2015 Trip – 14 July

Peter:

Just to tell all you parents how amazing your sons and daughters were yesterday at Longonot DEB Primary School – I just wish you could have been here to see them – you would have been so proud.

 

Felicity Holden

Last night we went on a game drive through the Crater Lake sanctuary, it was absolutely amazing we saw an array of wildlife including hyenas. This morning was an early awakening which you can imagine I looked very rough at breakfast with my little plaits still intact. We then went on a morning game drive where we were able to get close to the giraffes and there was three baby giraffes with them which was an amazing experience trying to be a quite as possible so we could get really close to the group. I planted a tree for Em and I in the garden at Crater Lake and took some amazing photos. I’m having such a brilliant time and I’m very well. We are currently on the truck going to the shopping centre in Nakuru. Love you all lots, kisses xxxxxx

 

Sophie Sidgwick

Yesterday we went to Longonot DEB Primary School, I absolutely loved it. We did a barn dance with the children, and I was partnered up with a boy called Wilfred. We danced and the whole school came out to watch us and everyone laughed a lot. When we were done Wilfred took me to meet his friends who all wanted pictures taking of them, he also took me to see his classroom and showed me where he sat in his lessons. On the playground all of the children wanted to give you high fives or hugs which was cute, I spoke to the head teacher and told her that she had a lovely school with extremely polite students and she hugged me. We then went and packed up our things from Fish Eagle Campsite and drove to Crater Lake Sanctuary. When we got there we went on a walking safari which was amazing, the views of the lake from the tops of hills were surreal. We managed to see wildebeest, antelope and zebra whilst we were walking around, we also got really close to a giraffe which was really cool to do. I was in Peter’s group for the walk with other pupils and our guide Walter, at one point I turned around and Peter had disappeared so I made everyone wait for a while. After waiting and panicking he didn’t show up but Walter said that we had to move on which I wasn’t too keen on because I was really worried and didn’t want anything to have happened to Peter but we had to. Anyway, when we finished the walk and got to reception we discovered that he had gone to the toilet and thought that he could find his way back to us, but he couldn’t so went back to the reception (all that worrying for nothing!) On the night we went a game drive through the sanctuary, we saw hippos and hyenas which were cool. Then we came for a morning game drive this morning and we saw a group of giraffes and were allowed to get off the truck and walk right near them which was absolutely amazing, I felt like I was still dreaming! I planted an acacia tree at crater lake and took some pictures which I can’t wait to show you. I’m having the best time here, absolutely loving it! The people here are great and its nice getting to know them. Especially loving spending time with Becca. Love you lots hope everythings okay.

 

 

 

Lorna Davison

Jambo! So, their advantage yesterday we went on a guided walk around the crater lake sanctuary with our guide Jackson. We saw so many animals and learnt loads about how local people used the plants to their advantage (and the animals too). That’s not what impressed me though, the views were AMAZING! They were so good! There are three lakes around were we are and we saw all of them at once as we were at the second highest peak of the sanctuary it was 1895m high. Last night we went on a game drive and we saw a family of giraffes, hyenas, foxes, hippos, zebras and so many more! It was so good to see how the animals acted at night. Then this morning we went on another game drive and we saw 9 giraffes! There was three babies and the rest were at least adolescences and we were able to get so close to them and take loads of photos and Felicity was nice enough to get a photo of me with one of them in the background. We’re of to a market today and hopefully I’ll see some nice things to buy. But apparently there is a better market, Arusha, where things are dirt cheap as opposed to just cheap so I might save some money and wait until then but I am a girl who loves shopping! Still having a fab time! Thank you so much for letting me come on this trip, I definitely think that it’s worth it! See you soon

 

Josef Ramsay

Last night we stayed at a place called Crater Lake and it was truly beautiful, the things we seen were unbelievable. We went on walk in two different groups (me in the slow group because you know I am pretty lazy) and the views and animals were amazing. We walked to the second highest point of the crater and it was stunning and the photos I have taken will show this. Once we seen the lake we walked through the sanctuary and we got to see loads of animals up close, zebras, giraffes, warthogs and more. Then we went back to camp and had our tea then set off on a night game drive, this was amazing because we were driving in the dark and we got to see even more amazing animals like hippos and hyenas. To see all this was really amazing and this morning we did another drive after breakfast and we got up right close next to giraffes, honestly they were no more than 20 metres away. Crater lake was amazing and no we are on route to the market in the truck with music bouncing and an unbelievable vibe, all singing together and playing card games. This experience is great so far and cant wait for the rest to come. Love you all don’t miss me too much.

 

Aaron Jardine

Hello. After we arrived at crater lake yesterday we then went on a guided walk round the crater to view all of the different animals, we saw a fair amount of animals, it was really nice. We then went back to camp and had dinner and then set off for a night time game drive which was excellent seeing all of the animals during the night such as giraffes, Thompson gazelles and many more. We are now on our way to the next place which I believe is where we stay in the dorms in the middle of the safari park. The group have been brilliant and I have made some great friends already so can’t wait for more to come. I can’t wait to see an elephant now and am hoping that I see one tomorrow.

 

Kieran Potter

6:30 start again but it was one of my best sleeps yet, we were accidentally left tents to stay in and they had mattresses and they were amazing. We started the day with a morning safari to look for giraffes and when we found some we were given the chance to get out and walk with them. We were less than 30m from them. We then went shopping in a market in Nakuru. This was also great fun as we had to barter to buy. In all another great day as expected. I can’t wait for the days that follow.

 

Josh Cooper

Yesterday was unbelievable; we visited our first local school in Kenya where we performed a barn dance with the kids. I was shown around the school by my partner, Janie. She is 13 years old and loves her school which was a real inspiration. I took plenty of photos with all of the children, also giving them high fives, my hands were very sore afterwards! Later on, we took a very long walk through the Cratr Sanctuary, where we spotted Giraffes, Warthogs, Zebras and many more. We took another trip through the Sanctuary, but this time at night. We spotted Hyenas, Wild Hare and more of the same animals that we saw earlier. Today, we woke up bright and early, ate breakfast, and got straight on the road. For one final time, we took a drive through the Sanctuary and saw a large group of adult and baby Giraffes, grouped weith Zebras. Seeing all of the animals was a brilliant experience, combined with visiting Longonot D.E.B primary school yesterday, which was easily the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Missing you all at home, but don’t miss me too much!!!!!

 

Matthew Naylor

Oh wow yesterday has really made me think about how lucky we really as the private school still lacked the best facilities so it has made me appreciate my life much more, however there was a standout aspect of the visit to the primary school and that was how amazing the kids were so full of excitement and joy defiantly one of the best days of my life. I must have given like 500 million high fives and fist bump :D. Today was a fantastic 6:30Am start went for a game drive and saw a group of giraffes and walked alongside it was incredible. Now on route to the wildlife club of Kenya camp site with some tunes bouncing in the truck 😀 x

 

Jessica taylor

Hi guys! Yesterday was definitely a day to remember.. we visited our first school in Kenya! We greeted one class and got paired off with either a boy or girl to do a barn dance. It was amazing! Seeing the children’s expression on their faces was so touching, they were enjoying it so much! After the dance one of the young boys took me off to meet his friends and I met one called peter who just wanted to ask me question after question about England and how we lived. His English was also fab which I was really surprised about and impressed. Overall, I loved meeting the children and having my first experience with them! I cant wait to go to further schools. After visiting  the school we did another walk at crater lake where we were shown around and saw some more gorgeous animals: zebras, giraffes, warthogs and gazelles it was amazing. So far I am absolutely loving it!

 

Jenny Readshaw

We’re heading to a market now which is about two hours away then we’re going to a new campsite. This morning we went out on safari again to see if we could find any giraffes and we saw a group of 10 including three young ones. We managed to get really close to them and everyone got loads of pictures. Last night we went on a night safari and we saw loads including and aardvark and hyenas! I’m looking forward to visiting the market because it gives everyone a chance to see what everyday life in Africa is life. We also went on an afternoon walk through Crater Lake Sanctuary yesterday and our group lost Peter which was quite worrying but we found him back at camp. Everyday we see new things and visit new places so I can’t wait for tomorrow!

 

Jacob Jardine

Last night was probably the best sleep I have had so far, got the luxury of an actual mattress, but unfortunately was awaken at 6:30. We started of the morning with a safari and we are now on the road to the next location. Later on we are going to go shopping in a market for the first time so that should be fun so I can test out my bartering skills.

 

Lisa

I think I was more excited to visit longonot DED school than I AGS kids. Not because I I was going to see the African children in a school I hadn’t visited for the two years; but because I couldn’t wait to see the reactions of our young people and I wasn’t disappointed. It really is a joy to see their faces and listen to them become so animated when sharing their experiences of meeting the African children.

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Today and yesterday were very different compared to the beginning on the trip! We moved camp yesterday lunch time but not before visiting our first primary school! It was the best thing I think I ever done! I loved every minute of it. A group of children sang us their national anthem in Swahili and in English which was beautiful. We then got partnered up to teach the barn dance. My partner was 15 years old and still had two years left of primary school. It amazed me how happy and optimistic they were even when we saw the conditions they had. We learnt that they were the children of the farmers who worked on the rose plantations and that their education was provided for them. This meant that their school was technically a private school. I met a girl called Janet who showed me around her classrooms. It was actually amazing! After we moved camps we went on a number of safaris. We saw lots of animals such as warthogs and zebra. Because we were in a sanctuary, we were allowed to walk around so our guide, Jackson, took us unbelievably close to Zebra and Wildebeest. This morning we had a similar experience with Giraffe; we got out of the truck and walked toward a family of giraffes. It was amazing! Tonight we are staying in a proper place with bunk beds b ut apparently they are worse than the tent haha! We are currently off to the market in the truck where we are singing to the playlist! We are having so much fun!

 

Rhys Williams

Yesterday was an amazing experience as we got to meet the first school and I can barley explain it. I think the best experience for both us and the children was the barn dance. The principal complemented my dancing. We then drove to Crater Lake sanctuary were we saw so many different animals. On our night drive we even saw the elusive aardvark. Today we went for another game drive and then got out to stand mere feet away from giraffe which was quite special. Now the dancing on the bus is just great. I don’t want this to end.

 

Joe Garrens

Last night we went on a game drive through the Crater Lake Safari and saw some incredible animals such as hyenas, aardvarks and hippos. It was definitely an experience. Then we had an early morning wake up with no shower again. After we had had breakfast we went on another game drive through the safari to see animals that wouldn’t be there on a night. During this we not only saw many giraffes but we had the chance to get out of the truck and get right up close to them. I never really knew how big they actually are it was mind blowing. We are now on our way to Nakuru on the truck and currently forming a boy band and choreographing dance moves. The videos you will see are defiantly special. I hope everything is well at home and Kos J. Missing and loving you all.

 

Jake Hardy

During yesterday morning we experienced our first primary school and was a amzing It was like we were like royalty. Kids screaming and waving excitedly it was truly great. They greeted us with their national anthem both in English and Swahili making me feel ashamed that I didn’t know ours in the correct order however we have learnt it and cant wait for another chance to show a school. We barn danced and laughed and greeted the children with open arms and loved it. We later went on a walk and were 20meteres away from a giraffe for around 20 minutes strolling with it. The night drive was good seeing a fully grown hippo. While I’m writing this we are laughing and working on routines for the playlist and it’s great. All is good and loving every minute. – Thanks for Africa and cleaning my room J

 

Jordan Mace

Yesterday after we got to the Crater Lake Sanctuary we experienced the amazing animals up close as we had a tour guide walk around the Sanctuary but we had to be so quiet. It’s so spectacular how big the inans actually are. Today we have drove through the Crater Lake and got out of the truck to see a full giraffe family all together which was so good to see. We then got back on the truck and now us as I’m writing this I’m singing along with everyone and going wild. We are now going to Nakuru to the supermarket and then to the campsite. I really can’t wait to see a lion or a rhino but we should see a rhino tomorrow if we are lucky. Anyways I miss everyone so much and love you all! Thank you mam and dad for making this experience real and letting me come on the trip. Bye for now.

 

Abi Pentney

Yesterday we went on a game drive after tea and we saw lots of nocturnal animals that we didn’t see during the day including aardvarks and zebras. When we woke up at 6am we had breakfast, packed all of our tents etc and went on a drive to see giraffes. We saw three baby giraffes with their mothers and we got really close! I’ve got some fab photos to show you! We’re on the way to a new place in Nakuru to go to the market and stay a night. I’m having an amazing time! I’ve been thinking of you lots and I love you all lots and I will see you all soon x

 

 Daniel Appleton

Yesterday night was really fun. We went on a long walk and took in some great sights. We managed to lose Peter during the walk and all panicked thinking he had fell off a cliff. Luckily he had just gone back to the reception. After we went on a night time game drive to see animals that you can’t see in the day. I was most excited seeing Hyenas. To top off a good day we got to visit a bar in the campsite which was very fancy and posh. I’m hoping tonight is just as good as yesterday. We have a long drive ahead to the market place but we’re passing the time by singing and dancing to our songs. I will hopefully get in touch again tomorrow and will keep you all updated.

 

Lewis Jefferson

The rest of yesterday was amazing, we saw loads of animals from wildebeests and pumba’s to hyena’s and giraffes. Then on the game drive after a nice dinner we saw hippos and even more giraffes in the pitch black. We heard hyenas and zebra’s through the night which wasn’t the most comforting. We woke up bright in early after finally sleeping on a mattress to another brilliant breakfast, and then went off to our next camp, Nakuru. We are currently on the long journey having a great sing along and my song made it to number 12 which I’m pretty proud of! So bye for now, nearly a week down already! Missing you all so much! I love you lots.

 

Helen Roberts

Yesterday was amazing and I think today will be just as good. Yesterday we started the morning with a trip to our first school which was remarkable. The children sang to us the national anthem and a tribal song of one of the local tribes, they were lovely and so inspirational, they all had so much ambition it was so uplifting. We did barn dance the blazing races and the boy I was paired with was better at the dancing than me. His name was Peter; he was in the 8^th grade and aspires to be a history teacher when he grows up. He was so interested in me that that was just about all I got out of him. He wanted to learn all about England and our culture so he could compare it to what he had been given. It struck me how happy he was even though he had so little it was humbling to meet him and I don’t think I will ever forget him. After the school we packed up the camp and started our journey to Crater Lake national park. We took a walking safari around the park stopping to make pictures of many different animals, impalas, dick dicks, and water buffalo to name a few. After that we came back to get back on the truck so we could do a night safari were we saw many more animals like hippos, hyenas, aardvark and spring hairs. Today we started off with another trip around the park, some in the truck until we saw giraffes which we were allowed to get out and walk towards them. Words can’t explain how excited I was to see so many at once including baby ones. We are now on the road having a very energetic sing along (my song being in the top ten of the trip list) as we make our way to Nakuru where we are allowed to go to the market and barter to our hearts content wish me luck. Hope everyone at home is doing well and that the last week of term is not to bad lots of love 🙂