Samburu National Reserve Trip Where Van Fails Next To Lions

Samburu National Reserve Diary

Samburu National Reserve Trip Company Used:

Globus

Duration: 2 days, 03-04 April

Journal Author: Diane C Ross, USA

Centipede Picture by Bruce Whittaker (c)

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Diane is an adventure travel veteran. She became hooked on a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon after which she decided to go on adventure trips as often as possible. She has been on many over the years including a safari to the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya.

Accommodation:

The Samburu Serena Lodge in luxury air conditioned rooms with a separate bath/shower and best of all a veranda overlooking the river.

Travel Highlights:

On the drive into the park Diane saw a leopard and managed to get a few pictures although it was reasonably far away.

She also found out what happens when a safari van breaks down right next to a pride of lions.

There were three male lions sunning themselves and one of the other trucks reversed to get a better view but managed to get stuck in some mud.

The driver foolishly tried to open the van door and all three lions sprang instantly to their feet. He wisely closed the door again at that point and got on the two way radio for help. With a herd of impala distraction the lions and a van positioned between them and the stuck vehicle, three of the drivers managed to push it free. Close call.

Two cheetah found as they were finishing off the last of a meal they had managed to catch. They spent a lot of time afterwards cleaning each other just as domestic cats do.

Spectacular sighting of a leopard which was enjoying a meal in some thick bush and then dragged its kill up a tree and draped it over a branch to protect it from other predators. Paraded around the tree in perfect view for a while before abandoning its meal.

Samburu National Reserve Tips & Recommendations:

Barter is a very acceptable form of trade in Kenya. Pens are very much in demand as are nail polish and cotton socks so pack them in and you could get a bargain on souvenirs. And remember to negotiate when you go shopping (except at the hotels).

To get the best deals on hand carved pieces try and find the artists that made them. They normally sell them from the side of the road at waterfalls and other scenic spots. If you buy them from a shop you will probably have to pay more.

Top Three Samburu National Reserve safari companies