Plunge pools, Superb Starlings and sundowners

Here at Mara Ngenche Safari Camp the luxury is embarrassing. A beautiful two-room tent with outside shower and private plunge pool, fabulous and plentiful food, and dedicated staff. It’s wonderful. And I’ve paid them; they haven’t paid me to say it. I shouldn’t feel guilty. I’ve wanted to come to Africa to see the animals in the first book I got, since I was eight years old. It was A Treasury of Natural History by Bertha Morris Parker. I still have it. I’ve worked for forty years for this.

And here I am.

They also have Hippos on demand. Just look at these lumbering giants in the water.

That subtle grey to pink fade on their skin is fabulous.

They’re very light on their webbed toes, with small hooves on each toe. They also have very stiff bristles on their noses.

Speaking of fat lumbering animals in the water, here I am in the plunge pool.

I don’t have webbed feet, though.

And I’ve checked for bristles on my nose and been marked safe.

It’s time for the second safari drive of the day and we’re heading out across the Masai Mara again with Gladys. She really knows her stuff and is keen to communicate with the other guides so that we see ‘finds’ before the crowds arrive. Some the scenes of a dozen vehicles surrounding wild animals I’ve seen on video are never repeated here. There are only four of us travellers in each of two vehicles and we’re never with more than a couple of other vehicles, and then only briefly.

We have stops for refreshments at designated places. This Superb Starling, Lamprotornis superbus, is a highlight of the fire pit at one of them, as we tuck into yet more delicious food.

They certainly have a great sense of style and an attitude to go with it. My Kenya Connect companions, that is. So do the Superb Starlings. They live in savannah, thorn bush and dry acacia tree areas.

Their leaps are Olympics-worthy.

At the end of the day we have a ‘sundowner’. I had no idea what that meant just over a week ago, when I heard we were having one as a volunteer in Wamunyu at Muthoki Country Lodge. Now I know it means drinking alcohol as the sun goes down. I’d rather be taking a long-lens photograph of an acacia tree with the huge red sun behind it. Having fellow travellers Jasmin, Xochi and Sam to photograph in classic Masai blankets is great, though.

So is the beer.

The temperature is lovely here. I’ve never been too hot and it’s cool in the early mornings and evenings. The middle of the day is a time for staying in unless you’re a mad dog or an Englishman.

Mine’s a Tusker Lager.

Cheers!

Now all we have to do is journey back to camp and have a three-course meal. It’ll have fabulous presentation and the staff will come and sing and chant for us, including all the Masai guards in traditional dress with spears. As someone who’s allergic to anything touristy and inauthentic, this display is sincere and presented with joy and enthusiasm. It’s a relief my cynicism hackles haven’t been engaged.

There’s banana fritter for sweet.

Perfect paradise, it says. I agree.

Many of you have asked who I booked my safari with. I’m happy to recommend the company.

I booked through Carole at Mbiti Africa Safaris, who had been used by Kenya Connect for us all. I trusted them to extend my safari and they did a wonderful job. Here are Carole’s contact details should you wish to explore safari options. She’s very patient – after all, she dealt with me!

Carole M.
Travel & Safari Designer,
DL: +254 (0) 736 759726
OL: +254 (0) 711 334 499
www.mbitiafricasafaris.com
TripAdvisor: https://shorturl.at/nKWga

TOSK (Tour Operators Society of Kenya) BONDED SINCE 2023

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