Robert and William Carr-Hartley Safaris

Of all the places to wake up whilst on safari…. I choose here. Under the trees, to the rustle of the breeze.

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All good days start as the sun appears over the horizon, before the heat of the day kicks in and as the wildlife begins to stir.

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“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” – Dr. Seuss

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Wild Dogs in Tsavo East National Park
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Otherwise known as; Lycaon pictus, meaning painted wolf, these magnificent canines are challenging to find on a safari - but not impossible. This is because there are not many left! With wild dogs requiring vast spaces to roam freely and the human population increasing there are not many ideal places for Wild Dog. However, our guides have been very lucky to spot several packs of wild dogs on Safari this past year, most being seen in Tsavo.
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Crocodile Aestivation
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​Like hibernation, aestivation is a state of animal dormancy; however, unlike hibernation, it happens in summer/hot weather conditions. This time allows animals to slow down their metabolism, conserving energy to survive through harsh conditions in the wild.
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​Crocodiles may dig and take refuge in tunnels or caves, engaging in aestivation to survive through the dry season. During this time, Crocodiles become lethargic, just like animals that hibernate. Reducing its respiration rate to approximately one breath per minute, and the heart rate from 40 beats per minute to less than five. The body temperature also drops so that the crocodile consumes very little energy, allowing it to survive for an extended period of time with no food.
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This stunning Fig Tree stands tall in front of our Private Tented Camp in the Maasai Mara. If you stay with us during the great migration, you may be lucky enough to witness the wildebeest cross right here from the comfort of our camp.
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Wild bulls starting their day at Ithumba's water trough. ​
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​​Ithumba is located in the northern part of Tsavo East. It is where one of the elephant reintegration units are located - as well as three of their eco-lodges. ​ ​
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​A pure haven for elephants of all sizes and backgrounds. From the young orphans who have moved to Ithumba from the SWT Nairobi orphanage to be nurtured back into the the wilderness along with their wild friends that often come to say hello.
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​Included in your safari schedule can be a visit to both the Orphaned Elephant Nairobi Nursery and also the Orphaned Elephant Rehabilitation Centre at Ithumba or Voi in Tsavo East National Park, or Umani Springs in Kibwezi Forest.
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Serene ending to an adventurous day.

​A Maasai Mara sunset cannot be beaten - especially one at our private Sand River camp whilst sitting around the camp fire.
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Generations.
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​Robert and William Carr-Hartley draw upon four generations of African Safari heritage to give you access to the very best that Africa has to offer in safety and comfort.

We carefully plan, outfit and operate private African safari adventures throughout sub-Saharan Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, taking our guests to some of the most breath-taking locations on the continent.

Each of our safaris is customised to suit the guest’s tastes and budget, based on years of hands-on field experience combined with relationships built-up over decades of personally guiding our safaris.

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The grass is greener on the other side... when it comes to the Great Mirgration.
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Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores commute from the Serengeti to the prosperous green grasses of the Masai Mara. The Great Migration is known for being one of the world's seven wonders and is a spectacular wild show to witness as a part of your safari.
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Our very own Maasai Mara Camp is situated upon the shaded banks of the Sand River. During the migration, the wildebeest and zebra will mostly be close to camp and there is a chance you will see a crossing right in front of your tent.
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Playful cubs on top of a rock beneath the shade of surrounding trees with their mother close by - these were some of the "big" cats we spotted on our most recent safari with William.
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​Did you know that lion cubs tend to stay alongside their mothers until roughly two years old? By then, they should be ready to join the pride on hunting excursions.
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​If you're looking to experience wild lions on your safari with us, they can be found all over Africa. Two of the top spots are; Serengeti National Park, Tanzania and Maasai Mara, Kenya, home to one of Africa's highest concentrations of lions.
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Whatever your preference, Africa has it, and it casts an enchanting spell of its very own.
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​You can indulge your wildest dreams, and you will not only enjoy and remember your safari as a unique and memorable experience, but you will want to return to that ‘home’.
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Kenya is home to black, southern white and the last two northern white rhinos.
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​With a population of 1,739 rhinos, Kenya is one of Africas top locations to view theis critically endangered species.
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Amboseli National Park.
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On the foothills of Kilimanjaro, home to large herds of elephants, Amboseli holds unique views of Africas tallest mountain.
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Leopards are skilled climbers; they are often found camouflaged slumbering on a branch during the day. As solitary animals who enjoy their personal space, they are usually spotted alone.
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Their prey is often carried up high and devoured amongst the branches so they can enjoy their meal without the lions, hyenas and other scavengers circling in to take a piece of what's rightfully theirs.
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A Passion for Conservation
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​The Carr-Hartley family have been deeply involved with conservation in East Africa since the establishment of the first National Parks in 1948 and are familiar with research Project’s, both current and past.
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​For those interested in acquiring a more in-depth understanding of the intricacies of ecology and wildlife conservation generally in Africa, we have access to the right experts in this field.
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The peoples of Africa are a mosaic of myriad different cultures.
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​From many tribal groupings, whose origins and customs vary dramatically according to whether they embrace a pastoral or agricultural way of life, the nature of their tribal lands, and what part of the vast African continent they migrated from in the first place.

The different tribes are as varied as Africa’s fauna and flora and equally interesting, so a taste of culture can be a fascinating addition to your African experience.
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Africa: The Birthplace of Mankind
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There is a hidden longing and need that is real and deep within the human psyche; the need for renewal and rejuvenation of the spirit by reconnecting with the natural world – to get back to basics and see things as they were when the world was young.
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​To turn back time and immerse oneself in the natural world is a unique and enriching experience that satisfies the soul. And to be able to do this in comfort adds another unique and extraordinary dimension.
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Our Mobile Tented Camps
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​Every detail and comfort is thought of whilst giving us the freedom to go where we please and set up our home.
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​The advantage of a Mobile Tented Camp is its flexibility and ability to be where the action is at any time of the year. For, in Africa, no two seasons are alike; no two years are the same. Our mobile tented camps will take you to prime concession areas negotiated in the finest game viewing locations in East Africa.
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​The luxury of mobility gives you a customised safari that you will remember all your life.
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Exploring amongst a flamboyance of Flamingoes in ​Lake Nakuru National Park.

​​Africa’s array of birdlife is unparalleled on earth. The spectacular variety, array and colours of Africa’s birds never fail to impress any enthusiast.
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The ultimate way to see East Africa and Ethiopia! Explore the incredible diversity of terrain over this remarkable land by helicopter.

A helicopter safari allows space for a spontaneous adventure. Due to its unique operating characteristics of take-off and landings, a helicopter will enable you to venture to some of the most remote areas in Eastern Africa. Exposure to diverse wildlife and culture from a new perspective, a helicopter safari is arguably one of the most extraordinary ways to see this magical part of the world.

However, you decide to make your helicopter safari – be it a one-day excursion or twelve days, rest assured it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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The King of the Mara plains.
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​East Africa is historically known for being a prime location to spot big cats such as lions. The Maasai Mara, with its rolling grasslands, is a great setting to be on the lookout for Africa's largest cat.
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​One of our mobile camps is situated alongside the Sand River, located within the heart of the Maasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem. Allowing you to be fully immersed in your wildlife escapade whilst enjoying the comfort and luxury of a unique Kenyan Camping experience.
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Photos © Carr Hartley Safaris / Taru Carr-Hartley

A safari is just as much about having fun as it is about learning about Africa’s wildlife, cultures and wild places. Here we are embarking on a fun cultural adventure with the Samburu tribe to visit one of their villages. There is visible excitement and anticipation on the part of the guests, and of the proud Samburu warriors in the car who are coming along to guide us.

The ‘Skeleton Coast’ and surrounding areas on Namibia’s rugged coastline is an incredibly hostile yet ruggedly magnificent location. The conditions are extreme, harsh and dry, but this area hosts a variety of desert-adapted wildlife including elephants, lions, oryx (gemsbok).

The beauty of this part of Namibia is quite striking.

A Maasai Mara sunset just cannot be beaten - especially one at our private Sand River camp with that magical fig tree and a campfire in the foreground!

You can always rely on the Samburu people to bring laughter and colour to any safari! Their zest for life and a good laugh is a wonderful thing to witness.

𝗡𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ‘𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹, 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘁.

A safari is not all about seeing animals – it should also be about getting out on foot & exploring, enjoying life-learning experiences with your family, and above all - having fun!

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Most 𝗟𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 are light coloured and have dark spots on their fur. These spots are called “rosettes” because their shape is similar to that of a rose. There are also black leopards whose spots are hard to see because their fur is so dark.

Leopards are fast felines and can run at up to 58km/h and can leap 6m forward through the air.

Leopards are very solitary and spend most of their time alone. They each have their own territory, and leave scratches on trees, urine scent marks and faeces to warn other leopards to stay away.

Males and females will cross territories, but only to mate.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

The Carr-Hartley’s journeyed from England to Africa in the 1820’s. Arriving first into South Africa they spent a short time in Port Elizabeth, before making their way north to Kenya. Upon arrival at the port of Mombasa, they laden up their ox cart and so began their journey and consequently, first ever safari through Africa.

The Carr-Hartley family, one of the oldest settler families in Kenya arriving in the late 1800's, have a unique and special part in the history of the country.

The family trekked through the rolling grasslands and huge herds of animals, along the way meeting the many diverse and different people of Kenya, whom would later would become their people too.

The Carr-Hartley’s journeyed some 700kms on their very first safari, without any roads to follow yet arriving to their destination in Nanyuki, Laikipia in Northern Kenya.

This maiden journey for the Carr-Hartley’s sparked the beginning of a life long generational love for Africa.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.