Day 221 - Kenya, Bush Camp - Flamingos
Trip Start
Nov 09, 2008
1
162
164
Trip End
Jul 02, 2009
Ramula, Western, Kenya
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Not far in when we came across a lioness strolling through the lush green undergrowth then passed the truck. If I were a lion I'd much prefer to call here home with its greenery, shade, lake and plentiful game, especially when compared to the dry dusty Serengeti. The lions here also climb trees... bummer if you're being chased by one and seek that as an avenue of escape.
Whilst others actively kept their eyes peeled for game I read Cosmo and admired Louboutins shoes. Oh they are beautiful. Would make an ideal birthday present I think.
Came across a mama and dada rhino grazing with their bubba so sat and watched them for a bit. Bizarre looking animals. I think god had definitely smoked way too much weed the day he created them.
In the distance shone a lake mirroring the surroundings and blazing pink from the millions and millions of flamingos that migrate there each year. After passing a herd of buffalo we made our way down to the lake where we were able to get out and go for a closer inspection of the beautiful squawking birds, all the while stepping through dried poo and carcasses. Hmmm lovely. Oh and then of course you had the wonderful feeling of being hunted by a lion. Would they chase after you if you went into the lake?? Yes, yes I think they would.
After the lake we cut back up to the lookout which offered amazing views across the park. Really stunning place and even though I wasn't too impressed with the early morning wake up call, I was very pleased to have made the effort. Whilst I remember, entry was US$60 which, luckily for us, was paid from local payment so in effect it felt free. Brilliant.
Driving back through the park we passed more rhino, seeing about 15 all up and most of them within a few metres. Also buffalo, giraffe, impala, carlos the jackel and a few other big looking animals which I don't know the name of.
Seeing some of my favourite words at the entrance gate, 'curio shop', Suze and I rushed off to investigate. Suze coming out empty handed but me getting suckered into buying postcards and some flamingo feather earrings. Yes tack I know and I'll never wear them but it beats picking up poo covered feathers from carcasses by the lake.
Leaving the NP we ventured into town where we had 1 ½ hours to go exploring. Once again I hit the internet to research jobs and see if Rwanda had emailed us letters of invitation which, thankfully they had, I just couldn't print them.
Then I ducked in to buy some food and a pair of flip flops before returning to the truck.
Luke, Clara and Little Kate have got off the truck to go exploring on their own for two weeks as they are not doing the gorillas. With Jamie and Catherine also gone it now leaves 16 on the truck which means we just about have 2 seats each. Luxury, especially when compared to the other Oasis truck who picked up 7 new recruits taking their number up to 25.
Speaking of which we've just got news that they have broken down. Not sure where but they were hoping to put their VISA's in today for Ethiopia or Sudan, not sure which. Makes for an interesting start for the newbies. Touch wood Nala continues going strong and we don't suffer the same problems.
As I write this we are driving along a bumpy dusty road towards bush camp, which I think is just outside the Ugandan border.
My parents arrive in London today so I'm hoping our tenants left the house nice and clean for them. Last thing they'll want to do is clean after a 24 hr flight. 15 more sleeps till we're back!!! 5 more sleeps till we get to play with the gorillas. Stoked.
Arriving at bush camp, nestled within a beautiful forest in a clearing, Jay received a treasure hunt left by the other truck. Go here, turn there, 15 steps that way, dig here and bingo, there buried in the forest was a bottle of Jay's favourite Spice Rum.
Those who liked it sat around the fire having a few welcomed drinks whilst others prepared dinner and set up camp. End of a very long but rather splendid day.
