We awoke this morning after a beautiful, clear night. We had some locals visiting our camp during the evening, causing the drovers to go on security patrols throughout the night and remove the lights beside our tents. All was well though by morning with only curiosity fueling the visitors. Bush babies called out in the night keeping us well aware that we were also not alone.
Our Sunday morning stroll started with many locals walking past us on their way to church, and soon, we were walking with the sounds of the church services echoing through the jungle forest, sounds of singing, drumming and laughter. Kenyan church services are so energetic and fun we wished we could join them.
The drovers kept saying one word as we packed up and loaded the camels: “Moja, Moja, Moja” - meaning “one” and referring to one more day until we arrive at the coast, the goal we have all shared together. It feels surreal!!
We travelled past a titanium open pit mine, which is a huge mining operation in this area with very pink soils, making it impossible to miss.
For the first time in 60 days (we’ve been so fortunate with the route we have taken) we walked on tarmac. Not ideal for the camels or the walkers as it is hard on the camel’s feet and traffic sometimes startles them. As well, our joints are very aware of the hard surface after this many days but after about 7 kms we turned off towards camp and all were happy again!
Tuktuks, which are very popular as a mode of transportation on the coast, soon made an appearance on the road as well as many overloaded buses which were shocked to see our camel train.
We had our first glimpses of the Indian Ocean today as well, proof that the end really was near! After 14.5 kms we settled into camp beside a lake. Kathy and Bev set up their tents for the last time after 60 days with only five of those nights spent in a resort or cottage (two nights at Voyager Ziwani and three nights at the Kasigau Basecamp Cottages - just like tree forts with beds).
Stay tuned as tomorrow we will completing this mega safari as we walk another estimated 15 kms, completing the route that Joseph Thompson once completed from 1883 to 1884.
