What to do in Matthew's Range

Africa is full of remote, rugged ‘scapes but Matthew’s Range is among the most extreme, having been dubbed a ‘sky island’ that seems to float on a sea of lush forest. The combination of plunging gorges, peaks and hectares of forest has made it a hiking and biking Mecca, and the expeditions are often led by Samburu warriors who know the area like the back of their hand. Depending on your lodge of choice, a visit to the sacred ‘singing wells’ could also be on the cards. Game drives are available but, for an added dash of adventure, there are camel and horseback excursions to try, as well as fly camping under the unmarred sky. The views are reason enough to spend a few days at a camp in Matthew’s Range but there is some incredible wildlife to be spied too. Look out for oryx, Grevy’s zebra, prides of lion, scavenging hyena, and even African painted dogs, and in the forests, elephant, black panthers and rare species of monkey. It’s also worth planning a visit to the Reteti Elephant Orphanage to see the rehabilitation project in action.