October 12, 1996
The view from the A104 highway westward across the Eastern Rift Valley. Mt. Longonot, strikingly visible at centre, is an active volcano. Hmmm... the colours don't look so good in this picture. Maybe I'll adjust it later!
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We set out on October 12, 1996 from the Sagret Hotel in Nairobi. The tour company was Kumuka, and overall, they were well-organized, the food was excellent and the trucks and drivers were awesome. (Just don't get me started on their London office which was *damn* slow about sending out my tickets despite having all my $$ for more than a month!)
The tour was full, which means 18 clients, plus a guide, a cook and a driver. The truck got a little cramped at times, what with some people really stocking up on souvenirs, but it only got *really* packed near the end.
The initial part of our trip took us north of Nairobi to the Eastern Rift Valley, where we stopped for lunch on the first day. Here is our first view of the valley as we headed northwest on the A104 highway. The day was hazy, warm and dry, but comfortable. I just *loved* the temperatures here -- 27 everyday.
One of the most striking sights along the floor of the Rift Valley was the omnipresence of the acacia trees which I have always associated with Africa. They are flat topped and grew throughout the dray savannas we traversed. From a distance, the trees look soft and plush, but they are actually covered in sharp, needlelike leaves. Ouch.
Our first night, we camped near Narok, and we were advised to lock all valuables (cameras etc.) in the truck out of harms way. That night, as every night, our guide explained where we would be going the next day as well as what we might expect to see.
Forward to "Masai Mara Game Reserve"