2015 Trip – 15 July

Daniel Appleton

Yesterday evening we went to the market place. This was completely different to any market place I’ve been to before. Before we even stepped outside of the bus we were confronted by people selling all sorts. Peter had told us how much we should be paying for everything so we didn’t get ripped off. I ended up buying a bandanna for a good price. We also went on an afternoon game drive where we saw new animals like Rhino and Buffalo. This was really good because we hadn’t seen anything like them. All we had seen previously was Antelope and Zebra. This morning we also went on an early game drive to see different animals. We finally saw a Lion. It was a case of being in the right place at the right time because if we had been a minute later or a minute sooner we would have missed them. We’re now back off to Indaba camp which we were at on the first night. We’re going to travel from there to Tanzania on Thursday. Missing you all and will be in touch shortly.

 

Josh Cooper

Yesterday, before lunch, we visited the Nakuru Market. There were lots of local sellers trying to get our attention and trying to persuade us. Negotiation skills were needed for definite. I bought a 10 litre bottle of water and two gifts for decent prices. Later on that day, we went for a game drive. We spotted new animals such as Buffalo and Thompson Gazelles, along with Antelope and Flamingos. Today, we woke up bright and early in the Kenyan Nature Club, where all of the boys stayed in a room full of bunk beds. We went on an early morning game drive. We saw Hyenas and Giraffes, but best of all, we saw Lions, both crossing the road straight in front of the truck, and climbing a tree! As I’m typing this, we are on the truck on our way over back to Indaba Camp, which is where we slept on our first night in Kenya, following the long plane journeys. Missing you guys at home, but I’ll keep recording this as many days as I can.

 

Jordan Mace

Before lunch yesterday we went to the Nakuru Market and every person that was selling tried to get you to buy things from their shop. The funniest moment was when a person drag me in and said we are the same and pointed at his skin color and then at mine. Then he said I was his brother from another mother and offered me a 2 for 1 deal. We then went on a game drive and spotted buffalos, Thompson Gazelles, Antelopes, Flamingos, black and white rhinos. As today I have experience something that is really rare as we saw a male lion feasting on its prey and then a full family on lion’s even cubs walking across the road. I was disappointed that I couldn’t get the male lion feasting on my camera because it was too far away but It was truly spectacular. Just to see lions in the wild are amazing, I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. We also seen a hyenas eating a dead buffalo which was disgusting but it’s really interesting to see them doing things in their habitat. We are going to the first camp we stayed at now as I write this now. I love everyone at home and miss you all. Goodbye.

 

 

 

 

 

Rebecca Crandon

I’m having the best time!! Yesterday we were walking with some giraffes which was amazing we got really close and there was a few baby ones too, I got lots of photos one of which Peter has stolen off me for the website so look out for it (it’s the one with five giraffes 2 adults and 3 babies). I’ve taken so many photos already, really getting into the photographer life! We then went back to camp and it was there I did something I’m really happy about and can’t wait to tell Stephanie when I get home because I know she will love it (Stephy if you don’t cry when I tell you I’ll be disappointed hahah). We then went to Lake Nakoru we didn’t see an awful lot but we saw a BLACK RHINO (really rare) and of course dad I got some pictures for you to have a right good look at when I get home. We stayed at the wildlife club of Kenya, which everyone was nervous about but we all powered though, a few of us didn’t go to bed until 2ish we we’re playing cards to pass the time. We got up really early for a morning game drive. We saw so many lions!! One with a kill and then a pride crossing the road, there was so many of them both adults and cubs.  We’re currently on the truck driving back to Nairobi, everyone is loving the music and every song has dance moves.

Loving you both lots and lots xxxxxxx

 

Lewis Jefferson

The rest of yesterday was still amazing, we saw even more animals including the very rare Black Rhino and we also saw a family of White Rhino’s, Water Buffalo and more. After we went back to camp we were treated with yet another delicious meal of beef stew then chilled and killed for a bit. We knew we were up early the next morning so we went to bed at 10 and I had the best sleep yet on a bunk bed!! But the best things come now. We set off to a early morning safari in the same park to find more animals. We saw yet more Rhino’s and Water Buffalo but this time we also saw Hyenas right in front of our truck and one even eating a dead Water Buffalo!  Most exciting of all we saw… LIONS!!! It was incredible! First we saw a male barely in the distance then saw a family of females with cubs in the not so distance. We then flanked round the park to see them and our driver Jason timed it perfectly, a family of about 6 lions walked in front of our truck within 5 yards of where we were!! Honestly never seen something that spectacular!! I was speechless! Can’t wait to see more and maybe better. The views hear are like nothing you could ever imagine, every one of them take your breath away; photos just don’t do them justice. Back to Nairobi now and tomorrow it’s time for Tanzania! Missing everyone so much! I can’t wait to see you all but I’m having the best time. I love you all millions

 

Kieran Potter

Yesterday evening was utterly amazing, we had a evening safari and we saw lots of animals like the Water Buck, Buffalo, white Rhino and even the rare Black Rhino. After this safari we headed back to camp for yet another delicious meal of beef stew and then relaxed for the rest of the night. we all had an early night as we knew that the next morning would have been an early start. We woke up at 5:45 and got ourselves ready as quick as we could so we could head out on our early morning game drive and it was worth the early morning get up. We saw all sorts of wildlife that we had saw the night before but one thing that made this the best thing by far was that we were lucky enough to witness a male lion hunt and kill, it was jaw dropping. And then to top it all off we saw a family of lions walk across the road ahead of us with cubs too. And the views were incredible. We are on our way back to Indaba camp again now. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the experience has in store. Missing everyone loads! Hope everyone is well and love you all! X

 

Joe Garrens

After we finished our sing along yesterday we arrived at Nakuru market and had a walk around. It wasn’t as bad as I intended I was expecting to be intimidated a lot more than I was. I was sensible with my money 😉 and didn’t buy anything there as the market at Arusha is a lot cheaper. Once we had finished at the market we went to a youth hostel for the night which was in a safari. We slept in bunk beds all in one room and the people who were on the trip last year said there were bed bugs and they got bitten all over so I was a little scared I’m not going to lie, but it was actually one of the best night’s sleep I have had since I got here. Before we went to bed we went for an afternoon game drive where we were lucky enough to witness a black rhino which is apparently very very rare so we were very happy. The morning was another early start where the lads were woken up by a morning speech from Peter Swan and we all shot up. The reason was for an early morning game drive as some animals find it too hot during the day. During this game drive we were able to witness a Lion take it’s kill which was absolutely amazing. Not only did we see that we then carried on and then saw the rest of the family travelling to their leader for food which is also incredibly rare. So in all and all we have been extremely lucky. We are currently on our way to our first camp Indaba in Nairobi to prepare for tomorrow’s travel to Tanzania. Can’t stop thinking about you. Love you all!

Lizzie Nicholson

Today has been amazing! I know I am saying that a lot but each day is so unique that everyday feels amazing! Today we woke up at 5:45 in order to go on an early morning safari. It really paid off because we happened to stumble across a pack of lions crossing the road in front of us. We couldn’t believe our luck! Not only that but we saw one hunting and killing. It felt surreal. Lions weren’t our only see today; we saw black and white rhinos, baboons and an unbelievable amount of buffalo (dead and alive). It is a completely different feeling seeing animals like these in their own habitat compared to seeing them in places like flamingo land. You feel a great sense of accomplishment and it leaves you all in compete awe!  Last night we stayed in a dormitory and truth be told, I preferred the tents… we all fumigated the room with deet ferociously until we could hardly breath. It was definitely an experience but I am glad we have done it because it brought the girls especially a lot closer than before because everyone overcame their fears together. We gave I’m a Celebrity a run for its money!  We are now sat on the bus which is my new favorite place haha, and we are on our way back to Nairobi to camp back at our first camp. Tomorrow we will take the monster journey from Nairobi to Tanzania. I am both excited and apprehensive because I understand the facilities may not be as good as we are used to but I believe that in Tanzania, we get to fully experience the real purpose of the trip. Love you all at home lots and I cannot wait to show you all the amazing photos we have taken today! Bye for now J

 

Jessica Taylor

Last night was really a night to remember.. everyone stayed in dormitories. All the girls were in one dorm and all the boys were in another. As I walked in the first thing I saw was a huge spider on the wall! As im petrified of the eight legged creatures as it is it didn’t help that they were the size of a tennis ball but all the girls were fab and we all made light of the situation. Especially when lizzie was attempting to kill one with deet, we all couldn’t stop laughing. To make matters even funnier as I turned around I saw a huge green beetle on the floor and everybody turned and looked! Even though our room was full of creatures it definitely brought the girls closer together and it was one of the funniest nights ive had! This morning was a great start to the  today as we went on another safari but this one was amazing as I saw my very first lion, it was unbelievable! A pack of lions crossed the road just in front of us! I got a gorgeous picture and I can’t wait to show you all when I’m home!

 

Elizabeth Huck

Over the past few days, we have seen numerous animals which were within a couple of metres from us. Last night we stayed in dormitories, all of the girls were together with numerous insects. Lizzie had a stick insect on her bed which Fliss had to remove. Although the whole experience was quite scary for some, it has brought the group closer together and allowed us all to know how to support each other. I was asleep through all of the squealing during the night; however I did scare Sophie by calling her name in my sleep. This morning we woke up at 5:30 to do a pre-breakfast game drive. I managed to stay awake and see lions, buffalos, impalas and lots of other animals that I have lots of pictures of. We are now traveling to Indaba. The trip has been amazing so far, lots of love xxx

 

Abi Pentney

Last night was interesting… we were staying in dormitories on bunk beds. We woke up at 5:30am to go on a game drive and we saw lions! We were very lucky and they literally crossed the road in front of the truck before us- I have a few photos. We are now on the way back to our first camp in Nairobi where we can shower and prepare for Tanzania. I had fun bartering at the market yesterday and used my Yorkshire instincts! Hope you’re looking forward to the end of term and the best day all year! See you soon x

 

Jacob Jardine

Last night we went on a night time game drive and saw some rhinos and other animals also was able to take some more pictures. Also yesterday had an interesting experience at the market, the feeling was quite overwhelming. So this morning we went on another game drive and got to see some lions that was a great also took my first video of the lions. As of now we are heading back to Indaba Camp. And I am enjoying the trip so far and also looking forward to what is to come.

 

Matthew Naylor

WE SAW LIONS!!!!!! Last night’s game drive was awesome; saw some amazing animals such as the rare black rhino. Food once again was top notch, well done Wiki mum I even enjoyed a stew. Today we went on an early morning game drive and I mean early, but we saw lions even one attacking and eating an antelope was incredible. Currently we are on the truck on the way back to Indaba Camp sat next to the awesome Lisa Connor!  Missing you all, mum and dad hope you’re having a great holiday and snails I have an awesome present for you when I get back but it’s a surprise.

 

Helen Roberts

LIONS!!!!!! Yeah that’s right we saw them. This morning we went on an early game drive, along with the lions we also saw hyenas, rare black rhinos and some amazing scenery. Now we are on our way to the indaba camp which should mean proper toilets and warm showers and a good night sleep. Hope your all alright and counting down the days till the end of term, see you soon lots of love J

 

Jenny Readshaw
Yesterday we went on another game drive at the new campsite and ended up seeing both black and white rhinos as well as loads of buffalo. We stayed in some barracks inside a building so we got mattresses but the room was full of mosquitoes but thankfully I haven’t been bitten. This morning we went on a pre-breakfast game drive around the lake for over 3 hours and we managed to see a lion pride. The male lion made a kill which is rare to see and the lionesses and cubs crossed the road in front of our truck! We didn’t see a leopard but instead we saw hyenas. We’re on our way back to Indaba camp where we stayed on the first night so hopefully there will be a shower and we can wash our clothes.

 

Aaron Jardine

Today has been nice it started off by a very early morning game drive which we were very lucky to see a family of lions and a couple of hyenas. We are heading back to Indaba camp and then heading to Tanzania tomorrow which I cannot wait for. I can’t wait to see all the schools and meet Julias which should be great. Sorry about the short diary’s but there should be more to come within the next week as I believe there will be a lot more to talk about.

 

Lorna Davison

Today we went on a game rive this morning and we saw lions! I got loads of photo’s again but there’s not a lot more to say about that really apart from the fact that I can now recognize the smell of a dead buffalo. Last night we stayed at Kenya Widlife Club which had bunk beds which were very comfortable but there was loads of creepy crawlies in the room. Surprisingly I wasn’t one of the ones screaming! I think I may have overcome a fear already. We’re on our way back to Indaba Camp tonight so I’ll have my second shower and finally wash my hair!!! It feels so bad but it’s been in braids most of the time. There’ll be so much more to say once we reach Tanzania (we go there tomorrow), see you soon x

 

Josef Ramsay

Yesterday was so good and so was this morning.  We had 3 game drives, one before we got to our actual camp, one before we had our dinner and another this morning and it was so good. Yesterday we didn’t really see anything we hadn’t seen already during the day but it was still great to see the animals so close. Last night however was amazing because we seen o much and we even seen a hyena which was mint. I didn’t think we would see much more this morning… but I was completely wrong. This morning we seen so much, we even saw a lion kill an animal and its pack which I was able to get a photo off. Also we seen a black rhino which is very rare. It was amazing to see these animals and now we are on route back to the first camp site before we drive to Tanzania tomorrow were we will see so much more amazing things. I’m having a great time, don’t miss me too much, love you.

 

Rhys Williams

Today was a tremendously early rise and we only had tea and biscuits for food. However there was a very good reason for this and our photos will bear witness when you get to see them. Lions! We saw a lot of lions and not only did we see them but we also witnessed a male lion taking down an Impala and a whole pride walk in front of the truck. These are really rare occurrences and I will never forget them. Now we are travelling back to Indaba campsite after eating a hearty brunch.

 

Sophie Sidgwick

Last night we stayed in the youth hostel. It was okay, we stayed up quite late into the night playing cards and didn’t get much sleep because of all the bugs. It was cool to see how supportive everyone was of each other even when we were super tired, it feels like I’ve known these people for much longer than five days. This morning we were up early on a game drive and we saw lions, hyenas and buffalo. We then went back to camp for brunch which was hot dogs, packed up and are currently sat on the truck driving back to Indaba.

 

Felicity Holden

Last night we stayed in a youth hostel and I’m really proud of myself as I killed a spider, caught a moth and a stick insect to get them out of our room!! So I have got over my fear of spiders! It was really good to see everyone supporting each other through the night and helping people with there fears. We went on a game drive this morning (after waking up very very early) and saw lions, rhinos, buffalo and many more. I’m having such a good time we haven’t stopped laughing the whole time and have all bonded really well. We are currently on the way to Indaba camp so I’m looking forward to having a shower!! Hope you all are well and love you lots, kisses xxxxx P.S my track on the CD was 9^th!!!