Rift Valley Approach

Frances our safari guide for the Mara was very resourceful and knowledgeable. He gave us insight into how Nairobi was expanding, the source and usage of the word matatu which was the mini van transport prevalent in these parts, and more relevant details about the rift valley and the various tribes that inhabit it. A good introduction to some wonderful scenery.
Unlike last week we had the benefit of binoculars this time around so spotting the leopard late in the day was a pleasant surprise indeed. Our camera however couldn't do it justice so it was a feast for the eyes only.

Masai Mara

Secretary Bird

Look double hard and you'll see the leopard

Windy whip my hair back and forth beach

Decided on a quick day trip to one of the southern beaches.
Began with the crush of people loading onto the ferry and the other crush of people in a mini taxi to get down the coast. Breakneck speeds and tuna conditions were a preview for the rest of the journey.
The beach itself while lovely to look at was not really a vacation spot special: Too windy so my long flowing hair never got chance to set!

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Got some rest and worked out way back to Nairobi to get ready for more safari adventure.

Mombasa

Out of the dust and grime to the coast and the Indian Ocean. A bustling place this city with many beach areas north and south. Decided a couple nights here should fill us up appropriately.
Their old town with its semi whitewashed walls made for a good town walk along the water. The wood paneling is very detailed on some of the houses making for strained eye viewing.

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Our own watering hole

Made our way further down to Tsavo East and the Voi Wildlife Lodge which was really good because they have their own watering hole where the animals come down at night.

Game viewing at its most comfortable. Even though animals are sparse given the large land mass it's still a physically enticing place to be.

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They come to feed en masse

View from above

Went to one of the lookout points for a bird's eye view of  hippos and Elephants and just the surrounding area.
Lots of mini dust storms kicking up around all the fauna and flora.

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More wildlife

In to the park again. Saw a spotted hyena and lots of giraffe but none of the other cats.Also suspicious on the park fee structure and think they unfairly make a killing off the clients but that's my own story. Clouds over Kilimanjaro so no postcard picture shot. Will see what the morning holds. Off to Tsavo park tomorrow.

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There is a snow capped mountain here. trust it.

Off to Ambroseli Park

Decided for the sake of timing the wildebeest migration that we would head south into Ambroseli first then work our way back to the Masai Mara.

Drive out from Nairobi to Kibo Safari Camp along Mombasa road, the main artery for trading for neighboring countries (Burundi, Zaire, Uganda, etc.) to get their goods via Kenya

Ambroseli National Park is known primarily for its elephants and they were plentiful. Also Hippo, Zebra, Wildebeeste and a mad rush near sunset to see a suspected lion that didn't materialize. Took a picture of Kilimanjaro amidst all the clouds just in case that's as good as it gets. At least we see now what we'll be climbing in a few weeks.

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