Kenya Safari Report - June 1-16, 2018
Aug 28th, 2018, 04:49 PM
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Kenya Safari Report - June 1-16, 2018
Kenya Safari Report - June 1-16, 2018
These are my thoughts/highlights outlining my recent return back to Kenya in June/2018.
Safari Booked through: Travel with Ron / in Canada. You can google his website with those key words if interested.
Inbound Local Guides & Vehicles via: "Real Africa", Kenya.
I decided to do a return trip to Kenya, as it was one of my (recently passed) wife/my most memorable/favorite trips we ever been on when we first visited Kenya/Tanzania 10 years ago. This was an opportunity to honor my wife's wish to return back to Kenya. This recent trip turned out to be everything I wanted/expected, and more. My mother decided to come along this trip as well, as she too felt the trip 10 years ago, which she was also on, was one of her favorite trips as well. We signed up/joined a 'Group Safari' which "Travel with Ron" was in the process of arranging.
I booked solo, but as I notified some of my friends/family about this trip, the group 'grew'. A few months after booking, a friend said..."Hi... I'm interested.. oh by the way...some extra of my family/friends want to tag along...do you mind?" Of course not... More the merrier!!!! So, all of a sudden, my 'solo' trip... turned into a group of 13, which now made "Ron's Safari group" of 24. I booked as a Solo traveler, and Mom decided to room together with one of the other ladies joining. We were set!!!
June 1-2 Flight from Edmonton to Nairobi (KLM via YYC/Amsterdam)
Long flight, but I decided to spoil myself and had booked Business Class with KLM. It was still a long flight, but having the additional leg room, reclining chairs, etc., made the flights enjoyable. Food/Service very enjoyable. Lounge access in YYC/AMS/NBO, quite enjoyable as well. In Amsterdam, we met up with Ron and our other Safari guests.
We arrived in Nairobi about 8:30pm June 2nd. Getting through Immigration/Customs/etc was a bit hectic, but we finally made it through. Once we gathered bags, and all group members accounted for, we headed outside to meet up with our "Real Africa" Safari Guides and vehicles. We piled up into a couple buses, and headed off to our lodgings for two nights at the "Southern Sun Mayfair" Hotel. Rooms very comfortable, meals were enjoyable, service great. We were even 'serenaded' by the local bullfrogs at night outside the rooms.
June 3 - Up earlyish the first day in Nairobi. Lovely breakfast buffet at the Southern Sun. Then out to the parking lot to get divided up into our 4x4's, and got introduced to our Safari guides. I got placed into "Tony's" jeep. What a pleasant guide. Off we headed to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for a visit. What a great experience, seeing those young orphans rushing down to the feeding area, and getting fed by their handlers. I had an opportunity to make a donation in my late wife's name. We then headed back to the hotel so that we could relax, rest up, try and get over some jet-lag, and just enjoy the amenities of the Southern Sun Hotel.
June 4 - Today was the official start of the Safari. Packed up the vehicles, and started heading North out of Nairobi to Mount Kenya. Our stay for the night was at the Serena Mountain Lodge. The stay here at this 'rustic' lodge was as great as it was 10 years ago. Really enjoyed just relaxing either on our balconies, or the observation deck and watching the animals coming to you down at the water hole. Saw gazelles, water-bucks and elephants. Meals were very enjoyable. Finding hot-water bottles in the bed at night was a nice find. There was lots of talk around the breakfast tables the following morning about a Hyena appearance at the water-hole, and it taking down/dragging a young water-buck into the brush. Only a few of the group saw that excitement.
June 5-6 - Packed up, and off our way to the Samburu area. Our stay for the next 2 nights is at the Samburu Simba Lodge. Very nice lodge. Beautiful scenery from most areas of the lodge. We had great viewings during game drives. Saw a TON of elephants (close to 60) during one afternoon drive, as well as giraffes, gerenuks, Water Bucks, Gazelles/Impalas, and Ostriches. We saw our one and only cheetah on the morning of our 2nd day here, which was exciting. Recent rains all throughout Kenya made for interesting driving at times, but Tony handled the roads well.
June 7-8 - On the road again to the Ol' Pejeta Conservatory / Sweetwaters Serena Tented camp. What a wonderful stay at this resort. I absolutely loved and enjoyed staying in the tented facilities. Very comfortable beds, fully functioning bathrooms with plenty of hot water. The dining room had excellent meals. The highlight here though was sitting outside our tents and watching the animals come to the local watering hole. Lots of different viewing opportunities which included giraffes, elephants, warthogs, gazelles, zebras, and even the rhinos.
Our game drives provided many opportunities to see these same animals again, plus great viewings of the black-mouth rhinos, which is supposedly a rare occurrence. We came across our first lion sightings here as well. A pride of 8-female lions heading out in the evening looking for their dinner. When we headed out the next morning, we found that same pride of lions, happily resting after their feeding on a zebra kill. Safe to say their task the night before was successful. Ron, our Tour Manager, also provided the opportunity for those interested to visit the Nanyuki Weavers and Spinners, as well as the chimpanzee sanctuary, and the Rhino Sanctuary. All visits were wonderful.
June 9-11 - Back on the roads on way to Lake Naivasha, for our 3-night stay at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. This was a lovely lodge. HUGE, comfortable rooms. The sitting area on the patios were lovely, and allowed a bit of game viewing of water-bucks, gazelles, the occasional Hippo, and monkeys. One morning walk from my room to the dining area, allowed me to view a giraffe feeding in the nearby trees, just 30-40 ft off the walking path. What a beautiful sight. We used this lodge as a central base point, and did some day-excursions from here.
The first full day took us out to the Lake Nakuru area, in hopes of finding Pink Flamingos, but unfortunately, no luck due to the high-lake levels. The flamingos had moved on to better feeding spots. We were fortunate though to have some great viewings of a lot of giraffes, zebras, and even rhinos. Tried finding a leopard, but again, nope. The next full day took us onto Lake Naivasha and a boat excursion. Saw a lot of storks, pelicans, and hippos, as well as other birdlife and local fauna. That was a really enjoyable excursion. On the way back up from the boats to the lodge area, we had the opportunity to see a one-day old giraffe. At least that's what the gentleman driving the small tram vehicle told us. He said it had just been born a day ago. Also, I want to comment here that Hippos (as well as other wildlife like water-bucks/giraffes/gazelles/etc) have free-reign on the grounds at this lodge. Staff at the Sopa lodge were available to escort you to/from your rooms and the main building during the evenings, to help you stay clear of them as needed while traversing the paths.
June 12-14 - On our way to the wonderful Masa Mara. Returning back to this area of Kenya was what I had been most anticipating, and I wasn't disappointed. Long day getting here, but well worth it. The Serena Mara Lodge was mostly how I remembered it, with it's 'Flintstones style' rooms. One of the first things I noticed was that the big 'pot-lights' that they used to have hanging in the reception and bar area had been replaced with different lighting. Views from the observation decks and rooms were fantastic. Game drives were exciting and rewarding. Many elephants, giraffes, Cape Buffalo, with the lions thrown in to keep it exciting. Saw two young male lions, one licking wounds from what we guessed was an unsuccessful hunt. Another morning we saw another two males 'celebrating'?, digesting from a successful Cape Buffalo kill! That was very exciting! Now I fully understand why they're called "Kings of the Jungle!!"
My highlight though was the morning we came for me to accomplish a task I felt I had to complete. That was to spread my wife's ashes in a place she adored. Ron gave me advance notice the night before to bring the ashes in the morning with me. He felt we'd have a good 'opportunity', in the morning. We had a wonderful game drive, and then on way back to the Serena lodge, where we thought we were going back for breakfast, we pulled up next to the Mara river. It was here that our Tour Manager Ron announced "Welcome to your Breakfast with the Hippos!'. We were greeted by a young Masai gentleman who escorted us to our tables next to the river. Table-cloths, Napkins, silverware, Mimosas, all set out for us. Brunch buffet, with a chef cooking omelettes and eggs. What a wonderful setting. Looking across the river, we saw crocodiles and a couple hippos enjoying the morning sunshine.
Once brunch was done, most of the group headed back to the lodge, but a few of us stayed behind. We walked over to the river, Mom said a brief prayer, I said a few words, then I slowly let the gentle breeze take some of my wife's ashes down along the bank. Wonderful way to honor her 'wish' to return back to Kenya one day.
As I was getting back into the vehicle, my friend came up to me and said "Greg...did you see the Red Butterfly back there as we were walking back??!!" I had missed it, but we like the thought that Jo was there with us, and it was her way of showing her approval.
Tour Manager Ron also arranged a visit to a local Masai Village which was an excellent experience. It was great seeing how the tribe lived, see some of their day to day life-styles, see a couple of their dances, hearing the ladies sing. They showed us their huts, how they can quickly start campfires, and then the opportunity to buy some of their hand-made crafts. Before we departed for the day, we were given an opportunity to present to them our gifts of school supplies, children books, etc. Many of our Safari group did pack a fair bit of supplies just for this occasion. The blanket was full of books/school supplies, and tooth-brushes/etc. They seemed very grateful for our donations.
During our last evening game drive our drivers bypassed our Lodge, and headed off towards the air-strip, drove through a bunch of tall grass where finally we came to a clearing. A few tables were set up, a guitar player strumming away softly, campfire going. Ron announced "Welcome to your Sundowner!!!". What a wonderful way to finish off our 14-day Safari!!! Glass of wine in hand, and the beauty of Kenya around us. It was definitely a "TIA" moment! (This is AFRICA!!!).
Later that evening in the dining room at the Serena Lodge, our Safari group was serenaded/entertained by the staff of the lodge. They came out of the kitchen, singing "Jambo Bwana", horns blaring, pots clanging, clapping, and doing a conga-line up to one of our tables where they presented two birthday cakes to one of the ladies in our group, who was celebrating her birthday.
What a wonderful memory and ending to the overall Safari!! (Hakuna-Matata is still going through my head as I type/remember this).
June 15 - a little over half of our group decided to take to the roads for the long road-trip back to Nairobi. The other half could sleep in, and then take a flight back (at an additional cost) to Nairobi. Those of us doing the road-trip back did get in a few "Kwaheri!!" from a few animals as we departed the Masa Mara. We were able to get good views of the Rift Valley, interesting traffic jams in a town where our drivers took to the side streets to get past some road-construction, and finally made it back into Nairobi mid-afternoon. Late lunch at the "Southern Sun" dining room, and then the opportunity to enjoy our day-rooms for a couple hours rest, shower and re-pack before we started on our long flights home later that evening.
June 16 - arrived back home in Edmonton that afternoon.
Pictures url will be posted once I'm able.
Overall Impressions: This was a very enjoyable Safari overall. This Safari had a different 'feel' than the one 10 years ago, but equally exciting for the most part. Lodges were very comfortable. My favorite stop lodge wise was the Serena Tented Camp at Sweetwaters / Ol Pejeta Conservatory. Food/drink was pretty good for the most part. A few of our Safari group experienced the Stomach bug however, but that could be due to any number of things. I felt our Safari supplier did an excellent job. The guides we had were all fantastic.
Due to the amount of rain all throughout Kenya recently, the grass was taller and making it difficult spotting animals at times. We had many opportunities of game viewing with lions being near the roads, out of the tall grass. I like thinking my late-wife had a hand of gently nudging some of them out towards the roads for our viewing pleasure.
One final thought - I didn't get to see a Leopard this trip. I think it's my late wife's way of saying... "NOPE...no leopard for you!!!! You have to go back!!!!"
Asante Sana for reading all.
These are my thoughts/highlights outlining my recent return back to Kenya in June/2018.
Safari Booked through: Travel with Ron / in Canada. You can google his website with those key words if interested.
Inbound Local Guides & Vehicles via: "Real Africa", Kenya.
I decided to do a return trip to Kenya, as it was one of my (recently passed) wife/my most memorable/favorite trips we ever been on when we first visited Kenya/Tanzania 10 years ago. This was an opportunity to honor my wife's wish to return back to Kenya. This recent trip turned out to be everything I wanted/expected, and more. My mother decided to come along this trip as well, as she too felt the trip 10 years ago, which she was also on, was one of her favorite trips as well. We signed up/joined a 'Group Safari' which "Travel with Ron" was in the process of arranging.
I booked solo, but as I notified some of my friends/family about this trip, the group 'grew'. A few months after booking, a friend said..."Hi... I'm interested.. oh by the way...some extra of my family/friends want to tag along...do you mind?" Of course not... More the merrier!!!! So, all of a sudden, my 'solo' trip... turned into a group of 13, which now made "Ron's Safari group" of 24. I booked as a Solo traveler, and Mom decided to room together with one of the other ladies joining. We were set!!!
June 1-2 Flight from Edmonton to Nairobi (KLM via YYC/Amsterdam)
Long flight, but I decided to spoil myself and had booked Business Class with KLM. It was still a long flight, but having the additional leg room, reclining chairs, etc., made the flights enjoyable. Food/Service very enjoyable. Lounge access in YYC/AMS/NBO, quite enjoyable as well. In Amsterdam, we met up with Ron and our other Safari guests.
We arrived in Nairobi about 8:30pm June 2nd. Getting through Immigration/Customs/etc was a bit hectic, but we finally made it through. Once we gathered bags, and all group members accounted for, we headed outside to meet up with our "Real Africa" Safari Guides and vehicles. We piled up into a couple buses, and headed off to our lodgings for two nights at the "Southern Sun Mayfair" Hotel. Rooms very comfortable, meals were enjoyable, service great. We were even 'serenaded' by the local bullfrogs at night outside the rooms.
June 3 - Up earlyish the first day in Nairobi. Lovely breakfast buffet at the Southern Sun. Then out to the parking lot to get divided up into our 4x4's, and got introduced to our Safari guides. I got placed into "Tony's" jeep. What a pleasant guide. Off we headed to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage for a visit. What a great experience, seeing those young orphans rushing down to the feeding area, and getting fed by their handlers. I had an opportunity to make a donation in my late wife's name. We then headed back to the hotel so that we could relax, rest up, try and get over some jet-lag, and just enjoy the amenities of the Southern Sun Hotel.
June 4 - Today was the official start of the Safari. Packed up the vehicles, and started heading North out of Nairobi to Mount Kenya. Our stay for the night was at the Serena Mountain Lodge. The stay here at this 'rustic' lodge was as great as it was 10 years ago. Really enjoyed just relaxing either on our balconies, or the observation deck and watching the animals coming to you down at the water hole. Saw gazelles, water-bucks and elephants. Meals were very enjoyable. Finding hot-water bottles in the bed at night was a nice find. There was lots of talk around the breakfast tables the following morning about a Hyena appearance at the water-hole, and it taking down/dragging a young water-buck into the brush. Only a few of the group saw that excitement.
June 5-6 - Packed up, and off our way to the Samburu area. Our stay for the next 2 nights is at the Samburu Simba Lodge. Very nice lodge. Beautiful scenery from most areas of the lodge. We had great viewings during game drives. Saw a TON of elephants (close to 60) during one afternoon drive, as well as giraffes, gerenuks, Water Bucks, Gazelles/Impalas, and Ostriches. We saw our one and only cheetah on the morning of our 2nd day here, which was exciting. Recent rains all throughout Kenya made for interesting driving at times, but Tony handled the roads well.
June 7-8 - On the road again to the Ol' Pejeta Conservatory / Sweetwaters Serena Tented camp. What a wonderful stay at this resort. I absolutely loved and enjoyed staying in the tented facilities. Very comfortable beds, fully functioning bathrooms with plenty of hot water. The dining room had excellent meals. The highlight here though was sitting outside our tents and watching the animals come to the local watering hole. Lots of different viewing opportunities which included giraffes, elephants, warthogs, gazelles, zebras, and even the rhinos.
Our game drives provided many opportunities to see these same animals again, plus great viewings of the black-mouth rhinos, which is supposedly a rare occurrence. We came across our first lion sightings here as well. A pride of 8-female lions heading out in the evening looking for their dinner. When we headed out the next morning, we found that same pride of lions, happily resting after their feeding on a zebra kill. Safe to say their task the night before was successful. Ron, our Tour Manager, also provided the opportunity for those interested to visit the Nanyuki Weavers and Spinners, as well as the chimpanzee sanctuary, and the Rhino Sanctuary. All visits were wonderful.
June 9-11 - Back on the roads on way to Lake Naivasha, for our 3-night stay at the Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge. This was a lovely lodge. HUGE, comfortable rooms. The sitting area on the patios were lovely, and allowed a bit of game viewing of water-bucks, gazelles, the occasional Hippo, and monkeys. One morning walk from my room to the dining area, allowed me to view a giraffe feeding in the nearby trees, just 30-40 ft off the walking path. What a beautiful sight. We used this lodge as a central base point, and did some day-excursions from here.
The first full day took us out to the Lake Nakuru area, in hopes of finding Pink Flamingos, but unfortunately, no luck due to the high-lake levels. The flamingos had moved on to better feeding spots. We were fortunate though to have some great viewings of a lot of giraffes, zebras, and even rhinos. Tried finding a leopard, but again, nope. The next full day took us onto Lake Naivasha and a boat excursion. Saw a lot of storks, pelicans, and hippos, as well as other birdlife and local fauna. That was a really enjoyable excursion. On the way back up from the boats to the lodge area, we had the opportunity to see a one-day old giraffe. At least that's what the gentleman driving the small tram vehicle told us. He said it had just been born a day ago. Also, I want to comment here that Hippos (as well as other wildlife like water-bucks/giraffes/gazelles/etc) have free-reign on the grounds at this lodge. Staff at the Sopa lodge were available to escort you to/from your rooms and the main building during the evenings, to help you stay clear of them as needed while traversing the paths.
June 12-14 - On our way to the wonderful Masa Mara. Returning back to this area of Kenya was what I had been most anticipating, and I wasn't disappointed. Long day getting here, but well worth it. The Serena Mara Lodge was mostly how I remembered it, with it's 'Flintstones style' rooms. One of the first things I noticed was that the big 'pot-lights' that they used to have hanging in the reception and bar area had been replaced with different lighting. Views from the observation decks and rooms were fantastic. Game drives were exciting and rewarding. Many elephants, giraffes, Cape Buffalo, with the lions thrown in to keep it exciting. Saw two young male lions, one licking wounds from what we guessed was an unsuccessful hunt. Another morning we saw another two males 'celebrating'?, digesting from a successful Cape Buffalo kill! That was very exciting! Now I fully understand why they're called "Kings of the Jungle!!"
My highlight though was the morning we came for me to accomplish a task I felt I had to complete. That was to spread my wife's ashes in a place she adored. Ron gave me advance notice the night before to bring the ashes in the morning with me. He felt we'd have a good 'opportunity', in the morning. We had a wonderful game drive, and then on way back to the Serena lodge, where we thought we were going back for breakfast, we pulled up next to the Mara river. It was here that our Tour Manager Ron announced "Welcome to your Breakfast with the Hippos!'. We were greeted by a young Masai gentleman who escorted us to our tables next to the river. Table-cloths, Napkins, silverware, Mimosas, all set out for us. Brunch buffet, with a chef cooking omelettes and eggs. What a wonderful setting. Looking across the river, we saw crocodiles and a couple hippos enjoying the morning sunshine.
Once brunch was done, most of the group headed back to the lodge, but a few of us stayed behind. We walked over to the river, Mom said a brief prayer, I said a few words, then I slowly let the gentle breeze take some of my wife's ashes down along the bank. Wonderful way to honor her 'wish' to return back to Kenya one day.
As I was getting back into the vehicle, my friend came up to me and said "Greg...did you see the Red Butterfly back there as we were walking back??!!" I had missed it, but we like the thought that Jo was there with us, and it was her way of showing her approval.
Tour Manager Ron also arranged a visit to a local Masai Village which was an excellent experience. It was great seeing how the tribe lived, see some of their day to day life-styles, see a couple of their dances, hearing the ladies sing. They showed us their huts, how they can quickly start campfires, and then the opportunity to buy some of their hand-made crafts. Before we departed for the day, we were given an opportunity to present to them our gifts of school supplies, children books, etc. Many of our Safari group did pack a fair bit of supplies just for this occasion. The blanket was full of books/school supplies, and tooth-brushes/etc. They seemed very grateful for our donations.
During our last evening game drive our drivers bypassed our Lodge, and headed off towards the air-strip, drove through a bunch of tall grass where finally we came to a clearing. A few tables were set up, a guitar player strumming away softly, campfire going. Ron announced "Welcome to your Sundowner!!!". What a wonderful way to finish off our 14-day Safari!!! Glass of wine in hand, and the beauty of Kenya around us. It was definitely a "TIA" moment! (This is AFRICA!!!).
Later that evening in the dining room at the Serena Lodge, our Safari group was serenaded/entertained by the staff of the lodge. They came out of the kitchen, singing "Jambo Bwana", horns blaring, pots clanging, clapping, and doing a conga-line up to one of our tables where they presented two birthday cakes to one of the ladies in our group, who was celebrating her birthday.
What a wonderful memory and ending to the overall Safari!! (Hakuna-Matata is still going through my head as I type/remember this).
June 15 - a little over half of our group decided to take to the roads for the long road-trip back to Nairobi. The other half could sleep in, and then take a flight back (at an additional cost) to Nairobi. Those of us doing the road-trip back did get in a few "Kwaheri!!" from a few animals as we departed the Masa Mara. We were able to get good views of the Rift Valley, interesting traffic jams in a town where our drivers took to the side streets to get past some road-construction, and finally made it back into Nairobi mid-afternoon. Late lunch at the "Southern Sun" dining room, and then the opportunity to enjoy our day-rooms for a couple hours rest, shower and re-pack before we started on our long flights home later that evening.
June 16 - arrived back home in Edmonton that afternoon.
Pictures url will be posted once I'm able.
Overall Impressions: This was a very enjoyable Safari overall. This Safari had a different 'feel' than the one 10 years ago, but equally exciting for the most part. Lodges were very comfortable. My favorite stop lodge wise was the Serena Tented Camp at Sweetwaters / Ol Pejeta Conservatory. Food/drink was pretty good for the most part. A few of our Safari group experienced the Stomach bug however, but that could be due to any number of things. I felt our Safari supplier did an excellent job. The guides we had were all fantastic.
Due to the amount of rain all throughout Kenya recently, the grass was taller and making it difficult spotting animals at times. We had many opportunities of game viewing with lions being near the roads, out of the tall grass. I like thinking my late-wife had a hand of gently nudging some of them out towards the roads for our viewing pleasure.
One final thought - I didn't get to see a Leopard this trip. I think it's my late wife's way of saying... "NOPE...no leopard for you!!!! You have to go back!!!!"
Asante Sana for reading all.
Aug 30th, 2018, 01:22 PM
#2
What a nice report and what a lovely tribute to your late wife.
Her ashes in Kenya sound so fitting as she did want to go back.
I was there in the month of August and there must have been a million Pink Flamingos on Lake Nakuru , so I had no idea that there is a
time of the year when there are none.!
Oh my Goodness!!
I just remembered your name
I read your report from your first trip before I went on my trip !! Thanks for the help
Her ashes in Kenya sound so fitting as she did want to go back.
I was there in the month of August and there must have been a million Pink Flamingos on Lake Nakuru , so I had no idea that there is a
time of the year when there are none.!
Oh my Goodness!!
I just remembered your name
I read your report from your first trip before I went on my trip !! Thanks for the help
Sep 1st, 2018, 11:23 AM
#3
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Greg, thank you so much for this trip report. That revisiting Kenya was also in memory and honor of your wife, and the way you did it, and ended up with more friends and family to share the experience, is so moving. Your descriptions made me want to be back there!
Hurray! Another fan of Southern Sun Mayfair!! It's wonderful opposite of sterile super modern "cookie cutter" hotels ---lovely and local feel, with those beautiful grounds and pools and great staff. ( Can yon believe I first stayed there in...January 1971, when it was on the far outskirts of what is now the greatly expanded Nairobi??!! Mayfair has gone though many incarnations since, as a school, as a Holiday Inn, and now, in its best one yet, as the Southern Sun.)
Additional great memories --thank you!-- with your descriptions of Mara Serena and Mara Sweetwaters. Stayed in both in 2012. Wasnt happy with the driver/guide with whom I traveled solo from Nairobi to both places, so good for you that found Ron, whose planning and little surprises were wonderful! Both lodges put you sooo close to the animals. There is nothing quite like that Sweetwaters watering "hole" (more like a little lake!) is there? Like the painting "Peaceable Kingdom" painting. Loved the warthogs who visited right below the little "Flinstones" balconies at Mara Serena! There area different ways to travel in Kenya (or anywhere) and i.m.e., tented camps and lodges each have their good points
Thanks again for your evocative description and beautiful story behind the visit.
Hurray! Another fan of Southern Sun Mayfair!! It's wonderful opposite of sterile super modern "cookie cutter" hotels ---lovely and local feel, with those beautiful grounds and pools and great staff. ( Can yon believe I first stayed there in...January 1971, when it was on the far outskirts of what is now the greatly expanded Nairobi??!! Mayfair has gone though many incarnations since, as a school, as a Holiday Inn, and now, in its best one yet, as the Southern Sun.)
Additional great memories --thank you!-- with your descriptions of Mara Serena and Mara Sweetwaters. Stayed in both in 2012. Wasnt happy with the driver/guide with whom I traveled solo from Nairobi to both places, so good for you that found Ron, whose planning and little surprises were wonderful! Both lodges put you sooo close to the animals. There is nothing quite like that Sweetwaters watering "hole" (more like a little lake!) is there? Like the painting "Peaceable Kingdom" painting. Loved the warthogs who visited right below the little "Flinstones" balconies at Mara Serena! There area different ways to travel in Kenya (or anywhere) and i.m.e., tented camps and lodges each have their good points
Thanks again for your evocative description and beautiful story behind the visit.
Sep 1st, 2018, 05:23 PM
#4
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Percy - Yes... I remember us having discussions almost 10 years ago!. I did indeed do a Trip Report under a slightly different user-name. I must've been under a different email account back then, and I figured just creating a second account was simpler than trying and use that one again. 
Thank you for your kind words.
Greg
Thank you for your kind words.
Greg
Oct 14th, 2018, 02:32 AM
#9
Very lovely and touching trip report. Thank you for writing. I have yet to go on safari in Africa and you've tempted me greatly for Kenya. I do look forward to photos! Why don't you post some directly on the trip report?
Oct 14th, 2018, 05:02 PM
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Thanks so much progol... I couldn't post 'links' in my initial report.. due to having a new userid. Fodors says I need to wait until 5 posts have been made.
Thank you live42day and laurico.
Here' my pictures..
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...-gMqB7w7J3KNVj
Thank you live42day and laurico.
Here' my pictures..
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...-gMqB7w7J3KNVj
Oct 22nd, 2018, 07:41 PM
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Thank you for sharing the photos, Greg.
Poignant to see the grave marker for Sudan the rhino
at Ol Pejeta. Great memories seeing the sitting area at Mara Serena ——perfect for relaxing m, watching the warthogs right below and the lined- up migrating animals in the distsnce. . Those early lodges like Keekorok and Mara Serena sure picked the prime Mara real estate!
Your group photos made me want to get family and friends together for a Kenya trip. One of these years...
It is wonderful you were able to return, share it with people you love, and honor your wife’s love of the place.
Poignant to see the grave marker for Sudan the rhino
at Ol Pejeta. Great memories seeing the sitting area at Mara Serena ——perfect for relaxing m, watching the warthogs right below and the lined- up migrating animals in the distsnce. . Those early lodges like Keekorok and Mara Serena sure picked the prime Mara real estate!
Your group photos made me want to get family and friends together for a Kenya trip. One of these years...
It is wonderful you were able to return, share it with people you love, and honor your wife’s love of the place.
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