Each year Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) in conjunction with the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work organize an experiential learning trip for the students. Last year, 2019, was no different and here is our diary:
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
The ANAW cruiser engine is on at about 7:30 am. The destination being Kifaru Guest House in Karen, Nairobi. The ignition of the engine does not only signify the power behind it but the start of a journey that will take us from one region of Kenya to another. A journey of a million miles starts with a single step or so they say. Good thing I was in a car and I wasn’t walking a million miles. Excuse my layman thinking for now. I use the word `region` because I don’t want to give away anything just yet. At Kifaru House awaits a group of 12 students and two of their lecturers, Erica and Hope. Erica has been on the trip before so is it fair to say she knows what to expect? The answer is a big NO! because each year the trip is filled with new experiences.
Anyway, back to the story.
Mr Kahindi, the Chief Operations Director, is at the wheel carefully driving ANAW personnel to Kifaru House to meet the Denver team.
On arrival we are welcomed by Rosy and Kaka those are not the receptionists rather the two cute and well-fed dogs. Introductions are made following due processes with everyone stating their name and role. Most of the people in the room were to spend the next 2 weeks together so it was only fair enough we started to know each other. The meeting was not long, anyway who likes long meetings? but short enough to give time to everyone to say a word. The day was packed with activities, so it was about time we started on them. First destination, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT). The elephants were exciting, watching them play in the mud, being fed milk and them coming close enough to allow you to touch them. Truly an experience to remember. The Denver students also got an opportunity to learn about them and the role of David Sheldrick.
It’s never over till it’s over. I say this because after leaving the orphanage we headed to galleria mall for some shopping, had lunch at Kifaru house and back to David Sheldrick. This time people got a chance to watch the elephants in their pens, take photos and ask questions. We were also met by an unexpected visitor, a giraffe. What fantastic way to get the trip started.
Thursday December 5, 2019
The destination for this day was Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA). This was a day for the students to see and relate to the hardships that not only residents of Kibera go through but also others staying in different slums in Kenya, Africa and the world. The bus dropped everyone off at prestige mall and we made our way on foot to KGSA. The activities for the day included a tour of the school, interacting with the girls and sharing life experiences. Since 5 of the girls were to accompany the students in the coming days, they were also home visits conducted for each of them. This also allowed the students to walk through Kibera and see the lifestyle of the people for themselves. The soccer team was awarded new football jerseys, boots and a well-deserved lunch.
Friday December 6, 2019
Time to load up the bus! Patrick, the bus driver (I call him Vin Diesel, don’t worry you will know why later, keep reading) together with Kifaru house staff loaded up the bus ready for a 3-day trip outside Nairobi. The rain that was pounding hard that morning causing us a few delays, but it was nothing we couldn’t handle. The trip took us on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Anyone who has been on that road will obviously speak of the wonderful scenery of the great Rift valley that greets you. It is truly a fascinating sight one that actually lets you take a step back and marvel at natures wonderful sceneries. The first destination was Kijabe Environmental Volunteers (KENVO) which strives to conserve natural habitats in the kikuyu escarpment and their biological diversity by working with local communities and partners. The students were engaged in tree planting in Kereita Forest which is one of the roles of the organization. They were also educated on the types of trees they were planting and its importance.
After the exercise it was off to hells gate national park in Naivasha to begin our first camping experience. Right at the entrance we were able to see a large herd of zebras, some monkeys and a group of warthogs. Maybe they were the animal welcome party. As soon as we reached camp it was time to wind down, relax and gather at the camp fire for some games and much needed relaxation.
Saturday December 7, 2019
Opening up the tent zip, your greeted by the rush of fresh air and the beautiful scenery of the park since the camp site was on a hill. The steam from the geothermal stations can also be seen from a distance. Wait! Hold up! I almost forgot to mention the aroma of eggs, mandazi, tea, coffee all in one. That tells me that our ``Hell’s Kitchen`` chef Fred is busy at work. An early morning game drive after such a sumptuous breakfast was what was in store as we made our way to Soysambu conservancy. Traffic was hectic but that’s where Vin Diesel comes in. Hope you remember who that is. With unmeasurable driving skills our bus driver was able to get us to Soysambu in time to start the de-snaring exercise. Given the demand for bushmeat, poachers set up snares to catch animals such as zebras, gazelles, antelopes and buffaloes. The snares are made of wire which traps the animal either by the neck or leg. Rangers on patrol usually keep an eye for snares and the Denver team were on hand to offer some assistance. I can tell you from my experience it is not easy to see a wire given the vegetation and how small they are. We also had to keep an eye out for buffaloes. Talk about being alert.
After the exercise that took us about one and a half hours it was back to camp.
Sunday December 8, 2019
Loading up the bus again. This time however it was all hands-on deck with everyone assisting to pack the bus. It was fun throwing the sleeping bags and mattresses up on the bus carrier. Given that none of us were rugby or basketball players I can say the throws were pretty good. But we couldn’t leave without one more game drive. The students also got a chance to see the geothermal stations much closely as we made our way to lake Naivasha. Lucky enough, no one in the group was thelassophobic so we all enjoyed the boat ride in the lake with the occasional sighting of hippos. The activities of the day ended with an interactive session with the l. Naivasha fishing group before we made our way back to Nairobi.
Monday December 9, 2019
The day started pretty early so as to beat the early morning traffic as we made our way to Kenyatta university. The day’s activities involved meeting the students and faculty from the department of sociology. Kenyatta university students were able to share with Denver students on Kenya’s social status and a question and answer session. T-shirts and pens were also given out to the students and faculty.
After all that it was back to Kifaru house for the DU team to pack and prepare for a six-day trip that would take them to Voi, Tsavo and Diani.
More was in store for the Denver students, join us on the next part of the Denver diary as we explore the coastal regions of Kenya as we engage with communities and experience what nature has to offer!
