TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Africa and its animals are famous world wide but reaching them and knowing how to face them are two different things. Sadly many people today only experience wild animals as caged exhibits in a zoo or worse as circus animals made to perform tricks. For those of us that have had the privilege of living in Africa and seeing animals in the wild there can be little more soul destroying than watching a caged animal pace endlessly around the confines of its enclosure.

Zoos have their place in terms of protecting endangered species and introducing breeding programs to ensure that future generations will enjoy some of the thrills that we are fortunate enough to witness today. For me the chance to return to the African bushveldt is a sheer privilege and not an event that I will ever take for granted. For 24 years I lived in Southern Africa and had one of the world’s finest games parks literally on my doorstep. To return after nearly ten years to revel in its stupendous surroundings was a truly awesome experience. There is a saying that you appreciate things more once you have left and then return. This was indeed the case. Africa and its animals are not for the faint hearted or for ‘woosies’. It’s for those who take time to draw breath and revel in their beauty but ultimately respect them.

     

Life in the bush starts early – and that means at sunrise. The gates to the Kruger National Park which in terms of size is the same as Wales, open at first light – In the summer months this is usually around 0530 and then in the winter when it is considerably colder around 0630. The gates close at sun sent which in summer is around 13 hours later at 1830 and in winter about 1730. In truth though you will usually see the most early in the morning. Animals are sensible and don’t move around in the heat of the day but rather seek the shade of large trees or rocky outcrops when the sun is at its highest. So planning how you will undertake a trip into the park is essential in the initial planning stages of your trip.  Are you going to self drive and hire a vehicle and stay in the park itself where there are dedicated and well equipped rest camps or would you rather stay in a hotel or self catering facility nearby on the outskirts of the park. Both have their clear advantages. If you are in the park itself already you can get a head start out into the more central areas of the park once the gates open.  However for those who perhaps want to spend a longer time in the area but don’t wish to spend their entire stay in the park, the other option is often the best – As with so much in life, seeing animals at the best, can take extreme patience and time which is often not on the side of the traveller.  Just as many visitors from the northern hemisphere think they can visit most of Australia in only  a couple of weeks, a common misnomer is that visitors to Africa can guarantee to see all the animals they wish in a couple of days. In 24 years of living in Africa and visiting the park I waited nearly 18 years till I first saw a leopard. In private lodges where one can pay exorbitant prices to be taken out on land rovers that hurtle through the bush in pursuit of the big five, it is sometimes possible but for those that seek the time and relaxation within an average budget, a self drive option through park is a winner.  For those that are nervous of doing this and prefer a ranger guide with a safari type vehicle these tours lasting anything from 2 – 5 hours are also available from within the rest camps of the park and also from some of the nearby hotels. Costs start from about 80 euro per person.  The plus point about these is that someone else is doing the driving, the negative is that you are in a vehicle with up to 11 other people, crammed cheek by jowl and making it exceptionally difficult to get any decent pictures or shoot video at will since you are at the mercy of the ranger as to how long you stay in any one place. This can be a seriously frustrating scenario for a visitor who has travelled thousands of miles to witness the wonder of Africa’s wildlife.  Sadly too, the Kruger Park has started to become more and more commercialised and seeing up to 5 large safari vehicles surrounding a group of animals or even a lone lion definitely takes the edge off the experience. With self drive, you can choose where to go provided it is within the road system , when to go and how long you stay there and if you get lucky you witness animals one to one without the intrusion of others around you. The pay off is that you need to be a seriously early riser but there is little to beat the bush between 6 and 9 in the morning, as it comes to life and the king of the beasts pads stealthily through the grass towards to you.

   

Bookings for accommodation at the rest camps within the Kruger Park need to be made up to a year in advance for peak times such as school and public holidays. For those accessing the park on a daily basis  a ‘wild’ card is available at the gate if you will be making multiple entries from outside the park and does offer you a considerable saving over a couple of weeks alternatively a one off fee is applicable at the gate.

HIDING FROM THE BIRDS

Whilst visiting the Kruger National Park, it’s easy to forget the smaller things that can provide as much wonder and attraction as the larger ones.  Birds in South Africa are some of the most colourful and attractive in the world and if lucky you can spot some of the more unusual ones if you are fortunate enough to have the time to go one of the bird hides that have been created in the Park.

Depending on the amount of water around, the dams can be full or completely dry but generally the hides have been built on a dam which will have a regular supply of water for both birds and wildlife.  Early morning or late afternoon is generally considered the best time for twitchers to enjoy their bird watching and during my visit the only noise in the hide was the constant whirring of high speed motor drives on cameras as they wound on hundreds of shots for the avid photographers. Many had come from far and wide in the hope of seeing something truly special. The African fish eagle with its distinctive cry, is one such majestic bird, As it swoops low over the water to catch its prey its wing span alone causes gasps from all who have chance to witness the flight.  The kingfishers of which there are many varieties, vie with each other in terms of colour. The malachite with its virulent turquoise and orange feathers and its bright yellow beak seems to defy nature since it’s a small bird and incredibly efficient when it comes to catching fish. The black and white feathers of the pied kingfisher causes it to blend in perfectly with the surroundings and without a powerful pair of binoculars, which are essential for any twitcher, you have little hope of seeing him.  For my money’s worth I like the African Jacana perhaps better known as the lily walker with its long spindly legs and huge spiky type feet that are so light and large that they are able to walk across the lily pads with ease.

     

From the confines of a hide one is able to clearly witness the birds going about their daily routine whilst they appear blissfully ignorance of your presence. Life below the water however is perhaps not as quiet as it might first appear. A terrapin or two may appear on a log as they bask in the warm rays of sun shine, the gulping noise of the barbel some of which are up to a metre long, can be heard as they poke their heads above the lily pads. But for me the best of all is the blowing noise that may be followed by a grunt that is pure music to the ears of those in the know, for behind these noises are some of the largest and seemingly most placid creatures in the world. The African hippo. In reality these animals are massive and seriously heavyweight, yet in the water you may not even know they are there since they have the ability to stay under water for up to 20 minutes at a time. It is only the ring of bubbles on the water surface that may give away their presence or the occasional twitching of their miniscule ears that sometimes break the water’s surface. Hippos spend most of their day submerged in the water – enjoying the cool and the inevitable mud at the bottom of the dam. It is at dusk that they come into their own when they venture out of the water to graze and are at their most dangerous. Although herbivores, one bite from a hippo will kill a human instantly and hence the wise words that nobody should ever come between a hippo and water. They graze on the grass alongside the river banks or given half a chance off the greens of golf courses that have been created close by. Since golfers don’t generally play at dusk they are not usually at risk though crocodiles can prove to be distinctly more hazardous to the unsuspecting.

Life viewed from a bird hide is a tranquil experience and especially so in the African bush. Time seems to stand still and allow one to savour every moment – It’s a truly magical event that is worthwhile including in any trip into the Kruger National Park. After early morning game viewing in your car, a couple of hours spent in the bird hide can allow you the chance to cool down during the hotter part of the day and yet still experience Africa at its best.

A TALE OF TWO ELEPHANTS

Rising before dawn and driving oneself into the Kruger National Park in South Africa must surely be one of the world’s best experiences. As the sun slowly rises over the African landscape, it’s hard not to feel a pull at your heart strings and a knot in your stomach as the day commences for some of the largest and most amazing creatures in the world.

     

Many may think that spotting an elephant is easy – well they are after all quite large and some are considerably larger than others. Believe it or not they actually camouflage themselves extremely well in the bush, with their grey colour often being mistaken for tree trunks or stone. The most common image of an elephant is of it wrapping its trunk around a bunch of branches and then stuffing the branches and all into their mouths. In reality – the elephants are exceptionally good at stripping the leaves off the branches and then devouring the leaves – Add to this the marula fruits of which they are so fond, and it’s easy to understand why you may genuinely see an elephant swaying from side to side. When marula fruits ripen they start to ferment and elephants eating the quantity they do can often become intoxicated.  During my recent trip into the Kruger Park I witnessed first hand on a number of occasions the sheer might and strength of the elephant. Bull elephants tend to be solitary creatures leaving the matriarchs to bring up the youngsters. The herds are generally the more docile unless you make the unforgiveable mistake of splitting a herd. The saying that elephants rule is certainly king. For in the park you must always give way to an elephant whether solitary or in a herd. A vehicle is no threat to them and one tip of their massive trunks can easily turn a vehicle over and worse. 

Bull elephants may seem harmless enough however these massive creatures can gain speed quite rapidly despite their enormous size. One of my first encounters had me nonchalantly watching a bull elephant shaking fruit off a tree.  He clearly wanted some of the marula fruit and so butted the tree trunk with his massive head. The resounding sound will stay with me always – it proved beyond a shadow of a doubt the strength that these magnificent beasts have.  In truth it was merely a gentle shove as, if he wished he could have calmly pushed the tree over. Having had his fill of fruit he turned and eyed us in the car and started to come towards us. A large elephant bearing down on a car is an awesome and somewhat unnerving sight. Having kept our distance we were fortunately a short way along the road, however he clearly wasn’t happy – what happened next was right out of story books, he swung his trunk from side to side, he flapped his ears (which are  seriously large), he swished his tail and he started to pick up his enormous legs and start to jog towards the car.  Fortunately most ellies only mock charge but the Kruger Park info warns you to keep you distance and not to antagonise elephants and with good reason. Those in the know also understand the importance of having the ability to reverse your vehicle quickly. We went into reverse and did just that. Sure enough our large fruit filled ellie then sauntered off.  This was to turn out to be just one of the ellie experiences we had.   The second occurred a few days later with a much younger and rather smaller bull elephant. The younger ones are still testing their authoritative powers and are often in the company of another bull. In this case, the larger older bull had sauntered off leaving the more immature one on the other side of the road. Parked well back we waited for the younger to cross but he was going to make a statement in the process.  He emerged from the bush and turned to look at us before trumpeting wildly as if to announce his presence. He then proceeded to raise one of his front legs as if to say – look at me I am the boss – don’t mess with me – before ambling off to join his brother.  It was an awesome but amusing sight. 

On another day we heard more than saw a sight that will always make me wonder what they were running from. In the distance at the end of a sand road we saw a small herd of elephant stampeding across the veldt with the clouds of sand flying everywhere. Much trumpeting was going on and it was clear they were moving at tremendous speed. It’s a times like these one realises how fortunate one is not to be in the way since there was clearly no stopping them. They had definitely been spooked by something but since elephants have no known predators except man we could only hope that it wasn’t poachers that are sadly becoming more prevalent in the park.  A few days later we were to encounter the herd and there to our delight was a baby of no more than a month old. Perhaps some brave pride of lion had decided they would take a chance with the young one. We would never know but we were certainly glad to feel that all was still well in the Park.

THE CHAMPAGNE GUEST HOUSE

Lovers of champagne will be delighted to know that finally a guest house has been named after one of the world’s best known champagnes – Veuve Cliquot. However how the name came about was definitely a matter of the love of the bubbly stuff by owners Jeanette and Sean Ackerman.

Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa and not in France as you might have expected, Clico Guest House has made quite a name for itself since opening its doors in 2006. Sean who has been in the restaurant industry for more than 26 years, decided he wanted to turn his hand to being a chef, whilst his partner Jeanette had always yearned to rise to the challenge of running her own ‘home from home’ guesthouse. The pair have succeeded admirably since they are now the proud owners of a 9 roomed converted residential property in the heart of Rosebank in Johannesburg.  With clientele that is predominantly corporate but with an increasing number of tourists, they have succeeded in giving the visitor just what they seek in a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere. Comfortable rooms with well equipped modern en suite bathrooms provide space to work or relax. Thoughtful extras such as two point power adaptors, an extremely well stocked fridge, excellent tea and coffee making facilities and a good selection of reading material are just some of the bonuses. Feather duvets and ample cupboard space are also a boon for the traveller.  Most rooms lead out to the pool or have their own private terrace. An abundant bird life inhabits the garden despite their beautiful multi coloured cat that is aptly named Veuve. The Clico name and spelling for the guest house – CLICO -  was deliberate in order to ensure the French didn’t get upset with them borrowing the name of the champagne. A wise but shrewd marketing move.

Sean takes tremendous pride in his cuisine. He uses the best suppliers and ingredients with the result that his daily offerings are creative, tasty and served in generous portions. From time to time he will offer a gastronomic meal with perfectly matched wines whilst diners whether residential or non residential  may find themselves treated to creative cuisine. Think aubergine cannelloni as a starter, beautifully stuffed with cottage cheese, smoked salmon and pine nuts accompanied by red pepper chutney served on a bed of wilted spinach. For mains a traditional South African fish – Kingklip, is presented with toasted almonds and feta with braised cabbage and new potatoes. Succulent and fresh it melts in the mouth.  With up to 10% of the guests being vegetarian, Sean has found that his signature dish of butternut soup has carried favour (and flavour) with many from as far afield as the USA. Dessert on the night I was there comprised a delicately flavoured panacotta with just a hint of ginger accompanied by a cinnamon sauce. A local desert wine, a 2006 Mellifera from the Jordan estate, added the finishing touch.

   

Guests whether there for business or pleasure are not made to feel intimidated in any way and it was a delight to see business people as much at ease with their computers at the table as it was for the tourist to curl up in one of the leather chairs in the cosy sitting room. Nooks and crannies in the garden revealed peaceful water features whilst the reception area is decorated with three striking carved wooden sculptures.

With the location of the Clico guest house being just a 2 minute walk from  one of the shortly to be finished train stations and also to the excellent shopping and restaurant facilities in Rosebank, there is little doubt that Clico succeeds in offering great value for money in an increasingly competitive hotel industry. If there is one thing that I would beg them to do, it’s to put doors on their bathrooms since however much you may love your travelling companion there is a time and a place for privacy!

For more info:

Check out www.clicoguesthouse.com

Valley Lodge – A haven in the South African countryside

It’s hard to believe that just over an hour’s drive from Johannesburg International airport nestles a place of tranquillity and peace that provides even the most jet weary traveller with a chance to recoup, revive and best of all just chill.

Magaliesberg valley rests in the shade of the Magaliesberg range of hills to the north west of Johannesburg. It’s still a country paradise away from the bustling city life in which the visitor can immerse themselves amongst lush gardens that border on the edge of the Magalies River that flows through the centre of the 250 hectares of land on which Valley Lodge rests.  

   

The Lodge which has been owned by the same couple for more than thirty years is run professionally and yet with a relaxed atmosphere, thanks to the ever smiling and happy staff. It’s well known that African people are generally happy people and it’s easy to see in the demeanour of all those who work at Valley Lodge. The property which has 76 rooms and suites, all of which have been decorated to an exceptionally high standard  has become an oasis for those who find themselves either transiting through Johannesburg en route to other places or as a restful getaway during a hectic business visit to the City of gold.  Suites with their massive domed roofs and parquet floor s lead onto large stone tiled covered terraces that overlook the surrounding nature reserve. Within the reserve various buck, monkeys and smaller wildlife abound and a walk along one of the many trails provides the stressed with a great way to unwind. The décor of stone walls and thatch roofs are offset by the dark wood and leather covered desks and tables. Straw textured wallpaper completes the theme and when you lie in bed staring up at a 35 foot high ceiling of thatch above you; it’s a truly awesome feeling.  In the early morning, the light footed monkeys scamper over the roof tops almost as if to tell the visitor its time to awake and dip your toe in the massive inviting swimming pool.  It’s rare to see a pool of such a size in a hotel today and perhaps it’s the fact that Valley Lodge truly is a country retreat that the pool seems as much to have a right there as the tall palm trees that nestle side by side with their long established indigenous  neighbours. Birdlife abounds and the opportunity to sit on one’s own terrace with a traditional South African rusk in one hand and a cup of coffee in another during the early hours is definitely something not to be missed. For those who rise later a lazy hour in a rowing boat drifting along the river is equally satisfying.

Here you can do your own thing, whether it be taking a picnic along the banks of the river, organise a wedding party to remember or if needs must, undertake some work in the form of a conference. Valley Lodge has become as much known for it’s slickly run conferences as its lazy weekends for the weary. Due to the size of its gardens and well spaced out rooms, there is no danger of one disturbing the other. 

Meals can be taken when you wish, either on the large welcoming terrace overlooking the pool or in the dining room where massive buffets sometimes beckon. A couple of bars provide cosy areas regardless of the weather and the sumptuously appointed sitting rooms with large inviting fireplaces are great during winter months. 

Magaliesberg with it’s location near to Hartebeespoort Dam, on the route of the Magaliesberg Meander trail,  offers everything from art galleries to wood carving shops and ensures that the visitor can choose to follow whichever path they prefer. The Krugersdorp Game Reserve, the Sterkfontein Caves and the Cradle of Mankind (the latter being a National Heritage site) are all within a short drive from Valley Lodge. However for me, the visit to an elephant sanctuary where you can walk with the elephants, talk with the elephants and even wash the elephants is right up my street or perhaps I should say trunk.  

South Africa has many hidden secrets but those that you least expect often offer the most.

VALLEY LODGE SOUTH AFRICA

www.valleylodge.co.za  Tel: +27 14 577 1301

A Palace like Fairlawns

There are places that are palatial and others that are merely decadent but to find one that is both is unusual especially in a place such as South Africa. One can perhaps understand a little better why Fairlawns has such a reputation when you realise that the land on which it lies once belonged to the famous Oppenheimer family; one of South Africa’s great families perhaps best known for their involvement in the diamond industry.

   

In 1986 an enterprising couple who thrive on challenges, decided to build what has been described by some as a building in the style of the famous Villa d’Este which sits on the shores of Lake Como in Italy and is widely considered to be the ultimate in luxury hotels. It’s easy to understand that any of South Africa’s top names would feel comfortable in Fairlawns, which is located in Sandton, the opulent and supremely successful business centre of Johannesburg.  Here, the suites are named after famous names in South Africa’s history including Gandhi, Mandela and Smuts. The suites themselves whether courtyard or premier are lavishly decorated with period style furniture of a scale seen generally only in large country houses. Huge bookcases and desks adorn the reception rooms of the suites together with large welcoming sofas and wing back chairs. A decanter of sherry makes an inviting feature on the butler style tray table whilst the working fireplace is a definite plus during winter months. Ming style bowls and baskets full of decorated china balls catch the eye as does the leopard print carpet. Aptly placed large mirrors provide a further sense of grandeur whilst the workaholic can be sure of a plethora of plug points and the necessary converter plugs should they be required. A second television near the fireplace is a sensible thought for those that prefer perhaps to watch in the comfort of their sitting room instead of the bedroom but with large folding louvre doors between both these areas and the bathroom, there is plenty of space for couples to have the privacy they require to do their own thing if they wish or alternatively for business people to host a meeting in the comfort of their own sitting room without the concern that guests are looking directly into a bedroom or bathroom area.

In warmer months direct access to your own terrace or balcony overlooking the lush gardens and pool is an invite to stroll a little further to explore. In truth the comfort of the suites, some of which are larger than a small European apartment, entices people to stay within their doors. With large bedroom areas that may include a couple of large sleigh style beds or a four poster, it may make you want to wallow in the luxury of a lie in just a little longer.  Add two huge arm chairs into the equation, a writing desk, a large armoire housing a TV plus copious drawer space and one could imagine oneself staying for a prolonged period.  Bathrooms are no less opulent with large Jacuzzi baths, separate marble tiled showers, large walk in dressing rooms and big separate vanity areas.

Public reception areas like the private ones, boast high corniced ceilings  whether it be in the formal dining room with its magnificent large covered terrace overlooking the gardens, or in the more cosy informality of the bar where a fine selection of cocktails, wine and cigars beckon one to sample, sit back and unwind.

        

For sheer indulgence and relaxation however the Spa must be the ultimate in spoiling. Here you can enjoy a sauna, a steam room and all the treatments you may desire for better well being after you have toned your body in the large, extremely well equipped gym. A stroll through the Bali style gardens en route back to your room will certainly finish the de-stressing program.

In truth there is little that Fairlawns doesn’t provide.  In a boutique hotel of this calibre, fine cuisine is expected and I certainly wasn’t disappointed in the creative offerings from top chef Alicia, who will be more than happy to cook any special request. Her signature dish of duck with raspberries is widely heralded as one of the best in Johannesburg.  Little surprise then that people clamour to eat at her table in the evenings and non residents may also book for breakfast or lunch as well. It’s the type of place where top business people from around the world may meet to discuss their global plans whilst knowing that their every whim will be attended to. Whatever your whim may be there is little doubt that places or perhaps one should say palaces like Fairlawns are fairly unique in the world today!

         

Tel: +27 11 804 2540  www.fairlawns.co.za

‘Gourmet Picnic’ Experience

Spring at Valley Lodge near Magaliesburg, also known as the valley of plenty, is promising a feast for families and corporate groups looking for a getaway with a delectable difference. Yes, the fly-fishing, wellness and picnic packages should make for the ideal spring and summer getaway from city stress at this established country hotel.

 

FAMILY FLY-FISHING PACKAGES

Rate of R3 700 for 1 night to include:

Accommodation for mom and dad in a new Luxury Family Room;

Accommodation in the same room for 2 children;

Dinner, bed and breakfast;

A fly-fishing clinic with MBH Fly-fishing for the family

 

FLY-FISHING CLINIC FOR CONFERENCE GUESTS

For the ultimate team-building experience available by the hour

This fun package offers conference groups an hour’s break from the conference room, enjoying a fly-fishing experience with a trained guide to appreciate the therapy as well as skill of this timeless, international sport.

 

STANDARD SPRING PACKAGES FOR COUPLES FROM SEPTEMBER 1 TO 31, 2009:

All rates are per couple and include:

Accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis PLUS a Picnic Basket for two;

From Standard Rooms at R2,021 per couple for 1 night to R3 860 for 2 nights;

To Superior Rooms at R2,939 per couple FOR 1 night to R5 690 for 2 nights.

 

SUMMER PACKAGES FROM SEPTEMBER TO January 31, 2010 per couple include:

Accommodation, dinner, bed and breakfast PLUS half an hour back & neck massage;

From Standard Rooms at R2,370 per couple per night to Superior Rooms at R5 780 per couple for 2 nights – something to suit every couple - and budget!

 

Valley Lodge is synonymous with comfort, romance, quality family time and conferences, and La Cigale, the wellness facility at the hotel, offers a wide range of treatments designed to restore a sense of balance and wellbeing in leisure as well as conference guests.

 

Choices of accommodation range from superior elegance to country-cottage cosy, (76 rooms) whilst the swanky new look lounge and convivial Maloney’s Bar offer cosy fire-places. The intimate ambience  of the refurbished Saunders Bar, comfort food at the traditional Sunday lunches and soothing sound of birds in their natural habitat (over 356 species recorded thus far) make for an ideal country escape in this unique setting on the private banks of the Magalies River.

 

Call Valley Lodge – less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria –

at (27-14) 014-577 1301/5; Fax: (27-14) 014-577 1306; Email: res@valleylodge.co.za; and view new look website at: www.valleylodge.co.za

Kwale District Eye Centre

The ability to see and the possibilities it offers us, is often taken for granted especially in the Western world where people have access to professional eye care, however in the rural areas of Africa, people are not so lucky.  It’s a staggering fact that in the world one person goes blind every 5 seconds. In Kenya many have severe sight problems and in Kwale, an area of 8,600 square km, with some 600,000 people, 1 in every 100 people are totally blind. During a recent trip to Kenya I had the chance to visit an eye clinic that has been set up by an enterprising British ophthalmologist who has dedicated her life to restoring site and providing care for those who would otherwise not be able to see.

Dr Helen Roberts is the founder of the Kwale Eye Centre, which started off in 1993 as little more than a one room hut where she provided eye services for the local community. With no running water, and only an old kitchen table and a second hand operating microscope, she set up a centre and started to educate the local community to help them to understand how they could start to care for their sight and have a better quality of life. Over the years, due to substantial funding from companies in Germany and the UK the Kwale Eye Centre  has grown to a size where people from a larger region in south east Kenya are able to gain access to a service which has quite literally changed their lives. In the early days fear and traditional values and beliefs prevented the local community from coming to the centre.  Some thought their eyes would be stolen from them, others thought the local witch doctor or herbalist would restore their sight. Women also have to ask permission of their husbands before seeking help, however slowly but surely and with the dedication of this remarkable woman, the Kwale community are regaining their sight.

Community based workers undergo training at the centre and go out into the rural areas and are able to communicate with people in their own language. Screenings are often undertaken in local schools or after major gatherings such as a funeral when the community will come together. Over the years transport for the workers has improved from going on foot, to a motorbike to now the ultimate, a Landover which was donated. In the last 15 years, the centre has grown to incorporate 52 staff, a now modern centre with operating theatres and accommodation for those coming from a distance in order to undergo surgery.  The most common cause of blindness in Kwale is caused by cataracts however with a 15 minute operation, this can be reversed with the replacement of the intraocular lens.

Tourists and travellers are encouraged to visit the Eye Centre and I was thrilled to see from the visitors’ book how many people take the opportunity to do this.  An hour of one’s time provides an insight into what a difference this centre has made to an entire community.  Many have been so moved by what they have seen that they have returned to their respective countries and initiated fund raising activities and on their next holiday back to Kenya, popped into the centre with the result of their efforts.  It’s all low key but intensely positive stuff and I found myself very moved by what I saw. 

Dr Helen Roberts was awarded an MBE in 2003 for her outstanding work and today is considered, quite rightly, a unique and truly special person for all she has achieved in the area of sight. As proof of her dedication, the interview I had planned to have with her was put to one side when she performed an unexpected operation on a patient. For her these people are her life’s work and nothing comes between a Doctor and their work.

To find out more you can check out their website on:

www.eyesforeastafrica.org