We hadn’t planned to be in Kenya.
On our way to spend Christmas in Burundi in the Great Lakes region of Africa, our plane had touched down in Nairobi and there we had learned about violent clashes that day in Burundi and all flights were cancelled. So we made the best of the situation and decided to explore Kenya.
Now, early morning, awaking to the sound of exotic bird calls in the valley, we hurry outside, anxious to see the rugged outline of Mount Kenya before the daily rainclouds obscure it from view. Groups of black-and-white colobus monkeys, with their old man faces, roam through the tree canopy and the magnificent crowned cranes stretch their wings on the tree tops. Although it is summer and we are standing on the line of the equator, we sling jerseys on and wander down to the lake, the early morning mist slowly rising from its waters.
A curious Colobus monkey
This is the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, 190km north of Nairobi in Nanyuki ; built as a romantic, but ill-fated, retreat in the 1930s and rescued by the Hollywood star William Holden in the late 1950s as he sought to set up a wildlife refuge here. The grounds around the hotel are magnificently maintained, sweeping lawns, where a tame stork roams, a fascinating maze beyond the lake, 100 acres of landscaped grounds.
Mount Kenya emerging from the early morning mist.
There is always an ethereal quality about mists rising from water, whatever the country,
and flowers raise their heads to meet the early morning sun, their colours reflecting the intensity of the African sun.
There is a forgotten old formal rose garden behind the hotel, surrounded by ancient trees , a feeling of nostalgia permeating the atmosphere.
Later, afternoon tea is served on the terrace, overlooking the immaculate maze, storks and ibises our companions.
Dublin city, indeed the 21st century, seems a million miles away.
Read more about this wonderful Kenyan hotel HERE
Jardin 
Stunning pictures!! 💜
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Thanks Cindy, in fact, I lost a memory card so only a few remained!
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Oh gosh..that must have broken your heart!! I lost most of our wedding photos in a hurricane years ago and let me tell you, I was sick over it for a long time..
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Now that’s quite a dramatic way to lose them!
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yup it was..I’d say “gone with the wind”sounds more exciting….but it was really more like soaked in water. 😟
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beautiful pictures !
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Many thanks – hope they convey what a beautiful place it was.
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Oh yes definitely !
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So so beautiful ! Next time I’ll go with you !
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Look forward to that! X
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How exotic! I certainly would be nervous on a trip like that. I’m glad it turned out well for you. Your posts haven’t been showing up on my “reader”, but I’m happy to have you back with your wonderful travels.
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Thank you so much! Kenya turned out to be wonderful. I haven’t posted in a while due to family circumstances but it’s good to be back!
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Gorgeous photos. The Crane against the blue sky is wonderful. Great to see you again. 🙂
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Sylvia, many thanks for the welcome! Delighted you enjoyed the photos>
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A wonderful post, and I am so glad to see one of your posts. Thank you! I’ve missed them.
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Cynthia, thank you so much. It’s feels good to be back writing about the things I love.
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I’m glad to hear that, too!
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I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Mount Kenya, and you captured the magic beautifully here, Lorna. All of your photos here are magnificent, your love of gardens shines through. I really like the crowned crane with outstretched wings and glorious beauty.
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Thank you Jet, glad you enjoyed the post, especially as you’ve been to Mt Kenya yourself. The crowned crane is such a photogenic bird.
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