Nairobi National Park

Yesterday I took my class to Nairobi National Park (see http://www.kws.org/parks/parks_reserves/NANP.html or http://nairobinationalpark.wildlifedirect.org/).

It was a wonderful trip! Although this park is easily accesible to at least some of the students, and reasonable affordable (less and $1 for residents; $40 for non-residents), very few of them had ever been. Also, they rarely get to see the animals we saw during our drive through the park.

The park is interesting for another reason - it is within view of downtown Nairobi. There are fences to keep the wildlife from getting into the city, but otherwise the animals we observed are free to roam anywhere in Kenya. Our drive took from about 10am til about 3 pm, with a stop for lunch at a controlled picnic area.

Among the large animals we saw were Ostriches (more than I espected); Kongoni (a type of antelope); Zebras; Impalas; Buffalo; Wart Hog; Vultures; Springbok; Monitor Lizards; and Baboons (beware - picture of male Baboon is R-rated; see if you can figure out why!). At lunch we took a short walk with a park ranger (he carried a WWII vintage rifle). Hiking is discouraged - Kenyans would prefer tourists stay alive so they can spend money - there is plenty for the predators to eat without adding tourists to the menu. Anyway, we walked along a river to view some crocodiles and we were able to see one Hippo (at least his head).

I visited with the ranger for some time. He had been working for the Kenyan Wildlife Service for 18 years. His observation was that wildlife was on the decline overall due to habitat destruction. However, Kenya certainly recognizes wildlife and the tourism it generates as their primary natural resource, so they do a reasonably good job of managing their parks.

At the end of the trek, we went through the Animal Orphanage - basically a small zoo with wart hogs; lion; cheetahs; leopards; and a few other animals. By US standards, the facilities were substandard, but everyone enjoyed the visit. We got there just as they fed the lions - it is impressive when you can hear the crunch of a leg of something being knawed on by a 500 lb lion!

We left the park at about 4:30 and arrived back at Brackenhurst by 6:00 or so. (See my roadshot post for that experience!) The students were given an assignment - to take one thing they observed and draw a picture; then chose a scripture that applies to that experience; then write a one-page summary of how they would use that experience in a sermon or devotional. I am anxious to read their papers.

Safari Salame - HDG