Travel Tuesday- A Safari in Kenya

I met this leopard on my first day on Safari in the Samburu National Reserve. I began my trip to Kenya in Nairobi- visiting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Tsavo East. The trust cares for orphaned baby elephants-- hand feeding them bottled milk and walking them in a herd with keepers who share sleeping accommodations with each elephant...eventually releasing the babies out into the wild when they are ready.

From Nairobi, I flew to Samburu and stayed at the Samburu Serena Lodge- a rugged haven where your trips to the game reserve are handled ahead of time. This leopard walked within inches of our open-top Landcruiser. In the moment, I was completely unaware of the danger. Instead- I was drawn entirely by the beauty of this animal-- watching him stroll by with such grace and power, then climb up this tree and rest.

One of the highlights of my Kenya stay was a second trip to the Game Reserve where I stumbled upon a ceremony for Samburu Warrior adolsecents. They danced in an almost hypnotic state for hours- some collapsing in front of me.  It was a "coming out" ceremony of sorts for these boys who were celebrating a graduation into "Senior Warrior" status. The elders celebrated as well, sitting under a nearby tree, eating raw meat and drinking calves' blood -- staples in the diet of these nomadic men who are also herders.

A Kenyan safari is a magical experience and I recommend visiting Tsavo, Samburu and The famous Masai Mara. I was also unexpectedly invited to visit Galdessa Lodge by the Italian owner of Alfajiri Villas-- in Diani Beach (near Mombasa). Alfajiri enjoyed a moment of fame when the international media found out that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt vacationed there before their affair became public. The owner allowed me to film a story on his property- then whisked me away on a 4- hour drive to Galdessa. It is absolute luxury. The private, semi-tented, thatched-roof bungalows  make you feel like you are actually in the middle of the Bush. I woke up one morning to the sound of a Rhino grazing just outside my room and watched a herd of elephants cross the nearby river. This area has the largest elephant population in Kenya and the Masai Warriors on-site can sense when there are animals in the vicinity. The Masai provide security on location--walking guests to and from their suites during the evening.

I can't wait for my next safari.