Mainia doubled his duty and became tour guide as well as driver pointing out wildlife during the trek in Samburu.

Anxiously we waited, standing in the van, the raised roof allowing us a great view and then our first sighting, an oryx. This stately hooved beast paid no attention to the excited women snapping photos and soon trotted off to join his friends. That was beginning of a wonderful afternoon of antelopes and gazelles filling the savannah almost posing for our cameras.

And then the highlight, a dream fulfilled for Sally, the long neck and brown patches were unmistakable. A giraffe, just yards away from the van nibbled on the leaves of a tree, took a moment to nuzzle with a friend and then returned to his afternoon snack.

As dusk crept in we headed back with a reward, an ostrich family, also heading home, crossed our path, the large black and white dad leading more than 20 chicks with mom bringing up the rear.

The drive ended on the same high note on which it began.

In the 5 or so hour drive we begin to create the bonds that will add to this memorable journey. We arrive at the lush Serena mountain lodge, also known as a ‘tree lodge’ as it is built on tree timbers. Despite being planned as a day to rest Marge, Nicole, Lauren and I along with about 6 other members of our group decide to take the nature walk and are joined by two other hotel guests.

Our experienced and hum0rous guide Benson

It is rainy season so boots and raincoats are provided if you are not prepared. Our guide Benson takes us through the narrow but worn path just beyond the lodge. It might seem like an easy stroll through the woods but the site of thetwo guards armed with rifles remind us that we are entering the territory of animals that may not be pleased we are visiting.

The rain does fall but we get an education about wildlife, get a view of an elusive buffalo and shy oryx and then enjoy some ‘tea in the bush’. We are truly surprised to come upon an opening lined with tree stumps topped with tea cups and table laden with coffee tea and treats. We take a break amidst the drizzle and then head out again. Despite the rain we experience the base of Mt. Kenya from the perspective of someone who knows and respects the land. There are some vibrant colors that splash out from the green and brown barks, brightening up the mud, these are the fireball lilies. We learn a bit more about trees that are communities and seem to grow downward and then head back to the lodge.

We barely have time to get dry before we see the elephants. They spend hours enjoying the water hole behind the lodge, playing, drinking, just being a part of this incredible world. The evening is topped off with a lovely dinner and view of the Genet cats hanging around outside our window.

Though we tend to think of Kenya as always hot and steamy, the nights can be very cool. How to keep warm? The answer; a water bottle provided for every bed, wrapped in flannel, a real treat.

Tomorrow more adventure.

Fireball lily

Elephants at the watering hole

Genet cats munching on a treat

After an hour of relaxing everyone gathered for a lovely dinner sponsored by OSSN. We had the opportunity to get to know each other and members of the Kenyan Tourist Board and reps from the hotel. We were even entertained by a four piece band.

A good nights sleep and we are off to the mountain lodge and our adventure continues.

The Ranch

We are fortunate to live in a fantastic Colorado mountain valley.  As we are a ranch, yes, we do ride horses.  However, we also hike spectacular trails, fish in clear mountain streams, and simply breathe in the beauty of God’s creation every day. Yet, the true joy of a Deer Valley ranch vacation is the “sense of place” that it provides. It is a conversation with another guest at dinner, watching as a wrangler sets the stirrups and encourages your nervous son on his first ride, sharing the camaraderie of making it up a major mountain peak, or laughing when your guide falls into the cold water while fishing. There are plenty of challenges met, nervous new experiences (rafting, horseback riding, and hiking above timberline), and lots of laughter and smiles at our Colorado dude ranch.
It is the people.

We at Deer Valley love people and welcome folks of all ages, places and walks of life to our ranch. Because of our safe environment, top quality staff and activities for young and old alike, our special niche, though, is families. At our family ranch, parents can go horseback riding on the same easy but scenic ride as their child one morning. The next afternoon they can ride up a steep trail on an adults only ride. Mom and Dad can relax knowing their child is in a supervised children’s programback at the ranch. If grandparents are along, they can be as active

or inactive as they like. Deer Valley Ranch is, indeed, ideal for families.

Meal times are also great for families to get together, reconnect and share about the day’s adventures. Hearty and homemade, fresh and healthy, our meals are served family style as well as all-you-can-eat buffets. Don’t miss the ever-popular Mexican buffet lunch, Friday night steak dinner with homemade Swiss cheese bread, Sue’s freshly-made cinnamon rolls, or Deer Valley’s famous cowboy cookies.

After a day in the saddle, a soak in our outdoor hot springs hot tub, a hearty dinner and square dancing under the stars, retreat to your comfortable cabin nestled among the pinon pine. You might want to first build a fire in your fireplace and have a family time sharing the day’s events. After sending the children to their own bedroom for bed, pick up a book or read about the next day’s activities in the “Round-Up”, a daily newsletter delivered to your cabin. Start planning the day ahead at our family dude ranch. If you can stay awake.

Call 703-986-0934 to get your great rate.