Beginnings, giraffes, Masai Mara and stew


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Africa » Kenya » Nairobi Province » Nairobi
September 24th 2011
Published: September 24th 2011
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What an amazing first week...

...After a lot of last minute stress and a long flight into Nairobi, we arrived safe and sound (not being mugged en route) at Effie and Celia's apartment. They swiftly took us to experience some close encounters with a selection of African wildlife, treating us with a trip to Langata Giraffe Centre and the Mamba (crocodile in Swahili) Village.

After a day in Nairobi sorting ourselves out with money and getting our bearings, we were off on our way to the Masai Mara. It was a 5-6 hour journey on what felt like some of Africa's bumpiest roads. After a few pit stops we arrived at our campsite for a late lunch, and then a late afternoon/early evening game drive.

Over the next two days we met loads of the characters from the Lion King, including most of the Big Five (lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants), cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeest, zebras, impala,mongoose, warthogs, baboons, hippos and countless birds, all up close and personal!

The abundance of wildlife in plain view was amazing, as was just how close you came to them, with them practically brushing up with the safari van! Even our camp
Giraffe centreGiraffe centreGiraffe centre

Very slobbery!
was surrounded by wildlife that kept us awake at night, from the nearby Masai village (though these animals were not so exotic being mainly sheep, cows and dogs). We also visited a Masai village which was a thought provoking experience but also left us with mixed feelings about the commercialisation of the Masai culture.

On our fourth day we visited Lake Nakuru National Park which was very tranquil and relaxing compared with the Mara and filled with beautiful lake views, pelicans, flamingos, rhinos and also some baboons having some early morning sex! We were also lucky enough to spot a leopard in the trees, completing our Big Five collection.

After a truly wonderful and memorable four days we headed back to Nairobi for a well needed lie in!


Additional photos below
Photos: 37, Displayed: 23


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Mamba VillageMamba Village
Mamba Village

A 2 year old croc!
Mamba VillageMamba Village
Mamba Village

Pretty terrifying
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Nairobi

The road signs seem to be a little different in Africa!
Masai MaraMasai Mara
Masai Mara

A sausage tree, the fruit of which is used by the Masai to make beer!
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Masai Mara

Buffalo
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Masai Mara

Gem look some Mongoose
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Masai Mara

A close encounter
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Masai Mara

Cheetah
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Masai Mara

A rare spotting of a Black Rhino
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Masai Mara

A hippo with its friends the oxpeckers
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Masai Mara

Our accommodation in Enchoro Camp
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Masai Village

A welcoming dance
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Masai Village

The Masai women are in charge of building their houses out of cow dung and clay and each one takes 5 years to complete!


25th September 2011

Photos
These are brilliant pics. One day we will see them on 3D Super HD on the tele! Well done. I cant wait for your next update
27th September 2011

walking aound with crocs
Lovely photos. Did you drink the blood?
4th October 2011

Hi Sisa No we didn't drink any blood, although the tribe we visited drank cows blood and milk everyday!

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