Story contribution by Mick Harvey
On Wednesday 22 August 2019 an eclectic mix of 18 people, plus our fearless leader Ruan Myers, arrived into Nairobi Airport to begin our wonderful adventure.
On transfer to the hotel and a dust off and freshen up, we all met in the lounge for a get to know you session. Each person was given the opportunity to express their individual outcomes by way of wish and desires they hoped to accomplish by the end of the tour.
Next morning, breakfast over and the merry group sorted into 3 Toyota land cruisers plus luggage, the convoy headed off west out of the city.
Many many hours later after travelling over some rather unconventional roads we arrived into our first oasis now known as the Karen Blixen Camp! A huge sigh of relief was heard from each vehicle as the group stepped back down to earth.
This tented camp was situated on the banks of a free flowing river and during the course of the next three days/nights all in the group were to witness the frolicking and grunting of the resident herd of hippos. Many photo opportunities were available and taken during this time.
Our first game drive did not disappoint with 2 lionesses and 4 cubs sighted near a recent kill and also strutting across the plains was a cheetah and 3 juvenile cubs. Wonderful! Click click click of the cameras.
Some nice rain fell overnight and the river was swollen a little next morning and the resident hippos greeted the morning in their usual manner.
Games drives were wonderful and all the animals you would expect to see were on show and not shy when looking in every direction.
We were to witness the great migration of the wildebeest as they head south looking for greener pastures. The first day we arrived after the crossing had commenced and on arrival it was apparent that a wildebeest was snared by a croc in mid stream and failed to make it across. Travelling with them were zebras in large numbers but quite timid when it came time to make the water crossing.
On our second day at a different crossing point of the river we arrived early and waited until the rush commenced and then it did not stop for some considerable time. No crocs were at this location much to the joy of all the crossing animals!
It would be hard for me to describe the scene across the plains of the numbers of migrating wildebeest heading towards the river. Many many thousands!!
Changing camps is also an exercise in logistics. Vehicles, passengers and luggage loaded we headed for the small airstrip at Migori in Kenya. No don’t look!! It is not on any major airline route. Cessna Caravan aircraft took us onwards towards the Tanzanian border where we de-planned and were driven to the border checkpoint at Isabanya, where all the necessary documents were perused and stamped as well as having our temperature checked.
Once through the border we headed to Tarimne, also not on any major route. On arrival in the Serengeti, we headed for the mobile camp, Mara under Canvas, where the camping spirit came to the fore.
The animals at night could be heard making nocturnal noises as they grazed immediately outside the tents and their nearness was evidenced each morning as we went to breakfast.
The leopard lazing on a very large rock was also a triumph for the camera enthusiasts.
Two camps then some luxury at the Ngorongoro Crater Serena Hotel. This location allowed viewing way down into the very large crater of an extinct volcano where animals grazed without fear of humans and their vehicles as no hunting was permitted inside this National Park. A rhino was spotted but was not co-operative and after a short time, decided to take a rest in the long grass.
Moving on from the crater was another long day in the vehicle due to early morning fog as we headed for Arusha airport for our flight to Zanzibar and a weekend of R & R with a small amount of non animal sightseeing. Gee flying in Cessna Caravan aircraft is now a breeze!!
The Blue Bay Beach Resort on the water was a change of scenery and a dip in the Indian Ocean was a must for those so inclined. A visit to the spice farm and the information provided by our very enthusiastic guide was very welcome. All spices have more than 1 use.
The dreaded early morning departure from Blue Bay Resort to Zanzibar airport was not called for, but necessary if you wish to reach the next camp in Amboseli National Park at Satao Elerai Camp. This location allowed for the cameras to be turned straight onto Mt Kilimanjaro peak with the snow for all to see when the clouds allowed, some 10 km’s away.
The pink flamingo was a new sight to us as we drove around the park and a very elusive bat-eared fox, two small animals seen on the edge of the road, just outside their den. Very ambivalent to having their photo taken but after a short time as the number of vehicles increased, they made their departure inside.
Finally one last time it was pack the bags, load the vehicles as we headed for back towards Nairobi Airport.
A small number headed homeward, whilst others had more touring to undertake.
I can say ALL meals at all locations were excellent. The game drives were successful in that all the Big 5 animals were seen, the wildebeest migration was observed, numerous other animals previously seen only via TV were also recorded and the main benefit of this trip was the great camaraderie that increased among the group as the tour progressed.
Lastly without the leadership and finesse of our Tour Leader, Ruan Myers this tour would not have been anywhere near as memorable. Thank you Ruan!!!
Cheers
Mick Harvey
In 2020, Club Tours will taking 2 tours to Africa- Namibia, an incredibly unspoiled country rich in wildlife and stunning landscapes; and they also head back to Kenya & Tanzania. Book your place today.
