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
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
MY ADVENTURES IN AFRICA
Here I sit on the veranda of the Amboseli Lodge watching a Masai (local tribe name) chop branches for wood, and baby monkeys galore lingering through the landscape within my reach.
I arrived in Tanzania on August 4Th after a day's worth of travel. Long, but worth the effort and time. Laurie and I stayed at the Arumeru Lodge, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro on our first evening. We were warmly greeted and bunked in a darling cottage, one of many scattered throughout the property. W could hear wild dogs barking in the night, which as you can imagine made me think of home. Woke on the morning of the 5Th to the lush scenery of the view out our cottage door, and to the sounds of the local wild life. A prelude to our adventures to come I'm sure!
Charles, our driver and guide for this journey drove us from Arumeru Lodge to just across the border into Kenya (about a 4-5 hr journey) and on to the Amboseli National Park. The drive, I would describe as a back road expedition on steroids. Only partially paved roads a quarter of the way. Most was dirt roads with all of the bumps, gravel and dust you could imagine.
Amboseli National Park is an amazing preserve of an amazing abundance of African wildlife that I have only viewed in books, and on television. I realize that once you've seen a picture of a zebra or a giraffe a few times you feel you've seen them all. However, nothing compares to being up front and personal with these amazing animals in their habitat. To be able to personally photograph these elegant, yet in some cases awkward creatures is an experience of a lifetime to me. I have been told this by others whom have had the privilege to do a safari, but now know what the feeling is actually like now.
As we drove through the entrance pf the preserve. visions of giraffes and their elegant nature captured my attention. Not but feet away a pack of zebra meandering to the waterhole nearby. The beauty of a pack of zebra is indescribable. Their stripes unique to each, so graceful and charming. The babies by their moms, and just amazing for us to witness while in their element. The water buck just hang out while we drive by clicking our cameras to document our travels. The thompson gisele dance in movement to avoid any interaction.
Once I got over being a total beginner/novice geek, and squealing at each view we had of the glorious scenery, we arrived at the Amboseli Lodge. As mentioned previous, the lodge is beautiful, and so are the views. Wildlife on every side, with a luscious green view out of our room. So cliche, but I feel like one with nature. By the way, while I write this, a monkey not 3 feet from me staring pensively. And, oh my goodness! one just tried to sneak under the table and rummage through my bag!
Now, the not so sugar coated part of the trip to mention. When we arrived in Kilimanjaro airport, as I got checked through , immediately saw my 2 overly stuffed bags (for those who know me well, no surprise there :) ) pass by on the conveyor belt. However, as we waited and waited and waited, Laurie's bags did not show. I know, the worst case scenario when traveling. Well, besides mine, when almost all of my clothes were stolen out of my luggage when I traveled to Germany. But a story for another time.
Unfortunately, 2 days later, and still no bags. :(. We found out that they did not make it to Amsterdam airport from her Atlanta connection. Also unfortunate is that the company we traveled with has not been so proactive in finding them. I won't bore you all with the details that go with this, but to say "still no bags", and leave fro Nirobi tomorrow. Yikes!
Other animals I have been so fortunate to see, include wild boar, wildebeest, lion (from afar), ostriches, bison, giseles, cows, goats and buck horns, oh and a hippo (also from afar). As well a variety of birds. Gorgeous colors and multitude of species. Only the 1st week, more to come, and hopefully good news on Laurie's bags.
P.S. My other entries will probably be a bit more brief, and a little more exciting. :)
I arrived in Tanzania on August 4Th after a day's worth of travel. Long, but worth the effort and time. Laurie and I stayed at the Arumeru Lodge, on the slopes of Kilimanjaro on our first evening. We were warmly greeted and bunked in a darling cottage, one of many scattered throughout the property. W could hear wild dogs barking in the night, which as you can imagine made me think of home. Woke on the morning of the 5Th to the lush scenery of the view out our cottage door, and to the sounds of the local wild life. A prelude to our adventures to come I'm sure!
Charles, our driver and guide for this journey drove us from Arumeru Lodge to just across the border into Kenya (about a 4-5 hr journey) and on to the Amboseli National Park. The drive, I would describe as a back road expedition on steroids. Only partially paved roads a quarter of the way. Most was dirt roads with all of the bumps, gravel and dust you could imagine.
Amboseli National Park is an amazing preserve of an amazing abundance of African wildlife that I have only viewed in books, and on television. I realize that once you've seen a picture of a zebra or a giraffe a few times you feel you've seen them all. However, nothing compares to being up front and personal with these amazing animals in their habitat. To be able to personally photograph these elegant, yet in some cases awkward creatures is an experience of a lifetime to me. I have been told this by others whom have had the privilege to do a safari, but now know what the feeling is actually like now.
As we drove through the entrance pf the preserve. visions of giraffes and their elegant nature captured my attention. Not but feet away a pack of zebra meandering to the waterhole nearby. The beauty of a pack of zebra is indescribable. Their stripes unique to each, so graceful and charming. The babies by their moms, and just amazing for us to witness while in their element. The water buck just hang out while we drive by clicking our cameras to document our travels. The thompson gisele dance in movement to avoid any interaction.
Once I got over being a total beginner/novice geek, and squealing at each view we had of the glorious scenery, we arrived at the Amboseli Lodge. As mentioned previous, the lodge is beautiful, and so are the views. Wildlife on every side, with a luscious green view out of our room. So cliche, but I feel like one with nature. By the way, while I write this, a monkey not 3 feet from me staring pensively. And, oh my goodness! one just tried to sneak under the table and rummage through my bag!
Now, the not so sugar coated part of the trip to mention. When we arrived in Kilimanjaro airport, as I got checked through , immediately saw my 2 overly stuffed bags (for those who know me well, no surprise there :) ) pass by on the conveyor belt. However, as we waited and waited and waited, Laurie's bags did not show. I know, the worst case scenario when traveling. Well, besides mine, when almost all of my clothes were stolen out of my luggage when I traveled to Germany. But a story for another time.
Unfortunately, 2 days later, and still no bags. :(. We found out that they did not make it to Amsterdam airport from her Atlanta connection. Also unfortunate is that the company we traveled with has not been so proactive in finding them. I won't bore you all with the details that go with this, but to say "still no bags", and leave fro Nirobi tomorrow. Yikes!
Other animals I have been so fortunate to see, include wild boar, wildebeest, lion (from afar), ostriches, bison, giseles, cows, goats and buck horns, oh and a hippo (also from afar). As well a variety of birds. Gorgeous colors and multitude of species. Only the 1st week, more to come, and hopefully good news on Laurie's bags.
P.S. My other entries will probably be a bit more brief, and a little more exciting. :)
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