M is for Mount Kenya

Six years ago, my husband and I were fortunate enough to take a photo safari through Kenya and Tanzania. If you've read my previous posts, you'll already know this trip exists as one of the true highlights of my life.

After years spent dreaming of Africa, I felt immediately at home with the golden savannas that stretched on forever, and the hot sun that loosens tight muscles and seems, indeed, to slow down time itself. 

What did surprise me was the cool, damp air on our first stop after leaving Nairobi. Mount Kenya is in the highlands of Kenya, so shrouded in mist that when we were there, I was only able to capture a shadowy shot of the mountain itself.

It is simply a magical place. The Mountain Lodge is wrapped around a waterhole that abounds with animals day and night.

Arriving just before dark, we found hot water bottles nestling in the cold beds to bid us welcome.

 

Sleep was the last thing we were thinking about. Each room has its own private balcony with a view of the waterhole and its visitors. Sitting there quietly watching Elephants and Cape Buffalo wander in to drink, the rest of the world ceased to exist for me. 

 With the shuffling of hooves and splashing water the only sounds to be heard, I thought I could sit there indefinitely and enjoy the privilege of watching these wild animals go about their evening as if we were not there.

Management informed us they 

could awaken us in the night if 

the more elusive animals showed up. As soon as the knock sounded on our door, I rushed out to our balcony and watched a leopard lap warily at the waterhole. 

I did not even want to take a picture for fear of disturbing him in any way. It was one of the two very brief times we were to see a leopard. 

I have no shots to show for it but my mind can instantly conjure up the long, tense lines of this striking predator who soon fled that open space for the safety and visibility afforded by the tall trees.

Monkeys are prevalent in Africa. Although undeniably cute, they are considered pests, and tourists are directed to not encourage them. 

As well as viewing the animals from above, the lodge features an underground tunnel leading to a viewing room with tiny barred windows at ground level. It is wonderful to see the wildlife close up, though a somewhat dubious pleasure in the case of the very homely Marabou Stork!

In the morning we were taken on a walk through the forest, escorted at all  times by armed guards as was always the case when we were out of our vehicles. We were advised to cover up well, with trousers tucked into boots to fend off the columns of ants that seemed to be everywhere.

After walking for 
a while, we came 
to a clearing, and 
were delighted 
to see that tea 
had been set 
out for us. 

Sipping Earl Grey 
from a china cup and 
nibbling thin biscuits 
in the heart of an 
African forest is 
only one of the 
many lovely 
memories I took 
home from my 
much-loved Africa.

Mt. Kenya Shadow Shots

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Heading north from Nairobi, the first stopover on our African safari was Mt. Kenya’s rustic Mountain Lodge, nestled in the lush highlands of Kenya. 

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Upon arrival, we were offered an afternoon walk through the shadowy woods, with firm instructions to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into boots. It seemed a curious request on this balmy, sun-filled day, but we eagerly changed and got underway.

Following our guide into  the forest, the wisdom of his advice soon became clear… mosquitoes fluttered around us, and tiny ants swarmed in great numbers over our feet. Though small, these siafu have huge pincers that inflict great pain upon reaching bare skin!

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Insects were not our only threat, evidenced by the pair of armed guards who accompanied us, rifles slung over their shoulders and fingers at the ready.

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We grew accustomed to their presence on walkabout throughout East Africa, one always at the lead, one taking the rear. The guards protect tourists from possible animal attacks, and are considered vital in the control of poachers whose ruthless greed is swiftly and inexorably reducing the herds of African wildlife to alarmingly low numbers.

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No danger found us in the woods that day. Instead, we passed into a clearing to find afternoon tea awaiting us!

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Fine china cups filled with steaming hot tea, thin crisp biscuits and a welcome lack of insect life capped off this first taste of Africa with unique and unforgettable style.

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I suspect I will never again take afternoon tea that could top this one!

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I'm linking this post to Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted by the gracious Tracy at 'Hey Harriet'. For more shadowy photos, do check out the link below...

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.http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

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