2017 Trip – 19 July

Sam Matthewman

Hi folks! Yesterday after travelling to Nairobi we set up camp. I’ve had my first shower last and it was slightly cold but refreshing. I got to wash my hair at least. The evening meal was alright, but we did have ice cream for dessert which was lovely. Today we are travelling to Tanzania so it is a long day in the truck but it is good fun. We crossed the border which took two hours but we are back on the road. I am having fun and it is a great experience so far.

Love you all, Sam x

 

Erin Williams

Yesterday we were back in Nairobi for one night and we were finally able to have our first shower, I finally feel human again after that it was lovely despite being freezing cold. We were even given some ice cream after our meal which was delicious but the first sugar I’ve had in a while so last night was definitely fun. We’ve been travelling all day today so I’m absolutely shattered as getting over the border took so long but the truck rides aren’t too bad as everyone is easy to get along with. I’m still in really good spirits and looking forward to getting to the snake park.

Missing you all, Erin.

 

Ameer Ali

Hey guys yesterday we got back to Nairobi just for a night and the camp was so lovely had showers and clean toilets. At dinner time we had stew and mash, for dessert there was ice cream! My friend El put my hair in a bun wait more like pineapple. This morning some of the group woke up slightly early as they wanted to get a shower (including me) however, the shower was stone cold but it was so refreshing for my hair. Then as a team we helped to get the tents down and onto the truck the same with packing our backs. At around about 7:15am we were on route for Tanzania, the route is long as we are still on it at 14:20. We then had to cross the border which too like 3 hours but we are back on track. I am having such a great time out here and it is a huge experience so far and many more to come.

 

Stephanie Julier

Last night we had our first shower, everyone was complaining that it was too cold but I loved it. Then Erin put my hair into a scalp plait. This morning we got up really early again and packed up everything so we could get on our way to Tanzania. When we got to the border it took us 4 hours to get through which was incredibly tiring and boring. It was finally 2:40 when we got past the borders. We’ve played multiple games and listened to a lot of music. I’ve never know so many people get to know each other in so little time! We’re like one big family. I miss and love you all!

 

Joe Readshaw

We moved camp last night to a site close to Nairobi called Wilder beast Camp, and I finally got my first shower which was a relief. Today we packed our things up to cross the border from Kenya into Tanzania, it was a long journey, about three hours to the border, and it took another three almost to get through the border control, it was very exhausting. I am really excited to arrive at the SnakePark and meet the people there.

 

Elodie saha

Hello again, the days are going too fast.

Yesterday we moved camp to the eco wilderbeast camp, where I had my first proper wash in 4 days- don’t underestimate the power of baby wipes! The journey was painfully long to get there but our chef made an amazing beef stew which I cannot fault despite his portion sizes that can feed a village (I shouldn’t really complain). Don’t worry Mam I’m eating well. We crossed the border today from Kenya to Tanzania with a day long journey waking too early for my liking- 5:45am. I’m emotionally and physically exhausted yet we are promised by Peter a lie in tomorrow when we arrive at the Messerani Snakepark. I can’t wait!!! Love you all elodie xxxx

 

Georgia Linton

Hi family! Missing you all so much, here makes you really appreciate family. MASSIVE HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAHAM! Have the best day, love you.

We’re travelling to Tanzania from Kenya which is a 7 hour drive and I’ve already been sick twice from car sickness lol. Crossing the boarder was a nightmare it took 2 and a half hours because they do everything by writing it its not on any computer system so it takes ages. I though Kenya was very poor but Tanzania where we’re going now is poorer which im dreading seeing, really is distressing. The land is much drier so they cant grow many crops and the animals are so anorexic because there is no grass to eat. What I have noticed parents are always either carrying their children or holding their hands and its lovely to see because you can see they love their children. I feel already emotionally exhausted and I’m shattered we’ve been getting up most days 5:45 and setting off for the day at 7ish. It’s so cute as well seeing the kids all in their school uniforms leaving or going to school and they all wave when you wave at them. The kids are so cute and happy too but their days are just herding cattle all day and sitting on the edge of road just for the day to pass because they can’t go to school, can’t tell you how sad it is. Its like bitter sweet really, the experience is amazing but very distressing and its true what they say its out of sight out of mind but these poor people.  Also, there’s also people always sleeping at 7:30 in the morning in the city on the side of the path on the grass which I don’t know if they have no where to live or they’re just sleeping there.

We’ve also passed some of the biggest mountains called Meru and Longieo which was very fascinating I wouldn’t want to climb one they’re huge! I can’t believe Aunty Anne climbed one the Kilimanjaro. But honestly everything is good and I love the people I’m with.

Will see you soon,

Lots of love G x

 

Lauren Dalton

Yesterday, we settled in Wildebeest Eco camp, Nairobi, and it’s been my favourite night so far. We all had our first shower which, despite being freezing, felt like the best shower I’ve ever had! Everyone gathered to eat tea (which was delicious by the way-all the meals so far have been amazing!) and then we all had a hair-braiding bonding session- even the boys joined in! Today we’re doing the 7 hour drive to Tanzania. Crossing the border was slightly stressful, but the journey has been enjoyable, as we’ve all been singing and dancing to the play list. Driving through Tanzania, we have passed many Maasai people and you can already tell that the people here aren’t as prosperous as in Kenya. That being said, everyone waves at us with big grins as the truck drives through the towns and villages. I can’t wait to visit the schools and meet some amazing people. Although I’m having so much fun, I miss you all dearly and you’re all always on my mind. I’ll see you in 15 days!

Love, Lauren xxx

 

Daniel Jones

Once we made it to wildebeest eco camp I was excited to see that they had a shower. In the morning I woke up earlier than others to have a shower it was absolutely freezing but I was just glad I could have one. We set off at around 7 for the journey to Tanzania. Crossing the border was quite tedious as there were more steps than needed. As we were going through Tanzania we saw some Maasai children working on crop fields. In a couple of hours we will be in Meserani Snake Park where we will stay for 10 days. I’m really looking forward to these days as we will be visiting the schools and meeting the children that are being sponsored. I’m enjoying my time here and cant wait to see everyone.

Daniel.

 

Eeman

Hi everyone back home!

I’m missing you all so much. So I had my first shower yesterday after 4 sweaty days of no showering! I genuinely feel like a new person. We stayed at Wilderbeast camp. We are currently embarking on our journey to Tanzania, to the home of the Meserani Project – Meserani Snake Park. The journey hasn’t been too bad except the attempt to cross the boarder. I have never felt so relieved that we crossed successfully without a bag check – packing this morning was a nightmare. The scenic views in Tanzania are breathtaking and they have inspired me to climb a mountain in Africa – I know you will all be shaking your heads, but remember I climbed Roseberry Topping 10 times. OH, and I couldn’t be happier that Peter’s duty group are free for one day, because we have been travelling all day! YES. I’m so greatful that I have been able to come to Africa and I’m so appreciative of everyone who has allowed me to get here. Thank you. I am already planning (mentally) my next trip. I’m enjoying my time here and can’t wait to visit the schools and the children. Loving and missing you all!

Eeman xxx

 

Anna Waddington

Today we had to get up really early because we had to pack up the whole camp as we were travelling to Tanzania where we would be staying in the Meserani Snake Park. Apparently it has flushing toilets and a bar! I think I’m getting better at packing my suitcase but my sleeping bag is being a nightmare- I’ve got blisters on my fingers from tugging on the zip. So the drive to Tanzania would be six or seven hours and we had to cross the border from Kenya. It took around three hours to eventually get through and it was absolutely roasting. Like in France, there was a lot of being trying to flog us stuff all the time. It was a nightmare, but we did get back on the truck without them having to take all our bags off and inspecting them. We should get to the camp site at around 6, where I’m definitely going to buy a cold drink.

 

James Proud

We are heading for the Meserani Snake Park today and I can’t wait. Apparently, it’s the highlight of the trip but I’m not sure how the past few days can be topped. We had to get up early and pack up the tents etc. but I didn’t find that too bad. Yesterday evening, we got to have showers which made me feel human again.

The border crossing today took a while and I thought it would never end but we got underway and I’m so pleased.

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the information the guides at Ol Pejata gave us on how even the smallest purchase of something like paper can impact the ecosystem dramatically. When I get home, I’ll definitely make sure to listen to them and try to live more sustainably.

 

Abigail Pentney

We are finally on the way to Meserani Snake Park and I can’t wait! Today we had to wake up at 5:45am to pack up tents ready for the journey to Tanzania. Crossing the border took about three hours and it was very tedious. It seems that they have very complicated ways of doing things and I’m starting to see how corrupt the government really is – they have traffic lights on roundabouts but use police men to control traffic, who then charge people. I can’t wait to get to snake park and get to the schools which is what I’ve looked forward to the most. We started the journey at 7:15am today and are not due to arrive until around 6pm so it’s been a long day of travelling. Still enjoying myself so much! Love you all lots,

Abi xxx

Jack Beckley

Yesterday we went on another game drive and whilst we were on it we managed to get up close to some elephants and giraffes which was really a sight to behold. Afterwards we took part in an activity to do with cattle which was… interesting to say the least. We then set off on a day of travelling to get to our camp for the night which was amazing, I never thought I’d appreciate a cold shower as much in my life, it was an amazing feeling. Today we’re on yet another long day of travelling and the longest part was without a doubt the border crossing as we had to go to 3 separate buildings just to get through. I’m really enjoying my time here. I miss all of you, lots of love, Jacck

 

Ellie Coulton

Hello again,

Yesterday- so Tuesday- I briefly told you about what we did. It included and early morning safari drive which I took some amazing photos, almost as good as the ones you see on documentaries. Well after that we travelled the full day to reach a small camp site it was much more luxurious than the place we where staying before as it had showers and a toilet that wasn’t a hole in the ground. However it was just as exciting and memorable as the first place. Instead of taking that great shower I was hoping for it was very late so I woke up early this morning to get one. It was amazing!

Goodbye for now, I love and miss you all…Ellie

 

Isobel Mason-Nixon

Hello everyone missing you all and I hope you got home safe Dad. Can’t wait to see you all and love you all. I totally forgot to tell you something… Joe has tried food which you probably won’t believe but he has!! Also yesterday I forgot to tell you that we ended up in a trailer with Rhino dung which was very interesting but is definitely something unique and that I will never forget. Last night for tea we had beef stew with mash and vegetables which was beautiful. The chefs are amazing people and are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Last night I finally had my fist shower and it felt amazing to finally feel as clean as I can while I am here. Today (19 July) we have been driving since this morning at 7am and are travelling all day to the Meserani Snake Park. In between the journey we have had to stop to cross the border which took around 2 hours. I cannot wait to get there and set up and finally settle down. We have already seen children working for an income to survive which is so scary but they are the most hard working and dedicated to what they do in there life. It is amazing!! It already has been the most amazing experience of my life and I have only been here since Sunday. I cannot wait to share all of my amazing memories with you all. I love you all and miss you all so much and same to the Carter family missing you all and love you xx

 

Olivia Sharrocks

Hi everyone lastnight we got to a new campsite called wildebeest eco camp which was so beautiful it had a pool and lovely places to sleep in but we still slept in the tents which is very uncomfortable. When at the campsite I had my first shower which was amazing as it was so refreshing but it was cold because we got there late at night and as the showers are powered by solar panels I had goose bumps. We are now on our way to the Meserani snake park and we had to set off at 7 in the morning so I am fairly tired now. There has also been a lot of waiting as we had to get a new visa and get through border control which took over 2 hours so I was very bored while waiting. I hope you are all doing well and I miss you all so much. I also cant wait to show you all the amazing pictures that I have taken along the way.

Love you all lots liv x

 

Rachel Smith

Last nights camp was beautiful and … IT HAD SHOWERS!! Best shower of my life J. We’ve just crossed into Tanzania today, crossing the border was an absolute nightmare glad its over. Its crazy the difference between Nairobi and where we are driving now. In Nairobi its really built-up, so much more than I expected, with huge skyscrapers but here in Tanzania its like everyone is living off the land. We’ve passed kids that would be in school back in England but here they’re herding cattle or taking care of crops yet they still have big smiles on their faces. We’re heading to the Meserani Snakepark now and I can’t wait to meet the people that helped the Meserani Project get started and who do so much good in the community.

Missing you all x

Polly Dowdle

We arrived at Wildebeest Eco Camp last night just before dark and straight after we put up the tents I went in the shower for the first time since Friday!! They were freezing cold but it didn’t really matter as I was so dirty. We had some sort of stew for dinner which I tried and liked, and there was ice cream for the first time. My group was on duty so we did the washing up, which involved wafting plates dry as towels are unsanitary. This morning we woke up at 5:40 as we are travelling all day, which was exhausting. The stop at customs took nearly three hours in the hottest part of the day, and involved a lot of waiting (through lunch). In Kenya it is very green and lush, but in Tanzania it’s much more barren and therefore much poorer as the people live off the land growing maize and keeping cattle. The buildings are of a much lower standard and many children don’t even go to school. We are currently on our way to Meserani Snake Park, where we’ll be staying for most of the trip, which thankfully means we won’t have to pack up the tent for ages!

Miss you x

 

Josef Ramsay

Jambo family,

Last night we arrived at the Wildabeest Eco Camp and with the excitement of the camp having ‘davey gowers’ me and my tent mates had our tent up in quick time and I was straight over there. As Baltic as they were it was just good to get myself clean from something over than a wet wipe. Everyone was looking forward to tea after a long journey, we had stew and mash but the more important thing is the ice cream we had for desert! We had to get up extremely early today, 5:40 to be precise! We got packed up and down for breaky, we sett of from the camp at 7:30 after taking tents down, sorting the truck etc. we are now on route to Tanzania, however the border control was a nightmare and took over 3 hours, to move 200 yards! I cant wait to get to the snakepark and get settled for our time in Tanzania, its amazing to see the difference between Kenya and Tanzania but to see how much both places have been built up and developed in areas is great to see! Everyone on the trip is great and its been fantastic getting to know them all. Well be at snakepark in a couple hours so just travelling left today. Speak to you all soon!

Love joe x

 

Joe Carter

Hi everyone

Hope everything is going well at home and you aren’t missing me too much. Im doing great here so don’t worry about me, I am seriously having the best time ever and I have decided Africa is the most amazing and beautiful place I have ever visited and I am so glad I got this experience. Tell everyone how im doing and say hi to everyone please. We are currently travelling to snakepark and have been all day but we should be there soon but the journey hasn’t been to bad actually. It such an emotional place as one minute your on a high the next minute your on a low as you can see how the people here live. Not long ago we past a few schools and we saw all the children walking home alone and that shouldn’t be happening as they were all so young and small. However, last night was exciting as I had my first shower since leaving home on satruday morning. We stayed at a place called Wilabeest Eco campsite and had a very good evening, after my shower we had team and it was a beef stew with mash and vegetables and it was very enjoyable but as a little treat we had some ice cream that tasted amazing. Half way through todays travel we had to cross the border from Nairobi into Tanzania and it took about two hours which wsnt fun but it will be worth the wait. Im really excited for tomorrow and to meet the children but for now im going. Speak soon and stay safe and well

Love Joe xx