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.
WOW!!! MUST BE THRILLING
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteThose waterholes must be filled by park staff. Presumably if not for tourists, beasts would be left to own devices.
What's the gun for with tour guide? Al Qaeda operatives of for raging rhinos?
Animals seem too timid and no lions stalking wilderbeasts down at watering hole at nightfall. Presumably regular feedings take care of that. Too bad as that would be a real treat for you tourists. Where's Mel Perkins when you need him? He used to set the stage for such encounters.
That cheetah seems to be enjoying his snack. Is that some terrorist's blood ?
Getting my Africa fix through those pix. You guys take 'em all yourself?
;-)