A rather different sort of experience, this, transferring over to Borana Lodge, a privately owned property to the north of Lewa, and which is actually still very much a working ranch.

Each of Borana's 8 cottages () is totally secluded, with its own fireplace, in which a fire is lit every evening () (Africa can be cold at night!). Needless to say, I once again bagged the honeymoon suite (), (), below.

     

All areas of the lodge overlook a lake, in which it is often possible to see elephants swimming. Here we saw a number of pelicans (), mixed in with various other water birds, including sacred ibis, Egyptian Geese and spoonbill (). Since Borana is also a working ranch, with 2000 head of cattle, it is possible to add the experience of ‘real’ African life to the slightly artificial one of wild life game viewing.

The lodge also has its own helipad (), below, and also a separate pool area (), below, that we decided not to take advantage of since we were apparently expected to share it with the lodge's two resident dogs.

     

Exploring the ranch further, we took a look at their tack room (), and got to meet their resident tame eland, Elvis, (), below (so-named because when he was first rescued, as an orphan, he was somewhat shaky on his legs), and their even tamer pussy cat, Ginger (), below. A splendid example of the leopard tortoise () (its shell markings are held to look like the pattern of a leopard's coat), further added to our enjoyment of the experience.

     

Later in the day we went for a brief game drive, during which we enjoyed the further new sighting of a patas monkey (), took a look around the attached Laragai House (available for family accommodation), and visited Rose and Tony Dyer, who used to own Borana, and who still live at the edge of the ranch. Despite being in her 80s, Rose still rides regularly, and gives riding lessons to children.

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