SLEEPING WARRIOR to RHINO WATCH – chameleons on the move

Friday – This morning we can enjoy a luxurious sleep in – and then breakfast before we move to Rhino Watch Safari Lodge – so says the itinerary. I cannot sleep in – even at home – so of course I am up early, everything packed, bag out the front for collection and then time for some early morning sunrise photography.  Sunrises are fabulous in Kenya.  Is that correct grammar?

The skies have a wonderful orange glow as you can see and soon Apollo in his chariot heralds the promise of another wonderful day.

Fancy being in bed at this time of day – it is the best time for sure especially when you are on holidays.  Being at home and having to go to work is a different kettle of fish altogether, but in my case, if I don’t work, then I don’t holiday – a catch 22 situation.

Time for a few photos of where I am staying – these were taken yesterday.  The ‘tent’ is a rather long walk down a few paths with bushes and trees on either side.  There is a big comfortable bed, nice clean bathroom with a very efficient shower and zippered doors to keep out unwelcome visitors of the creepy crawly variety.

We have another wonderful brekky – I am definitely not losing any weight – and then it is time to hit the road.

As we go down to the jeeps to bid farewell to our wonderful staff Chris is showing his photos of the aardvark to anyone who wants to look.  Here he is with some of the staff at Sleeping Warrior.  So jealous – he is such a great photographer he even managed to get a few great shots on his phone.

We all pile into our jeeps and the staff give us a wonderful send off as they enthusiastically sing us on our journey.

Not far out of Sleeping Warrior we get to glimpse the mountain and this gives us a better view.  It is a quick photo out the window but enough for you to get the general idea.

We are on our way to photograph chameleons at the Thomson Falls.  We are warned not to wander far as we will be surrounded by locals wanting to show us ‘The Falls’ and of course this comes with a price.  I certainly don’t need to be harassed so I do as I am told and stay close to the group.

We are now on the hunt for chameleons – so hard to spot but with our tried and trusty spotters Chris and Jess it is not long before we have the little buggers climbing on our fingers and up sticks.

These little creatures have a look of ‘is there no end to these lousy tourists?’ on their sweet little faces.

Macro lenses are such fun.  I have not been a great user of them before but I have brought along my old macro that I used with a Canon film camera I have had for ages.  It seems to have done the trick but my lens does not compare to the mega dollar lenses that some people have. Still I am happy with what I have and as I do not do a lot of macro work I will not be spending any money on a new lens.

We have time for a cool drink before hitting the road again for the short drive to Rhino Watch – our home for the next 5 nights.  I will be able to unpack fully and take stock of the situation.  I have also been told that I will have a room to myself so that will be great.

It is always pot luck with whom you share on these type of expeditions – many personalities and interests take over but I must admit I do like my own space.

Arriving at Rhino Watch Safari Lodge and WOW!  It looks incredible as we proceed up the driveway to the entrance and I am not disappointed.

I cannot remember if we went to our accommodation first or had lunch so we will all have to just go with the flow.  We are given our room keys and are helped up the pathways by the staff – one who hoists my bag onto her shoulder as if it weighs as much as a feather and takes off.

We are high up here and the air is a bit thin but I cope – albeit puffing as I arrive at my room – did I say room?  It is a family chalet – and I have the main part; all for me, just me.  I don’t believe it – all mine for 5 nights – thank you to the Rhino Watch Gods.

It is then time for lunch which is to be served outside on the decking at the main area which is back downhill.  It is a wonderful day and there is a big shady umbrella over the table – doesn’t this look great?  Yep, 5 nights and days of this will certainly not go unappreciated.

We get to relax this afternoon – time for a sleep if you want – and then it is time to meet in the bar for some pre-dinner drinks served with dirty great big dishes of freshly made salty popcorn which we devour as if we will not be fed again.  We have a briefing of tomorrows events and then it is in to dinner – as if I need more food.

After lumbering back up the hill with an extremely full stomach, it’s into the lodge and my bed has been dressed for slumber – including some little chocolate Santas on the pillow.  Getting into bed – what a wonderful surprise – a lovely comforting hot water bottle.  Even though it is not cold, my tootsies appreciate the warmth and snuggle up.  Soon I am asleep and dreaming of Kenyan landscapes.

Highlight of the day – our little four footed chameleon friends.