Including

• 6 nights Rhino Watch Safari Lodge, Safaritent, full board
• 4 nights Mara Big Five Camp, full board
• Transport and Safari Vehicles
• Course leader Zarek Cockar, English speaking
• additional local driver guide, English speaking
• National park fees
• Field Guide Certificate Level 1 

Excluding

• Flights
• Optional activities
• Travel insurance
• Excluded meals and drinks
• Visa costs
• Tips
• Personal expenses

This is an opportunity for true nature enthusiasts to engage in quality field-based, experiential learning on safari. Courses can be tailor-made to fit the requirements of the participants covering a host of different topics – from Kenya’s paleontological record to bird identification; from correct use of binoculars to animal track identification – providing participants with a deeper understanding of Kenya’s natural history. This safari course is designed to equip participants with the right tools to understand and interpret the natural environment. These safaris will run at Rhino Watch safari Lodge, Solio Conservancy in Central Kenya, and in the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.

The safari will include both a practical element out in the field, on foot and/or in the vehicle, as well as classroom lectures.

Your instructor:

Zarek Cockar
·         Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association: Gold Level
·         Field Guides Association of Southern Africa: Level 2 & Back-Up Trails Guide
·         Cybertracker Track & Sign: Level 3
Zarek is a 4th generation Kenyan, and has grown up with a great appreciation for Kenya’s wild places and natural history through safaris and camping trips with family and friends from a very young age. He joined his primary school’s Birdwatching Club at age 11 and has been birding ever since.  He has nurtured a passion for the smaller aspects of life away from the “big 5” safari norm; birds, spiders, insects, and frogs interest him far more than a sleepy lion under a tree.  When he’s not guiding or working on bookings, Zarek is happy to pack a tent in his car and head off on his own to learn the birds, plants, and arthropods in some new area of Kenya.

Topics Covered:

Introduction to the Wilderness and Ethics

• Situational awareness
• Correct use of binoculars and vehicles
• Ethical operations in the wilderness environment

Geology

• Basic Geology
• The importance of studying geology
• Rock types and associated soils

Early Hominids and the Peopling of Kenya

• Defining Palaeontology
• Human ancestors in East Africa
• The origins of Kenya’s modern people groups

Ecology and Conservation in Kenya

• Defining ecology
• Ecosystem components, their interactions, and relationships
• Conservation history in Kenya
• Primary conservation challenges in Kenya
• Conservation techniques in Kenya

Trees and Grasses

• Plant identification
• Anatomy of plants and leaf structure
• The uses of plants
• Ecology of grasses

Reptiles and Amphibians

• Reptile Taxonomy
• Basic reptile biology, reproduction, and external characteristics
• Reptile identification
• Amphibian calls, mating, and reproduction
• Amphibian identification

Insects and arachnids (spiders etc)

• Distinction between insects and other arthropods
• Basic insect ecology/biology
• Spiders – identification and biology
• Scorpions, ticks, and mites – identification and biology
• Centipedes and Millipedes – identification and biology

Mammals and Animal behaviour

• Characteristics of mammals and basic taxonomy
• Foot structure and digestive systems
• Social structure and group behaviour
• Communication, self-defence, and territories
• Focus on large, charismatic species

Birds

• Bird identification and characteristics
• Food, feeding, and nesting
• Behaviour and peculiarities

Tracks and Signs

• Basic track identification
• Non-spoor signs in the wild

Navigating the digital environment

• Making the most of social media
• Citizen Science projects on smartphone apps and websites

Example of daily schedule:

Day 1: Rhino Watch Safari Lodge
11:00 am – Arrival, check-in, and introduction
12:00 pm – Lunch
1:30 pm – Short Lecture
3:30 pm – Tea Break
4:00 pm – Afternoon field activity – Kimati nature walk
7:00 pm – Campfire discussion & Dinner

Day 2 – Day 5:  Solio Rhino Conservancy, Rhino watch compound and Aberdare NP
6:30 am – Morning field activity (drive or walk)
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Lecture
12:00 am – Lunch
1:30 pm – lecture/presentations by participants
3:30 pm – tea break
4:00 pm – Afternoon field activity (drive or walk)
7:00 pm – Dinner
8:15 pm – campfire debrief/evening nature activity

Day 6: Transfer from The central highlands to Masai Mara Reserve – Mara Big Five Camp, Talek
Day 7 – Day 9: Masai Mara
6:30 am – Morning field activity (drive or walk)
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Lecture
12:00 am – Lunch
1:30 pm – lecture/presentations by participants
3:30 pm – tea break
4:00 pm – Afternoon field activity (drive or walk)
7:00 pm – Dinner
8:15 pm – campfire debrief/evening nature activity

Day 10: Departure
6:30 am – Morning field activity (drive or walk)
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Debrief and departure
NB: This schedule will be somewhat flexible as we incorporate specific opportunities that may unexpectedly present themselves.
Come join us for an in-depth learning experience to change your perspective!

What to bring:

• Basic stationery (pens, pencils, large notebook for lectures and small notebook for activities)
• Any reference books you can get your hands on – see our suggested books list at the bottom of the document
• Neutral colored clothes (bright colors and white stand out in the bush and should be avoided)
• Warm layers (wind chill and high altitude make for very cold mornings and nights)
• Sturdy walking shoes for activities and sandals for relaxing at camp
• Binoculars – 8×40’s are recommended, but other specifications are fine
• Medium/light-weight camera (big, heavy lenses are cumbersome while walking)
• Hat and sunscreen – the equatorial sun can be VERY strong
• Toiletries and personal effects
• Curiosity and a sense of adventure!

Suggested Reference Book List (none are required, but each will be useful)

• Birds of East Africa – Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe OR Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania – Dale Zimmerman, Ron Pearson, Don Turner *(only 1 of these 2 bird books needed)
• Kingdon Guide to African Mammals – Jonathan Kingdon
• Photographic Guide to Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa – Louis Liebenberg
• Common Trees and Shrubs of East Africa – Najma Dharani
• Wayside Flowers – Theresa Sapieha
• Pocket Handbook to Reptiles and Amphibians of East Africa – Stephen Spawls et. Al
• Insects of East Africa – Dino Martins

9th to 19th November 2019
1st to 11th March 2020
4th to 14th April 2020
1st to 11th November 2020

4.990.- USD per person, sharing
890,- USD single supplement