GENERAL INFORMATION

White water rafting Safaris pioneered White-water rafting in Kenya 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. Three of the participants thought it to be the most exciting thing they'd done in years, and decided that it was an activity that should be introduced on to the Kenya tourist list of options and excursions available. As an indication to rafting's ever increasing popularity, we have had as many people on the rivers with us this year, as during all of the first five years combined. 1996 looks to be continuing the trend.

To date we are still the only outfitter on the rivers, and our river expert, Mark Savage, has been on the first descent of every river so far rafted in Kenya. In this activity one of our largest clients is the British Army, for whom we do the "Adventure Training" for their men whilst they are over in Kenya on general exercise.

Come and join us on one of the rivers described. We'll give you an experience that you will remember for many years to come, for on no other rivers in the world will you find the diversity of experiences that we offer: The spectacular scenery of Kenya and the multitude of bird and animal life, which, combined with the excitement of White-water Rafting, makes for a totally unique safari.

Alternatively we can customise a river experience to fit your request; be it a serene and scenic float trip along a picturesque waterway, or an adrenaline surging ride down a different wild and raging White-water River. We can even offer experienced rafters the opportunity to attempt, with us, a first descent of a virgin river. (Limited availability).

The Rivers that we most frequently run

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 Mathoya River

Because of the serious nature of this river, we will only make it available to those who have rafted with us before or who have experience on a class V river. 500m of descent over 30 km of river, almost all continuous class III and IV white-water with a dozen or more sections of class V. Low volume and highly technical.

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.

The Ewaso-Ng'iro River

Best done as a 4 day expedition from Nairobi though sometimes as just 3 days. This river combines the best of class IV white-water with superb scenery and wildlife viewing. Unfortunately, because of extensive cultivation within the primary catchment area, water level reliability is poor and hence we can seldom confirm a departure much more than a week or so in advance.

Other Rivers

Some still not run for their full length. Upper section of the Tana - Very serious with several kilometres of portage required. Lower section into Meru National Park - Scenic only. Nzoia and Yala - reasonable water but the area is heavily populated. Chania, Thiba, and several others look good from the air and are awaiting exploration.
Specialised training and courses
We do part of the "Adventure Training" for men of the British Army and Royal Navy.
We teach the potential river enthusiast all the river skills necessary for him to run his own rafting adventure, or sufficiently qualified to assist our own full time guides on the river. We teach you how to "read" the river, and to find a safe route through major rapids. We teach oarsmanship and how to command a paddle raft. River rescue, equipment rigging and knot tying. River-orientated first aid. Environmentally sensitive camping procedures and much more.