A2A Safaris - Ride Kenyahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenyaenDecember News – ol Donyo Lodge, Kenyahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/december-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><i> ‘View from our plunge pool onto the majestic Kilimanjaro….’</i></p>
<p>Wow, what a month December was at ol Donyo!!</p>
<p>It is strange to think that we are into a new year already as December seems but a blur. The rains blessed us, a little late, but blessed us they did. We now stare out onto lush, emerald green plains as far as the eye can see, all towered over by Kilimanjaro herself, which at this time of year is amazing, clear and almost a guaranteed view in the morning and during the sunset.</p>
<p>The festive season this year all started when we found the perfect Whistling Acacia thorn tree from the area to create into our magnificent ol Donyo Christmas Tree. After the resident ants were allowed to leave, we all took turns to spray each of the thorny globes on the tree Gold.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9052];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9057" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-2-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a><i>‘The team struggle to get the tree into the perfect spot into the lodge—but worth the all the effort, it created an instant festive HIT!’</i></p>
<p>The next challenge was getting it into the lobby in a huge clay pot filled with lava gravel and only then decorating it with painted gourds and lights. There was the occasional “ouch” but all in all we think it turned out great and added a little festive sparkle for the guests.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9052];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9056" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-3-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><i>‘The finished tree, isn’t she grand?!’</i></p>
<p>We had a lot of fun this Christmas at the lodge especially with ideas on how to make it special for the guests, most of it of course revolved around food!</p>
<p>For Christmas Eve, we decided to do a 5 course dinner at our upper mess dining room. It was the perfect location to highlight the warmth and feeling of Christmas. The table was dressed in gold and reds and a roaring fire with many storm lanterns completed the effect.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9052];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9055" alt="pic 4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-4-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p><i>Home smoked (in Smokey, our Smoker) kingfish with sweet and sour slaw and grilled homemade Rye bread was a part of the festive courses throughout the holiday season</i></p>
<p>The kitchen pulled out all of the stops and guests were treated to curried Pumpkin and Apple Soup, pressed duck terrine with wholegrain mustard and pickles, Pistachio Crusted Tuna with Fennel Gallette and Lemon Aioli, Classic Beef Wellington and last but not least a light and moist whole Poached Citrus Cake.</p>
<p>Christmas day too was filled with fantastic food and surprises as our guests were treated to a surprise bush breakfast, some were hiking and some were arriving that morning, as both groups came over the crest of the hill we were waiting with a full table set up complete with beads and decorations and with Kilimanjaro as the backdrop! Not a bad way to enjoy Christmas breakfast.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-5.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9052];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9054" alt="pic 5" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-5-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><i>As all our guests enjoy their ‘Surprise Bush Breakfast’ Santa comes in on Tembo, all decked out in festive cheer………… And a Shuka filled with presents for all!</i></p>
<p>Whilst the guests enjoyed homemade bagels with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, our very own Stables Santa rode in on a festively decorated Tembo, our biggest white horse, and the guests were treated to presents from the local village including shuka’s, bracelets and tree ornaments.</p>
<p>Christmas Dinner was a traditional feast with too many items to mention, a stand out item was our herb brined turkey, our homemade Christmas pudding and a delicious pumpkin Crème brûlée tart!</p>
<p>It wasn’t all eating over the festive season, there were many opportunities for the guests to get out and stretch their legs and walk off some of the tasty food, at this time of year, the rains have left the area so beautiful and green it is almost a must to hike through the hills and take in the emerald plains and views below. The hike up ol Donyo Waus has proven to be extremely popular, especially around sun set where the mixture of pinks and oranges in the sky compliment the greens of the land.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-6.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9052];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9058" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-6-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p><i>Minutes after Bahait the 2 day old Thompson Gazelle was saved… weak and hungry.</i><b><i> </i></b></p>
<p>Due to the rains a lot of our animals have also stretched their legs and moved out to other areas to enjoy the tasty grass and large watering holes, one little Thompson gazelle sadly got left behind and we found him very weak and not doing too well on our air strip. We bought him back to the lodge and we had huge concerns that he would not make it. We estimated him as being only 1 or 2 days old. Our store man, Dan, informed us that when he was a young boy in the bush he raised a Thompson gazelle and he really wanted to try to save this one. By adapting a soda bottle to a feeding bottle using some tyre inner tube, he slowly got the gazelle to take some warm milk. We are very happy to say that after a week, the gazelle is walking around and greeting guests, today he started to graze already and has been christened “Bahati” which in Swahili means Luck!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-7.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-9052];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9053" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pic-7-300x247.jpg" width="300" height="247" /></a></p>
<p><i>Bahati happy and healthy after just a few days…. We are so ecstatic to have him be the newest addition of the ol Donyo family!</i></p>
<p>….and as we leave you with this last picture of healthy, happy and energetic Bahati, we also would like to wish you all the very <i>LUCKIEST</i> of 2014 from ol Donyo Lodge!</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div></div>Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:27:51 +0000Anonymous652 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/december-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya#commentsNovember news – ol Donyo Lodge, Kenyahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/november-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><em>A pair of cheeky visitors to the ol Donyo pool! (Photo: Laurence Claerhout)</em></p>
<p>November has been an extraordinary month. We started it on tenterhooks: will the short rains that we so desperately need come? With the clouds building expectantly, it made for wonderful lighting, and we were treated to spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCF0412.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8985" alt="DSCF0412" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCF0412-300x141.jpg" width="374" height="176" /></a></p>
<p><em>A perfect Kilimanjaro sunset</em></p>
<p>There has been great excitement over both the coalition of three male cheetahs and the female with her four very grown up cubs still with her, that seem to be making the Chyulu Hills a more permanent hunting ground. We have had some fantastic sightings including on fresh kills, both from horseback and the game drive vehicles. Long may these amazing cats stay in our area.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2840.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8987" alt="IMG_2840" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_2840-300x243.jpg" width="336" height="272" /></a></p>
<p><em>Four of the brilliantly camouflaged cheetah family making an appearance in the Chyulus – Acinonyx jubatus (Photo: Jackson Lemayian)</em></p>
<p>At the beginning of the month, the elephants in the ecosystem were having a tough time finding water and consequently the rate of human wildlife conflict was very high as people and animals were rubbing shoulders over water resources. The brilliant Big Life Foundation ranger teams, the guardians of our precious ecosystem, worked round the clock to protect both the elephants and the local farms, and in total they successfully treated 2 wounded elephants in the first two weeks of November alone.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/arrow.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8990" alt="arrow" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/arrow-200x300.jpg" width="245" height="367" /></a></p>
<p><em>An arrow head removed by a Kenya Wildlife Service vet from a wounded elephant on Imbirikani Group Ranch</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/freedom.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8991" alt="freedom" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/freedom-300x200.jpg" width="352" height="235" /></a></p>
<p><em>The treated elephant up and ready to go!</em></p>
<p>As we patiently waited for rain, disaster struck. A huge fire raged down through the whistling thorn towards the plains. Every member of staff was galvanized into action as vehicles sped down to start fighting the growing inferno. A full 12 hours later they returned, tired and sooty but successful. They had stopped the fire from spreading out across the whole plains – another great piece of teamwork from the ODL staff.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/fire.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8988" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/fire-300x225.jpg" width="340" height="255" /></a></p>
<p><em>Fire spreading fast in the dry conditions</em></p>
<p>Thankfully, a week later the rains finally came… And what a difference they have made. Where the fire burnt is the most beautiful expanse of fresh green grass, wildflowers are poking through and we have an abundance of plains game that have arrived, tempted by the new more palatable and nutritious forage. There is the most amazing feeling of freshness and energy in the air. Out on the plains at this time often gives one the most impressive display, as some of the Thompson’s Gazelle are “stotting” or “pronking” – leaping off the ground with all four legs held stiff and straight. This is thought to be a display of their fitness and well being, showing the predator how great the animal is feeling and so saying “Look how fit I am, don’t even bother trying to chase me!”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCF0787.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8992" alt="DSCF0787" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCF0787-300x160.jpg" width="399" height="213" /></a></p>
<p><em>The swathe of bright green in the foreground is the burnt area rejuvenated!</em></p>
<p>And so we are looking forward with great anticipation to the festive season, with all sorts of fun and surprises planned for those joining us here in the Chyulu Hills. With any luck Mount Kilimanjaro will stay in her current glorious state and we’ll have our very own Kenyan white Christmas!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCF0767.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8980];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8986" alt="DSCF0767" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/DSCF0767-300x225.jpg" width="347" height="260" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div></div>Tue, 03 Dec 2013 17:21:26 +0000Anonymous359 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/november-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya#commentsGreat Plains wins 2013 PURE awardhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/great-plains-wins-2013-pure-award<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Unknown.png" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8896];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8909" alt="Unknown" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Unknown.png" width="90" height="118" /></a></p>
<p><strong>GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION IS THE “MOST LIFE-ENRICHING EXPERIENCE”</strong></p>
<p>Great Plains Conservation is thrilled to receive the award for Most Life-Enriching Experience at the inaugural and prestigious PURE Awards 2013 last night at the close of the PURE Life Experiences show at the Palais des Congrès, Marrakech.</p>
<p>The award is described by PURE as <em>“truly transformational, thought-provoking and perspective-shifting travel experiences that help the individual reconnect with both themselves and the world around them.”</em></p>
<p>The selection process is rigid, starting with initial nomination by ‘PUREists’, a collection of the world’s elite buyers and sellers of experiential travel services. It is then judged by a distinguished panel of visionaries in travel: oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle; actor and director, Edward Norton; environmental entrepreneur, Colin Bell; award-winning author and adventurer, Richard Bangs; and sustainable architect, German del Sol.</p>
<p>On describing Great Plains Conservation’s co-founders, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Sylvia Earle commented: “The Jouberts convey their passion and deeply held conservation ethic and respect for the natural world that is unsurpassed, no matter what the setting, but especially in their beloved African plains. This is conveyed to those fortunate enough to travel in their presence.”</p>
<p>Dereck Joubert, Great Plains Conservation CEO, feels particularly honoured and says the award “encapsulates exactly what we set out to do at Great Plains Conservation: create experiences which spotlight the spiritual, personal, cultural and environmental Africa. Through these experiences we change lives and create conservation ambassadors – a positive outcome in the face of many challenges on the continent.”</p>
<p>All at Great Plains Conservation would like to thank the judges and all the PUREists that kindly nominated us for this award.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/botswana-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Botswana Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation-updates" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation Updates</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/duba-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Duba Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/get-involved" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Get Involved</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-branding" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Branding</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/mara-plains-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Mara Plains Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/media-centre" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Media Centre</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/read-guest-feedback" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Read Guest Feedback</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-canoe-trails" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Canoe Trails</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/selinda-explorers-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Selinda Explorers Camp</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zarafa-camp" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zarafa Camp</a></div></div>Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:18:45 +0000Anonymous363 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/great-plains-wins-2013-pure-award#commentsol Donyo Lodge horseback fly camping previewhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ol-donyo-lodge-horseback-fly-camping-preview<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Fans and friends,</p>
<p>Those of you who keep up with all things Great Plains know that we recently decided to amend Ride Kenya a bit. We still have the magnifcent 25 horse stable based at ol Donyo Lodge, but in lieu of our advanced only multi-day safaris,we will now be offering slightly more accessible overnight horseback itineraries for guests of ol Donyo Lodge. Stay at the lodge a couple nights, head out by horseback and stay in our fly camp for a couple nights. Perfect mix for a truly one-of-a-kind place like ol Donyo and the Chyulu Hills.<br />
To that end, we’ve just now done a test run of our new fly camp gear. Ray & Alyssa along with David and Nicola set it up under the stars, added hot water, cold drinks, good company, new linens and strapping horses and were on their way. It was a great success, and an easy to arrange adventure. It is available to guests at no extra cost, but must be booked in advance.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fly-camping2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-8866];player=img;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/fly-camping2-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Arriving at camp by horseback" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flycamping1.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-8866];player=img;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flycamping1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Guest tent scene" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flycamping3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbalbum-8866];player=img;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA"><img width="150" height="150" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/flycamping3-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="Close up of guest tent" /></a></p>
<p><em>Sample itinerary</em></p>
<p><em>Day 1- Arrive at ol Donyo Lodge, settle into suites. Afternoon horse ride of 2.5 hours, designed to select the horse for each rider, and to allow riders to get accustomed to the terrain and riding with wildlife. Sundowners back at the lodge.</em><br /><em>Day 2- Morning ride with packed breakfast- about 4 hours riding before arrival into crater camp for lunch. Enjoy lunch in camp, followed by a short siesta, and then afternoon climb of the nearby crater or exploration of the lava tube caves beneath. Sundowners in fly camp.</em><br /><em>Day 3- Full day ride into Chyulu East National Park, with picnic lunch. As the horses rest at lunchtime, take a short walk into one of the mist forests atop the Chyulus, stretching tired legs and enjoying the lush forest environment and its many exotic insect, bird and plant residents. Ride or drive back to the crater fly camp in the late afternoon.</em><br /><em>Day 4- Morning ride back to ol Donyo Lodge, taking the horses back to the stables before heading into the lodge for a shower, and relaxing lunch by the pool. Enjoy an afternoon massage, followed by any afternoon activity offered at ODL e.g. Mountain bike ride to Kopjes, walk around the forest tracking elephants, another horse ride, game drive, relaxation by the hide.</em></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya Camps</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari-experiences-news" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari Experiences News</a></div></div>Mon, 11 Nov 2013 19:33:49 +0000Anonymous364 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/ol-donyo-lodge-horseback-fly-camping-preview#commentsOctober News – ol Donyo Lodge, Kenyahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/october-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>As we write this, there are dark clouds eerily suspended above the lodge and we all look up in great anticipation as it has been over 5 months since the last green season.<br />
Yesterday, we had our first real rainfall since May and the smell of the rain hitting the sun baked lava sand and guest areas of the lodge is definitely something that we have missed and as soon as the very brief rain stopped, the birds and the butterflies came out in full force filling the view from the mess with flashes of colour and the air with beautiful bird calls celebrating the rain.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-2.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8861];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8872" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-2-300x225.jpg" width="430" height="322" /></a><br /><em>The rains create dramatic backdrops amongst the Chyulu Hill’s with stunning rainbows sprinkled within.</em></p>
<p>Over the next month or so we are hoping that the end of year rains will fall, transforming everything that we see from a golden sea of grass to a brilliant emerald green, bringing a whole new energy to the vast plains before us.</p>
<p>October was a month of amazing sighting and guest experiences. One of the most exciting sightings was by a few of guests who were on a night drive. Not too far from the lodge an aardvark was spotted. These strange looking animals have amazingly strong front legs which they use to break though the hard exterior of Termite mounds, they are designed extremely well for this as they have nostrils that they can close to prevent inhaling dust and of course, a long sticky tongue for maximum collection of ants and termites. That is the first sighting this year and very exciting for the guests, also extremely exciting for their guide as in Maasai culture, if you sight and aardvark, you will live a long and happy life!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-3.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8861];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8871" alt="OD image 3" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-3-300x200.jpg" width="384" height="256" /></a><br /><em>An amazing night drive quick photo snapshot of an aardvark by guest Gail Gorton!</em></p>
<p>The “Cheetah Boys”, as they have been dubbed, have once again made an appearance this month. They are still roaming as a group of five and have delighted our guests on numerous occasions with their majestic presence. Amazingly, the boys are seemingly not phased by the guide vehicles allowing us to get close enough for some great viewing and of course photographs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-4.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8861];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8870" alt="OD image 4" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-4-300x231.jpg" width="369" height="284" /></a><br /><em>The five ‘Cheetah Boys’ taking a lazy Sunday stroll.</em></p>
<p>Not all amazing sightings are of the four legged kind and the viewing of Kilimanjaro this month has been some of the best this year. The lack of rain has kept the clouds to a minimum and this in turn draws back the curtains that shield Kili to allow our guests breath- taking views both morning and evening. When the rains come, Kili with be cloaked in its trademark apron of white, just another reason for us to look forward to the rain.<br />
One of the best views of not only Kili but the entire area is from one of this month’s most popular picnic spots. We call it the Kibwezi view point and it really feels as though you are on top of the world. The drive up takes you high in to the Chyulu Hills and as you climb, the plant life visibly changes and many different species of plant and flower can be seen, including the incredible flame tree. Guests have enjoyed picnic breakfasts, lunches and hikes all the while being surround by the sweeping views of the plains and the Chyulu Hills.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-5.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8861];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8869" alt="OD image 5" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-5-300x200.jpg" width="373" height="248" /></a><br /><em>The ULTIMATE PICNIC BREAKFAST view at Kibwezi View Point!!</em></p>
<p>Our gardens are continuing to flourish and the lettuces have just taken over! All of the products are growing so fast and we are soon to be harvesting more beetroot, tomatoes, peppers and courgettes for the chefs to work their magic on. Our tapas menu have been a huge hit and the creativity of the kitchen is well appreciated by our guests. Two of the most creative dishes this month were a prawn and avocado “salad” with a Kachumbari gazpacho jelly and the other dish was a fried breaded brie with a curry flavoured coating served with a beetroot and ginger granita. Both dishes were amazing and we simply cannot wait to see what comes out of the kitchen next!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-6.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8861];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8868" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-6-300x225.jpg" width="409" height="306" /></a><br /><em>Our every abundant growing gardens that give the delicious flavours to the dynamic cuisine at ol Donyo.</em></p>
<p>On a more personal note we would like to congratulate our store keeper, Dan Tipape for passing his bronze guiding exam, Dan aspires to be a guide and follow in the footsteps of the other great guides at ol Donyo and Great Plains. Nice work Dan! We could not be more proud of the dedication of our team.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-7.jpg" rel="shadowbox[sbpost-8861];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-8867" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.greatplainsconservation.com/bushbuzz/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/OD-image-7-172x300.jpg" width="258" height="450" /></a><br /><em>Our newest Bronze Level Guide in Training, Dan Tipape, we wish him luck!!</em></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/bushbuzz" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">BushBuzz</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/headlines" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Headlines</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ol-donyo-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">ol Donyo Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/chyulu-hills" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Chyulu Hills</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/great-plains-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Great Plains Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenya" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenya</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenyan-luxury-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenyan Luxury Safari</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/kenyan-safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Kenyan Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya-horse-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya Horse Safaris</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ride-kenya-mobile-horse-safaris" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ride Kenya Mobile Horse Safaris</a></div></div>Wed, 06 Nov 2013 19:12:35 +0000Anonymous367 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/october-news-%E2%80%93-ol-donyo-lodge-kenya#comments