Day 4 & 5 Hells Gate, Nakuru & Eldoret

Posted on 11/03/2013 by admin

Most of us started our next day on safari by getting on mountain bikes and going for a ride in Hells Gate National Park. Here we had the incredible experience of cycling through amazing scenery with giraffe and zebra crossing our path. We then headed back to camp for lunch before getting on the move to our next destination – Nakuru.

We spent the night camping at Punda Millia, meaning zebra in Swahili. It’s one of my favourite campsites, and many on board upgraded to the beautifully comfortable banda’s. The showers in the camp are arguably the best in East Africa – open topped under acacia trees and banana leave. We spent a relaxing afternoon by the pool in the peaceful campsite.

Next morning we had an early breakfast before setting off into Nakuru National Park in small safari vehicles. Nakuru has a variety of terrains from savannah and acacia forest to cliffs and the magnificent soda lake. We had the treat of seeing the much endangered rhino as well as zebra, Thomson’s gazelles and an abundance of flamingos.

Due to the Kenyan elections we adjusted the itinerary slightly and are planning to cross into Uganda slightly early – giving us a great excuse to see something extra in Uganda. But for now we leave the exciting game drives behind and we continue to our final stop in Kenya – Eldoret. After dinner we go to the camps great bar, and sit around the fire playing games including never ever, all laughing hysterically and having a really fun night!

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Day 3 Masai Mara – Lake Naivasha

Posted on 10/03/2013 by admin

This morning Ryan and Jo were up early to take to the sky’s to experience the Masai Mara from above in a hot air balloon ride followed by champagne breakfast. When we meet them afterwards they both said what an amazing experience it was. Meanwhile the rest of us had breakfasted on banana pancakes before climbing into the truck for a morning game driving on which the highlights were a large pod of hippo’s grunting in the river, and a herd of giraffe’s with tiny young ones walking gracefully across the savannah.

We sadly left the Mara behind but have the memories to take with us. We stopped off for a local lunch experience of Nyama choma (roasted goat) Ugali (maize meal) and chips – yum yum. Then we headed for our next destination, a lovely campsite at Lake Naivasha. We enjoyed some hippo’s and fish eagle viewing during an afternoon boat ride on the lake before returning to camp for a braai (BBQ) dinner and time to reflect on a busy day which we all enjoyed. We can’t believe we have only been together 3 days, everyone is getting along so well and it seems like we have known each other for ages.

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Day 2 The Masai Mara

Posted on 06/03/2013 by admin

Today we had our first major highlight – The Masai Mara!!!! This was the group’s first experience of the African wild. On the way to the Mara we stopped at a Maasai village and were welcomed by the friendly Maasai Moran (warriors), who danced for us and then showed us their impressive high jumping which is done to impress women.

The guys on the trip joined in with the jumping competition! We were then invited into a Maasai manyatta to learn about how the Maasai live with their cattle inside their homes, and we had ago at lighting a fire the traditional way – with sticks.

We then headed into the Maasai Mara to see what we could find! It’s very dry, the grass is long but golden brown, and the views are breath-taking. We saw zebra, elephant, Thomson’s gazelle, impala, wildebeest, topi and Coke’s hartebeest. . Then we spotted two cheetahs lazing under a tree – wow! For many on the trip it was the first time they had seen animals like this in the wild, so gasps of delight and amazement accompanied the camera clicks!

As the sun sank towards the horizon we headed to Aruba camp on the edge of the Talek River. After a yummy dinner, we sat and talk to the Maasai askari’s (security guards) before heading to the bar for a few laughs over a some Tusker Baridi’s (cold beers)

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Day 1 Nairobi

Posted on 04/03/2013 by admin

A new African adventure awaits – Charles and I took our Big Yellow Truck “Makako” to the Heron Hotel in Nairobi to meet our new passengers. a nice sized group of 9 people of mixed nationalities and ages. The Simba Sounds is a fantastic trip travelling right round Lake Victoria visiting Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. Due to the Kenyan elections, the trips itinerary has been adjusted slightly and we’re looking forward to visiting some new and exciting places!

We learnt that it was the first time all or passengers were visiting East Africa and everyone was super excited to get going! The reactions when they were introduced to Makako, were great – including several “wow it’s so big!” Everyone was all smiles as we got straight into our first activity with a visit to Sheldricks Elephant orphanage. In addition to learning all about the amazing work they do saving baby elephants we found the experience informative about elephants in general! We also enjoyed watching the baby ellies being bottle fed and playing football with the keepers!

Next stop was an up close and personal experience with some of the wildlife at the Nairobi Giraffe park. We learnt about giraffes, feed them, and some were even brave enough to be kissed by a friendly giraffe! After stocking up supplies we then headed for our first destination, Narok. On the way there the stunning scenery of the Great Rift Valley system started to reveal itself and we stopped at a look-out point to learn about the geology that created the valley and to admire the sweeping views that stretched out before us.

Our first night in camp involved us gathering around the campfire for dinner and getting to know each other, and learning more about “Makako” and the overlanding lifestyle.

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Day 21 Nairobi (Our Last Day!)

Posted on 25/02/2013 by admin

It’s tents down for the last time!! We cooked ourselves a big last day breakfast before heading once again into The Mara where we saw hyena walking close by, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and our beloved cheetah again!

We were all sad to say goodbye to The Masai Mara, but the trip wasn’t over yet. After lunch we stopped off at a view point on the Great Rift Valley where we marvelled at the view and the geological forces that created this wonder of nature. After a photo call we set off to our final destination – Nairobi.

Once in the city we went out for dinner and celebrated the trip over an African buffet. Amongst much laughter, we reminisced about our highlights and funniest moments, and agreed that it’s been an amazing trip and an unforgettable experience. The passengers gave Charles and I personalized homemade cards – which we appreciated so much. It makes the trip special when we see the passengers enjoying their time with Absolute Africa, whilst learning about and growing to love Africa’s land, people and animals. So it’s big hugs and bye-bye truck family, come again!

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Days 19 & 20 The Masai Mara

Posted on 25/02/2013 by admin

We made our way to the final highlight – The Masai Mara. We stopped along the way to do some curio shopping before heading into The Masai Mara National park. The landscape here is breath-taking. The last box we had to tick (animal wise) was cheetah – and luck was with is as we saw two lazing under a tree! We sat and watched these beautiful animals enjoying the sunshine. Dark clouds began to roll in from the horizon, and in this vast landscape we literally watched the weather change, and experienced the force of nature as we were soon engulfed in a massive dust storm! We then got back to camp near the Talek gate, just before the rain hit. That night when the storm had passed we could hear lion and hyena calling. Some elephants came through our camp but our faithful Askari (Maasai security guard) kept us safe.

In the morning we drove off at sunrise to see what The Mara had in store for us. We saw giraffe, elephant, buffalo, topi, and herds of Thomson’s gazelle before stopping by the river to see hippo’s wallowing. After a long relaxing lunch we head out again for the afternoon drives. All of a sudden we saw a blur run fast out of the bush – cheetah chasing a reedbuck! Fast as lightening it ran across the road in front of the truck we all moved just as quick to catch a glimpse, and it turned quickly to cross back behind the truck and into the bushes. Quickly grabbing camera’s we scrambled to the other side of the truck to get a better view – unfortunately for the cheetah and the buck got away. The cheetah lay down exhausted in the bushes, all our hearts were beating fast with the excitement, what an end to our amazing game viewing on this trip!

Back at camp we cooked, then sat round the fire with the Maasai, roasting marshmallows and chatting. As we breathe in the warm African air, stare up at the stars and just absorb the beauty around us, we can’t believe this amazing trip is nearly over.

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Days 17 & 18 Naivasha

Posted on 25/02/2013 by admin

After two nights in Nakuru we had a short drive to Naivasha, but first we made an important stop. Maggie is a young woman with a passion to help children in need; she opened an orphanage called ‘Amazing Grace’ many years ago. We took food, clothing and other essentials with us as Amazing Grace relies on donations to support the amazing job they do of raising the children. Maggie and the children showed us round there home, and then we played games, sang and danced with the children! It was so inspiring, and the smiling faces of the children left made us realise just how much they enjoyed our company.
We continued to our camp at Naivasha and had time to relax before setting out on a hippo cruise. One of the passengers, Belinda, was obsessed with hippo so being close to them was amazing for her. We bought some fish from local fishermen and cruised over to near a pair of fish eagles. Our guide called to them whilst holding the fish above his head, he threw the fish and the eagles swept down to catch it mid-air – what a magnificent sight!

Dinner was followed by the entertainment of fire poi and fire breathing, then a few games of pool in the bar. The following day we spent a day by the lovely big pool. Swimming and sunbathing, and at 3pm head out to the home of Joy and George Adamson for high tea on the lawn with the black & white colobus monkeys

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Days 15 & 16 Kenya, Nakuru

Posted on 25/02/2013 by admin

Next morning it was goodbye Uganda and Jambo Kenya, our last country of the trip and what felt like the home run. But there was still plenty to come, with another week of wildlife experiences. The drive took us into the rift valley area and was very scenic.
The camp near Nakuru National Park was beautifully peaceful & had the best showers in East Africa! After being on the road for a few weeks they were a real treat. Steaming hot water with open roof’s onto the Acacia tree’s and African sky above – bliss!

That night over dinner we talked about the geology and history of the rift valley system, the creation of the national parks in Kenya, and in general about Kenya’s interesting history. The next morning it was up super early to head off into Nakuru National Park to make the best of the day’s game viewing. Nakuru is very interesting, with a variety of landscapes and including the “baboon cliff” which overlooks the lake. Rhino, Lion, zebra, flamingo and plenty more were on today’s viewing menu. In the late afternoon we return for a quick dip in the pool before a wonderful dinner under the stars.

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Days 13 & 14 Jinja

Posted on 21/02/2013 by admin

Jinja – the adrenaline capital of East Africa! Everyone was pumped up and looking forward to experiencing the fun to be had there. Some of us headed off in the afternoon to see the source of the Nile. Others soaked up the atmosphere of the Nile River Explorers Camp, where travellers from all over the world meet for adventure, and the Nile creates a stunning backdrop!

The next morning we were up for an adrenaline rush – rafting time! The rafting guides were great, and manage to calm the nerves of even the most nervous among us (namely me!) So it was into our rafts with paddles at the ready for rapid number one . . . . . and . . . . . . straight away we get stuck on a rock, followed immediately by getting flipped into the water! Our guide helped us all back into the boat.

Well, our guide HAD asked us at the beginning, “what do you want…flips and crazy rapids or a more chilled experience”, and we’d said “go big or go home, once in a life time let’s do this to the extreme!” Our boat really was extreme, we flipped on nearly all of the rapids – after the first couple you get over the fear and the fun begins! Adrenaline surging, whoops of laughter and screams, the raging white waters of the Nile and a great team of paddlers make the experience unforgettable and after a full day at the river we are all on a high!

But there’s no rest because after rafting it was party time! Another birthday party, fancy dress, party hats and a vodka filled watermelon instead of a cake! We danced, sang and partied into the night, celebrating the birthday, the rafting and a great trip so far.

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Days 10,11 & 12 Lake Bunyoni – Kampala

Posted on 21/02/2013 by admin


We travelled to Lake Bunyoni, the deepest lake in Uganda, and dotted with 29 islands. We stayed in a beautiful campsite on the lake shore, and we took a boat out to explore some of the lake with the guide telling us stories of each island. We had dinner overlooking the lake at sunset. Everyone is tired from the trekking so a well-deserved early night was in order!

Next day we decided to make it an early start as we opted for a long drive day so we could spend some time in Kampala the capital city. Along the way we were encountered roaring thunder and flashes of bright lightening in a true tropical storm! Luckily by the time we reached the equator the sun was back out! The equator was loads of fun. We took many comical photos’ jumping over the line, and used a plastic bottle to experiment with which way the water turns as it goes down.

As it was Valentine’s Day the coffee shop by the equator gave us little bunches of flowers! I asked Brendan and Belinda (a couple) “are you going to do anything special for valentines tonight?” Belinda’s reply was classic – “well actually we were thinking of going camping!” The group is full of laughs on this trip – we really have become a truck family!

Posted in d) 3rd Feb 2013 East Africa Encounter on Sparky, Leanne | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment