Tsavo East Safari time in Kenya

 

After 3 weeks at Muhaka Camp, we were all very excited as we drove drove the 5 hour journey through Mombasa to Tsavo Camp, which was o the Wildlife Works ranch near Maungu and 1 hour from a town called Voi. This camp saw the scenery change drastically from lush greenness to dry, red dirt and civilization unseen for miles and miles. After meeting the enthusiastic camp leader; Sammy, and settling into our luxurious ‘bandas’ we went through the camp itinerary for the next 12 days. The following day we went on our first African Safari at the Tsavo East National Park. The day started still starry and moon shining bright, at 5:20am for a 6am breakfast and departure at 6:30am. We drove on the Maungu Highway until we got to the Voi exit and kept going until the Wildlife Lodges were everywhere. The park had a breathtaking landscape that stretched out to the horizon and all around. We saw a big herd of African elephants just 50m from the entrance gate, crossing the road one after another. The crew member who was with us on the safari bus, Peter, explained that in every herd the eldest female elephant will lead the group, the Male at the rear and everyone else in the middle. We were truly awed by how peaceful, graceful and gentle the animals were in their natural habitats. Throughout the safari game drive we saw numerous zebras and grass antelopes, heartbeasts and giraffes. The Masaii giraffe which was in this park has separate spots and the males are a darker brown than the females. We saw a dead giraffe carcass on the ground only 5m from the road, and it made you think about “the circle of life.” 

We also saw a pair of lions sunbathing under a tree and a couple which started making love right before our eyes! That really made the safari. Peter explained that these two lions would have just gotten married and were celebrating their honeymoon! After driving a very long distance and for all the morning the group stopped at a small rest stop for our packed lunch, which for a while we shared with a few monkeys and an on looking elephant. 

During the afternoon we saw many of the same animals but all were still extremely interesting to watch and snap a million photos at. At the end of the long day we drove back to camp and had dinner then had a good night sleep. The next day after a bit of a slow morning we went on a bush adventure where we took a game drive through the range and then went to the Rukinga base and climbed a small rocky mountain. At the top we took some pictures of the vast landscape and then split into groups to do some activities including building a simple shelter, if we were ever lost in the African bush. We also practiced rubbing to sticks together to make fire, this didn't work very well, but the blisters on our hands thanked us for trying so persistently! After having another packed lunch, we were getting used to the 3 layer cheese sandwiches, boiled eggs, banana and ketchup for all! by now, we went through some first aid and bush medicine and then descended back to the base for a game drive back and then chapatis!!!