The Bushcraft Challenge introduces guests to local traditions and culture, basic survival skills, the importance of conservation and local flora & fauna. It was designed for younger members of the family, but experience has shown us that it appeals equally to all curious minds. So whatever your age, this is a chance to have a lot of fun whilst learning new ideas and skills.
Archery and spear throwing
Here’s your chance to bring out your inner hunter! The simple aim is to hit our man-made targets with arrows and spears, competing against your family or friends, local experts and maybe even Lawrence your camp manager.
Anyone of any age can have a go, normally with hilarious results. Contestants run through every emotion, from triumph to despair, matching determination with astonishment at the (often unintended) results!
We source the bows, arrows and spears from the local community, providing them with a small source of income, then modify all equipment to ensure blunt edges and safe points.
Bead-making
East African culture is famous for its beads – sourced, coloured and strung together to create beautiful designs, objects and clothing. Many examples can be seen for sale on roadsides, from markets and in shops, but none carry that special personal touch.
At Bushtops, we put that right, with the chance to make your own beaded jewelry, guided by a local bead-making expert. Having mastered the art, you can then take your hard work home with you, to display to doubtless awestruck onlookers!
Baking Swahili treats
Have you ever eaten Mahamri? No? We thought not. It’s a Swahili donut – and it’s delicious. Since there’s no better way to experience local cultures than to make and share food together, we find our guests love the challenge of baking this Swahili dish, under the amused yet understanding tuition of a local chef. It’s a metaphorical feast for the senses – with a real feast at the end, to reward your success!
Making fire “Maasai-style”
Could you create fire in the wild?
It’s easy with a lighter or matchbox, but our tribal experts can turn brushwood into a blazing miracle, without man-made aids. It’s a truly exciting thing to witness, providing insights and entertainment alongside genuinely useful skills. At the very least, your new capabilities can be shown off to friends back home, but who knows: one day, your fire-lighting talents might prove a life-saver.
Plaster of Paris Cast
On safari, we come across all kinds of tracks. Every now and then we find the perfect print. It might be from lion or leopard, cheetah or rhino, elephant or any of the myriad beasts who roam the plains.
Having identified it, our guides show you how to apply Plaster of Paris powder to capture the paw, hoof or foot print. This wonderful moment of preservation takes around 30 minutes to complete, followed by a day of curing. The resultant cast creates a wholly unique, totally personal memento to take home, testifying to your wildlife encounter whilst impressing friends and family alike.
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