Eli’s Poem

We gathered first, at Comfort Suites,

Excited for our first group meets.

Were jambo’d warmly to the theme

By Patric and Boniface, a star dream team

We’d nearly lost Fred b’fore the start

Who flew straight to Zanzibar

but stayed onboard to great relief

of all who’d mind his trip so brief

So off we went, with bags packed well

Excitement high, and nerves to quell.

So laid back and relaxed of mind

That Jim and Sharon left passports behind.

We witnessed Patrick’s calm demeanour

And travelled on to see hyena (sorry)

Our truck became our home sweet home

Allowing us rough roads to roam

We learnt that hearing “twende” – “go”

Meant Kenya had so much to show.

With snacks from Sue and Kev on board

We made a very happy hoard.

A stunning time in Masai Mara

Good chance to laugh with Irene and Sara

From Fig Tree Lodge some used hot air

To scan the Masai Mara where

A birds-eye view of many herds

Paused Chris’s herds-eye view of birds.

Sue ID’d a Secretary Bird

That made him weep, in fact he purred

Impala, wildebeest and lions

And oh so many rhions (er, rhinos)

We lost our count – so many zebras

And heat demanded hats like Debra’s

Then Lake Nakuru fla-mingos,

The greater and lesser types of those,

And pelicans and fish eagles,

Colobus monkeys, all fur and tails.

As many as we saw giraffes

We shared so many sights and laughs.

Giraffes that stretched their fine necks for us.

We lucky lot on our Trip Exodus.

Refreshed each evening – vies surreal,

Hot soup or Tusker with a meal.

We drove on crossing to Uganda,

Mandy’s passport proves she’s no Amanda.

The River Nile with its white water

Gave fun and fear at every quarter.

First in the water was our Vicky

Tho drinking didn’t make her sticky

Some swallowed more than recommended

And lurgy struck (tho all now mended)

This lurgy saw a few laid out

Or was it heatstroke – that’s Jimmy’s shout

The weather couldn’t have been fairer

As evidenced by sun-kissed Sara.

Murchison Falls Park followed swiftly on

With buffalo, hartebeests and elephant young.

And Patrick shared such knowledge prized

“When you see giraffes run, don’t ask whys

And waterfalls and hippos near

And crocs that slowly glided here

The waterfall we soon were parting

Quick sunset visit for Jim and Martin

So smaller numbers went to see

Bongunga Forest chimpanzee

Elusive as they showed their backs

They got us in the mood for tracks.

And fuelled by vegetarian stew

Enjoyed by Eli, Sharon and Sue

The group began to build its pace

And like Oribis – unified – in this space

We started as a diverse group

Now joined in joy at animal poop

The night drive made a complete five

for those who kept the count alive

A leopard lept across their path

Timed carefully with Susan’s barf!

Such sights to share with those afar

Of safari in East Africa.

Truck suspension, careful steering,

Gorgeous landscape, all so cheering.

Many tales from Paul and Kelly

And since I’m name-checking, I’ll mention Eli.

Whether you choose wine, club or Nile,

It’s clear this trip has made us smile.

To share the photos is a thriller

The greatest which of course Gorilla.

Asanate Sana to you all

It really has been such a ball.