Geography Department Visit to Kenya - Summer 2002
The 22nd July saw the departure for the long awaited trip to Kenya by 23 members of year 10 and 11 accompanied by Mr Pack, Mr Maxfield and Mr Gowler. After our journey to Heathrow and then an 8-hour flight to Kenya we were taking our first steps in Nairobi airport. It felt like Africa straight away, a big difference from Heathrow.
Once we cleared customs we met our drivers for the week, Julius, Nicholas and Mario. Then we were off driving through rush hour Nairobi! The drivers certainly earn their money negotiating roads where everybody seemed to do what they want. The boys commented on the big differences between the well off and the poor, with estates of lovely homes next to poor shantytown settlements. One of the most shocking sights was a young boy aged about 11 or 12. He was dressed in rags and shouting at our minibus while inhaling glue from a bottle. It gave a real perspective on life for the poor of Nairobi.
Our first stop was at a viewpoint overlooking the African Rift Valley, we could see for miles across the savannah. This stop also included the first of several curio shops where the boys had their first taste of haggling with the locals!
We continued down into the rift valley and arrived at our lodge "Kigio Conservation Ranch". It was stunning; the building was made from local materials of wood and thatch. The lads had three dorm rooms and were well impressed saying it was nothing like they were expecting.
During the afternoon and the next day we explored the land around the ranch. Patrick our Samburu guide took us on walks around the ranch, explaining the use of local plants and making fire by rubbing sticks together.
On our walks we saw many of the animals on the ranch - zebra, impala, ostrich and jackal. Giraffe are soon to be introduced in August and filmed by the BBC with Joanna Lumley narrating. We also visited a farmstead on the ranch and saw how the area is used for grazing animals.
Next day we were off to Lake Nakuru National Park. An outstanding day was had by all looking at all the wildlife of the park including giraffe, zebra, impala, gazelle, buffalo and the highlights a rhino mother and calf and the millions of flamingo on the lake. Our picnic lunch was taken at a waterfall where we had to watch out for baboons trying to steal our lunch! Finally we finished the day by taking a look at Menegai volcanic crater.
The following day we were off out again to visit Hells Gate National Park. We saw more animals in the morning before having lunch and taking a walk along the stunning rock formations in the gorge.
After a quick look at a geothermal power station nearby we visited Elsemere, the former home of George and Joy Adamson and of course Else the lioness. We had afternoon tea and a stunning selection of cakes on the lawn overlooking Lake Naivasha; a much needed sugar fix for everyone!
We said our goodbyes to the staff at Kigio the following day and headed south into the Masai Mara. The roads were unbelievable and after four hours of being jolted around we arrived at our campsite in the Mara. Then followed two and a half days of safari trips into the Masai Mara. We saw countless animals, zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, impala, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, vultures, hyena, cheetah and lions to name a few! We also visited a Masai village where the lads were treated to dances and were invited into a home of a Masai and crossed the Mara river into Tanzania.
It was all over too soon, and we were travelling home. Everybody enjoyed the trip and many lads were keen to visit again in the future.
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