Day 5 - Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara

Packing up the tent in pouring rain wasn't the greatest experiences we've had in a while. Long drive today with a 90km stint on an absolute dirt road shocker. The truck broke down next to a small Masai village. It's true that when you stop in Africa kids come running from everywhere!

Stopped at a Masai village and had a welcoming dance from the warriors and jumping display. They really do achieve some height. Jenny delightfully was fetched and brought into the dance. The women also sang and pulled all the girls in for some awkward singing..but made for some funny photos. They also invited us to see inside one of their homes - mud hut with mud floor. Looked small from the outside but had a number of rooms centered around a cooking area. Incredibly dark and not much ventilation these must get very hot in the midst of the daytime heat. They even have a spare room for their cows and sheep!! Fascinating culture...The village was made up of only two families of 100 people in total. The Masai can have multiple wives and each makes their own hut out of mud. The men marry at 19-20 years of age and their parents pick the first wife. Their first wife then picks their second wife. The women have a lot of duties here. We were even invited to come back and stay in their spare room.

Entered the Masai Mara, unbelievable rolling plains. Saw elephant and Masai giraffe. It was still raining when we arrived in camp. I don't think we're cut out for wet camping. We had Masai guards with bow and poison arrows sitting under an umbrella next to our tents. They were our nighttime protectors from the wild animals. Found out one of them has killed seven lions in his lifetime so think we will be in safe hands. Hope the arrows are effective against the hippos known to roam through the site??

Funny, there was a religious party close by and it's louder in the bush than living above the Wandle. Now we know why Deb recommended the ear plugs.