Pack up 7 people and our stuff into one big land cruiser (Kermit) and head out a little after noon. As leaving station see a whole crew of elephants bating in the river, spraying water and flinging mud on themselves. 
As cruising to Nanyuki driver slams on brakes and shouts something. Turns out we almost ran over a leopard tortoise. After our resettlement effort (putting in on the other side of the road) we’re back on the way. Stop in Nanyuki for provisions (food, wine, matches, money) we head to the Aberdares. Got verbal directions before we left (turn by the dairy?!), but still uncertain about the correct turn-off. Luckily another researcher has gone this way before and we appear to be on the right track. Although the lodge is ridiculously cheap, the entrance fees for non-residents is pretty expensive ($40 US) and plus an overall vehicle fee. 
With a research permit, though, the fee drops to ~$15 US. About half of us have paid the research permit fee and filled out all the paperwork, but they haven’t been processed yet. As we enter the gate, a few of us hop on the roof, and our annoyance melts away when as soon as we enter the park we’re surrounded by a ton (literally, in the case of the bufs and eles) wildlife. Including...
Warthog
Silvery-cheeked hornbills
Buffalo
Bushbuck
Though unable to grab a picture, we see a handful of giant forest hogs run across the road! Incredible! As its getting dark we start to head towards our lodge, and go through a bit of soggy area. End up getting stuck in about a foot or two of very wet mud. 
Luckily we’re able to push ourselves out without too much of a problem. I get a bit of spa treatment on my legs as well.
Impressed by the Tusk lodge, which comes with its own caretaker, as well. She lights the kerosene lamps and actually gets a fi
re going for us. We make some dinner by lamplight and relax by the fire with our box of wine for the evening.
1 comment:
Does that bushbuck have its hackles up?
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