Kenya: Lake Nakuru National Park

Located approximately 170km northwest of Nairobi Kenya, the National Park is famous for its rich diversity of bird life, and exciting game drives. Game drives can be organized either through the Park office, or from your accommodation. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times, as this is when the animals and birds are most active. Getting up close and personal with a lion is an experience you’ll never forget, and seeing hippo’s at sunset is an amazing sight.

While in Nakuru, I had the joy of staying at the award winning Ziwa Bush Lodge, (www.ziwalodge.com), opened in 2013, listed with tripadvisor, and located on the outskirts of Nakuru. It is this lodge especially, that I’d like to share with you about. Facilities include, 9 Executive rooms, and 3 super comfortable permanent tents, all with en-suite bathrooms, and each with its own verandah. Beautiful central restaurant, bar and lounge, complete with fire place (their red velvet cake is to die for). Four-Poster beds with mosquito nets, awesome swimming pool to sit by and enjoy a drink as you take in an African sunset. There is also, free wifi, a laundry service, 24hr power supply, and ample secure parking. The Ziwa staff can also arrange babysitting, as well as trips to beautiful Lakes Baringo, and Bagoria, as well as Lake Nakuru.

The best thing about a stay at Ziwa Bush Lodge though is, it’s arguably the only Bush Lodge in Africa adjoining an Orphanage. In this case, the East African Mission Orphanage, or EAMO as it is known. Close enough to Ziwa to be accessible, but far enough away so as not to disturb your peace and tranquility. Whether you’re traveling with a group, or on your own, ask the friendly Ziwa staff about the “EAMO Experience”! You’ll be guided to the Orphanage, and shown the boys and girls dormitories, the EAMO Academy, and the multi-functional dining area. If you’re visiting on a weekend, it may even be possible to enjoy a meal with the children, and after dinner, be entertained by the beautiful voices of the EAMO Choir.

EAMO, was begun in 1997 by an Australian couple, Ralph and May Spinks from the Central Coast of New South Wales, to offer a New Home, and a Better Life to the orphaned and abandoned children of Nakuru. Some 22 years down the track, and Ralph and May have seen literally hundreds of children pass through their gates, and receiving 24/7 Supervision, three meals a day, a bed to sleep in, and an education up to year 8 Primary school at the on-site EAMO Academy.

We found the Orphanage to be clean and tidy, the children happy, and very keen to show us their home and the staff, as well as Ralph and May, were welcoming, and happy to answer any questions we had. I cannot recommend Lake Nakuru, and especially Ziwa Bush Lodge highly enough, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me either through Linkedin or at jkheriot@gmail.com.

http://www.ziwalodge.com/

http://www.kws.go.ke/lake-nakuru-national-park

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/kenya