The geography around there is pretty flat, and very dry. But almost everywhere, there are Maasai boys and men driving herds of goats and cows. The goats were often up on their hind legs, eating bushes. The cattle were thin, sometimes gaunt. There is little water in the river beds, or in the pond areas. The Maasai were dressed in their bright colours, with men and women wearing robes (of course, it is Sunday, so that may be the reason). And we would go by some traditional Maasai villages, with their rondelles in groups, and some women to be seen there, as well as on the side of the road, walking in their daily rounds, I assume.
We saw some dead cattle and goats, left to the elements in the fields. And there were some fields that had been cultivated. But mostly it was very dry land used for pasture.
And every field had a path or many through it. There are the official roads, which are travelled by trucks and cars, and motorbikes and bicycles. Then there are the unofficial roads travelled by walkers to get to water or firewood, or church, or just to town.
One of the trucks developed a problem with its brakes, so we all stopped to wait while it was fixed. As soon as we got out of the van, we were surrounded by a group of Maasai women, asking if we wanted to buy their beads. This seemed to be a co-operative. Women of different ages, from about twenty to about mid-fifties. We got dancing with them, and singing, and that was fun. Also got some pictures (they charged us for the pictures, which I think is fair). At one point, one of the men there tried to sell me a t-shirt. I offered to exchange mine for his, but he wanted more money for it anyways, so I demurred.
Then on to the park for the first game drive. I admit to being spoiled from Sabi-Sabi. We entered into the park, and drove along the roads. We were obliged to stick to the roads, not go off in search of game. Saw a number of animals, with some elephants and some zebras fairly close. Antelopes, giraffes, wart hogs, wildebeest were all a fair ways off. But it was still quite pleasant. And the vehicles were full Land Cruisers, with pop-up roofs; not as open as those we had in South Africa.
After the drive through the park, we were very close to our lodge. It is very interesting. It is off the grid, so collects solar power for LED lights, and for hot water.
While it is obvious they are very careful with their power, it is adequate, and the water was hot enough to burn.
A very good supper, and early to bed.
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