Lake Naivasha

This weekend we went to lake Naivasha to stay at the house where Joy Adamson (Born Free) used to live. We had a great time but it was definitely the most surreal night time experience I have ever had. The first night I got up because I heard what sounded like an army marching past the window. Well you never know here and I was a little spooked at the fact that there was only glass between me and the outside world rather than my usual fort knox. I looked out the window and what should I see but a huge hippo happily munching grass. I had seen the watch out for wild animals at night sign but quickly dismissed it as being a bit over the top. I quickly woke everyone else up so they could see the hippo too. The second night as soon as I heard the earth begin shake I looked out again to see more hippos and this time we also saw a huge giraffe outside the window eating the acacia tree. It was hard to sleep what with the noise of the hippos and the desire to keep leaping out of bed to see what else was outside the window. Unfortunately I couldn’t take a picture so you will have to take my word for it.

In the morning the hippos had all disappeared back down to the lake so we took a boat out to see them in there natural habitat. We must have seen over a 100. We also saw the most amazing array of different bird including an African Fish eagle. I could almost get interested in birds here and it has even crossed my mind to by a bird book.

There were also two troops of monkeys at the house when we arrived and it was fun to watch them swinging through the trees.

Even staying in the house was strange. It has been left as it was with books, paintings, furniture and silverware as Joy had it. However, there is no sense that it is a museum and you are welcome to sit in the chairs by the fire and just relax. The house is not posh but it is in a stunning setting overlooking the lake, hence the hippos.

The best bit for the children was the satellite TV. What can you do!!! Don’t think that is original.