Kenya with Omar Nero

We set off for Malindi on 1 January 2010 and stayed at the Flamingo Villas, a small resort just south of Malindi. Although we're not fans of holiday villages, here the atmosphere was quite familiar, also thanks to the Italian management (Stella di Roma), which delighted us every evening with Italian dishes cooked just like at home (the lasagne were surprising!). From Italy, thanks to a friend (Lilla from Jack Bikers, a well-known place in Vigevano serving Tex-Mex food) we contacted Omar Nero, our guide, who gave us wonderful emotions during our first short but intense African safari. We saw a great many animals thanks to his experience as a guide and his dedication to the job.

We crossed Tsavo East park, staying at the Voi Wildlife Lodge (excellent), and the following day we set off for Amboseli, where we stayed at the Kibo Camp tented camp, at the foot of Kilimanjaro, where you sleep in tents furnished with all the comforts of a hotel room (bed, shower and toilet included). Talking to other tourists we realised that not all organised excursions (especially those booked through the "classic" tour operators) let you experience and see the real Africa. With Omar the emotions are guaranteed: we travelled through and visited Masai and Kenyan villages, in touch with the children and the people who bring these poor but unique places to life, full of smiles and colours that made us understand how these people, unlike us Westerners, are as sunny as their land.

Omar took us to his village, where he lives with his people (his father is the village chief), half Christian and half Muslim, in a peaceful and civil mix. With him we also did the blue safari, a beautiful excursion to the Malindi marine park where, taking advantage of the low tide, you can stop on a small island to see starfish and enjoy a superb grilled feast of lobster, prawns and excellent swordfish. I almost forgot: Omar speaks excellent Italian and charges modest prices for his excursions, you can reach him at +254****7135 or email him at mwadhini2@yahoo.com and he'll come and pick you up directly at your village, as he did with us. Jambo Marco and Morena!