12-MAR-2010
Oltukai
We spent almost all day working our way to Amboseli. I just went on Google to try and figure out the actual distance, and followed the roads that are marked. Here's what I figured out:
Nairobi to Amboseli (as the crow flies)
168 kms
104 miles
Nairobi to Amboseli (using the roads)
244.51 kms
151 miles
No matter how you look at it, it took a lot of time. Once you're off the main roads in Kenya, vehicle speed will rarely get over 60-80 KM/hr.
Oltukai Lodge was to be our base for the next 3 days. Here's the Lodge sign as we were pulling in...
12-MAR-2010
Arriving at Oltukai
Oltukai sits in Amboseli Park, in a grove of Acacia,Thorn Trees, and Palms.
After driving for hours with the Kenyan sun and heat beating down on the van, and traveling down gravel and dirt roads, arriving at the Lodge was a major reward!
Oltukai probably wouldn't be a pick for the "backpacking" type. It's more on the lines of a 3-5 star resort, just like you would find in North America.
Here's the roadway leading into the entrance portico. You can see people off-loading from their safari van after a day in the park.
While it's not very prominent, this spot has one very special treat for the guest. The wicker container with the white cloth on top has individual face cloths laready dampened with cool water. When you get out of your vehicle and wipe your face with one of these,it's pure nirvana!
13-MAR-2010
Oltukai Grounds
The landscaping, trees and shrubbery at Oltukai are fantastic. Everything is maintained very well, with a lot of greenery and floral settings, too.
14-MAR-2010
The Hotel Lobby
In Canada, the first thing you'll see in a hotel lobby is the check-in counter. Kenya's no different, except there's no bank of computers with clerks clicking away.
Here, the clerk has a good old registration form to fill in.
Here she is filing...
By the way..the lobby is extremely dark, in order to keep the heat down. There's a lot of windows, but everything is really shady. I had to really push this picture to get the detail out.
14-MAR-2010
Oltukai Lodge Construction
The Lodge is built from a combination of unprocessed log supports and trusses, rough timber boards, and clay tiles for flooring. It's really well-made, and everything is very clean. All the windows and doors are left wide-open to ventilate the building, so you always end up feeling your outdoors.
The lobby area has some great fabric hangings, as well as a lot of beautiful sculptures and carvings all over.
Oltukai Lobby Artwork and Hangings
14-MAR-2010
The Patio
Here's a view of the patio. In a few more pictures, you'll see what this fellow was photographing. I'll let the suspense build....grin....
14-MAR-2010
The Creek
There's a creek running right through the patio area. I don't think it's natural, though. Just a nice water feature..