OLJOGI WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY
Everyday is not a safari day, when we get to travel..we do it to the fullest. I had no plans of travelling anywhere on this very day. I had plans to represent my team at the Super League Match but when your boss calls, you answer.
I received a call on a Friday afternoon and I receive a call to go for a safari in Oljogi – which I only hear about but have never been there. I am confused and happy. First things first, I cancel my availability for the game and prepare to visit the only place with a bear in Africa.
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in Laikipia County, Kenya. It is situated in the central part of Laikipia County, covering an area of approximately 58,000 acres. The conservancy is dedicated to wildlife conservation and habitat protection. It is home to a wide variety of animal species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species.
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy is known for its commitment to wildlife preservation and offers a high-end safari experience for those looking to explore the diverse ecosystems and observe a wide range of African wildlife in a private and exclusive setting.
Being that this was a long distance we were to cover, our meeting time was 6am. Of course I prayed that people could keep time. The day is finally here, I am up and ready got to town early. The 40 seater bus is ready for us. I get to make a few calls of people being picked in town. After everyone has arrived and boarded, we depart from town at 6.20am enroute through the Nairobi – Nyeri Highway.
We make few stopovers to pick fellow adventure lovers, our first stopover is in Sagana at one very known supermarket at the Highways – Magunas Supermarket. A few people buying some snacks because we know we’re gonna have late lunch. This time I get to spoil myself with the Latte’ from the restaurant. It is a cold morning and we definitely need something to keep us warm. There is also an allowance to get the amazing shots from the photographer. And when we took long, some individuals decided to order and enjoy it at the restaurant and not take away. It is allowed since we had the time.
At this point we pick up a lady who joins us for the trip and after 20 minutes of the over stayed stopover, we hit the road- full stomachs, adventure spirit and the enough snacks for the day. It is time for a smooth ride I our big bus. We continue with our journey through the central Kenya towns that are rich in breathtaking vegetation. The people are chit chatting I the bus as they get to know each other. Within a few hours we are in Nanyuki town where we pick the last group of travelers- a mother & sons. It is well known that ladies travel more than men. We divert to the left after Nanyuki tow ad the road ow is murram, a stretch of over 20km till where the entrance to Oljogi is.
On our way, we could see the dry vegetation of the area with dried Ewaso Nyiro river. Children herding and stopping every vehicle to get some drinking water.
After few hours for driving we get to Oljogi Wildlife Conservancy gate one, where we undergo a check. We the head further inside. Finally, we arrive, our very own Mr. Solomon conducted a team building to engage and catch our attention. We later head to a briefing session where we are introduced to the activities of the Conservancy. Our excitement can be seen on our eyes as we are excited to see the Bear. Animals, you can see include: Elephants, antelopes, reticulated giraffe, zebra, leopard, lion, cheetah, small cats, three species of primates and a stunningly diverse array of birds
Oljogi Conservancy has a rhino sanctuary to the entire Conservancy and developed a unique fence enabling its rhinos to be protected within its boundary while allowing the free migration of all other species. We are taken through a tour of the various animals in their cages at the conservancy…taking lots of photos.
The Bear – Potap – was a donation from Moscow and is the only Bear in East Africa. The bear roams freely in its cage and the wardens feed it daily with the kilos of food. The bear is so huge and extinct. This is the glam of the conservancy. We later head to other sections with the animals, the well-known parrot, close photos with the elephants. They are just given grass and as they feed you can take a close phot of them. Sooo harmless.
After our tour in the area, we head out back to Nanyuki where we shall be having our lunch. On our way, most people are excited that this being one of the items on their bucket list has been ticked off. After a drive of around one hour thirty minutes, we get to Nanyuki all ready for lunch. We enjoy our sumptuous lunch as we interact.
After lunch we head back to Nairobi.
Viola! We get to Nairobi late at night and every person disperse to their homes.
