The cradle of mankind owards the end of the 19th century, most of Kenya was still waiting to be explored. In 1882 the Royal Geographical Society planned an expedition, to which the young Scottish geologist, naturalist and explorer, Joseph Thomson, unreservedly proffered his services. This pioneering mission was considered extremely dangerous and, with Henry Stanley in charge, their intrepid group set off. Spurred on by competition from another (German-led) group, Thomson left from Kilimanjaro and pushed on into the Maasai land. He travelled very cautiously, wary of the proud and aggressive Maasai tribesmen. Of course, they were equally suspicious of this strange white man who had come into their midst. Over the next year or so, Thomson traversed Maasailand, reached Mount Kenya, Lake Baringo and Lake Victoria. He ‘discovered’ Thomson’s Falls, the Aberdares and Mount Elgon. But his adventures were to take a nasty turn. During his return journey he got dysentery, was gored in the leg by a buffalo and raided by local tribesmen yet he still managed to continue and in 1884 arrived safely in Mombassa. This was not the end of his love affair with Africa. He continued to roam its interior until his death in 1895 by which time this epic era of discovery was drawing to a close. Sir Joseph Thomson (1858 - 1895) 52

Driving conditions GRADED DIRT, TARMAC & POTHOLES Campsite facilities VERY BASIC Lodges & hotels EXCELLENT Route finding EASY TO CHALLENGING We recommend that only people who are very experienced in independent self drive travel in Africa undertake a Safari Drive journey in Kenya. As in Tanzania, the areas we travel through are remote and some camps and lodges are difficult to find. Camping sites are unfenced and basic (with no facilities) and you will be surrounded by game which may well come into camp. Off the tar roads the driving can be challenging. The standard of driving displayed by other road users is generally very bad and often dangerous. Fuel is fairly easy to find, but do not expect food shops outside the main towns. The towns are highly populated and generally very busy, which can be unnerving for some people. SELF DRIVE CONDITIONS – KENYA S A F A R I D R I V E K E N Y A K E N Y A Mount Kenya 53