Elephants, Elephants, Elephants, Gorillas, and Much More

[NancyS]

In July 2024 I was lucky to be able to go to Africa for my 5th time. Many parts of this trip were repeats of places that I had been before, loved, and wanted to revisit. Originally the purpose of the trip was to revisit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's 3 elephant reintegration units in Kenya - Galdessa, Ithumba, and Umani Springs. Well you can't go to Kenya without also doing a safari so time in the Masai Mara was added. Then I got to thinking that while I was there I was so close to Uganda, so I should add some visits to the gorillas and chimps which I had visited 1 1/2 yrs ago. So that was the plan. 

I was joined by friends Mary and Maria and then Pam joined us in Kenya for a party of 4.

We flew into and spent one day in Rwanda, 5 days in Uganda (2 gorilla treks and a chimp trek), 3 days in the Masai Mara (Naibosho Conservancy), 1 day in Nairobi, 3 days at Galdessa, 3 days at Ithumba Hill Camp, and 2 days at Umani Springs. It was a wonderful trip!

 

 

 

 

Edited September 29 by NancyS

[Atravelynn]

Good thing you kept adding on to your itinerary.  What a fabulous trip.  Great start with the pics.  Looking forward to the rest.

[NancyS]

After much planning and anticipation we finally arrived without incident in Kigali, Rwanda around 7:30pm July 10th. We were picked up at the airport by Wyclef of Gorillas & Beyond. We had met him 1 1/2 yrs ago when he guided Mary and I on our 1st trip to Uganda. That was such a great experience we were happy to see him again. He took us to a local hotel for the night.

The next day we spent most of our time in Rwanda before heading across the border to Uganda. Driving through the countryside we saw why Rwanda is called the land of one thousand hills. The continuous green hills and mountains made for a great scenic drive. 

 

 

 

 

Our 1st stop was the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It is very well done. Inside presents the story of the genocide with photos and videos and outside are the gardens and remains of many of the victims to the genocide. That was a very moving experience, well worth the visit. 

 

 

 

Next we headed to the Dian Fossey Museum located near Volcanoes National Park. This is a small, but interesting museum documenting Dian's study of the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. 

 

 

Next we headed over the border, into Uganda. Headed for gorilla trekking the next morning.

[NancyS]

Our gorilla trek was to be at Mgahinga National Park, Uganda. We picked that location for cost and "ease" of the trek. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is $1,500! Which in my opinion is crazy. On our last trip to Uganda Mary and I did a trek in Bwindi NP and one in Mgahinga NP. Cost is $800. Still expensive but better than Rwanda. When we went to Bwindi, we found it to be very steep and hard to navigate and more importantly, the gorillas were not in the open and easy to observe. Mgahinga was a much easier trek and the gorillas were right there out in to open and very easy to see. So we decided to do 2 treks in Mgahinga on back to back days.

The road to the park is literally the worst road I have ever been on, very rough going! What we did not know, was that they had moved the starting point of the trek since last time we were there because the gorillas had moved. Instead of arriving in a large parking lot with an easy walk to the starting point, I was very surprised to find out that we were parked at the bottom of a mountain that we had to partially trek up just to get to where the trek starts. The "path" was rocks and boulders and it was very steep and very difficult to walk on. Thankfully porters met us at our vehicle and were there to get us up this path. It took about 1/2 hour and without the porters helping us up it would have taken a lot longer, if we made it up at all. It was actually the hardest part of the whole trek. 

 

 

 

When we finally got to the starting point, my heart was beating like crazy. It was good to sit down for a minute and be entertained by the local women dancing for us. Wyclef, our guide joined in with the women.

 

 

Then we headed out to find the gorillas.

[NancyS]

Once we actually got to the starting point, the trek was much easier. Trekkers were already in the forest trying to locate the gorillas. We got to the gorillas fairly quickly, maybe 30 minutes or so. Mgahinga has one family of habituated gorillas. There are 8 members in this family. Our hour with the gorillas was great. They were very close. They did seem to care about us being there. Only 8 people are allowed on the trek and the only do one trek per day. 

 

The rangers and gorilla trekkers

 

 

 

 

The next morning we had a 2nd trek scheduled. I was a little concerned about having to do the big climb up to the start of the trek again, but it went fine. This day the gorillas were even closer than yesterday, maybe 20 min away. They started out in one area and then moved just a short distance away to a clearing which was great for viewing. I was so glad that we had planned to go again. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We watched as this young gorilla climbed to the top of a tree to knock something down off the tree to eat. The rest of the family rushed over and got most of it before he got back down the tree and was able to get a little piece. It was fun to watch.

 

 

While you are not supposed to get too close to the gorillas, the gorillas have missed that memo. This silverback suddenly was coming straight toward where Mary was standing (heading somewhere) requiring the guide to help Mary back out of his way. 

 

 

I loved our 2 gorilla treks! This trip is off to a great start!

 

Edited September 29 by NancyS

[Atravelynn]

30 minutes?  You got lucky on the walk and the gorilla action!

 

[Geoff]

Fantastic gorilla visits. Wow, that initial trek from the car park does look tough.

[NancyS]

After the gorilla trek we headed to our next place. We stayed at Bweza Gorilla Lodge which is owned by our guide, Wyclef. It is really nice there, so peaceful, and the staff is great. The view from the lodge and our room is of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you can also do gorilla trekking, but this time we were just there for the night. The gate to the gorilla trek is a short drive from our lodge.

 

 

 

 

View from our room

 

The next day we were headed to the Kibale area where we were going to do a chimp treck. It was a fairly long drive but we made stops on the way. One stop was to see the girls of GLOW (Greater Life Options and Opportunities for Women). This is a not for profit organization that provides skills training, mentoring, and life skills training, and many other services for women in poverty. I learned about that organization the last time I was in Uganda and have continued to support them. Wyclef had told them that we were coming to visit and they were ready with a song and dance performance just for us. This was a surprise to me. I did not know that we were going to see them. I was very touched and so glad that we were able to see the girls in the program.

 

 

Then on to our next place. We were staying at Bweza Kibale Lodge which is Wyclef's newest lodge which just opened in May. 

 

 

 

 

Monkey photo taken from my porch

 

 

Some bird photos from my porch here and from my porch at the last place

 

 

 

 

 

Now off for the chimp trek! We headed a short drive from our lodge to the starting point. No big hike up a mountain for this trek thankfully. From the meeting place we did a short drive to were the trek would begin (based on where the chimps were that day). Before I knew it we were at the chimps, maybe a 10/15 min walk! During our hour with the chimps we had to do a bit of walking around as the chimps did not stay in one spot. This is what I really love, being so close to animals in the wild and just watching them and enjoying being in their presence. You've got to wonder sometimes what they are thinking when are just sitting there looking lost in thought. As with the gorillas, they did not seem to be at all interested in us and just went about things as though we were not there. The hour really does fly by and before you know it the ranger is telling you that it is time to go.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another great experience! The next day we would be leaving Uganda, heading back to Rwanda, for our flight to Nairobi and the 2nd part of this trip.

[Treepol]

Really enjoying your TR.

 

Wyclef’s lodges look very comfortable. The GLOW program sounds like an excellent innovation- what a lovely surprise for you to attend the welcome dance and for the program participants to meet you.

[Kitsafari]

looks like you had fabulous experiences with the gorillas and the chimps. Love the first photo of the silverback! though the initial climb for the gorillas look tough, I am surprised you saw the gorillas very soon after so no loong trek needed. That is what I dread. 

[NancyS]

It was a long drive from Kibale back to Kigali, Rwanda but it was good to see the people and the countryside. I am glad that I had a chance to go back to Uganda, even for a short visit. We had a short flight to Nairobi. The next morning we were leaving for our Masai Mara safari. This part of the trip was arranged through Jane at Kenan Travel & Tours. All of her arrangements went flawlessly and I am happy that we decided to go with this company. We were met at the airport and taken to Tamarind Tree Hotel. Jane met us at the hotel and touched bases with us about our safari. Then we went upstairs to meet up with Pam who had arrived in Nairobi before us. Glad to see her and to catch up on things. I had to repack my bags because I was going to take one light bag and leave my other bag with Kenan Travel & Tours to keep under the weight limit for the flight and since we did not need everything for our days in the Mara. If I had known that we could do that before I had left home I would probably have brought more things. Eventually went to bed so we'd be ready for our morning flight.

The next morning, our driver took us to the airport and we were off. Our destination was Eagle View Base Camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy for 3 days/3 nights. 

 

 

Our guide from the camp was waiting for us when we arrived. The next photo is out of order. It was actually taken at the airfield as we were leaving, but it shows our group.

 

 

Me (Nancy), Pam, Mary, and Maria, our guide and his student intern

 

This is where we are:

 

 

On our drive to the camp we had our first game drive and were able to see many animals, yea. Here is some of what we saw:

 

 

 

 

 

We arrived at our beautiful home for the next 3 nights. It is really nice. The insides of the tents had recently been remodelled. And the view was great.

 

 

View from our porch

 

 

 

Time for lunch and a game drive later.

 

[Miss Biscuit]

Great Trip and photos! Reminds me of my trip last year. I chose Mgahinga for the same reasons. I do remember the trek before the trek. It was so beautiful though.

The gorillas look familiar to me and I definitely recognize the chimp in your last photo.

 

 

[NancyS]

Later we headed out for our game drive. I love being here and being able to just drive around and see the animals. It is so beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The guide took us to where the lions had taken down a giraffe a day or so ago. By this time they appeared to have had their fill for the most part. Two were still attempting to eat a little more. The third was sleeping it off. Sad for the giraffe but lions do have to eat also (circle of life). We sat and watched for awhile. No other animals or people were around.  

Skip the next couple of photos if you do not want to see that.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As it got later, it was time for our sundowner, gin and tonics. 

 

Cheers to our 1st day on safari!

 

If you notice, we are all wearing jackets now as it is going toward evening. When planning this trip, there were so many details to take care of that I completely forgot to check about the weather in the Mara in July! Turns out it is their winter. Last time I was there it was Sept and the weather was a little warmer so that is what I was expecting. Days in July are warm, but early mornings and evenings were cold. I wound up wearing every layer that I had with me in the morning and evening and then stripping layers off as the day went on. Even then I was still cold and it would have been nice to have a warm hat, gloves, and sweater.

We got back to a delicious dinner and then to our room to get ready for an early start then next day. When we got back to the tent that night we were happy to find hot water bottles in the bed. The 3 sides of the tent are open mesh which I love, especially in the day, but to  me was an interesting idea to have open mesh sides at night in their winter. Fortunately between the hot water bottle and the thick duvet it was toasty in the bed. Not so much when getting out of the bed at 5:30 the next morning.

Edited October 2 by NancyS

[Atravelynn]

Cheers!

[NancyS]

So our routine for the next 2 days was typical for safaris. We woke up around 5:30. Staff brought coffee and a cookie to our tent at 5:45. Had to be at the vehicle at 6:00 for an early morning game drive. We had breakfast out while on the drive. Got back to the camp for lunch. Had a few hours down time and back to the vehicle at 4:00. Game drive until dark and then back for dinner. Then back to the tent for bed. 

The start of the day was cold. Later I got the idea that maybe when they brought our coffee to the tent in the morning they could get our hot water bottles and refill them so when we left at 6am we would have the hot water bottles in the vehicle for the cold morning. Staff agreed to that and the next morning I was very happy to have my hot water bottle in the vehicle for the cold morning.

So we are off for another great day.

I love the cats and there were several lion groups there. I really love to watch them, especially the young ones. They are so cute. Makes you wish you could get in there and play with them. 

 

 

 

 

 

I love to see the babies climbing on pop.

 

 

 

 

Of course we saw lots of other animals as well!

 

 

We spent a long time looking for a leopard that was said to be in a large, bushy area. They said that he is the only leopard in that area. We drove back and forth looking for quite a while. Finally we had to give up because staff had planned a special in the bush breakfast for us. It was a surprise. We had not known about that until we got there and saw the tables set up and the chef cooking breakfast. It was very nice. We heard later that after we left where the leopard was he did finally come out. Our guide felt really bad about missing the leopard and spent the next couple of days trying to find it. 

 

 

 

Off for more wildlife viewing

 

 

 

 

more lions

 

 

 

 

 

[NancyS]

Had our sundowners while watching the lions. Now that is something that I would like to be able to do everyday.

 

 

The next day was the day of the cheetahs. We spent a good bit of time watching mom and her offspring. Mom was trying for find their breakfast but was unsuccessful. 

 

 

 

 

 

We were not the only ones watching the cheetahs.

 

 

After awhile we interrupted watching them to get our own breakfast. Breakfast ws not as fancy as the previous day but it was perfect. It still hadn't warmed up yet but not too long after that we were able to start shedding our layers.

 

 

Later we went back to see what the cheetahs were up to and found them resting up, still no breakfast for them.

 

 

We saw many other animals that day. Here are just a few.

 

 

 

 

 

The only snake we saw. He did not stick around long. Darted across the road and was gone.

 

 

 

That day we did a night drive. We started out just before dusk and were out well after it became dark. Our guide still wanted to find the leopard - and we did. I don't know how he was able to find her because it was dark, but he knew where to look. He saw her heading out of a bushy area and with a little bit of crazy driving to rush around to where she was heading, we finally got a glimpse of her before she disappeared. I got a few photos but they were not good so nothing to post here. I think maybe the others may have gotten a better shot than I did. But we were all happy to finally see her. By the time we got back to camp it was past our dinner time but the staff was waiting to serve us our dinner. 

 

The last morning we got a later start and had breakfast at the camp. Plan was to do one last game drive and the head to the airfield for our flight back to Nairobi. On our last drive we headed to see the hippos which we had not seen up to this point. Saw other animals along the was as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadly, it was time to leave.

 

The pilot flew over a huge herd of wildebeest and pointed them out to us.

 

When we arrived back in Nairobi, Jane from Kenyan Travel & Tours met us at the airport with a driver to take us to our hotel. We said our thanks and goodbyes to Jane as that concluded her company's part of our trip. We were happy with using her services. Everything went perfectly. It was a great time in the Mara.

We would be staying at Acacia Tree Lodge for 2 nights before heading to the Sheldrick properties for the elephant part of our trip. 

[NancyS]

We did not have much time in Nairobi, half day when we got there and then one full day. Went to Ocean Sole where they make used flip flops into wonderful animal sculptures. I bought a rhino to go with the elephant that I bought the last time I was there. The next day Mary and Maria went to see the Sheldrick elephant orphans and Pam and I went on a drive with Max, a great driver that I met last time I was there. Since we had already seen the tourist places on previous trips, he took us to the north of Nairobi to see some of the areas that tourists never see, where many regular people live. In the afternoon we all met up and did the Nai Nami former street children's city tour. Interesting day, although depressing to see how poorly many people there live.

The next morning, Sisto, our driver for the next 8 days, picked us up and we headed to the first of the 3 Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's properties. The next 8 days would be all about elephants, yea! The first place was Galdessa which is located in Tsavo East National Park. It's about a 5 hr drive from Nairobi. We arrived in time for lunch which was delicious.

When you visit the Sheldrick properties you have to rent the entire place. So that means you have the place to yourself, no one else is there, which is really nice. It is somewhat pricey but it is a non-profit so part of the money is going back to help support the orphan elephants. It is also self catering so that means that you have to bring all of your food and drink items as well. They do provide an excellent chef to do the cooking and he is wonderful. We chose to use a catering company that purchased and delivered all of the food/drinks for us to all 3 places, along with the menus for the chef. That really worked out very well. We brought our own alcohol because that was a lot cheaper than the catering company would have charged for it.

I love this place. It is so nice. There are monkeys and baboons around, hippos in the river that the camp is on, and best of all we were visited by a wild elephant that comes by to get the fruit of the trees on property. They keep a basket of the fruit handy so when he comes by, visitors came toss him some. He gets within touching distance but a wall keeps people safe. Within a couple of minutes of arriving, he came by and we were off to a great start. 

 

 

 

 

 

The pool was nice on hot afternoons

 

My place. They have 6 of these. Since there were only 4 of us we each had our own. This is real luxury. I am good with regular tent camping but this is what they have so I might as well enjoy it and I certainly did.

 

 

It got a little cooler at night, but not cold like it was in the Mara so it being all open all night was nice.

 

Sitting out on the deck at night was fantastic for viewing the stars. During the day I could watch the baboons and hippos.

 

The staff is wonderful!!

 

The next day we head out to see the orphan elephants. These elephants are older than the ones at the Nairobi orphanage. Eventually when they are ready, they will be reintegrated into the wild. 

Edited October 7 by NancyS

[NancyS]

So the next morning, after a great breakfast, we headed to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's Voi Reintegration Unit. Unlike their other 2 properties, this property is a little ways away from where the elephants are. It is about a 1.5 hr drive which doubles as a game drive. You can see the elephants at 11:00 when they come for their midday bottles, but we left early enough so that we would be able to stop for other wildlife viewing along the way. Between the drive there and the drive back we were able to see lots.

 

 

lots of huge termite mounds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We came across 2 ostriches which we had to stop for since they decided to mate in the middle of the road. 

 

We arrived at the water hole where the elephants come with their keepers at 11:00. A jeep of keepers arrived with their bottles. The elephants were very excited for bottle time. It is so fun to watch them come running in for their bottles. If you love elephants, this is the place to be! These elephants are all orphans. They go out every day with the keepers and spend the day out. They return to the stocades at night for a bottle and protection in the night. When they are old enough and ready to go off back to live in the wild.

Most of the elephants get 2 bottles each.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were allowed to be in the area where the elephants were and keepers would let you know which ones were good with you touching then. This is Lemeki, one of the elephants that I sponsor. She really likes people.

 

After their bottle, the elephants go for water. Sheldrick has water trucks that come in to fill the various water holes so the elephants alway have available water.

 

Next they go for a mud bath and swim if the weather is suitable. If it is too cold or if it is windy, they do not get in the water. Our 1st day they went in the water. Our 2nd day there they did not want to go in the water.

 

 

 

 

After the water, it is time to cover themselves with dirt which they have in a big pile for them.

 

 

 

There is a good scratching tree there which the elephants love.

 

The keepers are always there to keep an eye on them and guide or redirect them if necessary. They know all of the elephants very well.

 

After all of that, the elephants are ready to head off for their afternoon in the bush.

 

At that point, we head back to our place for lunch, swimming, and relaxing. The next day is a repeat of this day with another chance to spend more time with the elephants. 

 

Edited October 7 by NancyS

[NancyS]

After 2.5 days/2 nights at Galdessa we are off for our next Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's property, Ithumba Hills Camp. Shortly after leaving Galdessa we arrived at Lugard Falls. There you can walk around the river/falls. The way the water has eroded the rocks makes for a really interesting site. Nice little stop. We also stopped a little further down along the river to see lots of crocodiles. 

 

Continuing on our way we saw some wildlife which makes for a more interesting drive.

 

 

Ithumba Hills Camp is really cool. It is all built into the side of the hill. Again we each had our own place here. Mine was at the end of a very long boardwalk. I liked that location because it was very private. I wish I could live there! 

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor shower, sink, toilet area and deck

 

 

View from my deck

 

Lots of hyraxes running around

 

Watching the monkeys from my deck

 

lovely lunch at the pool deck. Did I mention we did a lot of eating on this trip!

 

nice pool for a swim in the afternoons

 

Now get ready for more elephants!!! Here we visit the elephants 3 times a day - at 6:00am at the stockade where the orphans stay at night. The orphans come out for a bottle and hay before heading out with the keepers for the day. At 11:00 we meet them at the water hole -  elephants come for a bottle, dip in the water hole, dirt dusting, and to drink water. At 5:00 - elephants arrive back at the stockade for one last bottle. They then go into their place for the night where fresh branches and lucerne pellets waiting for them. They happily head in for the night. We were here for 3 days so we were able to visit the elephants 9 times. When not with the elephants we were eating, swimming, checking out our photos, relaxing. What a life.

 

The stockages are a 10 min ride from where we are staying. In the morning it is dark when we head there. The orphans are restless. They know it is almost time for the day to begin. In addition to the 17 orphan elephants many wild elephants gather there for the water which Sheldrick keeps full with daily deliveries from the water truck. One morning I counted 100 elephants there! That is a site to see.

 

 

[NancyS]

6AM - It is dark out and elephants are awake and ready to start the day.

 

 

bottle 1st

 

 

Gates then are opened and elephants come out. Keepers put hay out for them. Wild elephants join the mix. They can have some also. Many of the wild elephants are former orphans who used to be under the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's care. Many of them now have babies and families of their own. Benjamin, head keeper, knows them all and knows each one's history and personality.

 

 

Slowly the sun comes up and we have daylight.

 

 

 

 

 

After eating and drinking, the wild elephants start to head out and the keepers lead the orphans off for the day. We also leave and head back for breakfast.

 

 

Around 10:40 we head to water hole where the elephants will come for their midday bottle, bath, dusting, and water.

Keepers waiting with the bottles

 

Many like to feed themselves. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Head keeper Benjamin does not go out into the field for the day with the elephants but is always there morning, midday, and evening.

 

Water truck filling up the drinking spots.

 

 

 

 

On the way back to camp for lunch, one day we went to see a very old, huge acacia tree. It really was impressive!

 

 

[Atravelynn]

So much great elephant activity!  Such a privilege to be among them and their attentive caretakers.  Nice you got to see the water events.  Back to the chimps, you had a really successful outing with them, just adding to the amazing variety of this trip.  Those lion cubs are just adorable and so many of them.  You showed the barefoot elegance of Galdessa.  I remember that guy who very reliably came for the palm fruits on a daily basis.

 

July is prime time for all you saw and the weather looked good throughout, if a bit chilly in the morning.  But smiles on all around.  You must have many shared memories and laughs.

 

 

[NancyS]

The next day after our elephant visit we went looking for wild dogs. Benjamin said he hadn't seen them in a couple of days but I really wanted to see them and I just felt like it would be possible. At one point we had stopped to watch a couple of wild elephants when I did spot a wild dog coming into the clearing! I was so excited. Well it turns out there were about 30 of them, including about 6 pups. We were at a large clearing and they came into the clearing running back and forth, chasing each other, and play fighting. It was the best sighting ever. They really put on a show. About 6 of them started messing with the elephant. He was not happy about them being there! He was trying to chase them off but he was not succeeding. They seemed to enjoy it, while he was furious. Eventually he left.

The only bad part was that my camera had died and I had to resort to using my phone to take photos. I took a few photos and some videos all of which came out bad. I was not happy that I was missing all those good shots so I had to settle with some bad shots and then just enjoy the moment. It really was one of the many high points of the trip. I have seen wild dogs before but never this many and never so active. It think the others got some great shots so maybe they (Pam) could jump in and show them.

I'm including 2 shots so you can get the idea.

 

 

 

OK, back to elephants. At 5:00pm each day we went for our 3rd visit of the day. Many wild elephants are there to get some water. The keepers bring the orphans back from their day out. They get a bottle and head into the stockades for the night. There are 3 - 5 in each section and each elephant knows which section he belongs in and goes straight there. Waiting for them are fresh branches and lucerne pellets to eat. We stay about an hour. By now it is dark again so we leave and head back to our place for dinner.

The monkeys like to get some goodies also.

wild elephants

 

I can't resist baby animals

 

Keepers and elephants coming back 

 

 

 

 

Well that's the end of our visit here after 3 days of elephants. We do a morning visit, go back for breakfast, and then we are on the road again. Next up is Sheldrick's Umani Springs, our last of the 3 elephant reintegration units. 

Did I mention, the staff at all 3 places is wonderful!

 

 

[NancyS]

So off to Umani Springs, located in the Kibwezi Forest, for 2 nights. This is home to orphan elephants that may be physically compromised. If they are not able to go back into the wild they can live their lives here. Some of the elephants here are eventually able to go back to the wild, some may not. One elephant, Murera, who has a bad leg, stayed out in the wild long enough to get pregnant from a wild elephant. She gave birth to Mwana last March and for now they are both staying at Umani Springs. 

The facilities and grounds not surprisingly are very nice. The only odd thing is that 2 of the rooms do not have indoor bathrooms. The reason that is not good here is that it is not fenced in and there can be wild animals on the property at night (unlike Ithumba which also has outdoor bathrooms which are safe). We saw many cape buffalos roaming around during the day. Since you have to escorted to your room after dark, I do not think it would be safe to walk to and use the bathroom unescorted at night. 

Last summer, one of the keepers was killed by a wild bull elephant who was in musth in the back yard area, a very tragic event. Since then people are not allowed to walk back to the elephant's mud bath during the day. Although it is a very short walk you now have to be driven there. Also they used to do a walk in the forest to the springs with a ranger but that is also no longer done. Sad but understandable.

 

I stayed in the top room and Pam had the downstairs area. My room did not have the bathroom, so at night I came down the steps and slipped into her room instead of walking across to the outside restroom. That worked out ok.

 

 

 

 

My bathroom with toilet, sink, and shower. I did use the shower, but only in the daytime.

 

The view from my porch. The dirt pile in the back right corner is where the elephants come at midday.

 

cape buffalo roaming there as well

 

 

 

 

 

I have to mention that the food on the elephant portion of this trip was really good. I gained a few pounds unfortunately.

I

 

 

Even the afternoon snacks were great.

 

 

It was slightly cooler here when we were there so this is the one pool that I did not use.

 

Lots of bushbuck on the grounds.They are not afraid of people and do not run away.

 

Monkeys here as well.

 

 

 

 

The next 2 photos are not great but just to show you our evening visitors. They put food out, under a light, to attract them.

 

 

 

OK, now on to the elephants. Again you visit 3 times a day. The morning and evening visits are not as long as they were at Ithumba. You for the most part only see the orphan elephants here although there are wild elephants in the area who could stop by. 

In the morning elephants get their bottle, do a little dusting off, and then head off into the forest for the day.

 

These are the stockades where they stay at night. Each has their own room, complete with their name and birth date/ birth location, except Murera and Mwana (mom and baby) who stay together.

 

 

morning dusting

 

 

At 11:00, like at Ithumba, they get a bottle, mud bath, water, and coat of dust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here you can walk around amongst the elephants. I really enjoyed that. 

 

 

 

Evening - back to the stockades with a bedtime snack. The leaves and bark all get eaten before morning leaving behind just a pile of bare sticks.

 

 

 

Last night at the Sheldrick properties - sundowners on a deck with a beautiful view

 

 

 

The next morning, after our final elephant visit, we headed out for our drive back to Nairobi. We had a dayroom at Crowne Plaza Nairobi Airport Hotel to shower, rest, get dinner, and get ready for our long flights home. 

It was a wonderful trip! We did and saw so much and made lots of great memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 9 by NancyS

[Pamshelton3932]

Nancy, your report brought back such wonderful memories.  It was such an enjoyable trip with so many sightings. The wild dogs were the icing on the cake. I will try to find photos to add in the next few days.