Ol Pejeta Day Safari 1st May, 2018

There were not one but two trips to the conservancy due to the demand that the trip generated – this was the second trip that happened on 1st May, 2018 – we were 10 people in one tour van.

Journey

Our transport was in a 10-seater tour van – the driver was an excellent and patient person; more on him later in the review

 

We left Nairobi proper at around 5:40am which was a bit late but the best we could do under the circumstances – the journey was very smooth without any issues. Ol Pejeta is about 15km from Nanyuki and we arrived there at 9:15am – the roads to the conservancy need some work to make the ride smooth but if you’re early enough it won’t matter so much

 

On taking care of the entry fees, we were free to cover as much ground as we could. Within a few minutes of entering the conservancy we came across a herd of elephants grazing happily just a few meters away from our van. They were not disturbed in the least by our presence and we got some amazing photos.

 

Elephants grazing

 

Moving on through the many roads inside the conservancy, we met a group of impalas lazing around in the grass. They were quite close, within touching distance – we would meet impalas several times while inside the area – they are very common

 

One thing that we can learn from what we see in nature is coexistence – take for example the photo below – elephants and impalas grazing near each other without any issue

 

Elephants in the background with impalas

 

 

One of the many streams that had filled up with the rains

 

The recent rains had done wonders in the conservancy and everything was green and teeming with life. The birds seen were numerous and phenomenal – if you look closely at the above picture, you’ll see an Egyptian Goose perched on a branch overlooking the stream

 

One of the suggestions we would make to all who want to go on game drives – try hiring a tour van – not only do you get the option of getting a clear view from the top up roof but the drivers tend to more experienced and knowledgeable about the area -plus they have radios which they can use to listen to other tour vans and hence get to sites quickly in case something interesting has been seen

 

A good example was the lioness in the photos below – she had been seen a few minutes before and all tour vans were rushing to that particular spot to see the lioness and possibly a hunt too. In this regard our driver really came through as he had knowledge of the terrain and was able to take us there quickly.

 

Closer view of the lioness

 

Closeup of her head – notice the flies around her snout

 

The lioness was a few dozen meters away and crossed our path before settling down in the grass waiting for the opportune moment to strike

 

However, all the animals within the vicinity were on alert and it looked like no kill would be made. There were impalas, zebras, hartebeest, waterbuck, buffalo, gazelles and others in the area.

 

Zebra just after finishing a drink at a small waterhole

 

 

 

The above photo perhaps shows the most painful moment of what has been lost in keeping our heritage alive – you can see the graves for all the rhinos lost to poaching or natural causes – take a moment and think about what we are on the cusp of losing when all the treasured creatures of this country, this continent and the whole world are near extinction or gone altogether.

 

Southern White Rhino

 

Baraka, the blind black rhino enjoying some foliage and affection from visitors

 

By the time we were done with feeding Baraka, it was already 2pm and hunger had set in – fortunately there was a restaurant inside the conservancy where most of us had a bite while listening to the birds nearby such as the blue starling below

 

Greater Blue-eared Starling perched in a tree

 

 

Bull Elephant grazing merrily in the grass while it drizzled

 

By the time we were leaving it was nearing 4:30 pm and rain clouds were threatening to break in the horizon. We decided to leave and head back to the city. The ride back was long and frequently we were caught by heavy rain showers.

 

Fortunately, we all got back safe and sound in Nairobi and we had an amazing time. Personally, this was my first game drive in Kenya and I enjoyed the experience immensely.

 

Thank you for your interest and time, hopefully you’ll come for the next one

 

Written by Chintan Gohel

 

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