Ostrich Riding

To kick off our Christmas vacation we went on a little off-road trip with our friends Melanie McKee and Kerry Jividen to Kitengela Glass and the Masai Ostrich Farm, in the open plains Southeast of Nairobi. Since the dirt track required a four-wheel drive, we requested the loan of our CBM field vehicle for the trip -- Santa was our driver!

Kitengela glass was worth the long bumpy drive (though we were more than a little awed over how they can transport their fragile creations over such terrible roads without damage). Erica loved the beading section and found a few treasures to add to her beading supplies. Aaron was very impressed over the incredible stained glass.

But the real highlight of the visit was watching the glass blowers at work. The creation of one serving dish was like watching a dance -- It was amazing!

But the fun was only beginning... after Kitengela, we headed out across the plain for an adventurous trek to the Masai Ostrich Farm. Without any signs, land marks or much in the way of a road we were not guaranteed to even find our intended destination.

That wasn't such a bad outcome as far as Aaron (the bird phobic) was concerned. But despite Aaron's best efforts to get us lost, he found the Ostriches without a hitch!

This little three week old fella wanted a kiss...peck on the cheek?

Ava getting a "birds eye view" from Daddy's shoulders.

Kerry, Mel, Erica, baby Gigi and Emma

at the Masai Ostrich Farm

Erica with Ava, our little Ostrich hunter. Several of the giant birds had escaped their fence and were taking a close interest in us. Our Masai guide took a long stick and drove a hissing female away from us, only to be joined by the Kenny kids waving sticks on the next wave of the attack. Ava was fearless. We had to restrain her from chasing the fleeing ostrich back under the fence where she would have taken one out. Seriously, she is a warrior!

The big thrill was Ostrich riding which was only for the bravest of among us: Emma, Tristan, Melanie and Kerry each went for a ride on an male Somali Ostrich. (The simple way to distinguish between a Masai Ostrich and a Somali Ostrich is the flesh colouring -- Masai have bright pink or red necks and the Somali have blue/grey necks). We were blown away over how fast these birds could run. Even with two farm hands trying to hold him back, this Ostrich took Emma on a sprint that had our hearts in our throats. Emma held on tight and wanted to go for another ride.

Tristan was also a great rider and held tight to his canvas saddle for a great ride. Who needs reindeer when you have Ostriches?








We all had a great day!