Lake Nakuru National Park & Hells Gate: The real-life inspiration for the Lion King

It was time to hit the road and get out of town. As we drove past the Great Rift Valley, scattered with so many prehistoric sights, it was incredible to think that this land held so many secrets and information on human evolution. The Great Rift Valley is also known as the "cradle of mankind". The history was mind-boggling.

As we drove through the streets, the wildlife began to appear. In Australia, when you drive into the 'outback', you would probably see a kangaroo. In Canada, it is not uncommon (and slightly more exciting) to see a bear. In Kenya, as your drive along roads into the 'wild', you see giraffe! Just as you would a kangaroo or bear. We were well and truly entering the wild!

Our first stop was Lake Nakuru National Park. Our lodge was in the national park and surrounded by a large, electric fence to keep any four-legged friends from getting too close. The guard on arrival warned us to be particularly careful near the fence as a pride of lions had been frequenting. It was off to bed early to make our 5 am get up for our first sunrise safari drive.

With our heads out of the roof of the jeep, the wind in our face and the magical sunrise over Lake Nakuru, we thoroughly loved our first game drive of many more to come!

The next stop was Hells Gate, the real-life inspiration for the Lion King. Hell's Gate is also known for its largely predator-free environment, which meant we were able to get out of the car and cycle through the landscape. There was nothing quite as magical as riding through a herd of antelope and then walking through the gorge. It was a truly magical day.