Jambo (Hello in Swahili). Haven’t had internet for the last two nights at Samburu National Reserve because they use a generator. They’re in the actual reserve so there was only power from 4:00am to about 10:30am and from about 4:00pm to 10:30pm. Our time there on the safaris was great. The first spotting of the day on Wednesday, after we arrived from Nairobi, was a Leopard laying up in a tree. It was wonderful. He was just so chill -like no big deal that 12 safari vehicles think he is a huge deal. We then saw Giraffes, Elephants, lots of Impala, regular Zebras and Grevy’s Zebra. All this from 4:00pm to 6:30pm. Then back to the lodge for dinner and sleep.
Thursday we had an early morning safari, leaving the lodge at 7:30am and an afternoon leaving the lodge at 4:00pm. Oh my goodness, our first sighting of the morning was a female Lion and four cubs. They were all sitting up on a huge rock and she too was so chill with lots of safari vehicles lined up. Our tour guide and driver told us that full mane male lions aren’t common in Samburu Reserve - that we should see some in Masai Mara. Sure hope so!! We saw elephants coming down from the mountain traveling to the river for water, even some baby elephants. We also saw the most unusual deer-like animal called a “Dik Dik.” Yes, that’s right. It’s only about 12” tall fully grown - so many of them. In between safaris we visited the Samburu village and got to see how some of them still live even today. Very, very interesting.
The afternoon safari was also spectacular. We saw more Giraffes, Elephants, Dik Diks, Impala, a beautiful black and white Ostrich (who even did his mating dance) and a male and female Ostrich and about a dozen babies. The last and most exciting was another Leopard. The second guide and driver of our group phoned our driver/guide about a Leopard spotted on a huge rock. Our driver drove like he was in New York City. He even bullied is way in ahead of other drivers to get us a good spot. He blended in so well with the rock it was hard to see him at first. There were a dozen safari vehicles and a couple of regular cars sitting and watching.
Friday morning we left Samburu about 7:30am heading for Mt. Kenya. When we spotted a stopped safari vehicle and to the right, up on a hill, was a Cheetah. Unfortunately, my pictures aren’t so good. Hopefully we’ll see more tomorrow or in Masai Mara.
The Serena Mountain Lodge we are in tonight is in the Mt. Kenya National Reserve and has a watering hole out back. All rooms face the watering hole and on our arrival today there was a Water Buffalo out there. Hope to see lots more tonight when the animals are more active.
Tomorrow morning we head for Lake Naivasha where we’ll be two nights. Having a great time so far. There are 12 of us and it’s a great group of people.
For now, kwa heri (goodbye).
The afternoon safari was also spectacular. We saw more Giraffes, Elephants, Dik Diks, Impala, a beautiful black and white Ostrich (who even did his mating dance) and a male and female Ostrich and about a dozen babies. The last and most exciting was another Leopard. The second guide and driver of our group phoned our driver/guide about a Leopard spotted on a huge rock. Our driver drove like he was in New York City. He even bullied is way in ahead of other drivers to get us a good spot. He blended in so well with the rock it was hard to see him at first. There were a dozen safari vehicles and a couple of regular cars sitting and watching.
The Serena Mountain Lodge we are in tonight is in the Mt. Kenya National Reserve and has a watering hole out back. All rooms face the watering hole and on our arrival today there was a Water Buffalo out there. Hope to see lots more tonight when the animals are more active.
Tomorrow morning we head for Lake Naivasha where we’ll be two nights. Having a great time so far. There are 12 of us and it’s a great group of people.
For now, kwa heri (goodbye).
Wonderful photos Cindy
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