10-12 December

I had a great few days with a pal rafting with  Savage Wilderness Safaris LTD. We had booked on the 2 day one night trip (but added an extra nights accommodation so we could chill out after the second day). The camp is a lovely place and very relaxing. They have been there for a long time so are well set up and the accommodation is excellent and reasonably priced. You have the choice of everything from a two man tent (with mattress and bedding provided), bunk house, tented cottage, cottage. The food is also great and we were never hungry. There is also a small pool. Other activities include kayaking, climbing, bungee, tree walking, etc.

We were to raft in a group of 6 with a guide, luckily for us the other group of 4 did not arrive so  there were 2 of us and a guide in the raft – a private tour J We started off 16km upstream of the camp with a couple of KM of flat water to get used to the raft and the commands. My co –paddler was a weak swimmer and new to white water sports. But first the offer of a bridge leap was not to be missed. Now I have an unpredictable fear of heights that catches me out on many a hill walk etc. My solution to try and kick that habit is to push myself at every opportunity. Not sure it makes sense from a psychology perspective but boy does it get my heart racing. Standing at the edge of a 8m high bridge over a river being asked to step over the parapet and leap somewhat defies logic. However after a little internal battle I thought lets go. Stepped up and over (no hesitating or history has told me I will waver and refuse) suddenly flying through the air (only a little scream – honest!!) then bang hit the water, sink down surprisingly far, swim back up and to the bank, what a rush! Our guides were great fun and very relaxed. They quickly assessed our needs and levels of adventurousness. So over the two days we surfed the raft at the bottom of a grade 4 rapid (“Whitewater, large waves, long rapids, rocks, maybe a considerable drop, sharp maneuvers may be needed – source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitewater) , 

We flipped the raft twice (deliberately “for a laugh?”) and also did a rapid swim where (again defying a certain logic!) we jump out of the raft before a not insignificant rapid and then swim down a raging torrent – and we are paying to do this?

Savage camp is  great place and the staff are amazing, they go out of their way to make sure you get the most out of your stay and I highly recommend the experience. I have rafted and kayaked many times and this was one of the best experiences I have had so the recommendation is not lightly given.

For more information - Savage Wilderness Safaris Ltd, www.whitewaterkenya.com        www.savagewilderness.org    info@savagewilderness.org  Tel/Fax: (254)20 712 1590   Mob: (254) 733 735 508 however please note I struggled to get the website to work with Kenyan internet strength.