The first thing the kids said as they jumped out of the crammed truck, "There's grass!" They were very excited to stay at a hotel with a swimming pool as well. We stayed at Hotel Kara which is a little dated (1970s, but various parts under renovation), but it was nice for our family. They even upgraded us to a bungalow for the same price as a hotel room. Swimming and pizza were enjoyed immensely our first night.
The next morning we ventured out of Kara to an animal reserve. We took a bunch of fruit for the elephants. When we got there the workers cut it up for us and led us right into the elephant yard.
It was a little intimidating to be enclosed with 3 large-to-us elephants. It seemed like one of the elephants was very curious about Lydia. It got mud all over my arm with it's trunk. I think I'll leave the green leaf-like-flower hat in the truck next time.
Once we started feeding them some fruit they all stood still.
Who wants to come visit us and go feed some elephants?!?!
Unfortunately our 3 older kids were not keen on being so close to such large animals.
Mom and Dad (and even Molly, taking our lovely family picture, haha, oh, timid kids) on the other hand, had a great time feeding the elephants!
Safe on the outside of the enclosure. The kids enjoyed watching the elephants suck water up with their trunks, pour it into the dirt to make mud, and then throw it on their backs.
We went from feeding elephants to a (West African) Safari. We crossed this river, which is only passable during the dry season, to get to the other park.
We joked when we first saw a beat up pickup truck which we thought would be our mode of transportation to see the animals, but then we saw this and were quite excited. The seats were comfortable and the cover was greatly appreciated to keep us from getting sun burns at high noon.
We saw a handful of different animals half of which were imported from South Africa, including these zebras... Can you see them?!
Lydia enjoyed hanging out with Daddy on the Safari and petting the tortoises.
So needless to say, this isn't East Africa with it's great safaris, but we did have a pretty good time and enjoyed what West Africa has to offer in Togo.
