A Hidden Gem
Trip Start
Unknown
1
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Acacia Camp, Swara Plains, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tonbridge, England, United Kingdom
Saturday, May 1, 2010
ash. We spent a desperate day searching for somewhere to stay but most
of the hotels were either full or were charging ridiculous rates.
Fortunately for us a friend contacted us and said that she could arrange
for us to stay at her friend’s game lodge. A couple of phone calls and
an hour later somebody from the camp collected us at Nairobi airport and
40 minutes later we arrived at Acacia Camp.
As we walked into
the camp our luggage was whisked off and we were taken to our cabin. The
room although basic and rustic was welcoming, cosy and clean, it had
mosquito nets over the beds and an en suite bathroom. We freshened up
and then decided to explore our surroundings. The camp is set out in a
horse shoe shape and is dominated by an open fronted dining area in the
centre. The gardens are beautiful and well-tended with tables and sun
loungersare dotted around the grounds. In the centre of the garden is a
canopied seating area. We relaxed with a welcome drink in the sunshine
watching the numerous monkeys cavorting around us, and felt like we were
in heaven.
The staff at Acacia are the loveliest people you
could ever wish to meet. Our situation was, like so many others,
dreadful. Raine, who was in charge couldn’t have done more for us, she
is a fantastic character who cracks the whip but is still respected by
her staff. David, the owner, is a charismatic charming gentleman. We are
deeply indebted to him for managing (I don’t know how) to get us onto a
flight back home. He made a couple of phone calls and within the hour
we were in a car on our way to the airport. My daughters are I are all a
little in love with him. Other members of the team, Philip, Tim, Sandy
and Sandy also need a mention, they showed compassion and kindness which
was so humbling. Philip is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable; he is
such a delightful person and his jeep Lucy is such a character too.
The
lodge is located on the Kapati plains opposite rugged Lukenya Hill.
Game drives are available from the camp but you can also cycle or walk
around the reserve. There is no shortage of game so you won’t be
disappointed. There is a resident population of over 3000 game animals
and over 270 identified bird species. You will see big herds of oryx,
elands, wildebeests, giraffes, monkeys, hartebeests, zebras, impalas,
Grant's and Thompson's gazelles, warthogs and the occasional gerenuk. We
never got to see any but there are cheetahs here too. Night drives will
enable you to see nocturnal creatures such as aardvarks, spring hares,
bush babies, genet and cerval cats.
There is a generator that
services the camp which is on from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and then again at
6.30pm until 11.30pm. There is free wireless internet available too.
There is a well-stocked library and beautiful wildlife photos in the TV
room. Every evening the camp fire is lit for you to sit round and enjoy
an aperitif. The food at Acacia is amazing and plentiful, breakfast
lunch and dinner are 3 courses and tea and coffee are available all day
too. There is a well-stocked bar and Michael is always happy to serve
you late into the night as you sit around the camp fire sharing your
safari experiences.
Sometimes during the night I was woken to the
chuckling of the bush babies and in the morning we had monkeys playing
and jumping over the roofs of the cabins but to me that is the essence
of Africa. I personally love the sounds of the bush and of being at one
with nature.
The camp is a hidden gem. Although I am reluctant to
share it with you I do feel that I shouldn’t be selfish and let others
know about this little piece of heaven. During our 4 day stay we were on
an emotional roller coaster with regards to the volcanic ash and the
uncertainty of getting home. However the staff at Acacia still managed
to make our stay an unforgettable one, they were sympathetic to our
situation and couldn’t have been more helpful. We will definitely be
going back again but next time we will be relaxed and able to enjoy the
splendour of it all. We have left with the memories of Acacia Camp
firmly lodged in our hearts
