African Safari au Bout

Jambo! Our accommodation on Monday night was such a wonder. Jennifer described it as an Adirondack African Lodge. The Serena Mount Kenya Lodge is a 42 year old wooden structure and the only tree hotel, built on the slopes and overlooking a natural animal watering hole.  When we arrived, there were 20 plus Water Buck, grazing and drinking. 

As the afternoon progressed the animal population constantly changed as did the bird species. Towards sundown, following our afternoon nature walk through the forest (with our guide and armed warden) which was followed by tea and brandy in the forest setting, it was back to the water hole for more viewing. We found approximately 15 Cape Buffalo who had descended to take up residence. 

 

Just as we were taking our traditional afternoon beverage in the outside bar observation balcony, came the arrival of 13 elephants including a baby. This herd later swelled to 21 as the evening progressed. After dinner it was back to our room and balcony to continue the evening viewing as the water hole was lit up all night.

The following day was an early rise and shine for our 8 am departure for the Milewa Lodge with a stop and photo op at the equator. Our game lodge consisted of individual adobe huts with straw roofs. Very large, well appointed and unique. An afternoon nature walk was followed by a sundowner tour and drink, a night game drive, dinner and bed finally as we were completely exhausted.

Today’s adventure was to take us to the 184 sq km Lake Nakuru National Park. Though we were there for the animals, it was the fabulous bird population which grabbed my attention though the Rhinos were quite the spectacle. Especially when our driver suddenly put our safari truck in reverse as he was concerned about a Rhino charge as one of the Rhinos was nursing her young. Quite exciting! It was a beautiful National Park and you could really take it all in with the view from our picnic area high atop the hills surrounding Lake Nikuru.

Every day seems better than the next. Hopefully a good night sleeps and not too early a wakeup call as the Hippos outside our hut in the river are very loud at 5 am.