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Travel storys
The 2011 Kenya-Trip
In the summer of 2011 me, my wife and some friends made a fantastic trip to Kenya. There was both Safari and recreation. The safari was conducted in the Masai Mara, the great national park that runs through both Tanzania (Serengeti) and Kenya. It was a 3-day safari with a total of 5 Game Drives. We were five guests in the car and had our own chauffeur (driver). We lived in a camp called Ilkeliani, http://ilkeliani.com/ilkeliani/. Here we lived in tents, which meant that we came very close to nature at night when the various animal sounds came and went, including hyenas, etc.. Can be highly recommended. We were here in June / July so it was "winter" locally and thus off-season. This fact is reflected both on the camp price, airline tickets and the relatively low tourist pressure. It felt almoust like we had the whole savanna for ourselves.
We got up early in the mornings when it was still dark, to go out on the savannah and watching for the wildlife. The experience was pure magic. Being in the midst of all these wild animals in their own environment with vast views was absolutely great. Often you had to pinch your self in the arm so that you knew it was true and that you were not watching TV or were in a zoo at home. Simply magnificent!
There were many different species that we encountered. In the end, about 75st including birds. Some were in quite big numbers as zebras, antelopes, elephants and more. Others were difficult to catch a view on. One of the most hard to find animal was the leopard, this incredibly beautiful animal. Timid and few in number, but in the end we had seen three different individuals at three different times although the last one only could be seen faintly. It was probably just after it had brought down a large antelope and drawned into the bushes. We first saw vultures in the air at a far distance which attracted our attention. When we got closer we followed the birds point of view (those who sat in the trees) and after a little detective work we were able to finally locate the cat. The first leopard we saw was forced up into a tree by a score of Lions. These three cats rendered us to have champagne three times! Tradition according to my brother.
Giraffes must also be mentioned. These majestic animals along with the elephants have an air of calm around them. Beautiful and impressive.
Speaking of elephants. Those we saw very often differed in quantities. There were both individual single animals and large herds of up to 30 animals inclusive pets. Almost silently they came walking past the car, so big, so impressive.
At one point, we also saw a couple of hippos out of the water and up in the middle of the day which is not so common. There was one male and one female making their way into some bushes, Hmmm ... wonder what they would do?
There were also many lions at different times. Again we catched a couple who were at "Honeymoon". And suddenly in front of our cameras so ... you guessed it, see the picture. Awesome!
On another occasion we saw two females in the "lion's grass" and having looked at them for a while so began one of them walking away down a shrubbery. Our driver decided to slowly roll by and about 100m away we got to see where she was heading for. Two little lion cubs appeared in the grass. Maybe only a month old. Incredibly cute and nice. They skipped happily after what we supposed was the mother back to the other female were a kissing, buffet and washing took place.
Another one we saw had killed a zebra and lay and watched the surrounding. On the ground some 200 meters away lay a Hyena and waited for an opportunity to catch a meal.
Yes, many animals were there in the end but you could not see enough anyway. We were lucky to see the "Big Five" animals, elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. You just want to return.
The Ilkeliani camp is run by the Masai people. In the immediate vicinity of the camp lies a genuine Masai-residence. It was of course a visit here also with the hope dance, tour, etc. Also a full day in Nairobi National Park took place. Here, we saw five rhinos in one place. Very rare according to my brother.
In connection with the Nairobi stay we visited also Karin Blixen Museum, the Elephant Orphanage etc.
After one week, we then headed to the coast south of Mombasa, specifically Diani Beach. Here we had booked a small Cottage which is located about 40m from the beach. Can be recommended! The place is called 420South and run by a woman named Hillary. The rental included both a personal chef and cleaning / washing service. Talk about holiday ;-)
The coast down here and the beach in particular is absolutely stunning. The fine coral sand, almost like baking powder, feels cool to go on despite the warm climate. Local people who are relatively poor is very nice and accommodating. Valid probably most people in Kenya!
A full day in Mombasa could we also accomplish. We visited the old fort, "Fort Jesus," where the slave trade was carried out some hundred years ago, the old town, various markets and the Mombasa zoo. Here we saw snakes, turtles, crocodiles and more. Mombasa is a throng of people and cars. Probably you would not drive yourself here. Luckily we had a "chauffeur" This was in the form of a local taxi guy we got to know at Diani Beach. Very affordable, I must say.
One day we went down the coast to a marine park to go out and snorkel on the reef and more. Unfortunately, it was pretty rough seas that day so it was a tough snorkeling (my first as an adult). But I could at least see a lot of amazing fish and coral. Like being in an aquarium. We snorkeled also at 420South a day when the weather was calmer. We joined with some local fishermen and went out fishing early one morning. There was some small fishes to catch. Incredibly colorful ones!
Must also mention the very special restaurant "Ali Barbours Cave Restaurant". This restaurant is located in a natural coral cave with the sky as a roof. Fantastic environment, good food and very affordable. Do not miss this if you are passing!
Yes, everything will of course end at some point and after some two weeks it was time to go home again. But what memories! A big thanks to my brother Holger living in Nairobi, and thanks also to our traveling companions from Harplinge outside Halmstad. Shared joy / experience is a double joy!
In the album is a selection of the more than 2000 photos we had brought home. Click on images to enlarge.
The pictures are taken with a Sony A700, Sony 70-200/2.8 lens w (+2 x extender in some cases) or a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5
All hand held.
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