November 13 – Tamarind tree, monkeys, and giraffe manor
We started off the day with a short walk in the forest behind our hotel, the Tamarind Tree. This is the same forest that we came to on our first day of the trip that is home to a family of vervet monkeys. We found the monkeys this time further back in the forest. Some of them were very curious about us and some were wary.
This trouble maker was dropping seeds, leaves, and twigs on us from above before coming down the tree to check us out.
I walked a little further down the trail and I spotted two baby monkeys and their moms.
This little one was very curious about us, but its mom would let it get too close.
We’re picked from Tamarind tree and off we went to Giraffe manor. on the way, we stopped at Matt bronze, which has a variety of bronze sculptures, bowls, frames, and other items all in Africa theme.
From there, we headed to giraffe manor. Giraffe manor is a historic building that used to be a hunting lodge and is now a luxury hotel where you can feed the giraffes by hand (under careful supervision).
We got a tour of the manor and its grounds, then settled in for lunch. We then headed to the neighbouring giraffe centre where we had a brief presentation about giraffes and etiquette while feeding them. We got some food for the giraffes and fed a few of them snacks.
After the giraffe orientation we enjoyed some cocktails on the patio and watched giraffes in the distance.
Next up, feeding the giraffes their dinner. While all the giraffes take their food gently, they
A few facts about giraffes that I learned during my stay:
- Kenya has three different types of giraffes: Masai, Rothschild, and Reticulated
- They can run up to 60 km/ hour
- Their hearts weigh around 11kg and their blood pressure is around 250/140, which would kill a human instantly. Giraffes need a large heart and high blood pressure to pump blood all the way up to their brains
- They don’t lay down, they will only sit
- Their tongues are black to prevent sunburn
A few of mom’s friends sent her an image of them on their own “safari”, everyone on the trip had a good laugh at their photo and sense of humour.
Thanks for wandering with me,
Julie
J Cork Photography 