Changed modes of transportation today---traded our bus for Range Rovers, four to a vehicle, ours driven by our fearless driver Samwise (Reminds me of "Lord of the Rings"), otherwise known as Sam. We set out in light traffic (it being Sunday) to the Nanyuki region, which is north and a little west of Nairobi.
Still looks a lot like California, but much more populated. I'm surprised by the impact of man on the landscape, there is nowhere you can look that has not been touched. No wild life anywhere, and very few birds. No wonder the animals have to be in a preserve.
Eucalyptus grown as telephone poles
The drive took four hours, with one rest stop at a souvenir shop. The final stretch of road reminded me of back country Yuba County. Totally dirt with wonderful dust from our passing. Very dry here as the rains which were supposed to start last month are still not in evidence.
Sam, our fearless (needed in Kenya) driver
Entrance to Preserve, sound is wind.
The preserve where we will be staying is called Ol Pejeta Conservancy (a map can be found here http://www.olpejetaconservancy.org/uploads/assets/map.pdf) which is 90,000 acres large. They boast they are largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa which reached a population milestone of 100 black rhino in 2013. It also houses the three remaining northern white rhino in the world. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is situated here, and provides a haven for orphaned, abandoned and rescued chimpanzees. It is the only place in Kenya where these great apes can be seen. The Conservancy is host to the "Big Five" among a large selection of other African animals, which makes it a popular safari destination. It also operates a successful livestock program, which serves to benefit local pastoralists and wildlife. The big five are Cape buffalo, lion, rhino, leopard and elephant.
Entrance to Conservancy, notice the weaver bird nests
We had lunch, soup and then a buffet style selection. Food is very good, western, indianish and usually one or two Kenyan dishes. Stir fry if you're so inclined, so, lots of choices and good for a buffet.
After going to our tents and relaxing, we went on a game drive, which means, drive around looking for game.
The inside of the permanent tent
The outside of our tent
Memorial to the rhino killed in the park by poachers
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