We went to Kenya to celebrate Julie's 40th and it was one of the best trips we've ever done. Both sets of parents joined us which was extremely special
Years ago for her birthday I sponsored an elephant orphan in Kenya for her, and it was probably her favorite present ever. So for her 40th, the idea was to go and see that elephant as she was becoming wild again deep in Kenya.
Masai Mara
We started things off by flying from Nairobi to the Masai Mara for several days.
You fly into this dirt strip in these little planes. Pickup is by these Masai guides and in the game vehicle. Right into the vibes.We stayed at the absolutely wonderful Enkewa Camp. These huge, extremely comfortable tents in an entirely unfenced camp were our home.
The first night two prides of lions clashed within the camp. It was incredibly exciting, and very loud. We could hear them moving around the tents as we lay there keeping very still.
The open grasslands were extraordinarily beautiful. And not at all like the bush that we are used to in South Africa.I adored these morning views and took tons of pictures a lot like this one.These hills are known as the "sleeping warrior". You can see him lying down, with his head on the left.We had tons of excellent lion sightings while in the Mara. Starting with this lazy lot on our first evening.The highlight was this pride, which had set up camp on these rocks with quite a lot of cubs. We'd come by every day.One day we saw the lionesses get up with intent. As always it was extremely exciting to follow them and watch them looking for a meal.They eventually noticed two dagga boys and surrounded them. A quick chase ensued but ended when the lead lioness tripped!Camp life was fantastic. We were very well treated, had excellent meals, and adored the staff.With Janet, our camp host on our way out. They really were special.Life in the bush was also very comfortable. Here another picnic brunch somewhere out in the bush.One of many beautiful spots for a sundowner or a snack.A very special experience was being taken to the home village of our tracker. It was truly amazing to see the life that he had lived, and that his enormous family continues to live.Showing the kids the photo. We also got a tour of one of the huts and shown a bit of how life is lived there..Demonstrations in the village.We loved our time in the Masai Mara, and I really hope to return one day.
Nairobi
With some complications we all flew back to Nairobi where we had a pleasant day. Highlights were the giraffe center and the Blixen Museum.
The Blixen Museum was fantastic, and particularly loved by Irene. But the pics aren't all that special
We also went to the giraffe center which was a lot of fun.
You get a little bag of pellets which they LOVE. But when you run out you'd better move on because they get mad!We really enjoyed the different patterns that the Kenyan giraffes had.
Ithumba Hills
And then we were off by car to the Tsavo National Park where we would find the elephant rehabilitation center.
The drive itself was interesting enough. We particularly loved the incredibly friendly people along the road, especially the kids on their way home from school.More interesting sights on the road. On the way back we had several very entertaining experiences, including driving down the highway on the wrong side of the road to avoid a humungous traffic jam!.One of the very first animals that we saw was this leopard chilling on the road. It's extremely rare to see them in this part of the country, so we felt very lucky.But then, to our enormous surprise we saw another one as we drove into the camp!Two other animals of note in this area were antelope. First, they have a mini kudu. Considerably smaller, but otherwise looks the same as ours. And then the more well known dik-dik. An absolutely TINY little buck that we'd see everywhere.We stayed in a little private camp just the six of us and it was STUNNING. Beautifully built into the clasic hills on a raised platform. We were blown away by how nice it is.It turned out tha the camp had a resident genet that the staff love. We heard something running on the first evening but couldn't figure out what it was. Then in the morning I saw the sneaky thing grabbing some milk from the coffee station! Upon questioning it turns out that it lives there and is well loved.
But, of course, the reason for the trip was to see the elephants. Tsavo is already famous for its elephants. But the real attraction for us was the Sheldrick Foundation has a rehabiliatation center there. They do amazing work saving orphans and then rehabiliating them so that they can get into the wild again.
Each morning we would arrive before sunrise and see the morning feed. Both the little orphans who sleep in stocks (safe) and partially, or even fully, wild elephants turn up to get a nice feed.It was extremely beautful, and special to hang out so close to them.And then the keepers would walk off into the bush with the orphans for a day browsing, and learning to be wild.At lunch they'd turn up for another feed, a bath, and a sand bath.This is the head keeper, Benjamin. He is legit one of the coolest humans that I've ever met. He has an incredible calm, wise presence and we loved talking to him. But he also has an amazing way with elephants. He can read them, and seems to have the ability to fully communciate with them using soft whistles.
In the evenings we'd also go and watch the evening feed before bed time. Also really beautiful. In the evenings baboons would turn up and infuriate the younger elephants by trying to steal their food – very entertaining for us.
We also drove around the part a little. It's a very dry area, so there wasn't much game. But there are plenty of elephants and one evening we watched about 60 from several herds arrive to drink. They get really excited and storm down to the water.On one of our exploration drives we came across this huge baobab tree.On the last evening our camp crew organized an amazing night. Starting with surprise sundowners on the rocks (we could see Kilimanjaro far off in the distance). And then a beautfil dinner set up near their rocky pool.The staff at Ithumba Hills Private Camp were absoutley stellar.
