Nairobi Day 2

We woke up early this morning..to a beautiful day. Our driver was picking us up at 9:30 AM to take us to our first hotel inspection. The House of Waine was about a 20 minute drive, since we missed rush hour. The House was once a private home, built in 1979, but looked 100 years older in style.  Massive, strongly built and elegant. Beautiful gardens welcomed us.  There are only 10 rooms, and 1 magnificent suite on the very large property.

We then went to Giraffe Manor. Many rooms with the addition of a new building that matches the design of the original 1922 Manor House. Giraffes can come to the open windows in the breakfast room and some of the suites to be fed. There is no air conditioning, but the weather, even in the middle of the day, was quite pleasant inside and out. With roses and herbs growing everywhere, it was delightful to be outside. Walking the short distance to the Giraffe Center, we could see the resident  momma giraffe, Lynn, waiting to be fed carrots from whomever had them.  I got my kiss and a great photo.

From Giraffe Manor we headed to Nairobi National Park and Nairobi Tented Camp...the only National Animal Park next to a major city. There are lion, leopard, giraffe,gazelle, rhino,and many other species of animals. The Tented Camp is completely eco-friendly and can be moved as needed. A bit rustic, but large tents, with ensuite bathrooms, bucket showers, large front porches, there are only 8 tents available.  But, since it is only 10 minutes from the airport once you leave the park, it's a great option for your first or last night on safari.  Our lunch was delicious, the common area comfortable, and at night there is a campfire to sit around by yourself or with fellow travelers. We .were quite impressed with the location and simplicity of this unusual tented camp.

All in all a productive day. Our driver is wonderful and tomorrow we see 4 or 5 more properties, and The Elephant Camp...so...more tomorrow!

Grace

My Trip to Africa

Well, less than 24 hours before Meredith McCleary and I leave for a month long trip to Africa.  We are leaving Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning to JFK, then boarding South African Air to Johannesberg. 18 hours, coach, without a cigarrette! Thank goodness for the patch, Xanax, and sleeping pills! From Johannesburg we leave almost immediately for Nairobi, where we will be staying at Hotel Palancia..a new property for both of us.  We will spend a few days visiting local hotels, Giraffe Manor,The National Museum, The Elephant Orphanage, then staying at the Norfolk Hotel.  Day 5 we head to the Mount Kenya Safari Club...one of my favorite places in Kenya...last time I was there, 25 years ago, I took a 1/2 day horseback ride which was fabulous.  We're having breakfast and lunch in two different safari camps, then satying at elephonat Bedroom Camp for 2 nights.  We will spend the days visiting many different camps, with an early morning game drive before leaving for Samburu Intrepids. After thenext night at Mbweha Camp, we go to the Masai Mara, inspect more camps then stay at Tipilikwani for 2 nights. Then....Uganda and walking with the Gorillas...at least I am. Meredith will visit with the local people. Day 13 we head to South Africa and Capetown.We're staying at Table Bay, Taj Cape Town, The Palace, oh, Leopard Hills in between,  and somewhere in there going to Zambia and staying at the Royal Livingstone to see Victoria Falls. Our last 2 nights will be at the Saxon in Capetown before heading back to the US on April 10th. You can bet I'll be on Facebook, Twitter, and everywhere else I can posting photos, thoughts and insights.  Look for me in cyberspace!