I almost talked myself out of this day's tour after I listened to the description of the hike involved in the tour. But I really wanted to learn about bead making. My late husband had a cousin who made beautiful jewelry out of old African trade beads. When I led tours to Kenya, I was always on the lookout for unusual beads for him.  So, I decided I would do what I could and rest on the bus if the hike was too hard/was too hot, etc. I am so glad I went.

We had an hour and a half bus ride (bumpy roads, police escort) but the last half the drive was outside the city in the countryside. We made a stop at the Shai Hill entrance station and picked up a local guide. He took us on a ride through the park. We saw some kind of antelope in the distance (couldn’t understand him enough to get what kind) and lots of baboons.

I like the towing/recovery fee.

We stopped to do the hike up on a rock for a view.

After just 10 minutes of walking, we came to this hill of rocks.

Me and another woman decided to turn around. We stayed with one of the expedition staff at the bottom. Later we saw videos of them having to use a rope to get up and back down a rock face. I think the view from the bottom was just fine.

We went back to the entrance and walked down a short road to where they had some zebras and an ostrich – all from South Africa in some enclosures.

We then drove to a beautiful resort near Lake Volta. Had a nice buffet lunch but the spice on the chicken was so hot – my lips were on fire. Luckily the cold beer took care of that.

We then drove to the workshop of a man who made glass beads. He made various kinds, but most were made out of old glass bottles.

We then had a two-hour drive back but got back by mid-afternoon so wasn’t too tiring.

Glad I went!