Tsavo East

We left for Nairobi early this morning. It was about five and the streets were still dark. Tino insisted on stopping to check another weather station on our way. Sarah and I slept the entire time. Fixing the station took a while, and due to the added stop, our map of how to get to Tsavo East National Park was wrong. We found ourselves choosing between right or left in each town. Each road would eventually take us down the mountain; one would just be shorter than the other. After two hours of driving we made it down the mountain and to the National Park. Tino said this park was really good and was really excited to show it to me. A little different from my last safari ride, this time we paid and stayed in the car we drove in. I think you have to be staying at their campground to use their safari vehicles. The cost was once again expensive for foreigners. While Sarah paid a mere $4.50, I had to pay $65. We rolled down the windows and started spotting animals all over. The effects of climate change were very evident here. The drought the farmers had discussed just days earlier was true. Rivers and creeks were dried up. We saw dust storms in the distance. In some places, no vegetation was seen. The dust covered us as well. I felt the tiny grains coat my skin. There was serenity to the place, though, one that will never be able to be replicated in the zoos or other places one may go to see animals. Although we didn’t see the “Big Five” or any lions or cheetahs for that matter, the animals we did see were beautiful. Near the end, we stopped at Crocodile Point and got out of the vehicle. I knew it was safe because Tino wouldn’t have gotten out if it wasn’t, but I also did know there were lions roaming around and was a little nervous. The view of the body of water was worth the risk. We spotted a crocodile and hippo. Tonight I returned to icipe. Tomorrow morning I can’t wait for a nice warm shower.

I didn’t include a lot of description in this post because today, pictures can do more than my words ever could. Enjoy!