Nakuru National Park

Part 1: Pride surrounds us.

Plans changed for the day. Instead of Elmenteita we went to Nakuru National Park, a 2 hour drive northwest of Nairobi. Words can’t describe what an incredible day it was!

The first wildlife we saw in the park was a flurry of zebras, baboons and gazelles. The non-residents were overwhelmed and were snapping their cameras furiously thinking this was a super special moment. We did see the tiniest baby baboon breastfeeding right away, it truly was a beautiful sight (which we have 51 pictures of and 3 videos). This was the highlight of Michelle’s life to date – and she was ready to pack up and leave the park because she thought nothing else could top it! Well...we may have topped it, just a little!

Next was a trip right down basically on Lake Nakuru (since it was all dried out due to the drought we were able to drive on it – a little bittersweet). There we saw a sea of pink flamingos, pelicans, zebras, and three buffalo posing for us nicely. Wildlife truly was everywhere we looked – we thought this was exciting...

Apparently seeing a lion at Lake Nakuru is a rare event. We were driving around in the savannah looking in the trees trying to spot one. We then saw a few cars stopped ahead of us and knew something was up. Lo and behold there was a pride of lions lounging lazily under a tree. There was 12 of them huddled together about 40 feet away. This was not close enough for Nizar uncle! He decided he wanted to get a little closer...he then proceeded to do a little ‘off-roading’ (which, by the way, is strictly prohibited and finable). We took quite a bumpy, roundabout trek to make it back to the pride of lions, who were still slothing it up. We got a few more great pics and got out of there before the park ranger caught on to us. We felt lucky then to be graced by the pride.

After a wild goose chase of looking for the lookout point (another priceless story to follow), we got lost and ended up back near the pride. This time they were up! We first spotted 2 young lions playing in a tree near the road and glanced down to see 7 running in front of our car away from a huge herd of buffalo. Being the lazy creatures they are they took residence on the side of the road just to the right of Aliyah sitting in the right rear seat. Needless to say, there were many gasps and screams. Cameras were rolling capturing the moment 5 times over.

Part 2: The Lookout Drama.

At this point it had been hours since we had planned to stop for lunch at the lookout point. We decided we would give it one more shot.

Finally, after a loooong journey we reached the top to find a few other spectators and some “friendly” baboons. We were reminded by our experts (Auntie and Uncle) that baboons are feisty and are scavengers for food – therefore, keep doors closed!

As we were marvelling at how close we could get to the baboon, suddenly it leaped not towards us, as we thought, but towards our jeep. We heard a loud “Nizar!” and looked over to see Auntie Shehnaz standing with the back of the jeep wide open, food exposed and a baboon reaching into our food basket. (We thought there was a closed door policy in effect!?!?!) Nizar uncle raced over, threw the baboon off TWICE while others gathered near for an impending feast. Auntie Shehnaz, more concerned about the food then her own welfare, stood strong tossing a few elbows while Nizar Uncle managed to wrestle the 2 sizable baboons off the car – allowing them to make away with an entire bag of crips/chips and 3 bananas. Meanwhile, the 4 young ladies stood back, shocked, with only Sarah smart enough to capture the moment on camera. All of this happened in a matter of seconds!

Sarah, thinking the excitement had passed, attempted to walk by the baboon to grab a picture of the lookout. The baboon thought otherwise, gave Sarah the death stare and leaped her direction. This sent her screaming and running for her life. Funniest shit ever!!!!!! Without words, the 6 of us hopped in the car and got the heck outta dodge.

Whatta day! The thought of it still sends us into awe and laughter.

Overall, Michelle and Sarah definitely thought it was worth the $60 US park entry fee (the non-resident rate). The resident rate is a little less expensive - with Aliyah paying 300 shillings (approx $5 Cdn) and Alisha got the student rate at 100 shillings ($1.50) – “worth every penny” Al says.