Kenya Safari

Ah Africa, we were not ready for you! Within 24 hours of arriving into Nairobi (better known as 'Nai-robbery' as the locals told us), we had visited several safari companies, booked a 17-day East African safari and headed out of town. Not a minute too soon. Maybe it was the jet lag from a overnight flight, maybe it was paranoia side effects of the anti-malaria medication, but we had our guard up the entire time in Nairobi. After twelve days in Kenya, we have adjusted to the 'Hakuna Matata' ('no problem') attitude here and rather than wanting to yell back in frustration, 'But there IS a problem!', we are enjoying ourselves.

Being on safari is combination of watching the Discovery Channel, camping (however with bad equipment and tribal people instead of SUVs), 4-wheel driving in a mini-van, and eating out three times a day. We are loving it! We have seen an amazing amount of animals. Refreshing to watch them in their natural environment where WE are caged up rather than them. Here are some highlights:

MASAI MARA National Park - Tribal people in the traditional red cloaks everywhere. We had Masai cooks, entertainers, hike leaders, but mostly trinket salespeople and herders. Saw lions, elephans, giraffe, zebra, hippos, impalas, gazelles, topi, and buffalo. One night some Masai warriors performed traditional dances for us. When they pulled me up to participate, I'm pretty sure I married one of them. Pasta and beef stew for dinners.

LAKE NAKURU - some of the above plus a whole lake-ful of flamingos and plenty of rhinos. Ungali and beef stew for dinner.

SAMBURU National Reserve - The birds!!! I am not much of a bird watcher, but I was amazed at the variety of color and shapes of birds we saw here. Beautiful! Saw many of the big five animals plus oryx and witnessed a lion mating session. 60 seconds max. Rice and beef stew for dinners.

MT. KENYA - took a guided hike in the Mt. Kenya area and checked out the caves from the Mao Mao Rebellion when the Kikuyu tribe lost the 1950s battle against the British, but won the war of independence soon after. Early in the hike, we heard a sound nearby, stopped to look, and saw a baby and momma elephant. Knowing that momma elephants can charge, our guide took off running! We chased after HIM and the elephant did NOT chase after us. Added a definite level of excitement to the rest of the days' hike. Nyama Choma (Kenya's renowned barbequed goat's meat) for dinner.

AMBOSELI National Park - Ahhhhh, views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in all of Africa.

We will remember Kenya for both its crazy Dickens-like cities and the amazing sights in the parks.

Hakuna Matata,

Tera and Jim