Wednesday: Shimba Safari Lodge

It was an early start to the day! Frances and Will were leaving on safari at 6am, and Ronnie and I at 6.30. We all said our goodbyes, and went our separate ways. Patrick, our safari driver, picked us up on time and off we went!

The journey to Shimba Hills was very enjoyable. Crossing on the Likoni ferry was a novel experience, and both Ronnie and I were amazed to see thousands of foot passengers emerging from a tiny ferry.

Once over the river, the terrain and housing changed, with the feel becoming more and more rural. It was great to be right out in the countryside relatively quickly. Although we saw only two deer as larger animals on our first game drive, we saw lots of wonderful scenery, marvellous butterflies and birds. The birdsong was fantastic.

We travelled to the beginning of the path to Sheldrick Falls, where we were escorted by an armed ranger down the 2km route. What a 2km it was - up and down uneven dirt tracks - but surrounded all the time by marvellous vegetation and fantastic sounds.

When we got to the falls we knew how worthwhile the journey had been, as they were magical. I even climbed up to stand behind the water.

From there we retraced our steps. This was easier than the route there had been, but we were very tired by the time we got back to the van! We were also very hungry after such an early start. Patrick drove us to our lodge for the next two days.

 Shimba Hills Lodge is magical. It is set in the safari park and overlooks a lake.

While eating a beautifully prepared meal we watched a fish eagle diving to the water and baboons fighting on the other side. A forest squirrel, which was both red and grey, patrolled the dining room in search of scraps, while baboons strolled down to the lakeside.

Following the meal we had some rest time. I spent part of this on my tiny balcony, and the other part on the seating at the end of the forest walkway.

Then it was off for our second game drive, and this time we saw more animals. We saw Impala, bushbuck, hartebeast and warthogs. We also had a magical encounter with a small herd of water buffalo, where we got really close and then they crossed the road in front of us. We heard lots of beautiful bird song and saw many birds too - weaver birds, bee eaters and scores of swifts.

After another wonderful meal at the lodge we were more than ready for bed and I fell asleep to the sound of crickets and bull frogs.