Mara North to Mara Valley

Unfortunately we didn't have our morning drive as I was quite ill in the night - first time ever in Kenya - and I couldn't risk leaving the tent.  Ian found George and arranged that we'd leave around 09:30 as it's quite a long drive to Valley camp across community land.

So a little jaded and concerned for my stomach we made the drive, a few photos en route but there wasn't a great deal to see and the going was quite rough.  Actually I was glad we hadn't already done a 3 hour game drive beforehand and I expect George was too.

Masai are pastoralists, usually keeping either cattle or goats.  They often combine up with neighbours and graze their animals in large herds during the day which must make it hard to work out which belongs to who at the end of the day when they need to be returned to secure compounds.

This river is easily crossed when the water levels are low and actually it was quite smelly, no doubt due to an excess of hippo poo.

We finally arrived at Kicheche Valley Camp and said our goodbyes to George - he really has been a fabulous guide.

The camp is smaller than Mara North with only 6 tents, 3 each side of the common areas and once again we've asked for the nearest.  The tent is pretty much what we've come to expect of the Kicheche Brand except this one is built on a large wooden deck and has a few cute little Tree Hyrax (aka Dassies) hanging around.

The camp manager is Minnie and you couldn't wish to meet a sweeter lady.  She was most concerned I'd been unwell and when I declined lunch insisted that the kitchen could make me anything I fancied - so I had a cheese and tomato sandwich and it was just perfect.