AFRICA- The Mara, Entim Camp, Kenya – 22nd Sept 2018 – Day 9

Last morning. I’m met as usual on my tent path by a warrior with a torch to light my way to the media tent, even though the path is lit dimly by the small converted paraffin lanterns. Its cooler than usual, birds are calling, doves cooing, francolin hooting, and the hippo bellowing and grunting.

“In Africa a thing is true at first light and a lie by noon and you have no more respect for it than for the lovely, perfect wood-fringed lake you see across the sun-baked salt plain. You have walked across that plain in the morning and you know that no such lake is there. But now it is there absolutely true, beautiful and believable.” – Hemingway

In the short time, we saw the lion Long Face and his lady. Spent a while at sunrise at the Hippo pool, passed herds of impala, kudu, and a bronze snake eagle in a tree top. It flew up and circled for a while; Ailine & I had the cameras on machine gun speed for a minute!  Passed a pair of jackals (they mate for life), some hyena, a dik-dik doe & kid, and two Ground Hornbills.

Back at camp by 9, final packing, a big breakfast, tips given, goodbye said, and off to the airfield. Several small planes were there, more came and left till our larger Dash arrived a little late. These domestic flights land at Wilson Airport near the city centre. Back to the Serena Hotel for yet another meal, a late lunch with the group. And then depart for Airport Landing Hotel near the International airport for our 9am flight tomorrow. The others remained at Serena. This hotel looked ok on Booking com, but…. its located on a very busy noisy road though the windows seem to block it well. We are surrounded by a shanty town, dusty,street markets, throngs of people – great photo-op, but unsafe. No aircon, coffee etc, just one bottle of water. Clean, though needing attention. WiFi is better than Entim but it failed on facetime..

Its been a great week and long enough to satisfy me, especially with another 4 weeks ahead. I’ve learned a lot about photography, become familiar with the cameras, but much has been due my effort with just a little from others. We went to the restaurant at 7.30 to find only a waitress, cook, and a big guy watching UK football. She brought us a beer and ciders from the bar of limited drinks, but no glasses, and gave us the limited menu. Hamburgers were out so we ordered stew. Ailine and I found the stay funny, so different to Entim and Serena. Room price A$125 and 11 for the stew. The decor of hidden lights, utility tables and cubicles is strangely austere. The stew was ok though the beef was tough. 

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