LIONS DEN

When in Nairobi, if the Sheldrick Trust and Giraffe Manor weren't enough of a dream, we also did a four-hour safari with a few other guests in the Nairobi National Park, which is situated a few miles from the bustling city of Nairobi. It's a remarkable wildlife sanctuary teeming with diverse species, including its majestic big cats!! It almost seemed surreal to be seeing this unique juxtaposition of thousands of acres of a sanctuary yet seeing a thriving cityscape skyline off in its distance. The park offers visitors a rare, and safely guarded opportunity to witness wild animals. While the park's lions are one of the major draws, it is crucial to remember that they are wild creatures deserving of our respect. A few times, lions and other creatures got pretty darn close when you sit quietly, and they almost seemed to appear docile and mild mannered...but one knows they could kill you in one swipe. Despite their awe-inspiring presence, the lions in Nairobi Park encounter numerous challenges that threaten their survival. Habitat loss and fragmentation top the list. At times, may lions have even left the park to eat more food sources, like livestock, and then creates hostility from humans who rely on their produce and livestock of a means to make a living, which doesn't help the human wildlife conflict dilemma. Many have been shot when caught by the famers. I believe they told us on the tour, that there are only about 50 some lions left in Nairobi. A very sad commentary. Like so many non-domesticated animals, the lions also face extinction. In the face of these daunting challenges, concerted efforts are in place to safeguard the future of the lion in Nairobi National Park, with organizations such as Friend of Nairobi National Park, and at times even Sheldrick Trust, are working tirelessly to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures. The thing I learned the most?  I had no idea lions lazed about in treetops!

He wasn't smiling for the camera. He was curling it lips and exposing teeth...it's called fleshmen grimace. This behavior I was told is performed by many lions, and other animals, but mostly bug cats. It's used to channel a scent of interest to an organ in the roof of the moth called the vomeronasal organ I think I made note. This helps the cats detect pheromones in the scent to decipher much information of various kinds, especially in checking the reproductive status of females. I should see if this work with finding men, although I might look a bit crazy. When I shot this the guide told us they were most like sniffing where a female lioness urinated.

And our lions den.  The Ololo Safari Lodge which was nestled at the Mbagathi River and borders the National Park, which is why guest shouldn't really walk to far from the main Lodge at night. The lodge is just beautiful, a 45-minute drive to Nairobi airports, The Lodge staff are so friendly and welcoming, the rooms are all earthy and offered modern colonial style furnishings, mosquito netting on beds, since many parts of the lodge are open air, or just shutters, and a surprisingly well stocked bar and service and their own incredible restaurant. Otherwise, the Lodge is very quiet and at night one can hear the noise of animals in the park. We were told the animals can walk the grounds at times, as you saw from the one post with the elephant! So best to be aware of your surroundings.

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I believe it was commenter Gigi that said in one post, that once to Africia, it will always call you back. I believe it. I measured my days there not by a clock, but by the African sunsets and long lazy stretches of just enjoying the nature.