| Activities | Walks vary from a few hours to a few days. Short walks are near the camp environs. A pleasant afternoon walk of three hours (12 kms) is to some small hills to the west. More extended hikes of a full day or more can also be arranged. Night Drives: Apart from animals seen during a day's game drive, it is interesting to see the more uncommon nocturnal species such as spring hare, aardvark, porcupine, genet, civet, wild cat, white-tailed mongoose, and serval. Nocturnal animals are a little nervous; we try not to disturb them during their foraging or hunting. Night game drives are usually from 8.30 to 10 p.m. Night Sky: on clear nights the constellations of the southern hemisphere and any visible planets can be pointed out. On dark nights the sky is a magnificent sight. Game Drives: over 36 species of large mammals seen in the Serengeti. The large cats can be seen in most parts of the park of the four million animals in the park, the gazelles, gnu' and zebra are the most numerous. Distances given below are for the round trip from Ikoma Safari Camp. One of the big advantages of Ikoma is that it is off the normal tourist routes so game viewing is pleasantly quiet. Half day drives are best done in the mornings, returning to camp for lunch and afternoon walk. Western Corridor and Grumeti River (full day): 160 kms. Some of the largest crocodiles in Africa are along the Grumeti. Central Serengeti (full day): 120 kms. Seronera Valley is a popular area for spotting leopards. Northern Serengeti (full day): 200 kms. This is a good area to visit at the time the big herds are in the north, generally July to October. Lake Victoria (full day): 250 kms. The drive is through pretty acacia woodland and savannah countryside and undulating hills. Ikoma Wildlife Area (half DAY): 40 kms. This is an excellent area for general game viewing with the freedom to explore a little on foot. The drive can be combined with a visit to the Ikoma Refuge Ruins, approximately 150 years old that date back to when the Ikoma people sort refuge in the hills from the marauding visits of the Maasai. Nyigoti Gold Mine (half DAY): 60 kms. Examples of both very primitive mining techniques and modern industrial machinery, the latter now lying abandoned in the African bush. A small group of local villagers still try to eke out a living from the mine. You can negotiate for a nugget - it's quite an experience! Cultural (half DAY): visit the local village of Robanda to see some tribal dancing. The Ikoma people who inhabit the area have traditionally hunted for meat. Their trapping skills and hunting techniques can sometimes be demonstrated. |