Hi,
I went on the Kenya Rhino expedition in Feb 2007 and have only great things to say about it. It was my first and long awaited trip to Africa and it didn't disappoint. When I was there they had just relocated 10 new black rhino's onto the property and were actually expanding the protected area into the neighboring ranch property. So in addition to the wide range of other wildlife we encountered on a daily basis, we got to see a ton of rhino. I also really enjoyed the visit to a local school and health center. Ol'Pejata has a great relationship with the neighboring tribes..sort of a you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours partnership. They do community projects like the health center and in return the local people report in on potential poachers of the rhinos.
On the last day 2 of our group went to climb Mt. Kenya, and the rest of us went to the Giraffe Sanctuary and a market nearby there (the name escapes me but starts with a U).
Anyway, let me know if you have any questions I can answer for you.
Yes, I would LOVE to go with YOU!
I'm thinking of doing this in Feb. 09-anyone else have any info or considering it also?
Hi. I was there in 2004 and 2005, and still think it one of the best reserves in Africa, and absolutely one of the best projects I've ever done. It totally spoils you for regular safaris, since after spending every day walking in the bush among all of Africa's glory, being stuck in a car is unbearable.
2004 was my first time in Africa and it was love at first sight. In the following three years I spent nearly seven months on the continent and now work in Namibia fulltime. You could definitely therefore say that Sweetwaters made a big impact on my life!
We were there in September, 2007. There were ten of us from Japan, Germany, Scotland, Sydney and the US. This was the best group I have ever been with. Everyone was conscientious and exceedingly cooperative. I think we were very productive.
There were two salient issues: first, the rains were very early and travel to Nanyuki was tortuous. Travel within Sweetwaters was limited due to washed out roads. But this did not dampen our spirits--although we were doused good on a couple of days.
You may have heard that Morani has died. It is unsure whether or not he was murdered. This, of course was traumatic news for us.
The other trauma actually took place after we left--the unrest following the elections. Geoffrey's family home was torched and his family narrowly escaped with their lives. This brought us great sadness. A staff member from our 2005 Wamba trip escaped to the US and could not return home. She met and married an African in Idaho so she will stay on here. Her family cannot return to their home and business. They are both Kikuyu.
The trust that runs Sweetwaters is jumpy about safety due to events related and not, so your freedom to explore may be limited. In spite of this, we had a great time with the work and with the interchange with volunteers and staff. I would love to know what your previous black rhino experiences were--ours were limited. Note that it no long says "walk" with rhinos.
Some white rhinos were moved to Sweetwaters, with great success as far as I know. They have bred and seem to have coexisted well. The effort to move elephants out of the reserve seems to be succeeding. The chimp sanctuary may be new.
And of course, there is Khashoggie's estate. We had access when they did not have guests, so the massages, cocktails and pool were bonus. Our game drives were also limited due to road conditions.
I have even more to say, believe it or not, but it may not be appropriate here. Let me know if you want a private response as well.
Happy travels, and do give us a report when you return.
