and naturalist, I can give you a unique insight into Tsavo’s native flora and fauna…

By Stephen Lekatoo

Naturalist and guide, Voyager Ziwani Camp

Come on a guided bush walk to get up close to Tsavo’s nature and wildlife. As a Maasai Kenyan and naturalist, I can give you a unique insight into the native flora and fauna and teach you about our culture. My village is just 10 kilometres from Voyager Ziwani, so I grew up here and love to share my knowledge with guests. The bush walk is completely different from a game drive because you’re on your feet and really immersed in the landscape.

The bush walks take place in the late afternoon and I tailor the length to suit each group’s preference. Guests usually enjoy sundowners afterwards with beautiful views over the plains. During the walk, we’ll stop to learn about the indigenous trees and plants the Maasai people use, often for medicine or to dye our clothes. I’ll help you identify animal footprints – some, like the porcupine, are particularly tricky. If it’s rainy season, you’ll also see colourful flowers in bloom.

There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot, including crocodiles and hippos by the Sante River; we’ll be accompanied by a security guard to keep us safe. There are often elephants around camp and diverse bird species, including rare water thick-knees. One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen on a bush walk was three cheetahs hunting a baby hartebeest. The animals were concentrating so hard on the kill that they didn’t even notice us standing there watching – it was a fantastic moment and the guests couldn’t believe their luck.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Special Offer

Big Five Safari
by Mayur Khanna

Length6 Days

Price range£2,395 - £3,225pp

Alfred & Stephen Lekatoo

Stephen Lekatoo is a Maasai Kenyan who has been a naturalist and guide at Voyager Ziwani Camp since 2004. He hails from a village 10 kilometres from the camp and is an expert on the local wildlife, plants and landscape. Stephen loves to stargaze and lead game drives and guided bush walks, showcasing Tsavo’s natural wonders for guests.

Stephen Lekatoo, Naturalist and guide, Voyager Ziwani Camp

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the rangers who'll ensure you'll spot the best wildlife in the Mara, the village chiefs who'll give you a genuine insight into local life and the camp managers who can recommend the very best spot for your sundowner.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.