| | Dec 5, 2005 - Kenya - Nairobi and Amboselli Park Safaris | (click to enlarge)
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 | | show all 29 | | All the meat you can eat - Carnivor Restaurant, Nairobi | | Scenery on the road to Amboseli National Park for our first safari | | Eric in our safari vehicle with the roof up for the 1st time! | | |
| Kenya - Our First African Safari Experience
By Carl
Departing the Seychelles was bitter sweet. The small islands and white sand beaches were an absolute paradise, yet leaving the Seychelles meant we were moving on to my dream destination - Africa! It was finally time to experience the wild wonders of an African safari and our short three nights in Kenya certainly did not disappoint us! Arriving in Nairobi we effortlessly obtained our Visa, passed through passport control and were greeted by our safari company and Robert our personal driver and safari guide for our stay in Kenya.
Our first night we spent at the Nairobi Intercontinental Hotel with its excellent service and newly renovated rooms it was a pleasure for a city I was not looking forward to. Similar to Cairo or Israel, there was no shortage of security in sight to protect travellers and locals from any terrorist bombings as they unfortunately experienced in the past. Our first evening we ventured out for an incredibly unique dining experience at Carnivor Restaurant with their African style and all you can eat BBQ meats including some unique options like crocodile, ostrich, camel and more,
The following morning we were up bright and early, as we soon learned is the safari way to see the best wildlife. Although the only wildlife we would be seeing this morning was on the busy streets of Nairobi as we made our way to Amboseli National Park with Robert. Along the way we took in the sights of Kenya travelling out of bustling Nairobi through the countryside past small African villages with their roadside markets and stands, colourful Masai warriors out grazing their cattle, Acacia trees loaded down weaver nests hanging like Christmas tree ornaments, along with an array of birds not found at home. Upon arriving in Amboseli, Robert pulled over near 3 friendly looking giraffes to raise the viewing roof and the excitement of our African safaris officially began!
Over the next two days we were thrilled with the wildlife viewing opportunities, from up close encounters with buffalos and giraffes to a pride of nine majestic lions resting and playing in the tall grass plains off in the distance. Massive hippos frolicked in the ponds and the abundant bird life of Kenya surrounded us soaring against the backdrop of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro and its persistent cloud cover. The two most exhilarating experiences of the safari were by all means the elephants and the Masai warriors.
The Masai are one of the three major tribes of Kenya and the only one that still actively practice their traditional lifestyle. From their bright clothing, rubber tire sandals and beaded jewellery to their nomadic villages and cattle focused lifestyle, the Masai were incredibly intriguing. We visited a Masai village and were greeted with a traditional welcome dance and prayer before being shown around the village and taught about Masai culture and heritage by the chief's son. It was a remarkably interesting experience and incredible to learn of their traditional ways that are still largely practiced today.
The second most exhilarating experience was our elephant encounters. On numerous occasions we were treated to close-up viewing encounters with these grandiose mammals and their families, however, one day we had an encounter with a herd of elephants numbering close to one hundred! In the distance a mass of grey animals appeared on the horizon slowly lumbering their way towards us. Robert parked our white safari van on the side of the road and we waited eagerly as they approached us. As the hulking, grey giants came closer, we soon realized how many there were and with the path they were on, we were in for some incredible viewing! Before we knew it, we had almost one hundred wrinkled, grey beauties trodding across the road just metres from our van. What a spectacular site seeing them so close and watching the subtle moves they made to each other in communicating between family members. There were obviously on a mission heading somewhere. But where? For what?
In the few days of our first safari I was completely amazed at the amount of wildlife we experienced. At that time I thought what more could I want to see? Little did I know the additional wonders and experiences that awaited us in Ngorogoro Crater and on the famed savannah plains of the Serengeti. Robert dropped us off in Namanga the border town for Kenya and Tanzania where we waited for several hours for our late bus to arrive and take us onward to Arusha, Tanzania for our next safaris!
Some Things to Expect When on Safari
1. Early mornings! Animals are most active in the night however most parks do not allow any driving after dark and it is obviously tough for viewing. Therefore, safaris typically start about 6:30 AM and go for 2 or 3 hours and then you return for breakfast. A second safari is then done later in the afternoon just prior to sunset getting you back to your lodge or accommodation just before dark.
2. Some destinations such as the Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater do safari drives all day but viewing is more limited in the heat of the day.
3. Animals are wild and viewings are not guaranteed. Some days you may see a lot and other days nothing at all. Remember just when you may be getting bored and seeing nothing the next corner you round could present a spectacular scene of nature in action. Be patient and enjoy!
4. Different seasons and different regions offer very different experiences. Make sure when you are planning your trip you choose when and where you go carefully so you are not disappointed in what you see.
5. Prepare for a lot of driving. Often parks may be many hours from the city you fly into and then when you are on safari you spend many hours in the vehicle.
6. Types of accommodations vary widely so choose carefully to suit your wants and needs. You can stay in anything from upscale lodges that cater and pamper to your every need, to small lodges and B&Bs, to tented permanent camps or roughing it in the wild. If you choose to camp make sure you are comfortable sleeping in the wild as animals may very well stroll past your tent at night. Making a poor choice for accommodations could ruin your trip so select wisely.
7. Dust, dust and more dust! This may not be on all safaris, but you will more than likely be travelling on dirt roads and if it is the dry season expect everything to be very dusty and dirty! However, if you are travelling in the rainy season make sure you bring the appropriate clothing so you are not wet and miserable.
8. Food at most accommodations is very good and plentiful. You may want to watch what you eat similar to travelling to Mexico or the Domincan Republic and avoid anything not cooked unless you can peel it, however there are plenty of options and no one should go hungry.
9. You should not drink the water pretty much anywhere when on safari however bottled water is readily available and upscale lodges often provide some each day free of charge.
10. Obviously vaccinations and medication for diseases such as malaria must be taken and insect repellent should be worn at all times in the evenings and early mornings. This quickly becomes part of your daily routine though and worries of these tropical diseases are forgotten with the pleasure of the safari.
11. Travelling to Africa is not difficult travel. Yes you must do some medical preparations and some areas in some countries are dangerous. However, if you have booked a complete safari with a reputable company before you leave home you are well cared for - picked up at the airport and escorted wherever you need to go making the travel much easier than independent travel throughout Europe! Check with the Canadian Government for any security warnings at www.voyage.gc.ca
12. Depending on your accommodations, you may not have access to electricity to charge batteries for your camera or video. Pack extras and plan carefully according to where you are staying so you don't run short of juice! Remember to pack plenty of film or memory cards too as you are sure to take more pictures and videos than ever before while on safari.
13. Remember people in most safari countries are very poor and will work hard to make your stay pleasurable. Plan in your budget for tips to for those that work so hard to give you the best trip of your life. Chances are you will end up wanting to give them much more than you originally anticipate.
14. Mosquito nets over beds are common at virtually all accommodations. Upscale accommodations may also give you Doom, an insecticide to spray your room with each day and insect repellent to wear. If you are staying in budget accommodations then you may want to bring your own can of Doom and everyone should carry plenty of insect repellent.
15. When choosing your safari you can select a private safari (you and your travel companies in a private vehicle with a guide/driver) or a group safari where you travel with a group of other travellers in either a larger safari vehicle or multiple vehicles. Private safaris give you the flexibility to customize your own itinerary, agenda and accommodation types versus a group safari where you will travel on a predetermined itinerary you book before you go.
PS - For anyone flying into Nairobi to start your safari experience, I would highly recommend the unique dining experience of Carnivor to kick off your trip.
www.carlhenderson.ca
www.imagestoframe.com
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