On Safari

Trip Start Sep 02, 2011

Trip End Sep 18, 2011

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Where I stayed

Kicheche Bush Camp Masai Mara National Reserve

Mara Sopa Lodge Masai Mara National Reserve

(Nairobi hotels)

Flag of Kenya Nairobi, Kenya
Monday, September 12, 2011

This will be our last posting of the trip, as we are coming home tomorrow! After a 6 hour flight to Nairobi, we had a seven hour drive to the first lodge we stayed at, called the Mara Sopa Lodge in the Masai Mara. Our tour guide, Henry, was great. Upon arrival, we got settled into our room and went out for an afternoon game drive. We saw lots of giraffes, elephants, wildebeasts, zebras, and a bunch of different antelopes. The funny part of the afternoon was watching a lion stalk a wildebeast, who ended up turning around and chasing the lion. The next day was even better. Jeff's hope was to see a big cat kill something - and we ended up watching a cheetah chase and kill an antelope (not sure which kind). We also saw about 6 lions eating a wildebeast for breakfast - eeew.

After a couple of nights at the Mara Sopa Lodge, we drove to a private conservancy, called Kicheche Bush Camp. This camp was totally different than the lodge we stayed in. It is composed of actual tents (they are really nice, with a big bed and a sitting area that looks out onto the grazing gazelles - the only downside was the bucket shower). At night, we were escorted around by a guard, as the camp is open to all of the animals that may be roaming around (apparently lions like to visit during the night). Because the camp is on a private conservancy, there weren't as many other vans looking for action and getting in the way of our photos.

Kicheche is a small camp, we were 2 of 8 guests the first night and 2 of 12 the second night. We all ate lunch and dinner together, and seeing as all of the other guests were from the UK, the conversation was pretty funny (ranging from the Royal Family to politics in Belgium). We felt really spoiled having our 'Sundowners' while watching lion clubs play (a sundowner must be a British thing - they took our drink orders before we went out on the game drive - Jeff enjoyed a beer both nights of the game drive). The managers of the camp were really friendly and helpful - a great way to do a safari (Jeff and I both agreed that we preferred the camp over the lodge). We also had the chance to take a guided walk around the surrounding areas of the camp. Our guide at Kicheche, James, was really informative, and thanks to him Jeff and I know more than we ever wanted to about termites and dung.

It is going to take awhile to sort through our 1,500+ photos so we will be sure to show you the pictures when we get back. Thanks for reading and see you soon!

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