2017 Trip – 17 July

Eeman Dad

The first few days in Africa have been amazing, except the journey was tedious…trust me I know for definite that I won’t stop talking about it for at least a month (prepare yourself)! So at the minute we are at Ol Pejeta. I have been on the look-out for an elephant for the last two days, and we’ve seen glimpses of them which have obviously increased my heart rate with excitement, and then they disappear behind some bushes L. I have soooo much adrenaline and every activity makes me so excited. We went to a chimpanzee sanctuary and its so funny how similar they are to us, I’ve never laughed so much. We met SUDAN, the last male northern white rhino, where I may or may not have shed a few tears, its made me more aware of how significant conservation is. Oh, and the best part of today is something you would be extremely proud to hear…I shoveled some poo onto a truck and then stood on it and drove it to a dump site. We’re accompanied by baboons at our camping site and apparently an elephant paid a visit when we weren’t here. This was definitely a simplified account of my day don’t worry you’ll know every last detail by the time when I’m home. I’m looking forward to the next 2 weeks and don’t worry I’m doing fine and am well fed. Love, Eeman.

 

Daniel

On the first day we had two flights which lasted 10 hours which was a nightmare. After the flight we had a 7 hour journey to the campsite but it only we uphill from there. On the second day we went to the supermarket to get some water and after that we went on a game drive. I forgot to bring my camera so I couldn’t take any pictures sadly. I did see an elephant, a rhino and three cheetahs. On the third day we woke up early and had breakfast and then went to a chimpanzee sanctuary while there we walked around the enclosure picking up sticks and stones that the chimps would use to dig out or make makeshift ladders with we then also got to see the chimps one named coco. We then went to a presentation in which we were told about how white and black rhinos are becoming extinct and how they dealt with poaches. We then went on a walk in a place called hippo hide and there was a chance we could see a hippo. We didn’t. we then went to see Sudan who is the last white male rhino and I took a picture with him. After that we helped put shovel rhino poo into the back of a truck we then rode in the same truck trying not to fall off or over. After we met barrack a rhino who lost both his eyes one to a fight and the other catarax. So far I have been really enjoying being in Africa and im fine.

daniel

 

Sam Matthewman

Hi folks! We have been in Africa two full days now and it is amazing. The flights were long but good, I enjoyed them. We have travelled to get to camp and have been on game drives. The truck is different but kind of comfy. I have seen cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and so much more. The food has been nice and I’ve been eating. I am good and getting comfortable to Africa still. There have been so many new experiences which I can’t wait to tell you all about!

Love Sam x

 

Abigail Pentney

Hi!

I didn’t have time to write a diary yesterday as I was helping with washing up! I hope you didn’t worry too much but we’re here safe and sound. We’re all very tired from the travelling and we didn’t get to sleep on Saturday night at all! Today we went to see chimpanzees in a sanctuary and it was amazing to be so close to them – they tried to throw things at us! We also got to see the last remaining male northern white rhino which was heartbreaking. I got to touch him and get a photo. We also saw five cheetahs, which is very rare! I am already to glad to be back in Africa although it is different without Grace. Everyone in the group is lovely and I’ve been getting to know everyone. I can’t wait to get to Tanzania and the Snake Park and get to the schools which are my favourite part! Hope your last week at school is bearable and everyone is okay! I am having an amazing time. Love you all lots!

Abi xxx

 

Elodie saha

Community. That is the word I’ve learned in the short space of 3 days. It’s hard to put into word how passionate the people I’ve met are of their jobs. There is much more to looking after animals- having gained a lot more of respect to how their care for the environment and their community settling for the best standards to provide for others. Today we went to see chimpanzees in a sanctuary and it was incredible- their similarities are uncanny! Furthermore I’ve seen the last remaining male northern white rhino which was so amazing. Yesterday, we went on a game drive and words cannot explain how amazing the experience was…despite the fact that I nearly knocked out people with my massive telephoto lens! Don’t worry ive taken plenty of images nearly filled up my SD card. I’ll see you all in 17 days, love you all! Xxx

 

Ameer Ali

Hi! In the space of 3 days being in Kenya as been magnificent. I have learnt so many new things. The people are so passionate of there jobs. It is hard how I feel as I am overwhelmed as there is so many people who are so great to us, and they speak good English- it has also made me feel more about respectful on looking after animals the way the people have treated them. When we arrived the Kenya we to the truck to our campsite so it allows us to get set up. After awhile we all got back on the truck for a game drive which gave me the opportunity to see many different animals; giraffes, cheater! (Which is rare to see up close), gazelles e.t.c. Furthermore, today we woke up at 5.45am to have breakfast at 6. After breakfast we went to a chimpanzee sanctuary which I seen Connor (thought id get away) but it was so amazing their enclosure is 1km square grid, it was huge. I and the group helped the workers to throw the rocks and sticks on the other side of the fence to stop the chimps from throwing them at people. When they came out of their hut they were big but they were fascinating to watch them. The heaviest the sanctuary has had was 85kg. Later on we went to a hotel and just outside the groups planted a tree. Also, the group got back on the truck and visited a rhinos which is in OL PEJETA, their had the very last MALE white Sudan as they are going extinct when I found that out I felt touched and heartbroken knowing it wont be here soon. We also helped the workers to scoop poop into a truck which the group had to ride into, to scoop it out. I have taken many many photos in the time I have been here, unfortunately the camera died on me when I visited the rhinos.

 

Olivia Sharrocks

Felt like the longest day ever yesterday as we had travelled all day Saturday and then once we got to Nairobi we got straight on the truck and drove 7 hours to Ol Pejeta. Therefore I didn’t get a lot of sleep as it’s hard to sleep on a plane and on the truck. Once we got to Ol Pejeta we went on a game drive round the conservation to see all the animals that are on it. We saw giraffes which was amazing to see as I love them and we also saw elephants with their little babies. we were also very lucky as we got to see cheetahs while we were on the game drive. Today we were up very early at 5:45 which was hard as I was very tired and didn’t want to get out of bed although the bed wasn’t that comfy. Once we were up we went to the chimpanzee sanctuary which was really good as we help them to clean out the enclosure of sticks and rocks so they can’t throw them at the tourists when they come. Then once the enclosure was cleared out we could see them get released into it which was a good experience as they made a lot of noise to come out and then we watched them get fed. When they wanted more they would stamp their feed and hold their hand out. After that we went to see the only male northern white rhino called sudan and that was a very emotional experience as it was sad as he was the only one left and its hard for them to produce again.

 

Joe Readshaw

Today we visited a chimpanzee sanctuary which was a lot of fun, it is strange to see how they are so similar to humans, and of course the day started off slowly I am still tired from the long journey but slowly recovering. The tour guides and staff are very friendly and interesting, I have learned a lot of information about the animals found here. Yesterday on our game drive I spotted three cheetahs next to the side of the road and we saw five in total which is very rare. So far I haven’t seen any lions so I hope to see some tomorrow. We also visited the Rhino Sanctuary today and visited Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino which was amazing, I don’t think ill be able to experience something like that again. Overall I am really enjoying the trip and I know that it will only get better from here.

 

Jack Beckley

Yesterday we went on some game drives and the animals we saw were breath taking, we saw cheetahs, giraffes, rhinos and elephants. Most of the animals were quite shy so photos were difficult to take. Today we visited the Chimpanzee sanctuary which was an enjoyable experience; we walked around the perimeter of the enclosure picking up sticks and stones so the chimpanzees won’t throw them at other visitors. Afterwards we had a chance to get photos of them in the enclosure. Then we had a talk on conservation which was very interesting. Meeting Sudan, the last male northern white rhino was definitely the most enjoyable and emotional experience so far, we got to take photos with him then we cleaned his enclosure and got a ride in a trailer full of his poo which was an amazing experience. We went and fed Baraka a blind black rhino which was fun. So far the experience has been amazing and am looking forward to what comes next.

 

James Proud

Yesterday was a challenge at first: a 10 hour flight and a seven hour truck drive. However, it was all forgotten when we went on a game drive. We saw Giraffes, Water Buffalo, and Cheetahs. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Today, we visited a Chimpanzee sanctuary and I remember being beyond excited to see them. At first, we swept the perimeter for stones and sticks so the Chimps wouldn’t escape. Then they let the Chimps into the enclosure and it was amazing; they were so human that I felt I could shake their hands. I got loads of photos. Then we met the last male Northern White Rhino, which was a very harrowing experience. To come face to face with such a finite outcome will definitely stay with me forever. Then mucked out the cage and road in the poop truck with was… unique. We also fed a Black Rhino which was quite scary. All in all, I have had a great time and can’t wait for more. I just want to thank my Dad for letting me come.

 

Rebecca Henderson

Yesterday was very tiring as we got off the plane in Nairobi at 2:00am. After this we then drove for about 7 hours to get to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It is a very beautiful location and is full of wildlife. We went on a game drive and saw a lot of animals like cheetahs, warthogs, giraffes and elephants. We still need to find a lion. Today we woke up very early and went to a Chimpanzee Sanctuary, I was very nervous but had a lot more fun than I thought I would. W walked around the perimeter of the enclosure to get rid of sticks and stones that the chimpanzees could se to throw at us or break the fence. I got lots of good pictures and the chimpanzees were very interesting to watch and learn about. We then had a presentation on the conservancy and black rhinos. We then planted a tree in teams, and my team finished first. After this we went to visit Sudan, the last male northern white rhino. We learnt a lot about him. Then we went into the enclosure for the last 2 female northern white rhinos. We then cleaned out the dung from their cage into a trunk, then we stood in the dung on the truck to dump it. We went to Sweetwater for a drink and I had the best fanta I’ve ever had in my life.

 

Anna Waddington

God it’s hot but absolutely at the same time! The flights over were not as bad as I thought they were gong to be, thankfully I was distracted with movies. When we got to Nairobi airport, we loaded up the truck and met the crew who are all really nice. We drove to Ol Peteta Convservancy where we created camp. It’s a stunning location where there’s a river next to it and you can see the baboons and elephants going to get a drink- we’ve also had baboons running through the camp. Later that day we went on a game drive where we saw elephants, giraffes and warthogs. We also got really close to some cheetahs which we amazing and I got some great photos of them! The food is also delicious, we’ve had fresh sandwiches and I even had lettace, but my favourite was probably the Spag Bol. Camping also went really well, luckily I was put with two people who I’m friends with so it was fun. This morning we got up really early to go to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary where we helped the keepers remove any weapons the chimpanzees could use against the tourists! When the chimpanzees were let out they threw a stone at us lol! We went with the conservancy to plant some trees and out group- Team Rafiki- finished first. It was actually hilarious; I’ve never laughed so much! We then went on a trek to find some hippos but unfortunately we couldn’t see any- the man who led us was the nicest person I’ve ever met. Then we went back to camp for lunch. The afternoon was definitely the highlight of the trip so far. First, we went to meet the last White Male Rhino, Sudan, who I got to meet and stroke. It defiantly gave us some moral lessons about life and social behaviour. Then we mucked out the enclosure for the female white rhinos, we got in the truck with all the poop and drove it to a dump site, it was so funny everyone was nearly falling over in the poo. Next we went to meet Baraka the blind rhino who I even fed! He lost sight in his right eye from fighting and the other at twenty four when he had a catarax. We then went to Sweetwater where I bought a fanta! Finally, we went to the camp to have dinner.