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Tsavo West

Today was one of the most amazing days of my life and one I will remember forever. We left Tsavo East and headed back onto the main Mombasa / Nairobi road. We entered Tsavo West and immediately realised this place was very different. Lots of bush meant that seeing the game was tricky. We still came across dik diks, empala, giraffes, elephants before heading to montsuma springs. Here we got to see crocodiles and hippos wallowing about. We then left towards the Ngulia lodge, briefly stopping at a watering hole with more hippos, baboons, empala and water bucks. Then on to Ngulia. If we thought voi was amazing this place was better. Breathtaking views and a water hole within about 5 metres. At that time of day we were offered empala, maribu storks and baboons. A herd of elephants was not far away. After lunch we went looking for the rhinos and were lucky enough to come across one. That completed the big 5! Back to the lodge in time to see the leopard on it's daily outing, then another leopard (female), a hyena, 2 porcupines, a honey badger and then an elephant came briefly to the watering hole. Words are simply not enough to explain how amazing this has been - just check out the photos.

posted by keith @ 21:38 Comments: 2  

Tsavo East

After a very early start (4:30) we headed on the main Mombasa to Nairobi road. The early 40 km of the road is apalling. I have never seen a road so bad that isn't a dirt track. After that it was all plain sailing until we entered the gates of Tsavo East. Within minutes we had seen Impala, giraffes and elephants. We then got a call that a herd of lions had been spotted and headed off to see them. On the way we saw water bucks, a cobra, secreatary birds, eagles, African Buffalo, water buffalo, water bucks, maribu storks and a host of other game I cannot remember. When we got to the lions there must have been around 20 of them. There were a pile of pipes that were to be used for a new water pipeline to Mombasa and theyre some hiding in there and about 5 just laying on a mound of earth. Absolutely incredible. We then went up to the Voi Safari lodge which overlooks the plains. To say the view was amazing was an understatement. We went for an evening game drive and were lucky enough to come across a leopard up a tree with a fresh kill, mermot monkeys, baboons, dick dicks. Etc. etc. Back to the lodge for dinner and amusement from the very loud but also very small bullfrogs and the hyraxes.

posted by keith @ 21:37 Comments: 3  

Wednesday

A fairly uneventful few days mostly spent by the pool, in the restaurant and the bar - very relaxing. Had a delightful massage this afternoon - lovely woman with great hands! ;o) I could get used to that. Going on safari tomorrow, very excited.

posted by keith @ 20:36 Comments: 1  

Arrived in Kenya

Well, we arrived yesterday after a long but fairly pleasant flight. We met at Heathrow at about 16:30, checked in and were given seats together which was a good start. We had a couple of pints and waited to board the aircraft. Our seats were right at the back in the middle, seats arranged 3-3-3. Good seats, good food and a few Bombau Saphires meant I was able to get a few hours sleep. We got to Nairobi and although I should had a 3 hour wait and Mum and Chris should have had a 4.5 hour wait we were told we could get an earlier flight. "What time does it leave", I asked. "Any time now", was the response. "Will we still catch it?", "Yes, of course!". We were chaparoned through security and straight onto the flight. It was a twin turbo-prop aircraft, probably around 40 years old but the flight was fine. We touched down in Mombasa and were met by a Somak rep who got us straight into a bus and on to the hotel. We arrived at the hotel and it is just beautiful. A few more beers, some food and straight to bed as we were all pretty wacked out by the flight.

Up this morning and to breakfast. One thing that has already struck me about Kenya is the happiness of the people here. Everyone greets you with "Jambo" and has a huge smile on their face. People go out of their way to help you even though it's all inclusive and that just makes you want to tip (I'm sure that's the point". What is less than a pound to us is a lot of money to these people and so to bring a little happiness goes a long way. Anyway, breakfast was very good and we then spent the rest of the morning and some of the afternoon going from the sun loungers to the pool bar and back. We had an appointment with the Somak representative at 15:00, Julius. He was more than helpful. We have several trips booked. A 3 day safari trip to Tsavo East and Tsavo west which leaves on Thursday, a day trip around Momasa next Thursday and then a 2 day trip to the elephant sanctuary next Friday. Depending how we feel there is a day trip to a natural marina with snorkelling and dolphins which goes every day. So, out to dinner now.

posted by keith @ 15:35 Comments: 3  

Guilty as charged!

Yes, I know. No updates for more than a month! In truth not much has happened. Work has been hectic as you like. Met a young lady who is going to travel the world for 18 months, I do manage to pick them. Oh well. Going on hols this Saturday! I've been waiting for this since around March so I'm quite excited. I'll try and find some internet access in Kenya and keep this updated.

posted by keith @ 14:07 Comments: 0