Thought-process

On the fourth day of our African Safari, we had breakfast and left at 7.30 am for Amboseli National park – another 6 hours drive. This time we had to cross Nairobi and head in the south-east direction, again towards the Tanzania border. Both Amboseli and Masai Mara (West Kenya) are next to the Tanzanian border. The Amboseli National Park is at the foothills of Mt Kilimanjaro.

We reached Amboseli Sopa Lodge, where we would be staying, at around 1.30 pm. This was the first time we were staying outside the National Reserve, about 35 kms away. While both Kekorok Lodge and Naivasha Country Lodge was run by Sun Africa Hotels, the Amboseli Sopa Lodge was run by the Sopa Management Ltd and there was a distinct difference in the ambience. We were surrounded by acacia trees, bougainvillea, frangipani and cacti. Our rooms resembled African tribal huts with their thatched roofs and mud brick walls. Narrow paths led to the rooms which had a small verandah as well. The bathroom was pretty modern though. The décor had a rural touch to it and I loved it!  The reception area again was beautifully done up with several Masai artefacts used as part of the decor. The lodge has a spacious lounge and a restaurant which overlooked the Kilimanjaro which unfortunately was covered by dark clouds. Internet was available only at the reception and lounge area. Electricity was unavailable from 10 pm till 6 am.

Right after lunch we set off for our game drive and the drive till the reserve took around 35 min since the road was an unpaved one. As soon as we entered the park we could see herds of elephants but these were too far away. James saw our disappointment and told us to have patience. Soon we were greeted by zebras, antelopes, and ostriches. Here we saw several herds of Blue Wildebeest simply staring at us waiting to be clicked!! Many cape buffaloes lazed in the muddy areas with several birds pecking their backs. 

A pair of Secretary birds headed away purposefully (towards a prey??).

Then we were next to the Elephants, an entire herd – from an old elephant down to a tiny one! They grazed next to us, trumpeted away and gambolled around, but not once did they turn aggressive towards us. We simply stared at them.

As we moved towards another part of the Reserve we saw a pair of Black Crowned Cranes walking alongside the road unafraid. 

Next, we hit a water body and here we witnessed hundreds of Flamingos, turning the water pink! Unfortunately, they were on the other side and there was no route to get closer to them. There were several White pelicans as well, enjoying the setting sun.

We left the reserve just on time. Apparently if you are late in exiting, you could be labelled a poacher! On our way back, we tried hard to locate Mt Kilimanjaro, but it remained stubbornly behind clouds.

Back at the lodge, we had a leisurely dinner and went to bed just before lights went off. The night sky was a treat to see. The stars and half-moon were so bright, they seemed unreal! The good thing was that we did not have to start early the next day as we had to reach Nairobi and catch out flight late in the evening. 

The next morning, mother nature decided to give us this wondrous gift and we were dazzled by a clear view of Mt Kilimanjaro rising right next to us! Our day was made! We had our breakfast staring at the snow covered peak. I must mention the blue of the African sky. It is a colour that we use while drawing the sky. That vivid sky-blue colour which we see in paintings is what we saw in reality. In Delhi, all I see is a hazy, light blue and at night I can barely see stars.

At the curio shop next to the reception, we did haggle over some key rings, jewellery and wood carvings that we wanted to take back home. The Masai ladies were kind enough to agree to a bargain. As we left the resort, it dawned on me that the safari had concluded and we were heading towards that unnatural way of life we call civilization.

I have enjoyed penning my safari and I hope you have had an idea of what it was like. But there are so many details which have been left out. In case you are interested in making this journey and you have queries regarding the trip, you are welcome to write to me and I promise to reply.