Loisaba is a 57,000-acre wildlife conservancy in Northern Laikipia and is a haven for more than 260 birds and 50 mammals; I was fortunate enough to recently visit this incredible part of the world. I stayed at Elewana Lodo Spring, a fabulous, private lodge with an incredible spread of activities on offer. One of my favourite experiences has to be venturing on safari on an ebike.
Bike checked, saddle height checked, brakes checked. We all started off a bit shaky, even our Samburu guide Brown (Samuel Lengalai is his full name) was on an ebike. I think perhaps this was also his first time as he did fall off a couple of times. Brown has been guiding guests from Elewana properties for over 13 years and is very passionate about the wildlife found in Loisaba. Brown really is a super guide that we were very lucky to have with us.
Before long, I had been converted – ebike is the way to go. I am not terribly fit and I was zooming along like Mark Cavendish. The thrill of not much effort but incredible wildlife sightings from cycling through the bush was tremendous. It was such a different experience from being in a game drive vehicle. The wind on your face as you cycle through a landscape you didn’t think possible was exhilarating.
We peddled carefully along the first track, minding the boulders jutting out from the dirt. Our support vehicle was in front watching our effortless, yet sometimes erratic, cycling from afar. They were also checking the area for game, making sure that we were going to be safe. We cycled for about 40 minutes, stopping and viewing the game during that time
We were very lucky to see elephants from afar and one particular encounter was perhaps a little close for comfort. The support vehicle created a barrier between us and the elephant on the edge of the first track. We passed by the elephant slowly, a little nervous but excited to be so close.
Further along the way we saw the endangered Grevy’s zebra; this is the largest of the zebra species and can only be found in northern Kenya and Ethiopia. They are recognised by having large, bear-like ears, thinner stripes and a mule-like appearance, but are happy to mingle with the plains zebra also found in the conservancy.
From afar, we saw a giraffe pop their head out of the lofty trees and little dik-diks also made a fleeting appearance. You have to be quick with keen eyes as they are small and incredibly nervous. Dik-diks are in abundance here in Loisaba; they are the smallest species of antelope, only weighing around 4kg. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predators, but they have adapted incredibly well to stop them becoming lunch. Dik-diks run in a zigzag pattern into the nearest thicket, making a noise which sounds like dik dik, hence the name.
We stopped for a bush breakfast, feeling proud of what we had done and for being so brave for cycling in an environment not typically cycled. It was the perfect setting, just off the beaten track. An odd glass of mimosa to ease those muscles and a well-deserved breakfast later, we set off back to the lodge at a leisurely speed.
Lodo Springs have created an exciting excursion that is achievable for most guests to enjoy. I would recommend an ebike experience to anyone.
