The last two days have been great fun, exploring some of Nairobi's history and getting up close to some of Kenya's local superstars. Elephants
The elephants below (click for full size) make up part of the 24 current orphan group at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage. These infants, ranging from 6 months to 3 years old, have come from across Kenya's wildlife parks and conservancies. In most cases, their mother had been poached for their tusks. Other orphans either fell down a well and were separated from the mother, or she died of natural causes.
After a maximum of 3 years, the orphans are transferred to another centre near Tsavo National Park in eastern Kenya where they will spend a further 5-10 years to mature, prior to final release in the park. With many young animals requiring 24-hour care (including feeding and nurturing), I can only imagine the huge effort (up to a decade worth!) afforded to each animal.
Whilst I almost slipped up avoiding warthog that came charging by, my friend Joy copped her fair share as the elephants mistakenly viewed her backpack as a soccer ball. Meanwhile one of the younger elephants ran into a group of school students, startling all involved, and disappearing from the carers as their Maasai-inspired tartan blankets matched those of the schoolchildren. These dudes/dudettes certainly had personalities!
Karen Blixen and coffee
The fact that Karen Blixen's house is considered a 'Top 5' Nairobi experience by the top holiday guide websites is a shame. Yes, the house is nice and I'm sure her famous book, 'Out of Africa' was wonderful (the movie was ok). However I still don't quite understand the appeal of walking through a house that a foreign author merely lived in. So it was a good thing that the Blixen Coffee House and Gardens next door was a hit. Great coffee (let's hope a local Kenyan/Ethiopian blend) and tikka misala meatballs. Strange combination, I know.
Giraffes
In case the elephants weren't enough, a face-to-face encounter with giraffes seemed a great afternoon activity. I do not love giraffes that much to justify feeding them from my mouth, but my kissing fish, turtles and cows in the past doesn't really leave me in a position to judge.
More to come shortly on the Great Rift Valley, featuring Mt Longonot and Lake Naivasha.