The final destination

Trip Start Mar 04, 2009

Trip End Aug 09, 2009

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Flag of Kenya Nairobi, Kenya
Saturday, August 8, 2009

Our final excursion in Africa was to the Masai Mara game reserve. Unfortunately we never made it due to an accident in which the matatu that was carrying the other half of our group rolled over injuring several people. Luckily although some were airlifted to hospital, everyone will make a full recovery. It was a stressful few hours, but a time that strengthened my belief in the human spirit as so many people helped in whatever way they could, including the Masai, who I'd always thought of as quite aloof. By the time the helicopter arrived there were around 40 Masai around and it was quite amusing to see their reactions to the helicopter landing; I don't suppose it's something they see too often.

Once the helicopter made its final trip the rest of us began the long drive back to Nairobi, and on the way I got my first flat tyre in Africa! Typical! Amusingly the jack that the driver had was actually too big to fit under the matatu so I had to find a large rock to prop it up!

The baby elephants and their keeper

! Finally we were reunited with Peeky and drove the last couple of hours back to Nairobi. I'd like to say a big thanks to Kristen, Marc & Joash, our crew, for all they did that day.

Our penultimate day was spent visiting Yves, Bibi and Elke in hospital, and then trying to find our way out of the hospital, which was huge!

Our last day started with a trip to the Elephant Orphanage, which looks after orphaned and abandoned elephants in its centre until they are around 5 years old before transfering them to one of the game parks. The younger elephants are given blankets to wear which looks quite cute! The centre also has one baby rhino which was also very cute, but due to their aggresive nature it wasn't brought too near the visitors.

We spent the afternoon relaxing at our campsite before heading to the airport and the final flight of my 5 month trip. I couldn't believe it had gone so fast, although I was looking forward to getting home and seeing everyone as well as not living out of a backpack anymore!

Nairobi hotels Slideshow