The Parks In Africa

We were ready in our khaki's , vehicles ready to face rough roads to Chris's bucket list, the Parks in Africa. The  highlight will be Serengeti, Ngorogoro and the Masai Mara.

Our first  Park to visit was Tsavo . 

Elisme spotted the first Grant Gizelle. 

Nellie spotted the first Gerenuk

Wimcar got sight of the Fringe Orex

Common Zebra was beautifully painted in brown with all the red dust in the air

That is why they call the Elephants the "Red Elephants" of Africa

We got a postcard photo opportunity, an Elephant family all in a perfect row - marching on. Elisme was always wondering where do they get those photo's? Can one be more privileged?

Hans invited us to a drink at Aruba lodge. Must say it was a welcome refreshing drink, after al the RED DUST - I think we look red too.

Ndololo Camp: our first camp in the Tsavo National Game Photo After paying 680$ just for 24 hours for our group of 7 - Park fees, Camping fees and Vehicle fees, we got to Ndololo Camp.

Magnificent trees, a friendly camp Manager showing Hans the toilets and showers. There is water coming out and they are pumping water.  Soon he brought us a tree for our campfire, he even lite the fire. 

Our first visitors to the camp was a herd of Elephants. Chris was in his element, he didn't want the Manager to chase them off.  

With the baboons it was another scenario, they looked extremely dangerous. The Manager controlled them with a catapult, they had this medicine before.

Each of us sitting with a small mug of coffee and some with a whiskey on ice enjoying the tranquility of the bush and photographing the Elephants. 

Chris busy taking professional photo's as only he can do......

Julia and Chris ready with all their toiletries to shower, with running water. Just to realize - why the 25 liter bottles of water is standing there. NO RUNNING WATER. A couple from Belgium camping with us, told Hans this is the story of the Manager every evening. Al the pipes and taps are broken by the Elephants BUT they never fix them. Paying this type of money, hard to understand you are paying for what GOD CREATED and no basic life equipment. You must be self sufficient in AFRICA.     

Tonight we had completely different bush music, the trumping of the Elephants tummies. A spotted Owl calling in longing to his partner but to no avail - no answer. 

4 August: Tuesday morning was an early rise. Paying this kind of money means going game viewing from early morning. Wimcar with no chair left and a sock to put on with his tekkies .... "Okay then a tree trunk will do"

Seeing Lions is always a bonus, we saw a mother and 2 cubs.

Lessor Kudu was crossing the road but we couldn't take a photo. Next was Giraffes one was a reticulated Giraffe Photo Next was the Masia Giraffes Photo.

Hartebees was grazing in harmony with the Zebras.

Many birds just to far to take a picture. Hans thinks the one having his breakfast was a Twanny Eagle. 

10:00: We stopped at a Lodge for coffee, beautiful outlook post on a dam. One of those special timing moments. 2 groups of Elephants coming to drink water.

While having coffee another group of Elephants came in. Many baby Elephants. One baby was more interested in the mothers milk than in water.

Elephants, Giraffes, Zebra, Impala and many warthogs were our last view of Tsava National Park.

Amboselli National Park will be our next stop.

But to get there is 300 km of a death road. According to the Warden at the gate 3,500 truck goes to the harbor at Mombassa and 3,500 comes back with their freight per day. 

Duck and dive between truck after truck. Radio navigation between Hans and Chris and Wimcar - when to pass and when to held back. Then there were a few lunatics from behind, nearly driving into Chris and Wimcar. Here you need eyes from the back of your head too! Danger comes from the front and back.

Soooo what can do??? We have to face the music.

We were reminded just how creative the Kenyan women are. Colorful baskets  were on display in all the colors of the rainbow. Skillful woven.

 

  Wooden-spoons all sizes you want.

Hans and Elisme were soon reminded of their Kenya chairs still standing in their home - bought 15 years ago. Still the same style, must say they work well as a foot chair.

Calabash on sale

The Chinese is busy building a new railway-line . Look at this bridge in the process