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| Finding the Colobus Monkeys beside us at the pool put me on a photo-taking frenzy. No more “borrowed” Colobus Monkey photos for us! Could this guy have given a more appealing pose? |
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| Note this Colobus’ long white sideburns. |
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| I felt like a kid in a candy store while taking these Colobus Monkey photos. |
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| Another Colobus with the long swatches of hair. Not all of them had this particular marking. |
When we first arrived at Diani Beach, Kenya on September 3, 2013, within our first several days we’d posted several baboon photos. There were monkeys in the yard, along the highway, and swinging from trees.
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| After returning from the pool where the umbrellas provided too much shade, Tom did a quick 20 minutes on one of the chaise lounges in our front yard. |
On September 8th, a monkey ran through our yard that, most certainly, was a different breed than a baboon, with its distinct black and white hair. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the camera handy to capture this fast-moving monkey. Researching online, we found that most likely, it was a less common Colobus Monkey.
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| The chaise lounges at our ocean cottage where fresh towels are delivered each day. |
With no photo when we posted on September 9, 2013, as you’ll see clicking on this link, I copied a few photos to post, noting in the caption that these were “borrowed” photos and not our own.
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| Grass in Kenya is an odd variety of grass, tough underfoot, appearing as crabgrass. With most of the soil imbedded with coral with only a shallow layer of dirt, allowing only this type of grass to grow. |
Since our original sighting, we hadn’t seen another Colobus. Nor had we seen any while on safari in the Masai Mara where we saw a few baboons with babies but no other breeds.
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| In the late afternoon, while on the veranda this Sykes Monkey came to call. |
Having seen and photographed so many baboons since arriving in Kenya, we’ve become used to seeing them, as have the locals, hardly giving them any attention. I suppose it’s comparable to of us in other countries paying little mind to dogs unless, of course, they’re dog lovers.
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| Stopping for a nibble before getting too close to us. |
Shortly after checking in at The Sands at Nomad Resort yesterday morning on a three-day anniversary celebration of our traveling for one year, we knew we were in for a treat when not only Sykes monkeys frequently appeared on our veranda, but we ran into several families of Colobus Monkeys while we lounged by the pool in the afternoon.
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| Outside the cottages, these troughs are kept filled freshwater and flowers, enabling the guests to rinse their feet when coming in from the beach. This trough also provides fresh drinking water for wildlife. This visiting monkey took a hearty drink before making the official appearance. |
Apparently, the proximity of many dense trees surrounding the pool provides a natural habitat for the Colobus. No more than 5 minutes after we were situated in the padded shaded lounge chairs, Tom said his usual, “You better get the camera ready!” as he pointed in the direction of multiple Colobus Monkeys playfully swinging in the trees. I squealed with delight, putting my hand over my mouth to avoid disturbing them.
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| Finally, she was ready for a photo, not hesitating to make eye contact. |
Although used to seeing humans in this busy resort, they are not willing to allow anyone to get too close including familiar staff members. With strict rules to avoid feeding them due to biting risks and to maintain their natural foraging instincts, they remain wild animals, not domesticated playthings intended to entertain tourists.
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| Early this morning as we left our cottage for breakfast in the main restaurant. |
Keeping this in mind as we’ve learned, I kept my distance, gingerly stealing close enough to take these shots. They didn’t seem to mind at all but refused to be complacent by giving me more than I deserved of their time.
Our time here at The Sands at Nomad Resort is heavenly; the service, impeccable; the food, divine; the scenery, breathtaking; and the ocean, constantly changing colors, tides, waves, and winds, our eyes affixed to its mysterious wonder.
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| A sunny view from our veranda to the sea. |
Three days will go quickly, but leaving here will not be filled with “end of vacation dread.” Our mail is handled, our bills are paid, our house is clean. After a 10 minute trip to the produce stand, we’ll be stocked with food for another week, having planned well in advance.
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| A morning view of our tucked away ocean cottage. |
Our two little temporary dogs, Jessie and Gucci, will be waiting for us and once again in no time, we’ll be settled in, finding contentment wherever we may be for our last month in Kenya.
Thank you, Colobus Monkey! Now I can go back to my search for the Dung Beetle!
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| This cat came to visit today as we sat on the veranda of our beach cottage. |