Emily and Lee’s Unforgettable Safari in Amboseli
Setting off on weekend adventures is always a delight, especially when aiming to escape the bustling streets of Nairobi. Emily and Lee’s journey began on a Saturday morning, allowing for a smooth start to their incredible safari in Amboseli. Our first stop was the Wildebeest Eco-Camp in Karen, where the air was crisp, and spirits were high.
The Journey to Amboseli
The drive to Amboseli was uneventful but pleasant, marked only by an amusing incident when I made an offhand remark about charitable organizations, forgetting that Lee worked as a fundraiser for an NGO. Thankfully, the mood remained light, even as we navigated the bumpy 22-kilometer road stretch to the park entrance, a far cry from the notorious path to Maasai Mara.
Upon our arrival at Kibo Camp, we were greeted warmly by Charles, the manager. Francis and I felt a sense of homecoming, a sentiment enhanced by our upgrade to a spacious, well-appointed guest tent. The tents featured stone floors, cow-hide rugs, and four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets. The eco-friendly Kibo Camp also boasted solar-heated water, adding a sustainable touch to our luxurious accommodations.
First Glimpses: Safari in Amboseli
Emily and Lee’s first safari drive that afternoon was met with excitement and awe. They spotted a lion couple during its honeymoon, a rare and thrilling sight. The Amboseli National Park, famed for its large elephant herds, didn’t disappoint either, with numerous elephants and a mother hippo with her calf making appearances.
The next morning, we were blessed with the magnificent sight of an unobscured Mount Kilimanjaro at dawn. Amboseli offers the best views of this snow-capped giant, especially in the early morning hours. Francis expertly guided Emily and Lee on another early game drive, revealing an array of vibrant birdlife, including the unusual Secretary Bird.
Bidding Farewell to Amboseli
After a hearty breakfast, it was time to wave goodbye to the friendly staff and hit the road again. Navigating the highway to Mombasa Road required nerves of steel, with vehicles hurtling at breakneck speeds. I found solace in turning to chat with Emily and Lee or feigning sleep to avoid pondering the hair-raising drive.
The Enchanting Taita Hills and Lumo Sanctuary
Our journey led us to Taita Hills and Lumo Sanctuary, a six-hour drive worth every moment. Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, our destination, rose into view with an enchanting scene: a herd of elephants gracefully weaving through the lodge’s stilts on their way to the waterhole. This extraordinary proximity to wildlife is something one must experience to believe.
As the sun set, casting a golden glow over Kilimanjaro, we enjoyed an evening at Lion’s Bluff. Our journey there was delayed, entranced as we were by two lionesses feasting on a zebra, but we relaxed with a glass of wine, appreciating one of the finest views Africa has to offer.
The Thrill of the Chase
Determined to spot a leopard, we embarked on an early morning game drive around Leopard Rock. My eyes were glued to the landscape, scrutinizing every branch and crevice. Just as frustration began to creep in, Francis announced, Leopard! There, lounging against a rock, was the elusive creature, its golden coat glistening in the morning light.
The excitement was palpable as we relished this moment of wildlife serendipity. Although another noisy van soon approached, sending the leopard into hiding, we cherished the unforgettable sighting.
Coastal Adventures in Kenya
Our safari concluded with a drive to Mombasa, where we detoured through picturesque green hills. Despite the rough roads and the occasional unsightly garbage dumps, the journey was scenic, presenting a different facet of Kenya’s natural beauty.
We explored the historic ruins of Jumba la Mtwana, a former Arab trading port active between 1350 and 1450. The site offered a glimpse into the past, with its coral stone structures enveloped in lush greenery.
Before leaving for Nairobi, we visited the Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Centre, which supports people with disabilities. This inspiring initiative produces a wide range of crafts and provides a nurturing environment for its workforce. Emily and Lee, now enchanted by Kenya’s wonders, promised to return one day with their daughter for another enchanting safari.
Kenya had woven its magic, leaving us with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the land’s majestic beauty and vibrant culture.