Mathews Range

The lush Mathews mountain range stands between Laikipia and Kenya’s northern frontier. About 150Kms across, remote and untouched. It’s a pure wilderness area. The Mathews mountain range is a secluded haven to those who are lucky enough to visit the area. While, the forest is the excellent for hiking through riverine valleys and across streams led by local Samburu people.

The animals are shy around the area. But, if you’re lucky, sightings of elephants can prove to be extremely rewarding. The forest is full of life, and especially birders can be rewarded with sightings of Turacos and the rare Narina Trogons.

The Mathews Range has limited, but luxurious accommodation. However mobile safaris can be organised in the area, allowing guests to explore deeper and further through the wilderness.

highlights

Walking safaris and trails

Through the forest there is not much of a road network. The main activity in the Matthews Range is the walking trails. Many trails have been carved strategically through the forest, thus allow visitors to hike and explore the area comprehensively. Walking safaris can be tailored to anyone’s fitness requirements.

Fauna and Flora

Dubbed a ‘biological bonanza’ by the BBC, the Matthews forest is a stronghold for a wide range of species from many different habitats. Wild animals such as Melanistic leopard, elephant, lion, buffalo, Colobus monkey, greater kudu, waterbuck, giant forest hogs and Africa’s endangered wild dog as well as Grevy’s zebra have found refuge in the lush forests. The area has over 200 species of birds and 150 species of butterflies.

Rock Pools

Gently flowing through the forest are a number of crystal clear streams. In areas that are deeper, rock pools have formed. The water is so enticing to dip into during your walk through the forest. As fresh as the water is, the rock pools are filled with water so cold, that jumping in is a sure way to elevate your adrenaline levels. Swimming, bathing on the rocks or tarzaning using the ropes into the pools are some of activities enjoyed by guests.

Quad Biking

An exciting way to explore the forest. Jump onto a quad bike, led by a qualified instructor, make your way through the forest on four wheels.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Kenya is a community that has been united to protect elephants in Northern Kenya. Home to orphaned elephants, the sanctuary provides care and love to these traumatized elephants. Although not as famous as the David Sheldrick Orphanage in Kenya, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary does the same work in the remote northern district of Kenya, with the aim to release the animals back into the wild when they are ready.

Singing Wells

Singing Wells, the name comes from a wonderful and intimate Samburu tradition. During the dry season, as the sun rises, young boys from the Samburu tribe begin to gather around deep wells which are dug into the parched river bed. As the warriors dig to access water, they begin to sing, creating a rhythm that synchronizes their team work. As the songs begin, their livestock begin to appear from the bushes. The singing is a call to the animals to come and quench their thirst.

Horse Riding

Horseback riding in the Matthews Forest allows you to enjoy the experience in a totally different way. Without the sound of a car engine or the sight of a road – it’s truly quite a privilege. Riding right up next to animals that you come across in the forest while on horse back is an incredible experience.

Scenic Flights

A very different perspective, a birds eye view of the incredible landscape and wildlife. Scenic flights are a great way for guests to see the beauty of the land, while also being able to access areas which are otherwise inaccessible. Your scenic flight will set you down in areas where most humans have not even walked. Scenic flights are also a great way to transfer between the safari camps, saving on time and at the same time soaking in the beauty from high up.

Mobile Camping

There is something wonderful about going on a camel safari in Kenya. You can adventure fly-camp with your camels, either riding or walking alongside them in the traditional manner of the northern Kenya tribes. Walk and ride with the local guides and fellow crew up to the hilly and fertile Matthews Mountain region. Bird watch along the way, learn about the smaller insects and the medicinal properties of trees and plants. For a little something out of the ordinary, guests can go for a camel ride led by a Maasai moran. The camel rides offer a great way to take in the scenery from a unique vantage point.

Best time to visit

As the main activity is walking through the forest, the dry season is the best time to visit to make the most of the trails available and the activities. The dry season is usually from June – September and December – March.

Mathews Range

Mathews Range

highlights

Walking safaris and trails

Fauna and Flora

Rock Pools

Quad Biking

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Singing Wells

Horse Riding

Scenic Flights

Mobile Camping

Best time to visit

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