Kenya: a deeply moving experience

Two years have now passed since my first time in Kenya: a wonderful experience that I could not resist repeating this year together with my family. We were able to get back in touch with the guide who had accompanied us during a marvellous safari in the parks of Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West (where we spotted every kind of predator: lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, jackals and the rare African wild dog). Moreover, again two years ago, together with our guide Jammy, we visited the ruins of Gede, Hell's Kitchen, Mida Creek and the wood factory. And to round off beautifully we did a wonderful Blue Safari, visiting the marine park of Watamu/Malindi. Jammy (his name is Henson Kahindi Katana) is a professional guide, recognised by the Nairobi Tourism Office, and an extremely kind, reliable and helpful person.

This year he accompanied us to visit the golden beach of Che Shale, about 25 km from Malindi, after Mambrui, in the Ngomeni salt-pans area. The presence of tiny fragments of pyrite makes the sand look truly golden! To reach the spot you drive through small villages with tall palms, and to reach the beach you cross a little sandy road covered with coconut copra. The beach is a huge crescent about 5 km long. Immediately after our arrival we are surrounded by children, who stare at us curiously without speaking. It takes little to connect with them! We spend fabulous hours in their company, playing and singing all together! At lunchtime we move to Robinson Island. To reach the island you have to make a short stretch in a small rowing boat; indeed, when the tide rises it is no longer possible to cross the water channel on foot (as we will do on the way back).

The restaurant where we have lunch is a real surprise: it stands directly on the sand, branches and roots form the access path and the walls of the restaurant, the tables and chairs are made of wood, beautiful flowers have been placed on the tables, which are laid with great care. The lunch of fresh fish was exceptional! Outside the restaurant there are very comfortable sun loungers to rest on, sheltered from the sun and in an absolutely relaxing atmosphere. On the way back, in Malindi, Jammy prepares a most welcome surprise for us: a meeting with Sammy, the driver who accompanied us on safari two years ago. We are happy to see him again and to remember together the good times we spent. The next day, Jammy takes us to his village, between Watamu and Malindi. Returning to that place and seeing the children grown up was very touching.

He proudly shows us his home (where he has hung on the walls photographs of some of his clients, including ours) and his children's room. After visiting the village, we hand out parcels of flour and sugar to each family. We also thought of the very many children (just under fifty of them), giving them biscuits, sweets and school materials. Here too we spend happy hours, singing and playing together with the little ones. Their happiness is contagious and their affection towards us moves us. We leave the village and our small and grown-up friends with a heavy heart. Once again it is we who thank our dear friend Jammy for giving us a unique, authentic and deeply touching experience. If you wish to get to know Kenya, its splendid landscapes and the local culture, I recommend entrusting yourself to an expert and professional guide such as Jammy.

To contact him: e-mail: jammysafari@yahoo.com on facebook: