I thought I'd just have time to post a few photos to highlight the places I went today . . . Kazuri Bead Factory, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (yes again) and the Nairobi N
ational Park.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Today - Just Photos
I thought I'd just have time to post a few photos to highlight the places I went today . . . Kazuri Bead Factory, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (yes again) and the Nairobi National Park.
First Day in Nairobi - Sunday 8/21
I cannot say enough about the Ngong House and their outstanding staff. I have never had such attentive service. My accommodations are perfect, the food to die for and a location that is nothing short of an oasis in the foothill of the Ngong Range. They also provided me with a car & driver to go and do whatever I wished during my stay.
At the Giraffe Centre the animals were pretty far away from the main viewing area where visitors (mostly kids) feed the giraffes. Lucky for the children there was one who was hungry and willing to gobble up all the pellets given her. They do have one baby here at their centre, but again, really too far away to see with binoculars or to photograph.
On Sunday, my itinerary got changed up a bit with the delay in my luggage. I was not able to go visit the Ajax Football Team, nor was I able to take soccer balls with me for my visit at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for the orphan elephants. with that said, I still got to get out and do some great things including a visit to the Giraffe Centre and the Karen Blixen House both in Karen.
At the Giraffe Centre the animals were pretty far away from the main viewing area where visitors (mostly kids) feed the giraffes. Lucky for the children there was one who was hungry and willing to gobble up all the pellets given her. They do have one baby here at their centre, but again, really too far away to see with binoculars or to photograph.
From there I went to the Karen Blixen Home. The original house where she lived and what was used at the set for the movie "Out of Africa" is located on only a small fraction of the original 6,000 acres of her coffee farm. The house was restored for the movie back in the 1980's and has since been kept up as a National Landmark of Kenya.
When I arrived a young lady provided me with a brief tour of the single level home, complete with stories about Karen Blixen and her life in Kenya. No photos were permitted inside, so this exterior shot is about as good as I can provide here.
After lunch I enjoyed a visit at the elephant nursery that is operated by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust just inside the Nairobi National Park border. Every evening at 5:00pm, donors and foster "parents" of the elephants and rhinos may make an appointment to visit for their return from the bush for their bottles and bedtime.
Elephants are milk dependent until around three years of age, and must eat every three hours. A couple of the babies laid right down for sleep,
this one is Sities, an 18 month old that was orphaned at a mere seven weeks of age when her mother was killed for her ivory (illegal in Kenya and I believe all of Africa). Poaching is a big issue here, and results in many orphaned elephants and rhinos.
this one is Sities, an 18 month old that was orphaned at a mere seven weeks of age when her mother was killed for her ivory (illegal in Kenya and I believe all of Africa). Poaching is a big issue here, and results in many orphaned elephants and rhinos.Saturday, August 20, 2011
Arrived Safely!
It is shortly after midnight local time on Saturday night and I'm comfy relaxing at the Ngong House in the Nairobi suburb of Karen. My travel day (which was actually more like 36 hours from the time I left home until my safe arrival here) was fast paced and not very relaxing . . . and touch n go as to whether or not I would even make here today or not.
My flights into Dulles and lunch with my sister Pam were very nice and uneventful in a good way. Scheduled to depart Washington, DC at roughly 6:30pm, we had a 2+ hour delay due to thunderstorms. With a 4 hour layover, I felt confident I'd be alright, only to later find out that had it been another 30 minutes I would have missed my connection in London to Nairobi. With just one flight a day, such a miss would have delayed my arrival by a full day!
Flights on British Airways were nice. I flew in World Traveler Plus which is essentially coach plus with wider seats and a tad bit more personalized service in the cabin. Unfortunately, my arrival into Nairobi did not go well as my two checked bags apparently did not make the connection. I was told they had located them along with about 20 other bags still back at Heathrow.
Not so bad for me, as I'm scheduled to be in Nairobi for three nights although not have my personal toiletries and change of clothes for tomorrow will be unpleasant. I do have baggage delay insurance as part of my package for this trip, so I could go out and buy an outfit or two tomorrow if anything is open. I'll see how I feel in the morning about that. For some of the other folks with delayed baggage, they are scheduled to head out on safari in the morning and were told it would take 3 or 4 days to get their suitcases out to them since they won't arrive into Nairobi until 9:00p (scheduled time) tomorrow.
For now, I have a change of shirt that I had planned on making this morning upon arrival at Heathrow but with little time to freshen up or change, that turns out to be a blessing in disguise.
Once I got through the process of obtaining my VISA and clearing immigration, I was met by Lucy from the Ngong House. She was very pleasant and helpful, concerned about my luggage situation. The drive from the airport was an adventure of its own. (Note to David . . . round-abouts in Kenya are insane!)
The drivers seemed to all be in a hurray at 10:30pm, many cars did not seem road worthy and a safari vehicle or two were down right frightful. I cannot imagine seeing one of those old beat up vans pulling up on Tuesday to pick us up to head off into the bush for 12 days.
Once out of the city proper, it was clear we were heading out into the African bush. Nairobi National Park is adjacent to the city limits. I recognized it as we drove by the tall fences on the city side of the park to keep lions and other predators from wandering the streets of Nairobi.
The final couple of roads into the Ngong House were very rough, making me wish I had taken the time to make one last bathroom stop before leaving the airport. It wasn't unbearable, only worth mentioning for others who may want to consider this before heading out.
At the Ngong House I was immediately greeted by Paul who had a refreshing glass of freshly whipped pineapple juice to hand me. He offered dinner, but at such a late hour I couldn't think about eating a full meal and yet, with only a couple of mediocre airline meals during the day, I was pretty hungry.
He had the kitchen prepare a chicken sandwich with was served on some sort of multi-grain bread. A little mayo, lettuce and tomato and it was the perfect before bedtime snack. I enjoyed my dining experience with "Diamond" one of their many dogs. She looked to be an older yellow lab or retriever mix with gorgeous black eyes and nose. Very friendly, I got the feeling she's used to being fed by the guests but I avoided her puppy eyes only giving into her for pets and a good ear rub.
Well that's about it for now; time for bed. I have my clock set for 7:30a which seems a shame, but I'm pretty sure I'll be awake by then anyway. I am looking forward to get out and about here on the property to take some photos which I'll post in my next entry.
My flights into Dulles and lunch with my sister Pam were very nice and uneventful in a good way. Scheduled to depart Washington, DC at roughly 6:30pm, we had a 2+ hour delay due to thunderstorms. With a 4 hour layover, I felt confident I'd be alright, only to later find out that had it been another 30 minutes I would have missed my connection in London to Nairobi. With just one flight a day, such a miss would have delayed my arrival by a full day!
Flights on British Airways were nice. I flew in World Traveler Plus which is essentially coach plus with wider seats and a tad bit more personalized service in the cabin. Unfortunately, my arrival into Nairobi did not go well as my two checked bags apparently did not make the connection. I was told they had located them along with about 20 other bags still back at Heathrow.
Not so bad for me, as I'm scheduled to be in Nairobi for three nights although not have my personal toiletries and change of clothes for tomorrow will be unpleasant. I do have baggage delay insurance as part of my package for this trip, so I could go out and buy an outfit or two tomorrow if anything is open. I'll see how I feel in the morning about that. For some of the other folks with delayed baggage, they are scheduled to head out on safari in the morning and were told it would take 3 or 4 days to get their suitcases out to them since they won't arrive into Nairobi until 9:00p (scheduled time) tomorrow.
For now, I have a change of shirt that I had planned on making this morning upon arrival at Heathrow but with little time to freshen up or change, that turns out to be a blessing in disguise.
Once I got through the process of obtaining my VISA and clearing immigration, I was met by Lucy from the Ngong House. She was very pleasant and helpful, concerned about my luggage situation. The drive from the airport was an adventure of its own. (Note to David . . . round-abouts in Kenya are insane!)
The drivers seemed to all be in a hurray at 10:30pm, many cars did not seem road worthy and a safari vehicle or two were down right frightful. I cannot imagine seeing one of those old beat up vans pulling up on Tuesday to pick us up to head off into the bush for 12 days.
Once out of the city proper, it was clear we were heading out into the African bush. Nairobi National Park is adjacent to the city limits. I recognized it as we drove by the tall fences on the city side of the park to keep lions and other predators from wandering the streets of Nairobi.
The final couple of roads into the Ngong House were very rough, making me wish I had taken the time to make one last bathroom stop before leaving the airport. It wasn't unbearable, only worth mentioning for others who may want to consider this before heading out.
At the Ngong House I was immediately greeted by Paul who had a refreshing glass of freshly whipped pineapple juice to hand me. He offered dinner, but at such a late hour I couldn't think about eating a full meal and yet, with only a couple of mediocre airline meals during the day, I was pretty hungry.
He had the kitchen prepare a chicken sandwich with was served on some sort of multi-grain bread. A little mayo, lettuce and tomato and it was the perfect before bedtime snack. I enjoyed my dining experience with "Diamond" one of their many dogs. She looked to be an older yellow lab or retriever mix with gorgeous black eyes and nose. Very friendly, I got the feeling she's used to being fed by the guests but I avoided her puppy eyes only giving into her for pets and a good ear rub.
Well that's about it for now; time for bed. I have my clock set for 7:30a which seems a shame, but I'm pretty sure I'll be awake by then anyway. I am looking forward to get out and about here on the property to take some photos which I'll post in my next entry.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Lodging Accommodations
One of the things I am looking forward to is the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and culture of an area of the world I have only dreamed of while watching television shows and movies. It will be through the lodging and food that much of my cultural submersion will occur.
When I arrive in Nairobi on 20August, I will be greeted at the airport by a representative of my host at Ngong House in the suburb of Karen. Located on 10 acres with views of the Ngong Hills made famous in the movie Out of Africa, this seemed like the perfect place to get into the head space of being in Africa and going on safari! (Check out the photos of their tree house accommodations.) They have been very helpful in providing me with a private car & driver for my two days of exploring some of what Nairobi has to offer visitors.
After my first two nights/days in Kenya, I will move to what is the starting point for our group of four the Sarova Stanley Hotel in downtown Nairobi. Long in history (more than 100 years), I anticipate staying here may take visitors back to when Kenya was still a British Colony. The staff offers a historical tour of the hotel which includes photos and artifacts from that era.
During our 12 day/11 night safari, we will be staying in a variety of safari lodges including a couple of tented camps. Each lodge was chosen by our tour operator MICS Tours & Safaris for the close proximity to the game parks/reserves and the value provided to guests. In addition to great locations, all provide all inclusive meals during our stay.
In three locations (Masai Mara, Amboseli and the Serengeti) we will be overnighting for more than one evening, allowing for some additional free time lounging and enjoying the amenities of the lodge. I'm especially looking forward to the swimming pool at the Oltukai Safari Lodge with their stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
In the "Mara" we will be spending two nights in a traditional safari lodge and a third at the Sarova Mara Game Camp, a tented camp providing guests with a more authentic old world safari experience. In looking at the photos and reviews, however, it hardly looks like roughing it!
Overnights at the Lake Nakuru Lodge and the Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp will round out our time in Kenya.
While in Tanzania, we will be staying at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and Lake Manyara Serena Hotel. Each provides a unique vantage point from which to start the day with tea and an early morning game drive. They say the view overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater at sunset is unmatched by any other lodging choice in the area.
With my African Adventure beginning in just a week, I can hardly wait! Look for updates along the way as my Internet connection allows.
When I arrive in Nairobi on 20August, I will be greeted at the airport by a representative of my host at Ngong House in the suburb of Karen. Located on 10 acres with views of the Ngong Hills made famous in the movie Out of Africa, this seemed like the perfect place to get into the head space of being in Africa and going on safari! (Check out the photos of their tree house accommodations.) They have been very helpful in providing me with a private car & driver for my two days of exploring some of what Nairobi has to offer visitors.
After my first two nights/days in Kenya, I will move to what is the starting point for our group of four the Sarova Stanley Hotel in downtown Nairobi. Long in history (more than 100 years), I anticipate staying here may take visitors back to when Kenya was still a British Colony. The staff offers a historical tour of the hotel which includes photos and artifacts from that era.
During our 12 day/11 night safari, we will be staying in a variety of safari lodges including a couple of tented camps. Each lodge was chosen by our tour operator MICS Tours & Safaris for the close proximity to the game parks/reserves and the value provided to guests. In addition to great locations, all provide all inclusive meals during our stay.
In three locations (Masai Mara, Amboseli and the Serengeti) we will be overnighting for more than one evening, allowing for some additional free time lounging and enjoying the amenities of the lodge. I'm especially looking forward to the swimming pool at the Oltukai Safari Lodge with their stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
In the "Mara" we will be spending two nights in a traditional safari lodge and a third at the Sarova Mara Game Camp, a tented camp providing guests with a more authentic old world safari experience. In looking at the photos and reviews, however, it hardly looks like roughing it!
Overnights at the Lake Nakuru Lodge and the Voyager Ziwani Safari Camp will round out our time in Kenya.
While in Tanzania, we will be staying at the Serengeti Sopa Lodge, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge and Lake Manyara Serena Hotel. Each provides a unique vantage point from which to start the day with tea and an early morning game drive. They say the view overlooking the Ngorongoro Crater at sunset is unmatched by any other lodging choice in the area.
With my African Adventure beginning in just a week, I can hardly wait! Look for updates along the way as my Internet connection allows.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Charitable Efforts Away From Home
While in Nairobi, I am scheduled to make several charitable contributions to organizations making a difference in the community.
I am currently supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) as the "foster parent" of three young elephant orphans. Poaching and other human interaction is often the cause for many of these babies to lose their mothers long before they are capable of surviving alone. The DSWT works for the physical and emotional well being of the orphans, with the goal of integrating them back into the wild.
In addition to feeding and socialization, the keepers also work to provide lots of physical activity for the elephants, to including kicking footballs around. I will be taking soccer balls to them for the playtime of the orphans.
Perhaps the most important visit scheduled during my time in Nairobi is with the Nyumbani Children's Home, where some 100 abandoned and orphaned children who are HIV+ or have AIDS live. Clothing and recreational resources are much needed for these kids, and I'm happy to be able to take them over 50 jerseys and shorts, along with some tee shirts and soccer balls. (Photo is from the Nyumbani Children's Home website.)
The Ajax Football Team is based in a very poor suburb of Nairobi. Boys ages 14 to 18 play with the team in spite of their living conditions and lack of resources. My lodging host in Nairobi has made arrangements for me to meet the coach and team. I have a full set of new jerseys to give to them.
I would be remiss if I didn't recognize and thank those who made these donations possible: Wisconsin Rapids Kickers (white/red jerseys); Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club (soccer balls); Muskego Kickers SC (jerseys & shorts) and Wisconsin Youth Soccer & Kohl's Department Stores - Sponsor of USYS (tee shirts). Eastbay Team Sales has also supported these efforts through their donation of a large duffle bag that will be used to transport all of these items to Kenya.
I am currently supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) as the "foster parent" of three young elephant orphans. Poaching and other human interaction is often the cause for many of these babies to lose their mothers long before they are capable of surviving alone. The DSWT works for the physical and emotional well being of the orphans, with the goal of integrating them back into the wild.
In addition to feeding and socialization, the keepers also work to provide lots of physical activity for the elephants, to including kicking footballs around. I will be taking soccer balls to them for the playtime of the orphans.
Perhaps the most important visit scheduled during my time in Nairobi is with the Nyumbani Children's Home, where some 100 abandoned and orphaned children who are HIV+ or have AIDS live. Clothing and recreational resources are much needed for these kids, and I'm happy to be able to take them over 50 jerseys and shorts, along with some tee shirts and soccer balls. (Photo is from the Nyumbani Children's Home website.)
The Ajax Football Team is based in a very poor suburb of Nairobi. Boys ages 14 to 18 play with the team in spite of their living conditions and lack of resources. My lodging host in Nairobi has made arrangements for me to meet the coach and team. I have a full set of new jerseys to give to them.
I would be remiss if I didn't recognize and thank those who made these donations possible: Wisconsin Rapids Kickers (white/red jerseys); Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club (soccer balls); Muskego Kickers SC (jerseys & shorts) and Wisconsin Youth Soccer & Kohl's Department Stores - Sponsor of USYS (tee shirts). Eastbay Team Sales has also supported these efforts through their donation of a large duffle bag that will be used to transport all of these items to Kenya.
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