.: Why should I run an Outdoor Education programme?

Outdoor Education programmes have been run in UK schools since the 1960's with a proven track record for success. The Outdoors provides a unique medium for learning, putting pupils in challenging circumstances, extending comfort zones and improving both inter and intra personal skills as a result.

Aren't Outdoor Activities just an excuse for a ‘jolly'?

Not so.., Outdoor Education is now a core part of the British National Curriculum at KS2, 3, 4:
At KS2 pupils should be taught to:
A take part in Outdoor Activity challenges including following trails in familiar, unfamiliar and changing environments
B use a range of orienteering and problem solving skills
C work with others to meet the challenges
At KS3 pupils should be taught to:

A meet challenges in Outdoor Education and journeys

B use a range of orienteering and problem solving skills and techniques in these challenges

C identify the roles and responsibilities of individuals within a group when planning strategies

D respond to changing conditions and situations

At KS4 pupils should be taught to:

A Meet challenges in large scale Outdoor Activities and journeys

B use a range of complex outdoor activity skills and techniques (e.g., Canoeing, Sailing, Rock Climbing and Hill Walking)

C Solve problems and overcome challenges in unfamiliar environments

D Respond to changing conditions and environments

What activities do you run?

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater/placid water/sea kayaking, off shore sailing, rock climbing (single & multi pitch), trekking, technical mountaineering, developmental training (problem solving/team building type activities) caving.

Aren't there often accidents

It is true that over the years a number of ‘cowboy' operators have been responsible for a number of accidents and even deaths. As a result of the Lymne Bay Canoeing tragedy in 1992, the British Government introduced licenses as a requirement for all providers working with young people. As a result the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) was created in order to regulate the industry. AALA inspectors visit centres throughout UK and Europe every 2 years to look at safety management, risk assessment, operating procedures, incident, accident and emergency procedures and staff themselves.

Savage Wilderness Safari's is the only operator in East Africa to work to AALA standards at this time. Whilst the granting of licenses outside Europe is still not possible, we are confidant and proud to say that if it were, we would currently hold that license.

So aren't staff supposed to be qualified?

Yes they are, all Savage Wilderness Safari's staff hold the relevant qualifications in there field, as well as advanced first aid qualifications and swift water rescue certification. See staff profiles for more information

Isn't Kenya dangerous for this sort of thing?

If you follow mass media hype then probably! We use sites where personal security is never an issue, visit places where the risks from animals are always within an acceptable level and generally use the common sense gained from over 30 years of operating in the outdoors in Kenya

What equipment do you use?

We use a wide variety of equipment from the western world, all of it CE or BSI rated our American water equipment is all US Coastguard approved also. Associations with leading equipment manufacturers and suppliers in the UK and US ensures high quality equipment maintained to AALA standards

Doesn't all this cost a fortune?

In short... no! We aim to be competitive enough for our clients to choose us over other operators. Our Sagana Campsite just 1hr 30mins from Nairobi means that transport costs are kept to a minimum compared to some other operators. Rates are always open to negotiation over a wide number of factors.