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Kenia - Diani Beach (Hotel Papillon Lagoon Reef) (Mar. 2005)
incl.
Safari Tsavo East national park (Satao camp)
This year we booked 14 lovely days in Kenia - including a 3-day safari in Tsavo East national park. When reaching the hotel we were immediately thrilled by the hotel complex with its big, big garden. But beware, throughout the whole complex monkeys ran around. They stole everything but the kitchen sink, especially any food or drink they could get hold of.
At Kenian beaches the tides run deep and show big differences between ebb and flow. Thus we placed our sun lounges near the pool (with ocean view) and not on the beach.
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The high tide scratched the small wall surrounding the hotel garden whilst during falling tide the water line was some 100 yards afar...
The local salesmen on the beach address to any tourist and try to sell their products, including bargaining. Somewhat bothersome.
But when you reply in a friendly manner and explain you do not wish to buy anything they give up (for this day). Of course we bought something. And as Kenia is a poor country we brought along used t-shirts and shoes for give-away. The stuff was highly welcome. Even our waiter took a used pair of shoes and was happy with it.
After 4 days stay at the hotel we finally left for a 3-day safari in the Tsavo East National Park. Our domicile there was called 'Satao Camp'.
The safari was beyond words. Satao camp lies amid the wilderness, the bush, without any fences. Comfortable tents with lovely details are put up around the huge stone house restaurant. See some details of the bathroom.
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We placed ourselves on the terrace of our marquee and observed the animal world of Africa at the water hole nearby - mainly elephants.
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Our marquee and patio  |
Impalas trustingly ran through the camp. In a distance we sighted giraffes. The camp was in excellent condition, very clean and kept in a good manor. Food was very nice. One evening we had a BBQ. This was a special event! Each table got a tweedy charcoal grill. You had to take your meat and side dishes from an extra buffet. The party could start!
Restaurant  |
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Table-BBQ |
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Each day we had at least 2 deerstalking trips. As our scout was up to snuff we could see nearly all of the BIG FIVE - only the rhino hid well.
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3 days safari span away! Directly after we enjoyed a few more days of leisure in Hotel Papillon Lagoon Reef. We had a day trip to Mombasa where we visited - amongst others - a carving exhibition. You could watch the goods being carved.
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We bought a big giraffe which even did not fit into the suitcase and had to be sent as extra cargo. It arrived safely in our living room. So did we after 2 splendid weeks.
Here you may see some more photos of this wonderful vacation.
