Amboseli - The Ellie Park

Amboseli National Park is one of those parks in Kenya where you get a 3 in one safari, you get your normal big five view, thousands of elephants and the magnificent views of Mt Kilimanjaro. 

We stayed at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge for 2 nights so as to give us ample time with the ellies. I was really lucky to go with a guide who knew the park really well and didn't have to rely on other drivers to direct him on where the animals were.

So I have to put this out there, I have done quite a share of safaris in the last 3 - 4 years and have never seen a leopard or cheetah upclose .. shame huh.. this trip changed on those 2 counts

Bingo cheetah crossed out. Not only did I get to seen one but 2 and got them on the same shot. I was more than ecstatic to say the least. 

Good company just makes the trip even much nicer..

Happy Travels
 - L - 

Safari from my room balcony

We all know when you book that safari what we have in mind is seating in 4 x 4 car as a driver drives in the park looking for animals and you taking the pics. This trip on the weekend to Serena Mountain Lodge at Mount Kenya National Park was one that blew my mind away.

So upon getting to the lodge the crisp air and dead silence was to die for. The lodge is a tree house that has been there for over 40 years and is still standing strong. As soon as our host let us know there no game drives allowed I thought bummer then why come all the way. I hadn't been listening and had missed the part where he said you don't look for the animals as they will come to you.. Nice huh!! it was literally that...

On the way back to Nairobi after this night getaway we stopped atThe Trout Tree Restaurant, I can confidently say the y have the best smoked trout in Nairobi. I had tandoori trout.. it was super delish...

Ohh my classic jump with my sister...

Serena Hotel actually use the photo for marketing :)

Happy Travels
 - L - 

Lakes Lakes Lakes!!!

In the last few weekends, unknowingly I have heard a Lake craving and have done short trips to different Lakes in Kenya. The interesting thing they are within 2 hour drive distance from each other but they are also different. 

Lake Nakuru was my 1st stop, its a park where you actually get to see lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes and other herbivores but I didn't see all of them :( The thing was I really did like the scenic views of the lakes while feeding annoying monkeys. 

Lake Naivasha was the next stop, it was such a great trip as it was not only filled with lake views but also the great gorges of Hell's gate, a leisurely walk of crescent island and a fun hippo filled boat ride and  a final hike of Mt Longnot

Hell's gate is not your ordinary park where you seat in a vehicle and look for game, here you take a bike and cycle for about 8 Kms, stop for a brief rock climb of Fischer tower before getting to the gorges and start the  interesting walk of the gorges, host springs and shower springs.

The following day we woke up and took the boat ride of Lake Naivasha stopping to see some hippos and pelicans. On Crescent Island which now a peninsular :) its so different as you are just an arms length away from giraffes, zebras, water bucks, gazelles and feels like a set stage for Lion king or something :)

Just before giving up we braved it up and decided to hike Mt Longonot, I had always though I was fit but damn random hiking is not highly advised. The views of the crater were definitely impeccable. 

Lake Oleidon was the following weekend where we got see thousands of the beautiful flamingos  the real pink lake was a real thing there. 

My last Lake this month was Lake Elementaita where I stayed at my fave spot Punda Milias:) 

Birthday Occurrences

So it that time of the year where most people are buying roses for their loved ones, doing the most cliche Valentine gestures and in Kenya its that time where people paint the town red (literally you will see hundred of people in red )

For me this is a different time where I celebrate that glorious day that I joined this amazing world (most days its the glorious world on others  - damn this world  jajaja). So this yeah I opt to get out of Nairobi and so some camping with some work colleagues. 

So we all have to the great party. so night before camping was  a nice great party organised by the Spanish Speaking society.. nice night it was 

So its Saturday morning 16th February and its now my birthday, up and early I meet my friends for my camping birthday. So 1st stop is breakfast at Michelangello Recreation Haven. It is located 30 minutes from Nairobi city center on the highway to a number of parks. They have a bird viewing deck which doubles up as sundowner deck.. we didn't stay for that but i bet it must be amazing.

So we drive on to Punda Milias Nakuru Camp in Lake Elementaita which is where I actually celebrate my camping birthday. The Camp is a small intimate nicely priced place run by this French couple where I go for my rest and relaxation:) 

This time I have opted to set up camp and enjoy the stars in the out of city beautiful night. 

So there those things that just add spice to life.. dancing gangnam style in the bush and being busted doing your make whilst seating in a 2 man dome tent hahaha..

All in all I had a great birthday, with great friends who make each day worth a good laugh.

xoxo

- L- 

Mother City : Cape Town

This is by far my most exciting trip (In Africa). When I was planning to take a couple weeks in South Africa I knew I would like it but my experience there was much more than just mere like... it was fun, relaxing, thrilling and loved every minute of it. Coming from a country where free ranging wild game can be viewed within the city I knew I would skip Kruger and directly go explore the Mother City. 

As soon as I landed at Cape Town  I knew I would love it... it was summer and there sky was blue with clear views of Table Mountain. It was quite windy and had an interesting experience with my chiffon dress been blown up as I walked (funny now but not as funny then :). 

As I drove from the airport to my hostel I could feel that this would be a trip like no other. It had an appeal like one I have not heard before. As soon as I saw my cozy nice room with a perfect view of Table Mountain, I knew it was a good choice cutting my Johannesburg trip short :). I stayed at the the The Backpack. You get the whole package, convenient to walking to Long street for a drink, V & A waterfront and perfect views :)

My norm on a trip is to go to the bar and find new people to hang out with and know what places I need to add or scratch from my to do list. This time it was different, I took my day bag and started walking to V& A Waterfront. Cape Town is very walking friendly city which makes it so easy to explore the beauty of the Mother Land. 

As soon as I got to the top of the table mountain and was viewing the city on a nice summer morning, I knew this was perfection for a short vacay..I remember waking up and so keen to hike up the mountain to get some exercises and good hiking pictures.. so am having my ham and cheese bagel and I decide to loose the hiking gear, get my shorts and go for the cable car.. hahaha very typical of me :)

So in the few weeks I was there I got to meet some of the coolest friends from around the world. My favorite day during my entire visit, we rented a car and drove down the scenic route to cape point, passing by Boulders beach for our penguin encounter and having Snoekies at Snoekies, Hout Bay.

Other highlights were the wine tasting at Stellenbosch, brandy tasting at Stellenbosch, Kirstenbosch gardens, camps bay, Chapmans peak and Noordhoek Beach. 

Capetown surprised me and I loved the surprise. I am now talking to my boss to let me move to the CT office.

Happy Travels
- L-