This was the first part of our adventure with George and Pongezi. After these 4 nights at 2 lodges, we went on to The Maasai Mara which I reviewed already. This tour was amended from the printed version. We wanted to stay in different lodges than stated on the set tour, and it wasn't a problem to change those. We did have to pay a little for the upgrade but it was worth it. We also needed to be picked up in Nairobi, not Mombasa, and that was not an issue. So George picked us up at our Nairobi hotel and we drove to Taita Hills. It took 6 hours but the drive was pleasant seeing the towns and people along the way as well as the countryside. The Mombasa Hwy is a crazy place but George navigated it expertly. We picked The Saltlick Safari Lodge for our first 2 nights. This place is magical!! We were stunned by the beauty of the terrace view. Animals everywhere around the lodge. It was like being in a movie. Jurassic Park came to mind, with non- extinct animals. It was so fun! This place is so cool. The rooms were comfortable and the views from the rooms were great. We had waterhole views which were great but the other side rooms face the savannah and animals were always there also. In fact, 3 lions spent a day on a small hill right by the Lodge. We could see them from the walkways. With the zebras in a line all carefully watching them. All day! Being here was just magical. We loved it. Baboons were everywhere around the lodge. And very friendly. One guy( or girl) came up onto the lower terrace, walked around among us and then sat for photos. He was so cute! Our game drives were great. George is an expert. Like always he can see something in the grass, while driving, when all we see is grass. So good!! We saw many elephants, very close, zebra, buffalo, wart hogs, hyena, impala, water buck, huge ostrich, giraffe, lions. It was so great. Everyone at the lodge was so accommodating and friendly. We hated to leave the Saltlick. It is a wonderful place - magical - but we were excited to go to Amboseli Nat. Park next. George drove expertly through a rural area that was just a dirt road. Along the way we saw people, homes, their way of life. Despite the bumpy, it was a great time. All the children waved and shouted and jumped up and down as we passed. Sweet kids. In Amboseli Park we stayed at the Amboseli Serena Lodge inside the park. For 2 nights. From there it was easy to drive all over the park. The grounds were beautiful at this lodge. And the staff was great. The animals were a bit farther away here but could be seen with binoculars. Except for monkeys. They were on the grounds with young Maasai men working as "monkey hunters" to scare them away from the dining area. They were cute. Again, we were so lucky with our drives. On our first evening drive here, the clouds parted late in the evening, and we saw Mt Kilimanjaro. George said - anything can happen, have patience. We waited for the elephants, who come that way in the evening and waited for the clouds to part. And both did! What a beautiful site. So beautiful. Amboseli is unique because of the mountain. And so many elephants! And it was amazing. We were lucky the next morning also when the clouds parted, just for us. We saw tons of elephants, lions, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, giraffe, wart hogs, impala, gazelle, buffalo, baboons and flamingos who have recently started taking up residence in the waters of Amboseli. We learned so much from George. He has done this job for many years and taught us about the land, the people, the animals and about beautiful Kenya. It was really great to learn so much during our incredible experience and time with George. While in Amboseli we visited a Maasai village. Wow! A whole new world and way of living. What beautiful people. Singing, dancing, fire making, telling us about how they live. Cool and interesting. I loved learning about the Maasai. We take so much for granted in our indulgent lives. So much. From the grounds of this lodge we are unable to see the mountain. But it is close. Just out the front gate and driveway, and there is a safe, fenced path that people can walk around on, to the front of the lodge, to see the mountain. When the clouds are cooperating that is. We are so happy with the choices we made for this tour. We loved both lodges and the animals who cooperated fully. But really it was George and his expert, perfect eye site who found everybody for us. This experience was worth all the time and effort put into it, and worth every penny spent. I have dreamed of going to Kenya since I was a little girl. It was so worth the wait. Thank you Pongezi and George for helping me get there. It was an incredible adventure. I will never forget it.
We truly appreciate your good recommendation and knowing that your big dream has come a reality. Great for giving us an opportunity to serve you. Thank you.
