But only for two nights this time.

We headed north of Nairobi this time to visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and the Porini Rhino Camp. First established in 1988 as the Sweetwaters Game Reserve as a sanctuary for black rhinos and other animals, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy now covers around 90,000 acres.

The camp was great - our third Porini camp - and yes, our third time with bucket showers (we’ve become pros now). A small camp with only 9 guest tents, and a common area that overlooks a watering hole. Unfortunately the watering hole was out of service due to a broken pipe, but a few animals did visit.

We had our first rhino sighting on our evening game drive. After a bit of rain (a downpour) caused us to close all the coverings on the Land Cruiser for a bit, we opened it back up, and ended up spotting the rhino (and a couple of lions, while enjoying a sundowner. By the time we finished up and moved closer it was quite dark out, but we could enjoy the sighting with our red spotlights.

The night sky was beautiful here, as it was in every camp. iPhone pictures don’t do it justice, but trust me - it was incredible.

The next day we enjoyed seeing several more of these magnificent animals, and also had sightings of lions, giraffes, and many others. The giraffes here are the reticulated giraffes which are incredibly striking. The patterns seem to be painted on in geometric shapes.

We visited the Equator, having a chance to straddle the northern and southern hemisphere! And we enjoyed some of the humor this conservancy had to offer as well. (Hope you can read this sign)

We finished off another game drive with lions stalking some gazelles (but going hungry), and seeing a great warthog (Pumba) family.

This one was just a short two night visit, and now we are headed on - but not too far away. We will still be in rhino country, but this time with hot and cold running water!

All the best,

Tim & Eileen