Author: Matt Lobas

When you travel to Africa, everyone wants to see the big five. Not the Olympic men’s basketball team. They are the buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant and rhino. The goal of all safaris is to see them all.

After a great breakfast we jumped in our jeep to the local airport. Along the way we reached a fork in the road. Go left to the airport or right back to our African house. Since the gorillas were still waiting we went left.

Here was our plane. Just the four of us. Nate said this is how Corbin travels.

Then we met our new best friend. Dixon. Another Massi warrior. 14 years tracking and being a guide. One wife but starting to look for another. Sunday and Princess said NO! By the way his father has 8 wives and 64 kids.

Then it was off roaring. Believe it or not we came across the leopard. A rare find again. Hard to see but sleeping off a big kill.

The we found her kill. In the tree to protect it from other animals and to feast on later. That is your bushman tip of the day. Store your kill high!

Then we were off again. Came across the buffalo. Another of the big five.

Then a herd of elephants. We saw individual elephants before but never a herd with babies like this one.

Princess kept telling me one elephant was watching me intently.

Then a short stop where Dixon shared how a kill becomes food for all animals.

Then it was off to our camp. The places we are staying have a custom of whenever your arrive they welcome you with song and say Jumba. That means hello.

A long walk over a bridge that beneath was a herd of hippos.

Then after orientation and signing all documents in case we were mauled by animals it was off to our room. Check this out.

Then on to our room.

Then it was time for the evening safari. We were not out more than 14 minutes and came across lions.

Dixon said let’s go back to the leopard. Here is what we saw.

Well we came back to a pouring rain. I had planned a dinner in the bush because it was the Princess and my 52 wedding anniversary. The rain put a damper on that. So instead Rolex our server put is in the wine room. A few pics from that special occasion with special friends.

And with that happy anniversary Princess and see you all tomorrow.

Another 630 leave for the morning game drive. I neglected to introduce you to Seai. He is an elder in the Massi tribe. He is our driver, guide and lifesaver if needed.

I made a blog decision that you have seen most of the animals we have seen. So today I would blog about something special. And it happened. Seai found a mother cheetah and three cubs. Let me introduce you to the family.

What made this a rare sighting was a rabbit appeared and the cubs chased him down. Think breakfast. Rabbit tartare!

Then it was off to Seai’s village. We saw some sheep and goats along the way. Besides being food we learned how they are part of the dowery for a wife. Maasai warriors can have up to three wives. Nate and I said hmmm….

Then it was on to the village. It is a place that those who want out of Arizona for the summer should consider. First stop was a welcoming dance and song.

The Princess really embracing the moment.

Then we had a tour of the homes. Only women are allowed to build homes. They are covered in elephant dung. Cool in summer. Warm on rainy winters.

After a tour of a home, we were invited to the local market for shopping. What women could resist. We also wanted to help support the local village who were so welcoming to us. Here is a pic of our ladies doing a great job of searching for just the right pieces.

Then we continued on our evening/night trek. The goal was finding a lion pride. Tracker Matt and Spotter Sunday were hot on the trail. Here is tracker Matt at work.

Here is what I saw. It was a female paw print. We were close.

After two hours we found what we were looking for. A mother, aunt and cub feasting on dinner. Again a rare sight.

We came back to camp and were welcomed to an incredible dinner in the wine cellar. We got to celebrate the Hyde’s anniversary. Nice job Nate!

We could not pass up getting a quick pic with a local Massi warrior.

Then we watched him stand on the lookout and survey the water hole. All we could think of what is he thinking about. It is a picture that is constantly changing as the animals change.

Then to cap off our evening we read a quote from Earnest Hemingway that summed up how we all felt on our last night in this camp. A cheetah kill. A visit to a local village. Lion kill. Wine dinner. A day we will not soon forget. That’s all folks. Isn’t it enough?

You are going to see a lot of behinds today. I seem to catch the animals when they are moving away! Maybe I am a behind specialist.

We were suppose to be ready to roll at 630 am. At 635 those two ladies from the mosque, who we asked to join us for the remainder of the trip, were ready. I was not. A little behind.

We finally got off and had our first early morning game drive. The goal today were lions. After a few hours of driving look what we found.

And here is its cub saying what all kids say. “Mom, I am hungry!”

I am not really a birder but have a few friends who are avid birders. Here is my bird picture for them.

Saw a few more animals.

Special alert. Our guide comes from a tribe of bushman. They live off the land. If you are ever caught in the plains without water here is how to save yourself.

I am running behind again. This is from my assistant photographer Sandy. They named Sandy Sunday. Let’s see if it sticks.

Speaking of behind yesterday we saw a special elephant I forgot to share. His name is one ton. He is 50 years old. His tusks weigh over 120 pounds. He was massive and we were told special.

It was now time for breakfast. Breakfast on the plains is a unique experience. Our table.

After breakfast a few more giraffe sightings.

Again I am running behind. I forgot to share a picture I really liked from last nights sundowner. My Princess and me. I think I might have this one framed. Thanks Sunday.

After another great lunch it was time for our afternoon trek. Nate and Sunday made a decision to go horseback riding. They picked out a special horse for Nate.

So they got the biggest horse I have ever seen for him.

Sandy got a real nice horse for her ride.

The Princess and I went on another game drive. She got the big camera clicking for many good shots.

We met up and proceeded to sundowners. Our guide and butler surprised us with a great setting and spread.

For Mark and Dana, you need to start with bubbles. Our butler was a pro at opening the bubbles for us.

Then it was on to our home for another surprise dinner.

I was behind a bit all day but finally caught up at dinner. Let me close the night with a traditional African after dinner drink.

And with that folks good night, or good morning wherever you are. Tomorrow’s blog will be a bit delayed. We are leaving and losing Wi Fi for a while. Rest assured, I promised my coach Allison I would blog every day.

Well a 500 am wake up for a 545 leave is on tap today. Joseph takes us to Wilson Airport to catch our first bush flight.

Here is the gang getting on the plane. No beverage service or movie for this flight. No peanuts or assigned seats. The only drawback is 32 pounds of luggage per person.

A view of the narobi national park from the air.

We land on gravel, not even a landing strip and are met by these beasts.

After a short drive our guide and driver stops to show us his map and offer coffee and rolls. A true continental breakfast.

Here are some animals we see in our first game drive.

Then it was on to Ol Donyo Lodge our new home.

The gang enjoying the view.

Then after spending a hour in the blind watching animals and asking tons of questions to our guide Tim, including do they wear underwear under their robes, I saw this sign.

Lynn and I came back for a short rest to prepare for the next game drive and had a room visitor.

Our next game drive.

Then the highlight of the evening for Nate and I. A double Johnie Walker black at our first sundowner on the plains.

Then it was back to the lodge for a dinner to cap off the night. I got to make and eat my own pizza!

Well for today that’s all folks.

As usual the day started with the traditional hearty breakfast. This included altitude pills and malaria pills.

Yesterday I introduced you to Joseph our driver and guide. Here he is by our cruiser.

He found this hat! The word has spread internationally about our efforts.

First stop was the national park of Nairobi. Here is a picture of our first animal sighting. The ladies are head over heels in excitement.

Our second sighting.

The animals just keep on coming.

I could go on but you get the picture. So many animals. But time to move on to the elephant nursery.

While watching the elephants the “mosque ladies” as Nate has named them popped up again. Maybe we will take them with us.

After the elephants we went to a local shop where clay animals and beaded goods are made.

The ladies checking out the goods.

While there the locals broke out into a native dance. Those two ladies from the mosque joined in! They have rhythm.

Lunch at a special spot.

Our outdoor table.

Then the highlight of the day for the ladies. The giraffe nursery.

We also had an informative session with a guide/intern. Victor was his name. His passion is giraffes.

Here is the gang posing for its daily group shot.

And of course the giraffe needs his picture taken.

One last shot of my second favorite animal. I am thinking of applying to be an elephant trainer. Thoughts?

See you in the morning.

Until next time!

We took a late flight from Doha to Nairobi. There we met our personal guide and travel guru for the next few days, Joseph. First night was at the Tamarind.

Joseph picked us up and took us on a tour of the city. From government buildings, historic landmarks, outdoor markets, the largest “slum” in the world, we were all blown away by the blending of old and new and wealth and poverty in this city. Then it was on to our home.

After a nice lunch we all needed an afternoon of napping and relaxing. Then it was on to dinner. What better way then a good quick stroll through the garden.

Along the way it was amazing. The two local ladies we met at the mosque in Doha showed up again!

Here is the gang at dinner.

During dinner we met the head of the restraunt and wine specialist. He invited us to his wine room.

Then it was a quick walk home to this surprise. Ready for another sleep. Those two ladies could not wait to see the animals!

Our special place. See you tomorrow. Dreaming of elephants, lions, hippos, and giraffes!

First day of sight seeing. You will be our wing people. Hang on. Here is our hotel and a view from our room of Doha.

We took a half day tour of the city. But you need to fuel up first. Our tour guides visiting the buffet.

First stop along the way was The Pearl and the blue mosque. It is one of the only mosques designed by a women architect.

While in the mosque, we met two “local ladies.”

Next to the mosque we found these two buildings. No they are not for storing grain. They are for 12,000 pigeons who live in the area.

Next stop was a unique sculpture. It reminded me of Corbin. A butterfly trying to escape but dragging an iron ball.

Next stop was a museum dedicated to pearl divers. There were no free samples. Darn!

Our next stop was the presidential palace and the camels used for the daily royal procession. They are also available as Ubers in the afternoon.

One hobby here is falconry. A good bird is about $300. A great bird can run you $300,000. Here is a guy and his bird at the falcon hospital we visited.

This is where sick birds wait for the falcon doctor.

Here is where the owners wait.

We were nearing the end of our tour. One of the last stops was the Souq. It was a bazaar or market.

We learned that if you want to build a building it has to be unique and different. Some random shots from our tour to give you a flavor of their architecture.

Another great building.

The tour guides taking a quick break.

All good times come to an end. Here is the gang with Evelyn our official guide.

Before leaving for the airport for the next leg I wanted to think about the great day and sights we saw.

Off to the airport for our flight to Kenya.

STOP: The first sighting of a silverback!

See you in Kenya!

If you have not flown Qatar, think being at a Four Seasons in the sky. You pre order your food. The adult beverages are great. But the highlight are the pajamas you are issued for sleep. Check us out!

We were met at the airport and then off to our hotel in Doha.

What a beautiful place. More marble than I have ever seen. Off to bed after a day and a half of travel.

We are starting the trip of a lifetime. The sun is not up yet but the full moon is shining enough for us to see our way at oh dark five.

Here is the Princess and me waiting for the Hyde’s. We could not wait in the house any longer. Excitement of finally getting on the road was overwhelming.

Here is the first, of many to come, of the group photos. Waiting in Phoenix for the first of many flights.

Our first stop along our first days journey. Hollywood and home to other celebrities. Saw the first sign to our next stop.

While at LAX we followed the path forged by the Dusel’s looking for the international terminal. Look who, because of his new look, was designated as porter. Note what my wing man is hauling!

We were six plus hours early. So off to the Hilton for adult beverages and a snack. Great way to kill three hours.

Then back to the airport. Wife 2 and the Princess trying to get us into the special lounge. But we tried first class and got bumped to business class lounge. Still not bad place to kill two and a half hours before boarding.

Well it is time. We have a pod for four. Also we are with our sweeties. That is Nate and I. We just finished toasting our ladies for setting this up and in anticipation of meeting the silverbacks! That is it for now. We leave in five minutes. Welcome aboard!

People have asked where in Africa are you traveling. All I talk about is seeing and hopefully being with the silverbacks. But here is our travel schedule and the camps we will be at.

Are we ready? You bet we are. Here are our safari clothes ready to rock and roll. As the Princess says, four more sleeps and we start our adventure.