PERSPECTIVES FROM ABOVE

Breathtaking Samburu landscape

Last year, we took advantage of our downtime and treated a team from our office to the adventure of a lifetime. They travelled to Sasaab, where they hopped into The Safari Collection’s helicopter to explore Kenya’s remote north. Here’s what they thought about their extraordinary day out…

The team at Suguta Valley sand dunes

Flamingo explosion over Lake Logipi

Flying over hundreds of thousands of flamingos felt surreal ~ Caroline

Meet Caroline, one of our most experienced safari experts. She loves seeing Kenya’s incredible wilderness spaces through the eyes of her daughter, which she says gives her an enchanting perspective on the world of safari.

Did the helicopter experience live up to your expectations?
Everything about the day surpassed my expectations! I felt like I had gone on a world tour from the Grand Canyon to the deserts of Dubai. From scenic sundowners to swimming in freshwater springs, every single stop was mind blowing; I can see why the pilot chose each location for the diverse experience it offered.

Which was your favourite seat in the helicopter?
I tried them all and the seat right on the edge next to the door came out top. I felt so alive and at one with everything we saw.

Would you recommend a helicopter trip for clients going on safari?
Absolutely. The most unbelievable and unexpected sights and experiences are suddenly within grasp in such a short time. Imagine an eight-day safari (which is how long such a trip might take by road) comfortably compressed into a few hours. You gain access to parts of Kenya that very few get to see.

Billy and Amanda sandboarding… or at the very least, trying to!

It was fascinating to gain a  glimpse into the way of life of the Samburu and Turkana people living in such remote areas ~Billy

Say hello to Billy, our safari expert with the widest smile. He loves adventure and is passionate about sharing his beautiful country with the world.

What was the highlight of your helicopter safari?
Enjoying a bush breakfast at sunrise on the sacred Samburu mountain of Ololokwe with the most incredible views imaginable. The refreshing air and thickly forested setting were a surprising contrast to the usual shrub-land of Northern Kenya.

Did you have a favourite activity from the day?
There were a lot of surprise elements, but I think my favourite interactive experience was the sand-boarding. It was quite difficult to start moving and maintain balance, but once in motion it felt great. It was at the dunes that we really began to appreciate being in one of the hottest places on earth!

Sarah (front right) with the team on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River

Kenya is a beautiful country with so many
amazing places not known by most people ~Sarah

Sarah is one of our giraffe devotees. As the main handler of Giraffe Manor reservations, she’s certainly in the right job.

Did the helicopter safari live up to your expectations?
The entire experience outdid my expectations, it was amazing! I haven’t stopped talking (or should I say bragging) about the whole experience to date.

Did anything surprise you about the experience?
The whole helicopter ride was a welcome surprise. I expected a bumpy ride with beautiful views. But then came the flock of pink flamingos (more than I have ever seen before), stunning sunrise vistas and my expectations were outdone.

Have you got any top tips for anyone considering booking a heli excursion when on safari?
Keep your expectations open. There is so much more than can be explained in black and white. Seeing is believing! Kieran is an amazing pilot with a vast knowledge, you will learn so much from him.

I couldn’t believe I was still in Kenya ~ Sarah

If exploring Kenya’s untouched and jaw-dropping landscapes sets your heart racing, then check out our selection of awesome helicopter itineraries. Alternatively, create your own. You can pre-book heli experiences on any of our safaris
from Solio Lodge and Sasaab. Experience the ultimate exhilaration.

 

BY:

JOURNEY WITH US TO EXPERIENCE KENYA

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