Because we were in Africa, of course we would also go on a safari (not for too many days-there is a limit to our endurance!) While Paradise Mombasa was not a "paradise" the safari experience was great and accomodations tops.

Mombasa is very poor with many unemployed.

The nicest looking building was a Mosque.

We got a personalized greeting message from our room service.

The view from our suite was very nice.  The non-kosher resort restaurant we frequented.

Our Interval International printout assured us there was a fitness center. We assumed a "5 star" resort would do better than this!

We took a tour of Mombasa and visited a wood carving comples employing 5000 workers on a piecework basis. Working conditions were very primitive. Kids made their own toys!

We bought "Twiga", a four foot carved Giraffe.

We took a trip to Funzi Island, swam in the Indian Ocean, visited a small village and had a Christmas eve dinner crabfeed!

Women from the village try to sell scarves.  A real out of the way restaurant.

A great crab feast for Christmas eve.  Tide went out, our walk to the boat was a bit basic.

Colorful food vendors near the ferry back to Mombasa.

We arranged for a three day Safari to visit Masai Mari game reserve. We had our own guide and vehicle, departed from Nairobi for the four hour ride on roads that were a challenge to body and soul. Because Kenya Airlines lost our bag with all of our safari clothes and supplies, we were delayed several hours in Nairobi to shop for replacements. The bag never did catch up with us until we returned to Kuwait. When we got it back it was minus a few items that were stolen along the way, either in Kenya or Kuwait.

Our first view of the great rift valley! Our first view of Giraffes, before reaching Masai Mara.

Our accomodations at Masai Sopa was first class!

Our personal vehicle had a flip top!  Breathtaking scenery.

We saw herds of animals, many up-close and personal!

This is a Wildebeast or Gnu.

We saw plenty of lions, many up very close. They seem unconcerned.

They still seem unconcerned. They also look well-fed.

There were many herds of Elephants and Giraffes!

There were lots of Antelopes.

The Cheetas were great to watch, so stealhy and regal.

They scout out the terrain for their next meal.

A Thompson's Gazelle was the next meal!  The Cape Buffalo is considered very dangerous.

Zebras in the wild are beautiful but rather shy.

More Zebras and Antelopes.....

....and Ostriches

Huge herds of Impalas are all female with one buck! There were families of Baboons.

More types of Antelopes, called Topi.

We visited the river next to Tanzania to see the Hippos and had an armed escort to guard against bandits who sometimes rob tourists. The soldier with the AK47 was from the Masai tribe. We picked him and his loaded rifle up about 3 kilometers from the border and were glad to have his company!

Pictures don't do justice to the Hippos. They are bigger than Elephants (but not as tall).

Hyena looking for a meal.   Elands are the biggest of the Antelope family, we saw several.

The view in Masai Mara reminded us of Montana!

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