Masai Mara and Nakuru National Park

Masai Mara

So far, the journey has been very good, everything went out well. As I stayed quite long time on the coast, I am a little bit delayed now. I thought it would happen somewhere on the way, just not that early. After celebrating my birthday in Mombasa, I left for Nairobi.
By accident, I got to know 3 Scandinavian ladies going on Safari the following day, they had a free seat, and due to me taking part as well, the whole journey turned out to be cheaper for everyone. First, we went to Masai Mara for 3 days. It was just amazing. We have seen all the big five and a lot more animals.                                          

Masai Mara

It was lions, hippos, elephants, giraffes, gepards, leopards, buffalos, birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and lots more. It was just great. After that, we went for one day to Lake Nakuru, where we have seen many flamingos and other birds, quite a view hippos and had another beautiful day on safari.
Back in Nairobi, I went one day to meet the friend of a friend from Germany. She is living in Nairobi in a beautiful house and we had a beautiful day in her garden with a nice pizza lunch and some wine, which I felt quite a lot after 4 weeks with nearly no alcohol at all.

Nakuru National Park

I also met an Austrian friend of Yusuf, who
showed me Nairobi city and different living areas in town. He seems to be an important guy being married to the nice of the president. Tomorrow we will go for a trip to Karen Blixen museum and to Nairobi National Park.

Nakuru National Park

Probably, I will leave Nairobi around the end of this week, going towards Lake Bororia and Baringo, then to Eldoret and Lake Victoria. In Eldoret, there is again family time, as a brother of my friend Yussuf is living there with his family, desperately waiting for the "muzungu" (the white tourist) to come for some days. From there, I will do some day trips to the tea plantations and to Lake Victoria, then it will be time to leave for Uganda. So much for today.

Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and more

I just started my Africa trip this week in Mombasa, Kenya. I had a good time so far in bumping into the right people in the right time.

Yusuf

First, I bumped into this local man and his family. I had a great time in Mombasa and got to know many things about life here. Yusuf is a kind of freelancer, trading everything except of women and drugs. At least, that’s what he is saying.

Athman

After 3 days in Mombasa, I went to Malindi to visit Athman, a friend of Yusufs brother. I stayed there with the family and again, we had a great time. I spent quite some hours with Rahima, Athmans wife, in her shop, talking to her and her girl friends passing by. We had quite one or the other interesting discussion. It was a very good experience to stay with a family, thanks a lot for all your hospitality and friendship.


Also, there are a lot of things to see around Malindi like Gede Ruins, which are a couple of hundred years old. They are in the middle of a big forest with huge trees.

Lamu

Shela Beach

After that, I went to Lamu. I have been to Lamu 20 years ago and I loved it. It is amazing, but it did not change much. There are now 4 cars on the island instead of 3 twenty years back. Some more hotels and restaurants, some more touts maybe. The rest is the same. The old buildings, the narrow streets, the friendly locals – like paradise.
I did 2 trips on a local sailing boat, a Dhow. We had grilled fish on the beach, visited several small villages and Takwa ruins, an old Swahili settlement. For sure, there is also the beach, the tasty fish and other seafood.
Now, I am back in Mombasa. I spent my birthday here with Yusuf and his family. Got quite some presents, which are thankfully easy to carry around.
Well, next destination is Nairobi, hopefully Masai Mara, and then Rift Valley.
I am also very happy to receive mails!