2017 Trip – 18 July

Abi Pentney

Hi! I am having a fab time! We are currently on the truck listening to the music, on the way back to Nairobi. Ol Pejeta was amazing. We did a conservancy project which made me realise all the work that goes into the national park so people can enjoy the wildlife. Today we saw cattle getting de-horned and sprayed to protect them from tics. I have already taken some amazing photos and made some even better friends! I haven’t had a shower since Friday night and I already can’t wait to wash my hair! We didn’t get to see any lions yet but hopefully we will on the next safari! Everyone’s really tired because we had to wake up at 6am but we’ve had some early nights. Last night was really nice; we had a campfire and toasted marshmallows. We were telling stories and getting to know each other. I’m already grateful for everything I’ve got at home that is a privilege but I’m loving camping so far! Three more days left at school! Hope you’re all okay, love you all lots.

Abi xxx

 

Lauren Dalton

Sorry for not writing a diary before, I was too busy helping with the washing up (believe it or not)! Despite feeling extremely tired, I have had the time of my life during the past few days. Sleeping under the stars, amongst the animals, in Ol Pejeta’s bush camp was breathtaking and I have adjusted a lot more quickly than I thought I would. Everybody is getting on really well-it’s been great to talk to new people, especially the truck crew who have been very welcoming. Spending the past two days doing wildlife conservation in Ol Pejeta has been extremely eye-opening, and meeting Sudan (the last male Northern White Rhino) has put life into perspective and has given me a fresh perspective on things. I even enjoyed shovelling rhino poo and riding through the bush in a poo-filled trailer! We have so many more amazing things coming up which I can’t wait to tell you about! Thank you so much for letting me have this opportunity, I’ll see you soon!

Love, Lauren xxx

 

Polly Dowdle

We have been waking up ridiculously early (think 5 or 6 in the morning), but it gets dark about 7pm here so we also go to bed quite early. I stayed up later last night to take pictures of the sky which actually turned out really well! I forgot my tripod but I improvised by using a chair and tilting the camera carefully. I’ve already taken over 500 photos on our game drives as there have been so many animals, but unfortunately there were no lions. On one drive we also shovelled rhino dung and rode on the trailer with it in! At the same time we met Sudan and got a picture with him (rhino skin is so hard! It felt like rock.)

Today we woke up at 6 and went on a game drive to try and find lions again but we were unsuccessful. Then we went to the cattle ranch as there are hundreds of cattle in the conservancy and we watched the rangers remove the calves’ horns to prevent them fighting each other and hurting themselves. Right now we’re on the truck back to Nairobi and it’s going to take 7 hours to get there.

Love Polly x

 

James Proud

One thing I’ve learned about being here is that it gets dark as fast as you can blink. Consequently, we have to DEET up really quickly. I’ve also learned that DEET is really good for drying out spots so you know the small victories.

Last night, we had a campfire and toasted some marshmallows, which I haven’t done for a long time – I enjoyed it a lot.

This morning, however was the best as we went on our last game drive and saw elephants! I got so many photos. They’re so massive but graceful at the same time. Then we watched cattle being herded and de-horned, which wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Overall, I have really enjoyed these past few days – even more so after I got into the swing of things.

 

Anna Waddington

Hiya everyone- missing you! This morning we got up early because we had to pack up all of our stuff up as we are moving camps this afternoon. This morning the crew made us sausage sandwiches for breakfast and they were delicious! We went for our last game drive at Ol Pejeta. We saw a whole herd of elephants drinking at a water supply and some herds of giraffes. Then we went with the conservancy to go and see how they put an anti tick stain on the cows. They also removed the horns of the younger cows so that they didn’t fight with others and get injured. It was really hard to watch and I’m still scared of cows, but we were assured they were doing it for the cows benefit. Next we began our drive back to Nairobi where we are staying at a Wildebeest Camp.

 

Elodie saha

Jambo! Still enjoying the days in sunny Africa, we haven’t stopped moving about. I’m still adjusting to the early mornings but thankfully the chef makes a great breakfast, sausage sandwiches and mangos. Following this morning we went for our last game drive at Ol Pejeta and finally seen elephants-many of them at a water source, that was such a precious experience as they we in their habitat not restricted in cages. I can’t wait to show you all my photos…too many to count. Currently on our long drive to Nairobi, to the wilder beast camp. At least we have the random music playlist to listen to. Lots of love to you all elodie xxxxx

 

Joe Carter

Hi all! Still having a blast here, really enjoying myself. Only been here a few days and im a very nice shade of brown but I did burn my nose. Yesterday will be a day I remember for a very long time as I got to meet Sudan, and his two ladies. Then we all got set a job and we had to scoop the rhinos poop and then we stood in the trailer of the truck with all the poo. The food isn’t too bad here, ive had cornflakes the last two morning and last night I had a flavoured chicken leg with rice and I had seconds as I enjoyed it. Were just on our drive back to the new campsite listening to this playlist and all the songs are very good. Say hi to lola for me please and hope yous aren’t missing me too much xx

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

Jambo!! Missing everyone so much and even Tilly my little sidekick. I am having the most amazing time. Yesterday we had to get up really early which you would guess was a very big struggle for me but it was worth it. First, we went to a chimpanzee sanctuary which was quite scary at first to be honest as they made so much noise but they were hilarious waving for food and pinching each others food as soon as they were out. The highlight of my day was meeting Sudan the last of his kind and getting a picture with him. It made me think about life and how we need to respect others lives and not take anything for granted as they are struggling to do anything to help him which is devastating. I am proud to say that I have met him. It was a life changing day and very emotional. The food has been amazing we had spaghetti on the first night and chicken and rice last night. For breakfast this morning we had sausage sandwiches which I am extremely grateful for as they were amazing. We are now on a veryyyy long trip back to Nairobi which is very draining but it has to be done. Missing you all and love you all so much. Already cannot wait to come back and tell you all about it and sleep in a comfy bed. Xxx

Today we woke up around the same time and had to pack our bags and tents as we were moving to a different campsite. We had sausage sandwiches for breakfast which were very nice. We then went on another game drive where I got a couple of good pictures. After we went to a bomas which is where cattle are kept. We then set off for a very long drive to Nairobi which we are on now. I can’t wait to tell you more about the trip as im loving it so far.

Daniel Jones

 

Rachel Smith

We’ve seen almost all the different animals in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy! If you ever forget where you are in the world, especially whilst enjoying your food, there’s always some baboons chilling next to you to remind you exactly where you are and how lucky you are to be here. Meeting Sudan was incredible but its such a heartbreaking story, all the staff are so passionate about conserving the wildlife its really touching, they treat them like friends. We’re on our way back to Nairobi now to the next camp which I’m excited for but packing up was a nightmare this morning I needed you desperately to sort my bag out Mam haha. Anyway just want to let you know I’m doing great, I’m missing you all (tell my bed I miss it loads too). Love you all x

 

Stephanie Julier

We started yesterday with a chimpanzee sanctuary and it was amazing we got to see them fed, I got a lot of pictures. We had a talk about animals and how Ol Pajeta protects them, after that we went to collect manure to plant trees. It took ages but it was well worth it. On the way back from planting trees we saw many animals, it’s incredible how many types of different animals are in the same place! We then went to see Sudan. We had a talk about his past and it was heartbreaking. He’s the last white rhino and he’s 44 years old! That’s incredible for a rhino. We got pictures taken with him. Then we shovelled Rhino poo into a truck and once wed finished that we all got in the truck and rode in it into the wilderness, it’s defiantly a ride I won’t forget. We’re moving camp tomorrow so we had to re pack our bags. You’d be proud mum because I did it with room to spare! Today we are moving camps but before that we had another game drive. We managed to see a group of 10 elephants up close! We are now driving to another camp site and on the way everyone was yelling Jambo at us as we passed, it made me feel welcome and made me understand how kind Africans can be. Anyway I’m having a great time but miss everyone loads including Dusty! Love you and tell the pets I do too x

 

Joe Readshaw

Today we woke up a little later than yesterday, about 6 o’clock; I’m slowly getting used to waking up early and have more energy already. We started with an early morning game drive and saw much more elephants than yesterday, two herds of them which was amazing. Then we headed to a cattle ranch to see them organised into different areas and the process of keeping them healthy and clean. We are leaving the Ol Pejeta camp site, it will be a very long journey but we have music to lighten the mood a little and I am excited to see the next campsite.

 

Rebecca Henderson

Today we had to pack our bags as we needed to move to a new camp, which was very stressful. I couldn’t fit most my stuff back into my holdall and I now have to carry a lot of it around in my hand luggage. Before we set off for the new camp we went to cattle ranch. We watched them burn off the calf’s horns and clip their ear; I didn’t like that very much. Then the adults had a shower to get rid of their ticks. I am excited to see the new campsite but also very tired.

 

Josef Ramsay

Jambo everyone at home!!

Yesterday we arrived at the airport at 1;45 in the morning, as a shattered, tired lad I was excited to getting back to Africa and seeing the crew. After two days of no sleep, on the way to Ol Pejeta I made sure that I got plenty of sleep. When we arrived at Ol Pejeta we went we go the site set up and got ourselves prepared for the safari, over the two and half days we spent here I was going to find out what an amazing place Ol PEJETA IS. On the safari we seen plenty of animals, some that I didn’t even see on the previous trip. It was incredible to be able to see all these amazing animals so close up, especially the cheetahs, elephants and giraffes. I got some beautiful photos of them and I can’t wait to show you.

On the Monday we were straight back out really early on another game drive, everyone was still exhausted but excited at the same time, being out early gave us the opportunity to see some animals you don’t get to see during the day. Unfortunately we didn’t see any lions but we may as well of seen everything else, hyenas, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, waterhogs etc. it was great to see these animals especially with some of them being very rare. After we had been on the drive we went to the chimpanzees sanctuary before opening so we could join in with the staff on the daily duties, we walked round the 1k squared enclosure to ensure it is safe and then went back to let them out and give them food. Seeing all of the chimps coming out wild and screaming, but seeing them so disciplined when they were waiting for feeding was incredible. I got some amazing videos and photos of the chimps misbehaving and being cheeky as well as good for food. Later on in the day we had an amazing opportunity of seeing possibly the LAST northern white male rhino, Sudan. It was amazing and sad at the same time to see this virtually extinct animal past his time unable to reproduce. We learnt a lot about Sudan and the other 2 last females of this species and how they are unable to reproduce and how they are investing millions trying to bring in another generation in surrogate mothers, its awful to hear that an animal as amazing as the northern white has gotten to this point. Yesterday was perfect day and Ol Pejeta has been a real eye opener.

Today we have been on another game drive and our last morning at Ol Pejeta; once again it was great to see all the animals and families of giraffes and elephants together which I was able to capture on the camera. After the drive went to see all the cows go through there weekly cleaning, the older cows get washed down to make sure that they don’t have tics which is good to see however the calf were getting dragged to get there ears clipped and there horns burnt off to prevent danger if they fight. Seeing that happen to the calves was awful but I know it was done for there own good. We are on our way to the wildebeest camp and have got the Africa 2017 play list on, speak to you all soon and ill keep you updated on this amazing journey.

Love Joe

 

Georgia Linton

Hey everyone at home,

Yesterday we went to meet some chimpanzees which was exciting, they’re going extinct so they were in a enclosure. It was a funny experience as they were throwing stones at us. We also went to see the last 3 white rhinos. It was so upsetting as the people here are so passionate about them going extinct. I wanted to cry but I held back the tears. I got a picture with Sundan as he’s old and we could touch him which was amazing! They really care about their wildlife which I never thought they would have. We also went to see some cattle be sprayed with a chemical and have their horns removed to stop them fighting but I couldn’t watch it. They were dragging them and hitting them but I know that’s how they have to be. The little babies were having their horns burnt off and I should of asked if it hurt them because It did so that made it worse but its reality.

Honestly it really is another life here. We’re driving through to Nairobi to another camp called Wilder beast camp which is exciting because it’s apparently got WARM SHOWERS!!! I’m stinking and my hairs so greasy… Driving to the new camp it opens your eyes a lot as you see how the people live and I did cry. I just want to help them . even the cows and sheep are all thin. They’re hardly any grass due to the drought. It breaks my heart even more because I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t smiled and been so respectful. Even when were driving the people wave and smile at us all and they have nothing. I imagined the homes bad but they’re worse than I imagined. The crew who were with (cooks, drivers) have all had a smile on their face even though they don’t have anything, some have holes in their shoes and I just want to give them mine because I know I’m coming home to everything and my family. They’ve left their poor family to come and look after us who have everything and I found out this is the only work they get is when we come so the money has to last them a year. Can’t even put in to words how sad it all is but its also lovely because everyone is lovely. I haven’t even been to meet any children yet or families which is exciting but I know it’s going to be heart breaking which I’m not prepared for but no one could be. It’s crazy here wish you could all see it!

I love you all and miss you… love Georgia.

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello, to everyone back home.

Yesterday was a very busy day we experienced so much in a short time. For example we went to a chimpanzee sanctuary, it was really amazing, we were allowed to be so close to them and it was really extraordinary. We also went to meet Sudan the last Northern White male rhino it was life changing especially when we could touch him and get our picture with him. It was also very emotion listening to his careers talk about him so passionately; it was very inspiring. As well as that we went to see Baracca a blind southern white rhino who we were allowed to feed it was great. However before that we planted a rare sapling to help the wild life conservancy, I feel really proud for contributing to a great cause. In addition we also when on another safari which we saw cheetas and many more it was amazing. I can’ forget to tell you about our tents late night visit from the baboons, in which the where hitting the tent and playing with the zip, it scary but great at the same time.

Today, we went on a early morning safari ride after packing up everything from camp, it was great as I got a close up picture of elephants, giraffes, and a black rhino. Currently we are traveling to our new camp where there is some showers. FINALLY! After all we haven’t been able to shower since we left.

Well bye for now. I love and miss you all…Ellie

 

Erin Williams

Yesterday we did so much that I can barely remember it all, starting with seeing the Chimps – it was strange how clever they seemed to be. We also learnt a lot about the conservation work that goes on which was fascinating. What really stood out for me though was meeting Sudan the last male northern white rhino, it was insane to think about how there’s a possibility he could be the last, I couldn’t help but get emotional hearing about him although I hope he won’t be the last. We also got to feed a black rhino who was blind which was sad, but I’m glad I had the experience. Last night was amazing just to look at the stars seeing as you can’t see them where we live. Surprisingly I also got a good amount of sleep despite the Baboons and other animals outside. This morning we went to see how they work with the cattle which I’m sure was interesting but I couldn’t watch as they were burning the horns off the calves – I’m way too squeamish.

I’m missing you all back home, mostly Wonky to be honest, but I’m getting on well here and I feel happy so there’s no need to worry about me! Love you all x

 

Ameer Ali Last night was amazing at lunch time as it was getting dark and the stars were out and they were phenomenal much better than here then back at home. The lunch was amazing as I had 3 dishes of the chicken and rice. People were getting along with each other; I already have a bro-mance with someone. Today we got up at 5:45 to get our backs packed and put our tent away, afterwards we went on an early game drive to attempt to see the lions also we went to see the how they work with the cattle, they burnt off the horns I couldn’t watch them do that.

I love you all; there is no need to panic as I am having the time of my life. I miss you guys.

 

 

Sam Matthewman

Hi! I am good and the trip is going great. I am really enjoying the experience. Yesterday we all met Sudan the last Southern White Rhino and got pictures with him. There was a morning game drive today and there was so much wildlife out to see. We haven’t seen any lions yet though. I have been getting some pictures and some people got some great pictures of the stars last night. We are traveling this afternoon, but so far it has been incredible and there is still so much left! I am doing well and getting slightly tanned. I will see you when I get back soon.

Lots of love Sam x

 

Olivia Sharrocks

Hi everything as been amazing so far I am having such a good time. Last night we had tea and waited until it was dark then once it was we all got round the fire and eat toasted marshmallows round the fire. After that it was so dark that you could see how bright the stars actually are and that was really great to see. We then got the choice to either start getting ready for bed or go on a walk to see if we could see any animals which I wanted to do. While we were on the walk we saw a bush baby in the tree and we got really close to it you could see how big its eyes were it was so cute. Today we went on an early game drive were we saw elephants up really close, they are such beautiful animals. Now we are on the truck listening to peoples music that they pick as we travel 6 and a half hours back to Nairobi.

Love and miss you liv.

 

Eeman Dad

Africa, I don’t even know how to put It into words! It stirs so many emotions from amazement, joy and excitement to heartbreak and anger! The people of Ol Pejeta have been amazing hosts and have made everyone feel so welcome. Their passion for the conservancy and its wildlife is extremely inspiring. We experienced the local people de-horning their cattle, its so insightful, we solely see the meat on our plate as opposed to the entire process behind it. ITS MAD!!!! We have also promised to spread awareness bgv regarding the importance of conservation, as a group of young individuals we may have a greater impact as the situation will then become a more current topic. The ability to do this has made me extremely proud and inspired. Guess what? We saw elephants today, a heard of them!!!!!!! I almost cried…IM SO HAPPY. This morning really tested my time management skills, never felt so stressed and pressured in my life! We had 30 mins to pack our bags, take our tent down and get dressed, it may not sound that difficult but goodness me! We are currently on our way to a new campsite in Nairobi. Kenya is so beautiful and everyone here is so lovely and welcoming, left right and centre individuals are motivating each other and wishing each other a good and prosperous life. It’s really eye-opening, that when people don’t take things for granted, their outlook on life is much more positive and optimistic. This has really made me appreciate what I already have and whatever is to come in the future I should look forward to. The crew are lovely, Wiki (the cook) is giving me a little tour of Kenya as we drive to Nairobi.

Missing you all so much! Can’t wait to tell you all about it! We have done soo much and It has only been 4 days (well 2 if you remove the traveling)! Love you and leave you, until tomorrow!