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 - 

Giving Back!!

Sometimes it’s not about booking a flight and going some far far place in wonderland. It’s about doing something that will bring joy to your soul. Well, this time I joined some volunteers at a day in a children centre. 

I got to say I am not the best person when it come to kids, my patience runs very thin with them but on this day, alternating from painting fences and gates to playing with doing some sorting beans and corn with the mama’s for the kids lunch 

Limuru Children Centre – Kenya is a day care centre where the children from the village have open doors for them to come get education and a lunch time dish. They generally have children from ages 4 to 8 and categorize them into 2 sets for teaching purposes’.  

Our day at the centre was mainly to help with teaching, redoing the paint work and just getting to know the kids and share in the innocent love.

The kids are so warm and open up to you with a big heart and are so open to learning as much as you are willing to give.

We were able to have the Gates fully done by the end of the day :) 

BEFORE

AFTER

It was definitely a good experience to play games and sing songs I played years ago when I was just their age.  

"The innocence of children is what makes the stand out as shinning example to the rest of mankind" - Kurt Chambers

Be As Happy As a Kid

- L- 

Lamu Tamu

The current security situation in my lovely Kenya hurts me so deep to a point where it physically hurts. For me it’s much worse that most people, not only does the thought of leaving home to take a matatu (public bus), going to markets make you think twice before you do it but also that my sole satisfaction from my work is selling Kenya as a perfect destination and with the attacks this becomes harder and harder each day

 I have made a conscious decision to ensure the bad bad terrorists do not rule my life and make live in fear. I have chosen to take back the power in my hands and live my life as a Happy Kenyan. That been said, this past weekend so a number of governments ask all their people to evacuate Kenya, as much as it pained me, I chose not to cancel my brief vacation to Lamu on the Kenyan Coast.

 It was obvious of the situation when I checked in for my flight and see it was a 12 seat caravan with only 8 of them going to the same place. We all gave each other the knowing smile of “You took a brave step to do this”. As soon as we landed and the warm slightly humid salty air filled my lungs gone was the worry. I knew this had been the right thing to do.

I mostly travel solo but this one was particular more solo than any trip I have taken alone. I stayed at a beautiful Lamu house called Msafini Hotel. I was the only guest at the hotel and they all adorned me for my entire stay

On Saturday morning I awoke to the smell of ginger tea and a Swahili breakfast served on my enormous balcony. It was the best way to start what was to be a day of perfection.

 Anchor is lifted and I am welcomed aboard DikDik Sailing boat. My captain was Harun and co captain Mohamed (Arola). The Swahili men all seem to be called Mohamed but have nicknames to distinguish them. They gave me a brief history of Lamu and started on the great fishing stories of catching tuna and some fish that take hours to get on the boat.

My first thought on fishing was this is going to be such a bore, but it turned out the suspense of reeling the fish and wondering what you caught was such a thrill. Harun was 1^st to get a red snapper then Arola with 2 yellow snappers, just when I thought I wouldn’t get one, I captured a white snapper.

By the time we run out of bait (tiny little beach crabs) we had caught 7 fish and were now sailing to Manda Beach where we would have our fresh snapper bbq. As the crew prepared lunch I indulged myself in getting soaked in the sun and some swimming.

Having a perfect read about vacations whilst on vacation was so cool. I totally love Mauve Binchy all her Irish writings capture my soul.

Lunch was served and we sat on Manda Island in the middle of nowhere and had this amazing fish, chapatti and a salad. My thoughts were I wouldn’t mind to be stuck on this island, imagine a day of fishing, eating and swimming. Heaven, right?

My evenings were filled with yoga stretches and poses, reading and a glass or 2 of wine.. I really love being on holiday. You have so much time that you get to really enjoy the little joys in life that brings you the most happiness.

It was now time to explore Lamu town..literally walking into a town where it felt like they had missed a century and operated in more ways than one , like an island in the 50’s

The fort was my 1^st stop, here the guide took me along the things he perceived to have brought Lamu to where it is now. Religion, culture, oneness are thing he repeatedly mentioned.. he talked about his family and his parents family and how they have seen Lamu grow. It was all so great to listen to.

As we proceeded to Lamu Museum, I got the chance to live it up like a local and ride a donkey. It was scary and exciting at the same time. I felt a bit sad for the donkey as it’s quite small but has to ferry people, luggage and so much stuff across the island.

The people in Lamu were all so kind and warm towards me, it was really nice having everyone wanting to help you out or just chat with you. I had a nice Swahili man who ferried me from Shela to Lamu and was happy to show me unique stops like the floating bar where the locals go to hang out especially during the full moon. He even taught me to drive the speed boat, I actually became pretty good at steering it.

As my time to came to an end, I could not put away the feeling of wanting to stay here and just eat fresh and cheap sea food and sail away. I honestly think I should consider a cruise or sailing job. The sea loves me and I love it more!!!

A tribute to the Travelstart Blogger Experience Competition

Happy Travels

- L-