Fantastic Kenya

arrival

Finally arrived at my village, we are welcomed with a welcome aperitif by the owner himself (how nice of him), then finally they give me my room (I'm traveling alone), simple, functional, all in all not bad, good dinner, and then some well-deserved rest...I can't wait for tomorrow for my safari. From Italy I had gotten in touch with my guide (who by the way is the owner of the aforementioned agency); I had contacted others online but he was the only one who called me personally on the phone, while others replied by email in English and, as I said, I don't know the language. So for me it was very important.

Finally the moment to leave has arrived!!! Said recommended the 2-day TSAVO EAST with a minibus that wasn't packed — in fact there were 4 of us and we were super comfortable. What can I say about the savannah...it's "wonderful," you see the earth with incredible colors from yellow to brown to fiery red, and on the red earth the grass is almost white. Enormous stretches as far as the eye can see. A landscape that for me is beautiful!! And then we spot the first animals: gazelles, elephants crossing the road calmly, giraffes, a lioness, baboons, waterbucks, warthogs....too beautiful...Then we arrive at the tented camp (unfortunately I don't remember the name); here too I'm amazed by the beauty of the place.

We're on the riverbank, with enormous coconut palms and mountains in front of us, and as the camp mascot there was MARIO, a calm elephant roaming very close to us..the tents look like houses they're so big, with 2 to 4 beds, bedside tables, a wardrobe and a full bathroom complete with all comforts, including a pitcher of mineral water to brush your teeth. Here too the management is Italian and the dinner EXCELLENT!!! Wonder of wonders, in the tent at night I heard the ROAR OF THE LION.

We set off again..we see many more elephants, giraffes, etc., but the most beautiful moment comes when we hear Said talking on the radio he has in the minibus (in his own language of course) and we understand there's something important...no sooner said than done, the driver reverses and at full speed we head toward something; our excellent guide is taking us toward a LEOPARD...we find it up a tree where it has brought its prey (or what's left of it) to digest its meal. The best part is that we're the only ones enjoying that magnificent animal; we position ourselves right below it and here we snap tons of photos...we then head toward the waterfalls with blocks of white and pink marble and lots of green water due to the algae. Then on the way back we spot a group of lionesses with young lions and lion cubs. And here the adventure ends!

After the savannah Said has me relax with a day at the sea, in WATAMU. The water is crystal clear; in front of the beach there are small islands you can reach on foot and climb to see the immense horizon. A nice swim and off to the beach where they prepared excellent lobster, fish, prawns, Coca-Cola and pineapple. What a life!!!

I treat myself to 2 days of rest at the village and, talking with other guests, I find out that they didn't like their safari. I ask them why and they tell me they ATE A LOT OF DUST..then I understood why..they had set off with a guide who had tagged along behind another minibus and so they were always at the back..we on the other hand had no one in front or behind us. Thanks Said..now I'm leaving for MARAFA CANYON. How to describe it? Spectacular...a canyon of sandy rocks in pink with red streaks..here there are children who can't wait to take photos with you. There are many monkeys that let you get quite close so you can photograph them.

This time I want to see the orphanage..and here too you have to rely on a serious and professional guide because it can happen that they take you to fake orphanages or that they make you pay more than you should for the food you want to donate. Anyway, I visited an orphanage complete with nursing nuns. The children are always smiling, clean, as are their rooms and bathrooms. They sang songs for me and were happy to have their photos taken. They are SO SWEET. I recommend everyone go and see them.

I decide to stop with the excursions. And now I regret it. I want to come back and do more safaris; there are many parks and they're all different, and I'll always rely on Said. Maybe next time I'll even stay in a rented apartment in Malindi since "my guide" also takes care of finding you accommodation and giving you all the advice to truly experience AFRICA!!! Thanks again SAID. Anyone who wants to contact him can find him on" jambo everyone