Shecklers on Safari

We knew without a doubt that while inKenya we would love for our kids to be able to experience a safari.  Well, safaris are pretty expensive and they have an age limit.  I believe children to need to be at least 9 yrs old and some even 15 yrs old.  Thankfully, Nairobi has a game park open to all ages and reasonable entrance fees.  The game park is located right next to the airport.  Amazing!!!  Being that it is close to the city, the only animal you cannot see is an elephant.  We were, however, able to visit an elephant orphanage.

Enjoy the pictures.  We were absolutely AMAZED at the beauty of the animals as well as the landscape.

Thursday, February 20 --- Elephant Orphanage

All of the elephants were less than two years old. They were found in the wild due to being abandoned, mother killed by ivory poachers, fell into a manmade hole, or were just sick.  It was fun being up close.  When asked why they aren't grey?  Well, the dirt is red so the elephants are red.  When washed they are grey.  Ha!

Friday, March 7 --- Safari Time

Sunrise.

Nairobi cityscape in the distance.

We just loved the giraffes.

I think this one wanted to go home with us.

 Oh, Daddy and Mommy loving on each other while Jr. is hanging out with them.

The hippos would pop up every few seconds.

Gazelles are just beautiful.

Vulture looking for leftovers.

ZEBRAS!  Who doesn't love zebras?

Birds.

But without a doubt, the highlight of the safari was seeing lions.  It is not a guarantee that you will see some.  The night before we went, Isaiah asked God to let us see lions. His prayer was answered affirmatively.

This lovely lady was just sitting out in the middle of nowhere enjoying the sunshine.

Then just a ways down the road our driver spotted this King of the Jungle on the side of the road taking a nap.  We weren't more than 20 feet away.  

The most amazing thing, however, was earlier in the day.  Just after we got to the park, which was a little after 7 a.m., we were going down the road when we spotted this lioness.  She had just killed what we believe to be a warthog.  She was dragging it along and would stop to rest.   You could see her breath in the air as it was still cool and no doubt she was heated from the hunt.  Interestingly, she kept coming closer and closer to us.  We finally figured out she was trying to get to the other side of the road.  I mean, this lioness came within feet of us.  There was a moment when Kevin and I wondered if we should sit the kids down and put the safari roof down because the lioness easily could jump in if she wanted to do so.  What kept us from doing so was the fact we knew she had her food already.

And that is where she was headed.  Her family was probably waiting for their breakfast.

 Now enjoy some more people pictures.