
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 that 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 Friends 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 his lips and exposing teeth...it's called fleshmen grimace. This behavior I was told is performed by many lions, and other animals, but mostly big 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 likely 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.

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.
Love all these photos of the lions up close and personal! And the fab place you stayed!
ReplyDeleteI am such a sucker for the big cats; so graceful. Seeing them lounging in the trees looking so peaceful; love.
ReplyDeleteAnd then the accommodations and scenery, so elegant. Gorgeous trip.
It really is amazing how much house cats are just like lions. The way they move and the mannerisms are just the same. I mean lions are basically just overgrown big ferocious house cats. I always wished I could lay back in a lion's mane and take a sleep. Wouldn't that be heaven?
DeleteLions in trees! How freaking cool is that!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe it. I had no idea they were that good a climbers. Although I'm glad I was in the jeep that I was. As you can see a Jeep from a neighboring Hotel was practically right under the ones in that one tree. One jump down and she would have been in the Jeep!
DeleteIt's beautiful. Just beautiful. It's no wonder it call you to return.
ReplyDeleteI saw on YouTube that someone asked a staff member of an SA safari park why the lions hadn't been given a vegan diet!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure lions could survive on a vegan diet. I'm pretty sure their diet requires meat and even contents of bones to keep them healthy. Much like fox and wolves.
DeleteNow that I think about it, I've seen men do that open mouth thing at strip clubs!
ReplyDeleteYou saw them doing that from your pole?!?!?
DeleteSuperbes photos, vouz devriez publier un livre d’images avec un text sur vos voyages en Afrique.
ReplyDelete-Beau Mec à Deauville
Oh, je ne pense pas que mon texte rendrait justice... mais vous êtes trop gentille.
DeleteEverything looks fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThat open tour vehicle didn't seem to equate with "safely guarded opportunity to witness". Elon's dreadful cyber truck may have been more reassuring.
ReplyDeleteI do admit I was a little nervous at first. But when viewing lions, I was told they do it in the Lions least active time of the day. Plus if a pounce is getting ready to happen, most of the tour guides know what's going to happen so they can hit the gas and make tracks. None of them seem to care of getting too close to the jeeps though.
DeleteAnd besides, a cyber truck? And risk going up in flames?
OMG Maddie, it's magnificent in every way, the Natural splendor and your accommodations. Yes, I would think it would call you back again and again, Thanks for Sharing. I don't know the Open Doors would make me feel particularly Safe either, I agree with Shirley. Even here in Arizona when a Coyote approaches my Truck I roll the Windows up, just in case. *LOL*
ReplyDeleteIt really was, and I'll probably never see things like this again, who knows. For some reason I wasn't nervous. I think these animals must know when a real danger is present. But the guide can tell if the cats are moody and not in the mood for receiving...if so they move on and don't stop.
DeleteI don't have any words for this trip. This is going on my bucket list but I do not know if I would have the balls to go. To see these animals up that close and then their habitat would be amazing. Such a shame many of our species are going to be extinct because there's no population control, and we keep tearing up more land. Thank heaven there's places like this. And the lodge you stayed in is amazing looking. I could to open air with hopes there's no creepy crawlies everywhere. It's easy to see why you enjoyed the trip so.
ReplyDeleteThis is simply amazing...and worth the time to travel and money spent. You sure wouldn't see any of this anywhere else. I'm so glad you're sharing your post. To see these creatures so personally must be an awesome feeling.
ReplyDeleteAnd the other lodge guest must have really enjoyed seeing you getting in that tub naked?
Other guest no, but the male staff are present to fix the water and receive your towels for you. They are very attentive. And yes, it was awesome.
DeleteI echo some others, I am enjoying these posts. Amazing pictures. Those lions have the right idea ...what a life. I would love to go to Africa but I think I'm too chicken shit.
ReplyDeleteOh, that place is FANTASTIC!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder time stops having the same meaning it has in 'our' world. Fabulous.
And being THAT close to big cats? No. And I would not try that trick in public. It may work with lions, but men???
XOXO
Well, I figure I only live once! LMAO!!!!!
DeleteWow, just wow! Gorgeous lodging, views, food and liquor -- what more could one want on a vacay? I'm a little surprised that the safari operators would take guests that close to big cats or other dangerous animals. While somewhat used to human presence in their territory, such predators remain highly unpredictable. Glad you made it out in one piece, Maddie!
ReplyDeleteI think that is just it. Animals sense when they are in danger. They must know these little tours don't pose a danger. But that one jeep from another hotel was right under the tree. I was glad to be in ours from a better distance and zoom in.
DeleteRemarkable - what an experience! Jx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos and trip ❤️ We were in Zambia and Botswana about once several years ago and saw three lionesses up a large tree. I had no idea they climbed that well either. The lodge looks very nice. I stayed in the city of Nairobi and drove out. I wished we'd stayed out on the plains too.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha 😂 who ever said only leopards climb trees never met these loins😂 You had me with the picture of the leopard and then the last one again. That sunset is stunning. Simply amazing land and a unique experience. No where on the planet will you see things like this.
ReplyDeleteSome of the best sunsets I have ever seen.
DeleteThis is frickin beyond words! That’s really awesome!
ReplyDeleteOh Mistress....another lovely installment for your trip. How I wished we'd made time to do this. Friends of mine did this years ago and said the animals even though wild are use to the vehicles being around them and the guides are highly on alert to body language of the animals. But I'd still be a bit on edge. I know humans make treeforts. But imagine a human sleeping among branches. OUCH. But these lions seem comfortable. That first one looks like such a prickly spot to sit! I imagine he’s able to chill there because he’s got such a thick hide?
ReplyDeleteBut the lodge? I'd be right at home.
I thought the same thing Agnes, that tree does look rather prickly.
Deletelovely accommodations... and that tour! The BF would be in heaven. I, on the other hand, would be a tad terrified. I like kitties... just not giant ones with paws the size of my face.
ReplyDeleteOh, you'd love it!!!!!! Plus you get to see naked men taking bath in tubs. I thought I'd be nervous too, but for some reason it washes away, and you just enjoy the animals. I think animals know when they're in danger.
DeleteThe lion photos are incredible! What a beautiful place to stay. You should work for the Nairobi Tourism. Our cats, especially Dudo, do that fleshman grimace (although I didn’t know what it was called).
ReplyDeleteWhen I see South Americans, I do the fleshmen grimace. LOL! I recall my one cat I had did it too.
DeleteAn amazing place. The lions are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteAre you going to go again? You sound like you want to, and I don't blame you. An amazing experience.
ReplyDeleteSx
It was a wonderful trip and definitely a memorable one. Once I have more off my bucket list I'd like to return.
DeleteHuntleyBiGuy:
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic journey! The pictures you shared are stunning and the narrative shows your appreciation for your surroundings. That is truly a magical place.
I do have one question that everyone has either overlooked or I’m very naive: the picture of the common area with the fireplace, what are those hanging baskets? Is that a holdover for storing food out of reach of the animals? Or are the go-go boy cages😜?
XOXO
Oh it was a spectacular trip. I especially liked when the hot chocolate Hotel staff were assisting my naked body get into the tub. And to answer your question there's hanging baskets or what I snared house Boys in. I have one of those with your name on it! And the open weave makes for a nice gloryholes.......pick one!
DeleteBelieve it or not they were actually lighting fixtures.
Afrika is 'n spesiale plek /
ReplyDeleteAfrica is a special place
Reminds me of a stay at the famed Tree Tops Lodge at Nyeri Kenya where you get close to the wildlife of Africa.
Your pictures of your safari do it justice, now I’ll have to go to Ololo Lodge :)
- Praetorius
Thank you so much for stopping in and leaving a comment. The trip was quite an experience and far prettier than I imagined it would be. Have you been to Africa?
DeleteA spectacular post!!!! Africa has a lot to offer...I don't know why many don't go. Such another diverse continent. Your pictures are so enthralling. I know you must have been over the moon.
ReplyDeleteThe only lions I want to see nowadays are in the super bowl.
ReplyDeleteBut these are so much more pretty.
DeleteWow! It appears that you got VERY close to the lions - that must have been both thrilling and a little nerve-wracking?
ReplyDeleteI bet the "surprisingly well stocked bar" was much less so when you departed...