This was one of the best vacations of our lives. We would not change a thing. The highlights for us are the Sheldrick and adopting an elephant, the balloon safari, seeing the elephants at Amboseli and the cats at Masai Mara. We loved Lamu; it was the perfect place to wrap up the trip. The eight of us were great traveling companions and having each other there made for a much more fun trip. When we visited South Africa and Victoria Falls in 2010, we fell completely in love with Africa. This trip has reaffirmed that and we are already looking forward to the next one. And Karen also really, really liked getting kissed by a giraffe. In case she didn't mention that! --- Kevin and Karen
Karen later added:
Kenyans really know how to make soup!
And chapatis. Yum!
To be honest, traveling to Africa was not on the top of my bucket list. I wasn’t sure what to expect but knew that I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. As we entered our first camp, I was not prepared for what I would see. We traveled for miles on a rocky and dirt road, until we saw tall green trees emerging from nowhere. (I describe this scene as “Jurrasic Park.”) Minutes after entering Tsavo we were greeted by giraffes and zebras. It was the most extraordinary scene I have ever experienced. We spent 2 days in Tsavo, followed by 2 days in Amboseli, followed by 3 days in Masai Mara, each safari more amazing than the last. The highlight of the safari was in Masai Mara. While gathering in the patio bar for our usual pre-dinner drinks, the guard pointed out an elephant feeding on a shrub behind us. Soon after, a family of elephants began to walk through our camp, baby in tow. This was the perfect ending of our safari but not for our trip.
Next stop, Lamu, which was like a jewel that had not been discovered. We stayed at Peponi Hotel which felt like our own private villa. The highlight for me here was the turtle run and the hammock on the veranda. So, for Africa not being on my bucket list, it is now a place I hold close to my heart and hope to explore again in the future. --- Patty
When I imaged Kenya I envisioned plains with a few elephants, zebras,
lions, giraffes, and hippos. The reality blew me away. I was most impressed with the beauty of the landscape; the animals were the gravy on top! I couldn’t believe how beautiful the trees were or how beautiful the sunsets were in the bush. I would go again just to see the countryside. As for the animals, I did not expect how graceful the giraffes were grazing among the tall trees. I did not expect to see a pride of lions hunt, feed, play, and take care of their cubs. I was also pleasantly surprised with how few people were in the parks. I expected thousands of humans searching out a few animals, but it was the opposite, thousands of animals and very few humans – I hope it stays that way. --- Mary
Favorite Activity: The hot air balloon ride was amazing! It was great to have the different perspective of seeing the animals in the Mara. I could have done without the bumpy landing but it resulted in a great picture so obviously it was worth it! Breakfast in the Bush did nothing but make the experience even that much better!
Best Part of the trip: Lamu!!!! I have never seen or been to a more beautiful place and can't wait to go back! It should be on everyone's bucket list!!!!
--- Jennifer
 |
| How often do you have the chance to see a cheetah in the wild or actually pet one? |
Post-Kenya Thoughts:
The hot air balloon is always worth it.
It is so comfortingly civilized to always be served warm milk with your coffee.
You cannot over sell this, the safari experience is all you dream it will be and more, because you are actually there. In fact, the experience is so exciting and transporting that it doesn't even matter if you are sick the whole time because you won't remember the pain, just the amazing things you saw.
And don't pass up the soup.
---Sonja
And don't pass up the soup.
---Sonja
Kenya was full of surprises every day. The beautiful landscape, the incredible animals, the amazing lodges, the food and the people we met along the way were all truly wonderful and to have shared it with such good friends was probably a once in a lifetime experience. For me personally, flying high over the Masai Mara in a balloon and the bush breakfast that followed was beyond expectation and enjoying the spectacle of Little Governor's with all of you was awesome.
 |
| Art Girls meet Masai Guys |
Thanks to all of my fellow travelers for being up for the adventure and to each and every one of you for bringing something unique and special to the experience. To my fellow art girls, you know how lucky I feel to have you in my personal and professional life every day…to travel to Africa together was an adventure beyond my wildest imagination.
--- Linda
Absolutely my favorite part of the trip was getting to share my country with friends. The singer Roger Whittaker said it best," You can go the whole world over, every city has its dawn. But everybody liveth has one place where he was born. And mine is Kenya, so warm and wild and free. You'll always stay with me here in my heart. My land is Kenya, right from your highlands to the sea. You'll always stay with me here in my heart ... The faces of the friends I had (and have), The images that flow, When I close my eyes in the land I love, The land I was born ..."
Cheetah on the jeep, Patty's paranoia, getting out of the jeep in the Mara, the ballon ride but most of all the laughs that accompanied the numerous g&ts. Karibuni Kenya! --- Muchane
