Getting ready for a return to Africa

The group is starting to get excited about heading out to Kenya on Safari February 20 - 28, 2010. This is my second safari to the Masai Mara with Safari's Unlimited. The last trip was September 2008 and everyone on that trip is still talking about how fantastic it was! There are still a few spots if you would like to go - the vehicle can hold 3 people if you aren't up to riding and the wildlife photography is fantastic!

This group is a bit more rowdy than the last one. They are already warming up to the adventure and starting to plan their pre-safari days in Nairobi. There is lots to see, both the wildlife and the local shopping. There is an elephant orphanage which was featured on CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/11/18/kenya.elephants.conservation/

As well as Nairobi National Park , The Animal Orphanage and The Giraffe Center. Some of the safari members are spending a couple of nights at Giraffe Manor, and experience of a life time! I stayed there in 2008 for one night. The giraffe meet you at the door in the morning looking for pony pellets and stick their heads in to the breakfast sun room. Then they lounge on the front lawn for a little nap.

My favorite shop in Nairobi is UniqueEco, they make incredible things out of recycles flip flops. The co-founder Julie Johnstone, born in Nairobi, is one of the world's experts on coral fish. She saw children making key fobs out of washed up flip flops on the beach and has turned this into an industry that employs over 100 women, cleans up the beaches and makes terrific sculptures - out of flip flops. They have made a life-size giraffe and whale. We met her when we were there in 2008 and watched one of the artisans carve a rhino from a block of material in seconds. Amazing!

Nairobi National Park: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi_National_Park

Animal Orphanage: http://www.magicalkenya.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=269&Itemid=221

Giraffe Center: http://www.giraffecenter.org

Elephant Orphanage: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

UniqueEco: http://www.uniqueco-designs.com/