Kenya -June 2010 by Val Fitzpatrick

I was recently invited on a trip to Kenya to visit the Northern regions which encompass the Reserves of Samburu, Lake Nakuru and also the Conservancies of the Massai Mara.  I have been very fortunate in the past to visit other reserves in the Southern and Eastern areas, so was very excited to explore foreign landscapes and vistas that Kenya had to offer.  I was not disappointed.  We first stayed in Samburu at the Sopa Lodge, which was a delight.  Individual rondavel rooms with all the facilities along with personal attention from the staff make your stay extremely pleasant.  The restaurant, overlooking a waterhole and the hills beyond, allows guests to indulge in the great Kenyan experience.  A special ambience surrounds you as every meal has either wonderful night sounds over dinner or vistas at breakfast.
From our very first Game Drive we saw an array of wildlife the country has to offer.  Herds of Elephant, Water Buffalo, Antelope, Eagles and the towering Giraffes.  We then moved to our next Lodge the Sarova Lion Hill in Nakuru.  This was a larger Lodge with hotel style rooms situated on a hillside, overlooking the magnificient Lake Nakuru, famous for Flamingos.  And what a sight.  Even though through the rain the spectacle before us was completely undiminished.  A sea of Pink.  For the evenings the lodge has a large restaurant offering a wide range of cuisine for all tastes, making the perfect edible end to a perfect day.
Next stop at the Mara Porini Camp whereupon we were met by the famous Massai people.  Being a private conservancy, the tribesmen not only own the land but, in conjunction with the Porini Group, are conserving the wildlife.  The people benefit from tourism which acts as a means of conserving the Massai way of life.  So it was really back to the wild without another Minibus (we had brilliant 4 wheel driver vehicles) in sight.  Truly an experience with the Massai Guides giving detailed information on any wildlife you care to mention and showing a deep love of their environment.  Back at the Camp there are only ten tents which, in turn, offer an intimate setting with all the comforts of home: proper beds and bathroom facilities.  This is certainly not camping in the traditional sense.  Furthermore, your own verandah allows you to sit and enjoy the peace and tranquility of this beautiful country.
We ventured to our next and final destination:  the Porini Lion Camp.  A large site with larger tents, again, boasts all the facilities you would require, complimented by great food and fireside conversation over the days exploits.  Everyone is so excited to tell of their experiences.  The camp definitely lived up to its name as we had seen a pride of lions, including six-week old cubs, that day.  At the camp photographic evidence is kept of all the prides currently residing in this conservancy.  These are monitored for development purposes showing the health of this area in terms of wildlife.
Throughout the trip we met a diverse age range of people staying at both Lodges and Camps and all had only praise for both.  So, if you are thinking of experiencing the wildlife of Africa, I can highly recommend a mix of Lodges and Camps to get the true African experience.