Three Days of Safari

Today is the end of our third day of safari. The first day was spent at the Lake Nakuru National Park. We saw so many animals that are always considered to be a big part of a safari. We saw elephants, lions, hippos, white rhinos, black rhinos, flamingos, and so many others. The roads are the worst part of the entire trip. You bounce all over. And I mean bounce. And that's even while standing up to look out the top of the van. So you end the day so sore.

The second and third day have been spent at the Masai Mara Game Preserve. We actually stay in a cabin with fabric sides like a tent. The front part is a tent, but the back is an actual building to house the bathroom. It is definitely roughing it!

As we drove to the resort we went to a fresh water lake that had several hippos in the lake. We were in boats right on the water next to them. At one point, one hippo popped up out of the water right in the middle of the boats. Every boat scattered as all the guides felt they were too close for safety.

Yesterday we drove to the resort through the park and saw elephants and also giraffes everywhere. But the ride was the roughest yet, to the point that several people had bruises from the bouncing. But then we went back out in the evening to see if the predators were out hunting. We didn't see any hunting, but we did find three younger male lions that were just relaxing. Though when a driver did get out of his van about 1/2 a mile away, all three lions sat up to watch him. Very intensely.

Today we woke to the sound animals talking to each other. As we walked to the lodge for breakfast, dik diks were walking around the compound. This is an amazing place that everyone should visit. However, I do feel a bit of guilt for being able to afford to come here when most Kenyans can't afford to visit what is in their own country. There is such beauty in the land, the animals and the people. And most Kenyans never get to realize it.

Well, tomorrow we head back to Nairobi. Then Friday night we fly back to the United States. I miss everyone back home, but this has definitely been the adventure of a lifetime.

Tony