Kenya Day 9 Part II - The Maasai Village and the Great Rift Valley

We had the usual stop at the Reserve gate, where insistent vendors tried to get us to open the windows of the truck so they could give us the hard sell. We are sympathetic, but it makes me very uncomfortable, and I knew we were on our way to the village where we would be spending the last of our schillings anyway.

The village was a little different than the Samburu one, with the houses a little more luxurious, and the warriors a little more colourful. After the greeting dances, we were given the tour, shown the fire making demonstration, and introduced to the chief, who was 97 years old.

After this, the women sang for us and we were escorted through the market. I would like to say that the way they handle their "selling to North Americans" is very well done. I never felt pressured, and so was at ease to spend as much as I wanted.

We said our good-byes and headed back on to the road. Lunch this time would be a picnic provided by the hotel. We stopped at a very nice gift shop with a dining area and friendly dogs. The souvenirs in this place made me want to come back as a billionaire. I could have beautifully decorated a very large mansion in that place.

They also had the toilets we are used to, but I thought this was an interesting glimpse into why the guide insisted we couldn't just stop anywhere.

After as much of the lunch as we and the dogs could manage, we were out on the open road again. The scenery was, as always, breathtaking, and some of the views as we passed the Great Rift Valley were staggering. We even stopped at a lookout point for a rest and picture break.

 

This little fellow is a hyrax

 

And we were on our way again, heading towards Nairobi, Paris, and, eventually, home.

Kenya Day 9 Part I - Out of the Mara

Day 9 was to be a busy day for us, but not so busy that we couldn't take time for one last meal with the hippos and crocs. We also took a few last looks and last pictures.

Hippo overlook

Breakfast Hippos

This is where the firepit is at night.

Then, we paid the bill, and headed off an a game drive leading out of the park.

Tourmate Erin decided this should be called "Hakuna Matata"

Just before we left the park, we told John that we needed a rest-stop. He pulled in at the Sarova Mara. Next time, I want to stay here. It looked gorgeous!

 

Shortly after this, we exited the Mara and headed to the Maasai village, but that is a tale for another day.

Kenya Day 8 - the Maasai Mara

We were given the option of doing an all day game drive today, but were told that those are more useful during the great migration. Instead we elected for a morning and evening game drive.  So, after enjoying our breakfast with hippos, we headed out.

As you can see, the morning game drive was wildly successful. Lunch was delicious, and again we were watching the hippos as we ate.

We had a lovely relaxing afternoon, enjoying a frosty beverage, and an even frostier swim (the pool was very cold, I only managed 1 lap). Then we left on our evening game drive. I had been looking forward to this, since we would be going along the river, and getting to see some more hippos.

Us at a lookout spot

The sun sets high in the sky

The dinner menu tonight was African dishes, and we enjoyed it very much. After dinner there was the fire pit again, and a slideshow given by the Maasai warrior, telling us about his culture.

After this, it was time to return to the room to pack and go to bed. But, one last picture before we go.