walking safari

Satao Elerai Camp in Amboseli

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Our second lodging was in Amboseli National Park, which is close to the border of Tanzania and an extension of the Serengeti. It is sandy and salty – a completely different environment – with swampy areas and Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world, looming over us.

Our flight from Wilson airport was less than 40 minutes and we were the third stop. A lot of up and down …but a good view of the landscape.  We landed in a clearing designated only by a wind sock. The driver from our camp was waiting for us, a table set up next to his vehicle with water, tea, and cookies. This standard service never failed to impress me.

Approaching Amboseli
Elephants in the swamp
Mawangi meeting us at the airport
Amboseli airport terminal

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Mara Intrepids Camp

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Getting there

Mara Intrepids, our fourth stop,  was also in the Maasai Mara National Reserve and close enough to Ashnil Mara (our previous camp) to be driven there.  This bonus ride gave us another peek at local life — the reality beyond our insulated and curated camp experience, an important reminder of where we were.  We passed very modest houses, children walking to school in their uniforms, and boys herding goats.

Local Maasai home
School boys en route
Girls in school uniforms
Boy goat herder

Our favorite camp

When we arrived  we were surprised to see a lawn — actual grass! — and someone mowing it.  We knew instantly that we had stepped up on the luxury scale.  The staff was the friendliest;  the tents were large and nicely appointed, the outdoor dining patio, bar, and lounge area were lovely; the menu was excellent with the fanciest desserts; and our safari drivers, Joab and Samson, were beyond endearing. This turned out to be our favorite camp.

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