The Animal Kingdom

Literally and figuratively speaking Kenya is the ultimate Animal Kingdom. Over the weekend I had yet another chance to immerse myself in the vast immaculate Maasai Mara located South West Kenya. Some people have asked me if I don’t get bored going one too many times to the same place and my answer is always the same. “It’s never a dull day in the Animal Kingdom”

The entry to the reserve has a rather special welcome of the African Massage which I have to say leaves you rather tired than relaxed. However when you make your 1^st stop and notice there nothing but acacia shrubs, grazing zebras and wildebeest, you immediately know the rough ride was well worth it. This time I had the opportunity to stay at camp that has been voted the Leading Tented Camp in Kenya for 2 years consecutively; Encounter Mara Camp. Our guide for stay was a nice Maasai Called Dickson who was happy to set up our 1^st bush meals right in the middle of the park. 

After having the relaxed brunch we headed to camp as the hotter hours of the day do not allow for good game viewing and photography. The cam managers Collin and Chala were very hospitable and were happy to show us around really got out of their way to make us extremely comfortable. The tents at Encounter Mara are tastefully done without losing the bush appeal. My favorite aspect of PERFECT hotel room is view one gets from the room or the room patio. Encounter Mara has definitely aced that effect as right outside my room literally less than 5 meters was herd of 10 zebras just relaxing and grazing. It is definitely a lovely view to wake up to.

At about 4pm we had a lovely high tea set up just before heading to our 1^st game drive. The thing with game drives there is never a guarantee or expectation to be filled; it’s always a surprise that you will only know once you jet off. On the 1^st 6 minutes of the game drive we got to meet the ‘resident’ cheetah family of mother and 5 cubs. She seemed completely at ease and did not run away. We spend almost 30 minutes just staring at her before she went to feed her cubs. It is one of those moments that are hard to write about.

As we continued with the game drive we spotted a jackal and there is something about a jackal wail, rather than annoy you it actually seemed to amuse me. We also got to see a lioness carrying around her catch of the day. We were not so lucky as it started pouring really heavily, and the open sided vehicle that give you perfect game viewing experience were a nightmare as we got drenched in rain. This however did not stop us from having our sundowner besides the elephants. We did not get to get out of the car so we just packed the car and watched the ellies as they ate and we enjoyed our wine.

 After that we headed back to the camp for a lovely steaming shower to get the cold away. Dinner was served indoors as it was still raining. The goo thing was when it rains I sleep so peacefully. We all slept like stones and even got late for our early morning game drive the following morning. I honestly think Collin and Chala are on a mission to get everyone really fat. They literally feed you every 2 hours and not just a snack but really good food that one can’t resist. So after an early morning breakfast at 0630hrs we head of for a whole day of game viewing and checking out different hotels. I always like to have a look at hotels while am traveling jus to know other cool places to stay or recommend others to stay in.

The highlight on this day was seeing lions mating. It was an interesting experience; they mate for less than 20 seconds but repeat it throughout the day for a week. Our guide gave us so much information about the mating process of lions…It was such a laugh.

We also got a chance to go to a Maasai Village that is not created for touristic purposes, the people there go by their day and on request they are happy to have the women do a dance where we joined them. The ladies have special hearts, they share husbands and do not have the city life women drama. As much as I would not want to share my man, being able to live so happy and in unison with friends and family is so heart warming.

On our last night dinner was served in outside in the bush as it was clear starry night. I really did enjoy the chicken cordon bleu with creamy spinach served with mash potatoes. We sat in the bust having wine chatting the night away. Time is of no concept whilst in the bush; it is all about soaking in the beautiful landscapes and wildlife. 

Much love from the bush. Until next time Happy People.

Happy Travels

- Lea - 

Meet Baraka The Black Rhino

My name is Baraka, I am a blind Rhino. I live in the Great Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Like my fellow rhinos, I like to play but I got injured and lost my sight. Don't be sad life is good for me.

I have very many friends who visit me and feed me, pet me, pose with me or just let me be and I like them all. 

 

 

I have also other cousins within the park that are not blind and enjoy to live in the wild... we are quite a number of us here at this amazing home - Ol Pejeta.

 

When coming to see me, you can have lunch at Morani Restaurant.. I assure you , you will love it and the birds that hang out there.

 

 

 

My home is home to so many other animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, ellies, giraffe, zebras and so much more... you got to come see me at my home and get to see my neighbors. 

 

 

 

 

I also have some neighbors that resemble you (my friend). But remember don't judge my thoughts, I am blind thus cannot see :)

When you come to see me, I have friends with nice hotels where you can stay. My friends visited 2 options that are great for you;Sweetwater's Tented Camp and Kicheche Laikipia Camp

 

you may have a cup of tea

or you may opt to have a lie down

Its all about smiles here :)

- With Much love from Baraka - 

My Leopard Encounter

I know I mentioned in my previous post that I had not seen a cheetah and leopard in close range after more than 9 safaris. This encounter with the  leopard was breathtaking, the leopard walked alongside our vehicle for 150 meters. After this time I told the driver okay I am ready to go home now:)

We did pass through a certain area called the devils lava as  the area of about 2kms is full of lava that has been there for years with no particular origin. strange 

It now looks like I have a liking for Serena properties, well i kinda do, they do offer good resident prices however I have to say doing these trips made me realize the repetitive nature of their menus, it was good food all the same. My room had a great view of the watering hole which was really great. I stayed at Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

I have to say I saw the leopard on my first game drive and thus besides our very own sun downer where I was the bar lady mixing the classic bush margaritas I stayed in and enjoyed the great views from my room. 

On our way out the driver took us to Mzima Springs where you go into a glass tunnel and view  the fish from eye level. It was really a nice climax of the trip. 

Tsavo West really had a great sunset that made the end of my trip really enjoyable.

Happy Travels
- L-