Something About Kenya :
Safari Adventure
An "Out of Africa" Wild Adventure Awaits in Kenya
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their dinner to shreds they are sleeping… and sleeping and sometimes even laying next to their kill sleeping. Nothing compares to a pack of wild hyenas gathering for a pow wow behind the jeep either as the evening sunsets. Or, there’s the herd of larger-than-life elephants grazing to the backdrop of the rising sun, these are the moments that make Africa real to me.
Indeed, if you love watching the animals, visiting the villages will prove to be even more interesting since tribes like the Masaai and the Kikuya seem to love visitors. The Masaai tribe is a bit more complicated as they never stay in one place long and they can be quite fierce. In the Masaai village we saw one man dressed in lion skins because he had killed a lion, dangerous to his tribe and the man does not always win. Selling their wares the tribe is all too aware of globalization and they have some great gifts to offer for prices you can’t pass up.
This last time I visited Kenya I spent most of my time on tour with a outfitter called Bush and Beyond www.bush-and-beyond.com. First stop was Lewa Wilderness one of Kenya’s oldest private safari camps. Offering a Lewa experience for the past 40 years the owners are the Craig family and it is one of the original family homes in the area. Great views from the rooms, always a dog or two running at your feet and expect to eat family style.
There are five acres of organic garden, which the chef magically transforms into dinner each evening. Activities included horseback riding, walking with Masaai, game driving, camel rides, cultural visits to local communities or local schools and for relaxing there is a horizon saltwater swimming pool overlooking glimpses of wildlife from every angle.
OL MALO
Second stop, Ol Malo, located on the northern edge of the Laikipia plateau it sits happily nuzzled into a craggy landscape looking out over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District. The owners are the draw here as much as the animals. Having lived in Kenya for many years as well as their children who are grown now, but still live there, Ol Malo is about peeking into a family (Colin and Rocky Francombe) who know the ropes in Africa and play it well.
The backdrop to that is the pet Kudu roaming Ol Malo and a bit skittish since this Kudu was attacked by one of the big cats in the area several times and is keen to stay alive. In fact the lodge takes its name from the many antelope in the area and means “the place of the Greater Kudu.”
OL LENTILLE
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is a completely different experience from the last two places I have journeyed and I know it. Thick brush surrounds the jeep as I am driven to the lodge and once there I am as far away from civilization as the moon.
Ol Lentille sits on top of a rock kopje surrounded by trees and is located in the middle of a private conservation area consisting of 20,000 acres of grassy hills and deep valleys. The name comes from a large hill where at the top you are able to get astonishing views of Northern Kenya in all its unparalleled glory. The Conservancy is home to the African wild dogs, greater kudu, leopard, striped and spotted hyena and klipspringer and there are loads of elephant too.
After a week in the bush, it was time to return to Nairobi for my flight home. In many cases, as was my case, it will be a night flight home through Europe. Consider getting a day room offered at most hotels while waiting for your evening flight. It’s a great way to end your trip, have a nice dinner and take a long shower.
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