Nairobi National Park’s Surprising Opportunities

Our final day in Kenya was not what we expected at all. Our guide Rafael expressed concern about a nation-wide demonstration planned for Thursday. The demonstration was over the police killing of some demonstrators a few years ago. He believed demonstrators or police would close roads. His concern was we would not be able to get to the airport in time for our flight out of Kenya. His recommendation was that we forgo our second day at Lake Nakuru and…

Amazing Birds and Beasts of Kenya’s Famous Lake Nakuru

After two days in Maasai Mara, it was time to travel to our next destination, Lake Nakuru. We had to get up fairly early again as it was a five hour drive there, and we needed to be there in time to spend some time in the park. We tried to pack most of what we needed the night before. The resort staff came and brought all our luggage to the front where Rafael packed it into the Land Rover.…

Once in a Lifetime Experiences at Kenya’s Maasai Mara Reserve

After our first successful day on a safari, it was hard to imagine what could top that day. However, we woke up on Tuesday morning hoping for another exciting day out on the savanna. We are exploring the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The landscape is pretty sparse. It’s mostly grasslands with some lone trees here and there. The Mara River passes through the reserve, and along its banks grow shrubbery and trees. The landscape can seem pretty bleak so it…

Experiencing Amazing Wildlife on a Safari in Kenya

Taking a safari was not something I expected to do in my lifetime, but one never knows what will happen. As we planned for this summer, a safari in Kenya became an option. In the end we added it to our summer plans. Since my daughter Andrea had experienced safaris the last two summers, she made the reservations for us. It was time to take the plunge. I arrived in Kenya from Malawi on a Sunday night. Silvette and Andrea…

New Experiences While Serving in a Bible School in Malawi

While this was my third time to teach at Great Commission Bible School in Malawi, there were still new experiences to enjoy. Some were brand new, and others were repeats but enjoyed with new people. My second week was a full and busy one. It began bright and early on Monday morning. The school had devotions at 7:00 am on Monday and Friday. When I was planning my trip here, I felt like I needed to demonstrate to the students…

What One Does on a Weekend in Lilongwe, Malawi

We came to Malawi to teach at Great Commission Bible School which is in the capital city, Lilongwe. Our classes began on Tuesday. I taught two periods a day, the first and the third periods. The good news is, I was done by lunch so I could then take a nap in the afternoon. My classes went well, and I enjoyed working with the students. After four days of teaching the weekend arrived. Saturday morning I did laundry. Having been…

First Days in Lilongwe Return

This summer’s adventure begins with a return visit to teach in Lilongwe, Malawi. It was my third time to Malawi, but this time I did not travel alone. My pastor and friend Jeff Horton traveled with me and taught as well. It’s a different experience to have someone to travel with that’s not my wife. However, it feels less stressful to have someone there through the long journey.. Our flights to Malawi from the US were pretty routine but long.…

Seeing the Unexpected in Tansania’s Ngorongoro Crater

On our final night in Ngorongoro Crater, we had an exciting game drive, spotting wildlife like hyenas, flamingos, and zebras. We finally saw a leopard, achieving the Big Five. The campsite was cold but offered close encounters with zebras. The experience was memorable, and I cherished the adventure despite looking forward to civilization.

Andrea Camps in the Diverse Serengeti of Tanzania

As I mentioned in the previous post, I don’t always pay attention to the small details of each trip I go on. For this trip I knew there would be some camping. However, I wasn’t exactly aware that we would be camping for four nights in a row, two in the middle of the Serengeti. I was quite excited to see the animals but not excited for cold showers, shared washrooms, and the possibility of wild animals lingering around the…

Trekking to See Amazing Chimps and Gorillas in Uganda

Gorilla trekking had not been something that was on my bucket list. However, as I was browsing the list of available trips for this summer, going back to Africa and seeing animals was definitely something I wanted to do. Of course once I saw the gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, I quickly signed up.  I must admit when I sign up for these trips, I do a quick look at the itinerary and see if it looks good. I sign…