Capturing the Moment

  Day 1: Hilton Garden Inn - Elephant Orphanage - Giraffe Center - Talisman Restaurant - Nairobi National Park - Acacia Camp I'm so excited that the group had this close encounter with white rhino. This is a species that is not so common in this part of Africa. Nairobi National Park, nestled just outside the bustling capital city of Kenya, is a unique and remarkable wildlife sanctuary that offers a surreal juxtaposition of urban and natural landscapes. Established in 1946, it holds the distinction of being the only national park in the world located within a city's borders. Despite its proximity to the bustling metropolis of Nairobi, the park spans over 117 square kilometers and boasts a diverse array of ecosystems, from open grasslands to acacia woodlands. Its scenic beauty is complemented by the backdrop of the city skyline and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, creating a surreal panorama that encapsulates the harmonious coexistence of nature and urban life. Hom...

  iPhone close up! Rob gave me this idea of getting low and shooting dramatically up at the nearby elephant. We were both scolded shortly after and told to 'stand up!' The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a haven for orphaned elephants and a testament to the dedication of its founders, Daphne Sheldrick and her husband David Sheldrick. Established in 1977, the orphanage has played a crucial role in the conservation and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, many of whom have lost their mothers to poaching or other human-related activities. The facility is set within Nairobi National Park, providing a natural and secure environment for these majestic creatures. Dan, Mike, Keli, Rob, and Tracy, all enjoying the show. Kris was off hiding in the shadows somewhere. One of the unique aspects of the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is its emphasis on hand-rearing orphaned elephants with the goal of ultimately reintegrating them into the wild. The dedic...

   Instead of stopping at a regular hotel for a night in Nairobi, I took our group to a private ranch located about forty five minutes drive down the Mombasa highway from Nairobi. The lodge is called Acacia Camp, and it is set in the Swara Plains, which are traditional migratory routes for wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, impala, gazelles and more. The ranch is fenced, but the animals always find a way in and out. It is very rare to see any big cats in the area so it is one of the few places where we are free to go for a walk, or even a jog. Our group did a five mile walk before dinner, which felt amazing after a week of sitting and standing and jostling about on game drives.  The lodge itself is a a series of bungalows nestled among old acacia trees. It comes with exclusive access to 25,000 acres of wildlife conservancy. It is a true secret, unkown to many on the safari circuits.  The team on their big 5 mile hike     I was amazed at all the improvements ...

Norfolk Hotel style  After traveling half way around the world the Dillon clan arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. John, Ale, and Maggie flew in around dinner time so I whisked them from the airport to one of the oldest buildings in the city center, the historic Norfolk hotel, which has been in business since 1905. When you consider Kenya wasn't even a country until 1963 when it finally shed its colonial rulers, you can understand the atmosphere that comes with such a place. It has been the retreat of Lords and colonial governors to modern day celebrities and royals. And now it is where we are starting our East Africa adventure. Reunited in Africa Colonial feel of the Nofolk    With three of the thirteen tucked into their beds it was time for the rest of group to arrive. Everyone looked good getting off the plane, especially for 3am, and I told everyone to stay strong and meet at breakfast at 7:30am...in about four hours. It was so fun seeing everyone reunited the ne...