Project Albert 2001 was a lot of hard work, but it was also
a
lot of fun too. Our time off was well spent doing lots of exciting
things that you can only do in Africa, like going on Safari.
By
way of a thank you, Lonhro
Hotels who sponsored the work at Mathare offered the Albert
Team a weekend at Sweetwaters tented
camp.
Accommodation and 3 meals a day were all free,
our only
expenditure was on refreshment and souvenirs. The site is situated
on Ol-Pejeta ranch in Nanyuki, which is a 3 hour drive north
from
Nairobi. The journey was a real thrill as we experienced some
magnificent views of the wide plains which lie in the massive
Rift Valley; it must be the largest amount of ground one can
ever
see whilst still standing on it!
The Sweetwaters camp is surrounded
by 108,000 acres of true African bush country and our closest
neighbours on that weekend were large herds of Elephant, Giraffe,
Zebra, Eland, Gazelle, Impala, Lion and Oryx. These animals were
wild, doing what they do in their natural habitat. We were treated
to some unforgettable sights including a very close quarters
encounter
with a male Lion and his harem, and a spectacular sunrise over
Mt Kenya.
We also visited the David
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust situated in Nairobi National Park.
Daphne Sheldrick, widow of David, has been rearing and rehabilitating
orphaned elephants for most of her life and has a wealth of spellbinding
stories to tell. This incredibly interesting lady gave us a guided
tour of the site then captivated us all with her elephant tales
over a cool beer at dusk.
Another recreational day was spent clambering up Mt Longenot,
a docile volcano of incredible proportions. The demanding climb
to the top was rewarded by some unique vistas as we made our
way around the rim. Several of the more exuberant members of
the Team decided to run the whole way around. Those less enthusiastic
took a more leisurely pace to soak up the experience...and the
sweat; it was a long way around. |
