Ciao Jan,

I hope you had another memorable safari and time in Kenya.
What was the atmosphere like with the locals? Are they more hopefull with the political situation?
Were the lodges and camps full and any inside news for the future of parks and wildlife there?

Ciao Nico:

I did indeed had another wonderful trip. Weather was usually dry, but we did have several heavy rains for about 15 minutes each with heavy wind - not enough to make the animals disappear. It was HOT though - around 95 - 100 with one day getting up to 103 degrees. Frequent cool shower sthat day!

In talking with some of the people I found them to be extremely discouraged. Amboseli tourist numbers are way down. Luckily Satao Camp has been full right along (but it is smaller). The people seem to be very discouraged with their government's lack of caring and corruption. Poverty has gotten worse, if possible, and food is in short supply in some areas.

Interestingly, one would think that with fewer tourists, services would be much better. However, other than at the camp where service was great, I found more and more errors or inadequacies than I have in 14 previous trips. I had problems at Moi Airport, JKIA and even at my regular Nairobi hotel. It was very discouraging. I've never had these problems before and don't know to what it can be attributed.

I did post a short report under the trip reports about wildlife problems I encountered. The Nation yesterday reported that the problem with the cattle in the park had been taken care of by KWS over the weekend.

It was so nice officially meeting another bushdrummer, Katherine. We had emailed back and forth before but had never met. We got to spend one week together at Satao and both of us truly enjoyed the wildlife there.

Despite the problems, I'm already starting to plan the August trip.

Thank you Jan - perhaps you should ask your other half to move to Kenya with you for 6 months of the year. We will have daily updates with a webcam reposrting directly from the Bush.....