MISTY MOORLANDS AND LICHEN-HUNG FORESTS

EXCURSION

ROUTE

SOLIOTHE ABERDARES – SOLIO

Awaken for an early breakfast before departing just after first light for the Aberdare Mountain Range just southwest of the lodge.

This narrow volcanic massif stretches 70 kilometres through central Kenya, its highest peaks rising to almost 4,000 metres. Designated a National Park in 1951, the 766 square kilometres of protected land holds an astonishing diversity of habitats, from rolling moorland, deep river valleys and lichen-hung forests, to bamboo thickets and giant heather woodland. Not surprisingly, it also hosts prolific wildlife. Here you can find the second largest herd of endangered black rhino as well as African wild dog, giant forest hog and black and white colobus monkeys, to name but a few. It is also one of the only places on earth (along with Mount Kenya National Park) where elephants live at over 3,000 metres in altitude. Your scenic Aberdares flight will begin by flying over the Salient – the lowest altitude area of the park where most of the larger species tend to be concentrated. Look out for black rhino in this area, as well as plains game such as buffalo, eland, zebra, waterbuck and various other antelope species.

As you soar above this diverse and pristine wilderness, look out for crystal-clear trout-filled streams and thundering waterfalls.

As you ascend the slopes of the mountain, you will notice changes in the vegetation, with several distinct zones and incredible botanical richness. Leaving the dense montane forests of the lower slopes, you will fly over bamboo forest, before entering woodland of East African rosewood (hagenia) trees and giant figs. Look out for movement of elephant herds below as they crash through the trees. Continuing your ascent, you will notice the terrain changing again to scrubland and zones of giant heather, before giving way to rolling tussock moorland higher up. As you soar above this diverse and pristine wilderness, look out for crystal-clear trout-filled streams and thundering waterfalls, the highest of which, Karuru Falls, crashes 300 metres into the spray-filled gorge below. In the misty, damp realms at the top of the Aberdares, touch down to explore a unique rock formation known as ‘Dragon’s Teeth’. Sporadically jutting out of the earth, these volcanic towers of rock are said to resemble a dragon’s jaws, hence their nickname. Enjoy a coffee stop here while you explore the rocks. Return to Solio in the late morning.

Fly over the Salient – the lowest altitude area of the park where most of the larger species tend to be concentrated.

For up to 5 passengers

Please get in touch to request a quote
* This helicopter excursion is a suggested route that includes some of the highlights of the area. It is possible to combine elements of different excursions from Solio Lodge or Sasaab to create a bespoke experience for the specific needs of our guests. Please contact us for more information and routing suggestions.

OUR EXCURSIONS

Ancient Cycads, Sacred Mountain & Baby Elephants

The Jewels of the North

Jagged Peaks and Sparkling Lakes

Pink Plumage, Dramatic Gorges & Dormant Volcanos

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • The flight time may increase or decrease depending on the weather en route.
  • The cost of diversion due to war or weather is billed directly to the client. The quotation is subject to change. Actual hours flown will determine the invoice.
  • Should there be a situation where the weather/other unforeseen circumstance (e.g. force majeure/technical issue with helicopter/illness of pilot) mean that the excursion is not able to take place, a full refund will be provided to the guest.
  • Luggage will be strictly limited to 15kgs per person including hand luggage. If there are 2 people or more on the flight who weigh over 100kgs, the baggage allowance reduces to 10kgs per person including hand luggage. All bags must be soft sided. It is not possible to put hard sided cases into the helicopter baggage hold.
  • Minimum age of passenger flying is 2 years old.
  • A safety harness will be provided and must be worn by all children if deemed necessary by the pilot.
  • The helicopter that The Safari Collection is operating is a Eurocopter AS350 B3+ powered by an Arriel Turbomeca 2D engine, with five passenger seats and one pilot.
  • Costs are based on the helicopter being at the property that is mentioned as the starting point for the excursion. Additional costs will be incurred if the helicopter is required to re-locate to the starting point for the excursion.
  • Rates exclude all extras such as park entrances, community fees, conservation fees and landing fees where applicable.

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WEEK OF WILD ADVENTURE

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SAFARI TEASER

LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE?

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