One of my decisions to go to Kenya was to visit a very dear friend, Kui, who I worked with in Brighton, but now has returned to Kenya to be nearer her family. A short flight took me from Dar to Nairobi and after filling out a hundred forms, I cleared customs and Kui was waiting for me in arrivals. After Zanzibar and Dar, it was so wonderful to see a familiar face and I may have even had a tear or two in my eyes. I think it was 3 years ago that Kui left England, but it could have been yesterday. We chatted non-stop to my hotel, trying to catch up on each other’s news. My hotel was very comfortable and Kui sat in the garden while I checked in and freshened up.
For the next 3 days, Kui had basically arranged everything. I just sat back and enjoyed being ‘looked after’. That 1st afternoon we went to a giraffe sanctuary/breeding facility. There is now approximately only 700 Rothschild giraffes left in the wild, and they are helping improve the numbers with breeding and education. We were able to feed the giraffe which initially Kui struggled with but was eventually very brave and managed ??
After the giraffes we went to a shopping mall and then a bar for a quick drink before meeting up with one of Kui’s colleagues. It was really interesting to hear about how doctors are trained in Kenya (they aren’t paid) and also learn a little about the Kenyan health service. The restaurant we went to was also great. There was a buffet for salad/veg/sides and then waiters came round the tables with ‘meat’ and carved it straight onto your plate. It was eat as much as you want!! As usual I wasn’t very adventurous. ?
The next day a driver/guide Picked us both up and we headed towards Lake Nakuru National Park. Our 1st stop was at The Great Rife Valley view point. The Great Rift Valley is a series of contiguous geographic trenches, approximately 6,000 kilometres in total length, that runs from the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon in Asia to Mozambique in Southeast Africa. Such an amazing sight and the views were stunning.
Sugar….our guide/driver 
After the stop we continued to Lake Nakuru. We did a short game drive before reaching our lodge. Once again it was just amazing to see so many animals in the wild, I have been truly spoilt since I’ve been in Africa. The lake is currently quite high and some of the trees on the edges have died because of the flooding. We had lunch at the lodge then went back out for a longer game drive.
White Rhino 
Rothschild giraffe 
Lions 
In the National Park we also stopped at a waterfall, where we were allowed out of the vehicle.
After the waterfall, it was starting to get a bit late, so we headed back to the lodge, but continued looking out for the animals and birds in the park.
The lodge we stayed in was gorgeous. We shared a room despite me warning Kui that a had a slight snoring problem…she said she didn’t mind as it was only for one night…she may have regretted that decision the following morning, but was too polite to mention it (Jill Curd ??). The lodge also put on a show of traditional dance and singing which was great. The food was also fabulous.
The following morning we were up and out very early so to catch the animals (I’d forgotten what early starts were like ?). I still hadn’t seen a leopard but Sugar (The guide) said one was spotted the previous night and he was going to head to that area. We managed to get really close to a lion and then just as Sugar was leaving the ‘leopard’ area, he thought he had seen something. Binoculars confirmed there was a leopard up a tree. We we so excited and thrilled to see this. I didn’t really take any photos because I was enjoying the moment, and it was quite along way away. The leopard then got up and walked off the tree, and as we were watching that, another one appeared from the tree branches…a large ‘baby’. OH MY WORD….what an absolute privilege to see this. I may have had to wipe away a tear from my eyes ??
After seeing the leopards we started headed out of the park, but still saw loads more animals and birds.
After leaving the National park we headed to Lake Naivasha for a boat trip. Once again a fantastic experience. We saw loads of birds, hippo, people fishing and general lake life. After the boat trip we headed back to Nairobi where I got to meet Kui’s lovely brother and his family, such an honour ??
The next day I left Nairobi to fly to Dubai, but had the opportunity to stop off at the hospital where Kui works for a quick tour. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital is a wonderful facility. They had everything, if not better, equipment that we have in our UK children’s hospital. The staff made me feel very welcome and we shared the traumas of being hard working nurses ?. I especially enjoyed meeting the Theatre Manager, our job really is the same the world over.
The little I saw of Nairobi I got the impression it is a young vibrant city with a lot to offer. It‘s obviously has been shaken by terrorist attacks (like lots of places) over the last few years, but the hotels and shopping malls etc, have airport style security everywhere, which gives you a feeling of safety. I can’t thank Kui enough for the welcome I received and all the organising of a perfect trip. I really hope we don’t have to wait another 3 years for the next ‘catch up’.