White-Water Rafting in Kenya Rivers

White-water rafting in Kenya was pioneered by back in early 1991 when Mark Savage and 4 friends decided, despite never having set foot in a rubber boat before, to "have a go" at running an 80 km section of the Athi River.

White water rafting safaris in Kenya provide a combination of white-knuckle adrenaline thrills and scenic bird viewing on a wilderness safari on game viewing. The spectacular scenery and abundant birds and game make rafting in Kenya a unique experience. The length of trips can be tailored to your own requirements and there are a variety of rivers to choose from.

Tana River
Due to the high quality of the white-water sections, the prolific bird life and the natural beauty of the whole area, along with its ease of access from Nairobi (just 95 km), this is our most popular river for both the white-water trips and scenic float trips. The white-water section that we do starts some 2½ km above the town of Sagana, and ends at our own campsite some 16 km down stream. The scenic float trip starts from the campsite and takes in 12 km of calm water down to the barrage close to the main road back to Nairobi.

Day Trip Rafting

The Tana River Usually rafted as a day trip the river starts with 3 km of class 2 and 3 rapids, followed by 6 km of calm and scenic river,Abudant Bird life(over 120 species),before a final 7 km offast and exiting Grad 4 and 5 white water. Calm water section to the camp lasts 4 hours to the camp.

Price per person USD 90

The Athi River

Distance from Nairobi is about 230 km, and hence only viable as a minimum of a three day trip. The description attached covers the more usual 80 km section that we do, but it is possible to start from near the town of Thika and to finally end the trip on the Indian Ocean near Malindi some 500 km on down. Several short portages required. Best described as a scenic river but with perhaps a third of the river being class II and III. Three sections of class IV / V.

Athi River 3 days trip .
All 450 km of the Athi is raft able and the stretch bordering Tsavo National Park is especially scenic with good game viewing and exciting rapids ranging from class 2 - 4.

Price per person USD 375

2 Days Malewa River whitewater Rafting Trip.

Day 1: Pick up very early from Nairobi and transfer to Naivasha Kigio Wildlife Conservancy in the Rift Valley. Here you view some of the resident wildlife before you head off the property and up to the put in point far upstream. After instruction in rafting techniques and safety on the river you are out in charge of your own 2-3 person raft. The first day is a smooth water session with the occasional small rapid that is easily negotiated with your new skills!

Later in the morning as you pull over to the river bank at a local Kikuyu tribe Homestead and view how rural Kenyans in this region make a living. Onwards we paddle viewing python, waterbuck, and Sykes, Velvet and Colobus monkeys that live in the towering riverbank Acacia trees. You stop for the night at the campsite for a hot shower then join us under the stars for an aperitif before dining under the stars.

Day 2: Now with days paddling experience we tackle rapids up to grade 3+ on the Malewa River negotiating rapids called the Waterfall, Otter and Eland Bend. A magic, fun day where you are in command of your craft. A sense of satisfaction is felt as we near the end of our trip and pull out at Malu lodge. We then transfer you back to Nairobi arriving late evening.

Price Per Person USD 350

Price is inclusive of the following:

1.Transport from Nairobi to Naivasha and back Nairobi by road
2.Meals and accommodation for the entire trip
3.Paddling in 2-3 person craft
The rafting is guided by experienced guides .

Mathioya River Day Trip

A day trip for 95 Kms from Nairobi The Mathioya is a narrow, low volume river, which runs for 22 km with a descent of 450 m. The water is not especially big but it is fast flowing and many of the rapids are technically difficult and class 4 and 5.

Price per person per day USD 95

4 Days Ewaso-Ng'iro River

This exciting river trip takes at least 4 days and has long and difficult stretches of white water, ranging from class 3 - 5. The river flows through Samburu National Park as far as Chandler Falls in Shaba National Park. The scenery is spectacular and wildlife abounds. The lower age limit for rafting is 14 with parental consent. There is no upper age limit although individuals should be of at least average fitness and health and should respect the rivers.

Price per person USD 405

The above prices includes:Transport from Nairobi hotel or private arragement can be made,Safety briefing,,refreshments ,Bar-be-que lunch with vegeterian option available with complimentary drinks

Extra day is 95 USD

General Rafting Information

Equipment
Crew capacity of each boat is licensed at 8 pax + one guide, though we very seldom have more than 6 crew per boat. Helmets are used on most sections of river as well. All rafting trips carry a very comprehensive first aid medical kit with guides trained in its use. Guides all carry a , throw bags, binas and pulley.
We prefer client participation, and hence, unless requested in advance, all boats are paddled by the participants themselves. A guide in each boat just gives the commands and steers the boat. "Oar frame", or "guide paddled" boats are available standard on all scenic float trips.

Our river programmes always include:
" A professional and experienced guide in command of each boat.
" A full river briefing before you set off, plus specific briefings before each set of major rapids.
" Comprehensive safety ( 3a) and first aid equipment. All guides are CPR trained.
" The opportunity to bring cameras or video in our water proof boxes, or to rent proper waterproof still cameras
" Customized food catering, including complementary beer and soft drinks
" Courtesy transport from Nairobi to and from the river.
Due to safety considerations, we use two or more boats and guides on the Athi or Ewaso-Nyi'ro Rivers, the minimum number of clients on each of these trips should be four. We do take provisional bookings for lesser numbers and are often able combine those persons with other groups, particularly if one group is flexible over dates.

Minimum age, experience and fitness
The lower age limit to run all the rapids is usually 14, with parental consent. We have no fixed upper limit as it's dependent on the individuals fitness and health. (We regularly have "old" men of 40, and we've even had a "young" lady of 72 with us on the Tana!).

Accommodation
On the Athi and Ewaso Rivers, each night's camp is set up at a scenic point, either on the side of the river or upon a sand bank. Tents are small 2-man dome types, and air beds and sleeping bags are provided.

Food
First class all the way. All perishables are carried in a freezer trailer, as are soft drinks and beer. Breakfasts are in the full "English" style with cereal, bacon and eggs, toast and coffee. Lunch, because it is carried on the boats each day, is more basic, consisting of bread, salad, cheese and cold meat cuts. For dinner, our usual 5 course meals consist of a starter, soup, barbecued main meal and vegetables, followed by fruits and coffee. It's all cooked over a wood fire by the guides, while you relax over a glass of wine or a cold "Tusker" beer.

Guest Requirements
Shorts (or swimming costume) and a shirt, (long sleeves and pants for those with sensitive skins and essential on all multi day trips). A wide brimmed hat. A pair of fastenable shoes or "Teva" type sandals. Sunscreen of factor 25 or more. Additionally, on multi-day trips: personal toiletries and malarial prophylactics. Optional - camera, and sun glasses (with retainer cord), gloves and socks, (anti sunburn). A light weigh nylon rain jacket worn under your life jacket is also useful in cool weather or if it does rain while you are on the river.
Please also bring spare warm clothing to change into at the end of the trip. What you wear on the boat for the white-water WILL get wet. Probable water conditions

Please contact us for more information.