The 2022 African Journals, Chapter 14: Smooth Roads to Luxury

 Chapter 14:

Smooth Roads to Luxury

Tsavo, in all its mystery and wonder, has the power to enchant us in a way that we didn't even know was  possible in today's modern world.--Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick.

The first thing I notice when we enter Tsavo West National Park is that the roads are so much smoother.

 

The second thing I notice is the lava!

 

The third thing I notice is how thick the brush is.

 

So, relief,  questioning, and stupefaction before we even reach the Finch Hattons lodge.    The roads ARE better; I was correct about the lava; and, how the hell do the animals get through that thorny brush?

 

It took a bit to finally see the lesser kudu in all that brush.   The photo below  is cropped so you don't have to look as hard as I did.

Lesser kudu in thick brush.

About that lava.   There are pebbles and stones and rocks and boulders and flows of coal-black lava.   And it came from a nearby extinct volcano eons ago.   You’d think it would be worn down by now, but it isn’t.  I do not understand how the large animals can get through it without spraining an ankle or breaking a leg, much less how the grazers find enough to eat.

A giraffe in front of Ol Donyo Laramie mountain, an extinct volcano.

 

Yet, somehow they do.   The little rock hyrax love it.   They make their dens in it.   They sunbathe on the warm surfaces.    Randy climbed the volcano.   Oops, getting ahead of myself.

Rock hyrax in lava.

 

The drive to camp isn’t long once we’re in the park.    And the road  is good.   Did I mention that?

 

Lava monument for our destination.

 

Upon arrival, my only thought is, "Oh, my!"

The common area of the lodge combines a dining room, a bar/beverage area, and several couches and chairs for people to gather, something of an outdoor lobby. 

 

After registration and orientation, we are shown the pool and spa area.   Very, very fancy.

The pathway in front of the common area.

Finally, we are escorted to our tent.   Marg and I are roomies again and our tent is prpbably the closest one to the common area.   

The old bridge

Down a ground lava pathway, across the “hippo highway”  where generations of hippos have walked the same path from the water to grazing areas. across the new bridge (as opposed to the old bridge), part way up a hill, sharp left turn, and down the hill to our luxurious tent overlooking a large pond in the river.

 

Our front deck

 

our beds

 

Then, we kind of move in.   First things first.   Laptops and chargers for the camera batteries.   We find a way to share the desk with no problems and still have lots of room.

 

 

 

A huge tub.

 

The outdoor showers.  There is also an indoor shower that we used.

I try to take photos before we mess things up.   I was late this time.

Gobsmacked.!!  Marg says something to the escort and he returns in a few minutes later with a tray full of Coke Zero for our refrigerator.

What hidden wonders does this cabinet hold?

Well stocked with Coke Zero!

Coffee and tea service, bottled water, and booze.

uzzt photo but I wanted to show you that in most camps, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are included.    In addition to our sodas, there was gin, vodka, and whiskey.  It remained untouched.

And then, I walk  outside.

I know where I'm spending my free time!

Tsavo is the big green area lower right.