After checking-out of the Aberdare Country Club, we set off to Nanyuki where in a few days’ time, we would be competing in Kenyan Open Bisley meeting. We stopped for provisions and a cool box restock and continued to our second R&R destination, Sweet Waters Serena, Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
We signed in at the gate and took a team photo at the entrance sign where ‘Smithy’ was absent buying souvenirs in the gift shop, but with the power of technology we have digitally added him into the photo for your pleasure! Continuing into the conservancy, we approached what looked like just a row of trees. However, upon closer inspection, a resort of paradise opened up where we would be staying for a whole 2 days!
We settled into our ‘glamping’ tents and got ready for our first game drive. We were cautiously optimistic as with the conservancy there were not guarantees of what wildlife we would see.
In convoy, the team vehicles set off in search for ‘The Big 5’ (no not the target rifle one!) and very quickly rhinos and water buffalo were checked off the list. The sheer size and strength of these animals were truly amazing to witness. The list of animals we saw on our journey included, gazelle, impalas, zebras, jackals, you name it! Soon after, elephants were checked off the list too, and Lucinda spotted 2 lionesses and 2 cubs resting in the shade. Every vehicle in the vicinity descended upon the area to witness these big cats.
The highlight was definitely Rick spotting a pregnant cheetah resting amongst the long grass which awesome as it was, but as more vehicles approached, the cheetah’s head locked onto prey in the distance, a group of impalas. Completely ignoring us, we witnessed the cheetah stalking her prey and making an attempt to get some dinner! The impalas caught on quickly and were able to avoid being the dinner for another day. We couldn’t believe how lucky we had been on the first go! Truly a once in a lifetime experience. After crossing the equator 5 times in a day, (fortunately the navy member of the team, not insisting on any ‘strange’ traditions!) and 4 of ‘The Big 5’ in one day, we had the usual buffet meal and night-caps before heading to bed for an early start the next day.