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.

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.

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