Mt. Killamanjaro is near Arusha, Tanzania and is the highest peak in Africa.  It takes about a week to hike and you need a guide.  The cost is about $2000.  People from the U.S. compare Arusha to Jackson Hole.  We were on our way to Amboseli National Park when we took this picture.

We drove 76 km over a rough dirt road to get to Amboseli National park.  All along the way we saw Masai people.  They live in temporary houses because they are nomadic; they herd their cattle to wherever there is food.  They live on milk and blood from their cows.  They are very colorful people...they guage their ears and wear much jewelry and almost always dress in red...with a red robe over their shoulders and carrying a club or sword. 



After our long dusty drive, we were met at the Serena Lodge by people who gave us clean, wet washcloths and glasses of cold juice to refresh us...what service and what a beautiful oasis.  This monkey came up and visited us on the patio.



He just made himself at home.

After lunch, we drove out through the park and saw many, many elephants.

Right in the middle of the desert there is a big swamp that is lush and green.  The elephants were up to their bellies in swampy grass eating and having a great time.  Incredible to be there watching them in real life!

There was such a contrast in the scenery in Amboseli. 





This group of elephants were standing around an elephant on the ground.  We watched them for quite a while but could never decide what was happening.

Look at the grin on this happy elephant.  He has been in the swamp eating and playing in the water.

Baby is trying to keep up with mama.  This mama has a wonky tusk.

This elephant was showing a little aggression towards us.  We were too close for his comfort.  They are HUGE animals.

We saw several baby elephants.  It's fun to watch them trying to keep up with their families and playing with the other babies.

This is a view from an overlook area.  It was in the late afternoon.

The elephants are now leaving the water and heading out through the dry places for the night.

Here's Mr. Lee Safari Man...

What the...none of us are in safari clothes...except for Lee in his new safari boots.  Where are these people from, anyway?  Don't they know the rules?

We think this big guy might be stuck in the mud.

We counted about 15 hippos in the water near the bridge we were crossing.

Because there are so many tall buildings in Nairobi, we rarely see sunsets so this was a treat for us.