Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
August 14, 2017
Moos Burgers
November 28, 2017It's bad manners to keep a vacation waiting...
All I knew was that I needed to find a nice quiet place to get away. So, when a trip to Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy presented itself, I was game. The price was right (4000 per person per day. It was inclusive of food, and transport... we were 16 of us; hence, 8 per house), the place seemed like it was lovely, plus I have always wanted to go to Ol Pejeta... so I closed my eyes and signed on the dotted line. Seeing that I have actually never been to Ol Pejeta... I felt this opportunity couldn't have come at a better time.
We started our journey late on Friday and reached the place at around 8 PM. The drive to Nanyuki was fairly quick... however, the road from Nanyuki town to the estate was very rough (especially because it had rained) so it took us a little longer to reach our destination (so if you have a high car, it's best you use it). As soon as we reached our house, we were greeted by the sweet aroma of dinner on the stove, that was being prepared by our amazing chef Steve. Instantly I knew, this was going to be an amazing weekend....
Who doesn't like a home away from home?
I sure do. I love vacationing at places that make me feel comfortable, cosy, and most importantly welcome... places that give me a sense of "home" for a few days. The house was well furnished... adding to the nice homely feel. All 65 houses on the property have the same look and feel. The houses are nicely tucked into bushy corners so that each house is surrounded by bush and everyone enjoys privacy. The houses are strategically placed so that guests can enjoy the beauty that is Mount Kenya on one side of the house, and the lovely Aberdares Ranges on the other side of the house. The house has 2 balconies (with lovely outdoor furniture) on the top floor. One balcony faces Mount Kenya, while the other faces the Aberdare Ranges....
Our house had 5 rooms. 3 doubles, and 2 rooms with twin beds; that meant that the house could comfortably handle 10 people. All the rooms have a shower and toilet, so that makes it more comfortable sharing the big house with many people. The house and rooms are big enough to handle big sizes without feeling cramped or squeezed. However, the estate has houses that can sleep fewer people, hence, are smaller and cheaper.
The Kitchen & Dining Area of the house is probably where we spent a lot of time. We hired a chef (who works in the area) for the duration of our stay. Let's be honest... the whole point of getting away is to be as lazy as possible. If cooking is part of the agenda on a vacation, then please count me out (YES!... I take my vacations very seriously). So you can only imagine how excited I was to indulge in amazing food done by Chef Steve ...
The Kitchen was fully furnished... It had a dishwasher (Some of us don't even have a dishwasher at home lol), fridge with a freezer, blender/Juicer, coffee maker, cooking pots, plates and cutlery, and even cookbooks.
Side Note: We actually had to buy the vegetables and foodstuff that the chef needed to cook. This was actually a bright idea because it made things cheaper for us.
The Kitchen was fully furnished... It had a dishwasher (Some of us don't even have a dishwasher at home lol), fridge with a freezer, blender/Juicer, coffee maker, cooking pots, plates and cutlery, and even cookbooks.
Side Note: We actually had to buy the vegetables and foodstuff that the chef needed to cook. This was actually a bright idea because it made things cheaper for us.
One of my favourite movies is called Toast. It is a biography of one of the worlds most famous chefs called Nigel Slater. I got so excited when I saw this cookbook in the Kitchen... instantly I knew these people know what the good life is all about 😆
The Sitting Room is another place where we spent quite a bit of time. Our sitting room was packed with so many fun activities for us to do. There were lots of DVDs, DSTV, board games, books, cards, and the most comfortable chairs. It was the perfect set up for chilling in the afternoon... especially when we tried to enetertain oursleves as it rained one afternnoon.
The view from the top... will always take your breath away...
Mother nature really did me a solid on this particular weekend. She made sure that I got to feast my eyes on the most amazing sunrises as I enjoyed the magnificent view of Mount Kenya. I made sure that I woke up early every morning so that I could take in the beauty of the morning skies. The environment at the estate has lots of bush and shrub, and animals running around (though they are harmless...)... they also have enough birds (a bird watcher would definitely love it here)... The place was simply beautiful, wild, and green.
The sunrise, of course, doesn't care if we watch it or not. It will keep on being beautiful, even if no one bothers to look at it.
- Gene Amole
Mother nature really did me a solid on this particular weekend. She made sure that I got to feast my eyes on the most amazing sunrises as I enjoyed the magnificent view of Mount Kenya. I made sure that I woke up early every morning so that I could take in the beauty of the morning skies. The environment at the estate has lots of bush and shrub, and animals running around (though they are harmless...)... they also have enough birds (a bird watcher would definitely love it here)... The place was simply beautiful, wild, and green.
If boardgames and sitting indoors is nnot your cup of tea... The estate also has a small clubhouse that has a lovely pool and more than enough poolside sitting. It also has an inside sitting area, with a bar and a lounge. Peerfect place to chill and soak up the sun while muching on some yummies.
All good things are wild and free...
The BEST part of my trip was the Sunday morning game drive we took on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy . The most thrilling experience is to watch animals in the wild; no cages. There is just something amazing about being in the same space with wild animals... It makes me feel like I am #LivingDangerously (lol don't judge me). The conservancy has a variety of animals to see... They also have various information centres; so you get a game drive and an education while you are at it (how is that for a two for one deal).
That said, PLEASE check out some amazing pictures from our Sunday Monday game drive at the conservancy by clicking -> HERE.
That said, PLEASE check out some amazing pictures from our Sunday Monday game drive at the conservancy by clicking -> HERE.
16 Comments
The house is beautiful. Who was the architect?
It really easy… I am not sure about the architect
Wow!!!!!!!! That place looks gorgeous Lenny!
Thank you love 🙂
Makes me want to pack up and leave town right now.
I love that this post had that effect on you 😉
Beautiful photos I have to say!! I’m going down there in 2 weeks so I’m excited to see the beauty of it and a second perspective.
The article is beautifully written 🙂
Thank you for the kind words; I appreciate positive vibes. As for you going, I think you will really enjoy yourself… I must say… I am a little jealous
Many thanks for the lovely accolades for this house 7 at Mt Kenya Wildlife Estate. It was our pleasure to host you. Ryden International.
Thank you for the lovely stay and making our weekend amazing. Also, thank you for the positive feedback, and kind words.
Lenana,
We were delighted to see your article, and most pleased to read your kind words about our Estate.
It made us happy to know you felt at home with us. We too enjoyed hosting you at Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate.
Thank you so much for your kind comments.
Regards,
Nathan [Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate]
Thank you for taking the time to read… and also for appreciating. It was a fun weekend (for my friends and I).
Dear Lenny:
I work for Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate and was wondering if I can post this blog on our Facebook page?
Thanks for letting me know.
Elodie
Hello Elodie, yes you can post it on your facebook page. Sharing is always welcomed. Thank you.
Amazing.
Thank you 🙂