We left the Maasai Mara after seeing the Big Five on Tim’s Cessna, northeast to Lake Baringo. Traveling through the air is a big part of the safari experience; we fly very low, as though we are skimming the trees, gazing down at the zebras, giraffes and many other wildlife from the sky. With one of the girls in the co-pilot seat and with Tim’s guidance, she flew us over The Great Rift Valley (the only geographic feature you can see from the moon). She remarked, “I want to travel the world in my little plane,” as we viewed the 1.2 million flamingos feeding on the algae in Lake Bogoria.
We landed and met our hostess Caro Withey, boarded a boat to the Samatian Island, set in Lake Baringo (20 by 11 km). The island is home to more than 450 bird species
At camp, there are 5 thatched huts, all open air and built into the volcanic rock; truly unique architecture. Caro showed us our family cottage, complete with tower and open-air deck. I later had a massage by one of the local villagers in that very tower. Some of the room’s thatched ceilings soar to a full 25 feet, with two bedrooms and a sitting room. Ari and I have a king size, four-poster bed with canopy and mosquito netting, the girls each had a beautifully carved bed. Most of our cottage is open to nature, overlooking the lake filled with catfish and tilapia. I awoke to a big ball of red fire, rising from the sky (keep in mind this was the view from the bed!).
After tea, coffee and ginger cookies, we were off in the boat to visit the Pokot tribe, one of the most isolated in Africa. The Elder invited us into his home, a tiny, hut like structure made of sticks, grass and cow dung. Inside there was a small fire, where a part of the cow that had just died and was slowly smoking, two sleeping areas, the man sleeping on higher level and the floor left for the wife (or wives!). The Pokot’s danced and sang for us in their native Maa tongue…it was truly remarkable. After buying a few home made wares, we headed back in the boat and stopped at another small island to have a “simple” breakfast of waffles, eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, fruit, cereal, vegetables, coffee, tea (I’m sure I left out something) all prepared via campfire by Caro’s staff. Back “home” to enjoy the lake from our incredible thatched cottage.
Just not your typical day. Upon reflection, there is never a typical day in Africa, each day, each moment brings a magic as the day unfolds….
- Chris
What an incredible description Chris. Felt like I was there. Would have given anything to see and hear the dancing and singing. I loved that picture of Kat. She must have gotten the bug for flying. Sounds like you all are enjoying every single day. We love hearing about it. Keeping sending more and more. Miss you HB.
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