Hello!!! from the wilds of the jungle! I was hoping to post more often, however, for obvious reasons it has been tough to access the Internet. I apologize for not having photos at this time either, but have taken plenty of amazing pics, and look forward to sharing them with you all when I return. In the meantime, I have much to share about my travels!
We are now on the last leg of our travels through Kenya and Tanzania, and the experience of this trip has far surpassed my expectations. Our journey thus far has covered Amboseli, Nakuru National Park @ Sunbird Lodge, Masa Mara Preserve @ Kilima Camp, and now at the Serengeti National Park @ the Balaeti Lodge and Serengeti Serena Lodge. We have driven hundreds of miles. Even 8 1/2 hours one day just to get from one location to the next. We've had stops in Nairobi and the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria along the way to experience some of the additional amazing sites of Tanzania and Kenya.
Our lodging has been at the most unique and diverse places I have ever experienced. We have been catered to at every stop, and pampered to the fullest. One of my favorite destinations was that of Kilima Camp on the top of Kilima Mountain. Our view was of the 373,000 acres of the Masa Mara Preserve, and the migrating wildebeest. Our accommodations were that of a 5 star resort including amazing meals, and impeccable service at every turn. Kilima Camp is a 12 tent camp created by a Belgium gentleman 2 1/2 years ago. The land rights are that of the Maasai tribe, and a lease fee is paid, as well as any entrance fees by the guests who enter the preserve to the tribe.
To describe the views and wild life we have been so blessed to see does not do justice to actually experiencing these marvels in person, but will attempt to do my best.
After the several hundreds of miles we have driven, on unpaved outward bound type roads I must add, ( about 80% have not been paved roads) we have seen hundreds of zebra, giraffe, elephants, wildebeest, baboons, giselle and monkeys. One of the most amazing sites to behold amongst many, was that of the migrating wildebeest. Are you ready?! In the months of August, September and October, 1.5 million of these awkward looking animals migrate to the Masa Mara Preserve every year. You read it right, 1.5 million. Driving through parts of the 373,000 acres of the preserve was like a parting sea of these awkward, yet unique creatures. Literally miles of these animals to be seen. The pics I took won't do justice, but you will see how incredible it was when I post them.
Another incredible experience was in the Nakuru National Park. Again, thousands, and I mean thousands of flamingo littered the waters. It was like a cloud of pink lining the shores. I could not take enough photos of just how beautiful they were. Also at Nakuru we were fortunate to cross the paths of the white rhino, and our first sighting of many to come of female lions. A mom and her cubs were basking on the rocks under a shade tree during the hot afternoon. I am sure gorged from their feast from the night before. Buffalo were plenty, as well as the Thompson Giselle. One delightful experience (as Laurie would put it) was that of helping a large school bus that was stuck in the sand from getting too close to the waters. The cruiser we were in amazingly was able to tug it out from the sludgy sand, and the children and teachers were sooo appreciative. They could not stop laughing and giggling at us, and of course, if you know me well enough, you know I had a ball interacting with them. Laurie was kind enough to have brought with her many pens and pads for the kids, and we gave many away to the group. Amazing how something we take for granted everyday could mean so much.
Of course there have been some comical occurrences, of course which anyone who has traveled always have to tell have taken place during our adventure. One of which took place back at Amboseli, when Laurie woke me up for a 6am breakfast call. We rushed to get ready and got to the main lodge, only to arrive in complete darkness and silence. I looked at Laurie as she put her watch up to her face, and realized it was upside down, and only 1am! Too flippen' funny. I had to laugh, and fortunately was able to go back to bed. Amazing what jet lag can do. She also pulled a 1am shower thinking it was 6:30am at Sunbird Lodge, but fortunately I slept right through that one. I have nearly shattered my elbow, smashed my knee cap, and did split my top lip. No surprise to anyone who knows how accident prone I am. Unfortunately none I can attribute to a wild night, nor a wild animal. I woke up in the night to use the restroom, and slipped on the smooth concrete, landing on my face and knee. Luckily no lost teeth, and just an Angelina lip to show for it, with a bit of a split.
I have so much more to share, but will spare you until next posting, which will probably be in the next few days. Our adventure has been filled with delight, laughter and incredible awe. More to come, and thank you for sharing in my journey in the wilds of Africa!!!
Ciao!!! Robs
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