This morning, we are packing up and heading to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for 2 days of mobile camping. Out there, very little will separate us from the wild. But so far, Our itinerary has been what I would call a soft safari. We were in contained areas with friendly herbivores. This would be a perfect starter safari for families with kids or someone who wants to see African wildlife but is nervous about the wide-open spaces.
Typical breakfast at Giraffe Manor
The “soft” Iternerary:
- 3 nights at Giraffe Manor
- 3 nights at The Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
- optional add-on for a few more nights at the Fairmont Nairobi
Activities on Safari:
- At Giraffe Manor, the Giraffes will join you for breakfast every morning. Afterward, you can take a nature walk through the Giraffe habitat to see all kinds of birds and medicinal plants. You might even spot two forest-dwelling Giraffes that have decided they aren’t interested in breakfast at the Manor.
- The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and elephant orphanage is a short drive away from Giraffe Manor and you can visit to see the mid-morning feeding. If you adopt an elephant you are invited to return at 5pm for a private visit with the elephants
- Also nearby is the Kazuri bead factory and jewelry store where you can tour the factory, meat some of the artists who make the jewelry and shop in their store. You can even buy individual beads to make your own necklace or bracelet – a great activity for kids!
- The Mount Kenya Safari club is a 3 hour drive or 45 minute flight away. All of the resort amenities will keep you relaxed and entertained; they have a pool, 9-hole golf course, art gallery, spa, gift shops, afternoon tea with a dance show and so much more.
- You can arrange for an afternoon trail ride on horses, which will take you into the nearby nature preserves where you might see zebra, waterbucks, water buffalo, or even a herd or elephants.
- The neighboring Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage is a must see. There is a $20 entrance fee, which includes a personalized tour with one of the game keepers. The animals are changing every day, but on my tour I got to feed a bongo, emu, many monkeys, and a baby water buffalo. We also saw cheetahs and pygmy hippos.
Visiting the Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage
If you are itching to visit Africa, but not quite ready to commit to a full safari experience, you can still find plenty to do in Kenya!
