This was our fourth safari to to Tsavo East since 1997 and so we knew what to expect and tried to direct where we went. Unfortunately TBBC had changed their itinerary to give us fewer but longer drives and we had a different driver this year who we had to train to suit our abilities - this proved very frustrating & I can only conclude we failed.
Due to 'rebel' activity on the Sala Gate road to Malindi we had to take the longer route via Mombasa. This only introduced Jill, Paul and Monique to realities of road transport in Kenya as they were able to experience the main route to Nairobi as it climbed out of the coastal plain. Why should they be saved such a worldly experience as the rest of us had on previous trips?!
Having driven up the main road from Mombasa to Nairobi we stopped at one of the many souvenir haunts masquerading as cafes just outside the park. After toileting we had a refreshing cold drink before the others 'went shopping'.
At Buchuma Gate we fended off all approaches to buy further souvenirs and hats - primarily because Tony had just bought one at the cafe.
Our first half day safari took us from Buchuma Gate to Aruba Dam, where we had lunch and then onward to Lugards Falls before following the Galana River downstream to Sobo Camp.
On previous trips we had been woken up before dawn, served coffee/tea before being sent out on our first safari, returning for breakfast. Obviously TBSC had reorganised their service in the last 12 months to suit those staying for only one night.
So we found ourselves 'turfed out' of camp at dawn and not expected back until sunset! Well, at least we should be able to maximise our 'hunting' time - so we thought! Well, we didn't spot the Rhino again this morning & we were past Lugards Falls before we managed to spot our first animal (? - well bird as it happened ).
We'd arranged for a walking safari at the time of booking and this morning was the only time that armed guides from the Kenya Wildlife Service could be arranged. This made for a long day with our return journey to the coast.
These photos were taken as we returned to Buchuma Gate before returning to Watamu via Mombasa.
