We left our campground/hotel at 8:00 in 3 4x4 vehicles. I hadn't anticipated the day to be so long. We stopped at a place to pack our own lunches. I packed lightly as the food was all fried. I had a hard boiled egg completely encased in fried beef, which looked like an owl pellet, fried beef, fried potato kabbob, and a friend mashed potato roll.

Afterwards we went to the 'chemist' or pharmacy, for Marcia and Divia. Divia had needed to get anti-malaria pills while Marcia needed ointment for an eye infection she had developed. We stopped for gas and were on the road again. We weren't on the road long before we had to stop and let the drivers eat their lunches--we had already eaten them during the drive. Next we had to stop for more gas. We also made stops at the Ngorongoro Convervation Region where we had to pay and register for park entry. By this point it had already been a very long day. The roads were not perfect, but paved for the most part. We had traveled ~200-300 kms at this point. The next 100-150kms were brutal. They were on unpaved gravel roads--the road/car noise was so loud I couldn't hear the people in front of me. This continued for 60km or so until we stopped and got out of the car at the entrace of the Serengeti National Park.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

Entrance to the Serengeti, Tanzania

The Conservational Area had alot of animals in it and it is defined as 'an area within/adjacent' to the Serengeti in which the Maasai people are allowed to reside. No one is allowed to reside within the Serengeti, other than the lodges/camp grounds. We drove another hour or so and had to get out and wait to register once again. Africa is so inefficient...one person to collect the payment, another to staple the papers, another to take a shit, another person just to wipe your ass. We were back on the road and we arrived at our camp site around 7:30. Only an 11.5 hours day. Not too shabby...ha--and here I thought it would be a 3-4 hour drive.

We are staying deep within the Serengeti. I heard our guide tell us that it's in the center. Godfrey joined us on our 3 night excursion, but we are with another tour company for this adventure. It's 9:20pm and I finished dinner and am now in my tent. I was lucky enough to have my own tent. I guess it's becuase all other guys are traveling with a companion/family member. I am not complaining though. my windows are closed becuase I saw lightening in the distance...so muggy in here right now!

Tents at our camp site in the Serengeti, Tanzania

There had to be at least 3 dozen 4x4s in the parking lot of our campground--no less than 100 tents. The campground reminds me of an army barrack--with all the stone common areas/mess halls and tents lined up in rows.

We're leaving tomorrow morning at 6:00 for an early morming game drive. We return for lunch and relax for a few hours until the heat dies down a bit. Then we're off for an evening game drive. Today's game drive was interesting. We did see great animals, but we were a tad rushed. We had a final destination set--our campground--so we were not completely free to drive around and take our time. We stopped a dozen times and drove slowly during exciting views, but tomorrow will be more 'chill'.

The "Ngorongoro Conversation Area" is a region adjacent to the Serengeti in which the government has allowed the Maasai people to reside. The Maasai men all wear red robes--black for men who recently underwent a circumcision. The men were walking with large wooden walking sticks along with their 100s of cattle. Many of their villages were primative, but there were some that looked much more modern. You oftentimes see Maasai in cities--even in Zanzibar--becuase they are sent for work and to send money back home.

Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, Tanzania

We saw Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeast, Lions, Birds, and a Leopard...not to mention a breathtaking sunset. The wildebeast are in their migration now and we witnessed tens of thousands stretching as far in every direction as my eyes could see. They were crossing the roads quickly and leaping as if the road was a toxic substance. As we approached their crossing path they stopped and backed up a bit. Once we passed a bit they continued. The wildebeast migrate in single file and are typically led by Zebras. Zebras has much better eyesight than the poor vision of the wildebeast. However wildebeast have better hearing--according to Divia. Although there were Zebras walking alongside the wildebeast their numbers were virtually unnoticeable compared to those of the wildebeest.

Bird on tree in the Serengeti, Tanzania

We saw a pride of 5 or 6 lions--2 cubs playing with their mother. The mom lion was appearantly teaching her young how to hunt since she was stalking a sole caribuo (or bush back). We waited but a kill didn't seem inevitable, so we kept on going. As we got closer to camp and the sun had almost set our driver noticed a bunch of cars congregating in the distance. I couldn't see anything, but it's possible he was keeping tabs on other drivers via phone/text. Just prior to reaching the other 3 vehicles we stopped, popped the roof up, and witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.

Lions in the Serengeti, Tanzania

After the sunset we moved closer to the other 4x4s. Everyone was looking at a leopard in the distance. I could just make out its distinguishable black patterned head. Not only were we able to see the leopard from afar but it actually approached us and walked up to a couple of our 4x4s. It seemed to want to pose for us--it was less than 10 feet away. The sounds of our engines, the flashes of our cameras, and our rambling all had no effect on the leopard. Actually, the leopard started to stroll down the side of the road alongside our 4x4s. This animal seemed very social, though it was alone (as are most feline breeds, excluding lions). After snapping photos for a good 15 minutes our driver told us we needed to head to our camp ground.

Leopard in the Serengeti, Tanzania

We reached camp around 7:15 and I located my tent at 7:30. Dinner was served between 8:00 and 8:30--it took a while to get all our food, but it was delish! We had some type of chicken/squash soup and white bread for our first course. Our main dish consisted of rice and some type of beef stew, which was tender and flavorful. We had watermelon and pineapple for dessert.

It's 10:10 and I'm going to watch an episode of "Doctor Who" before going to bed. I will be able to charge my tablet/camera in the car as there are two transformers with universal power outlets.

Leopard in the Serengeti, Tanzania

As much as I want to go on and on about my trip and about my experiences I'm not sure anyone would want to hear any more detail than I am providing. I have, however, been taking some pretty keen photos and look forward to sharing them once I get the opportunity. Goodnight!

Storms in the distance in the Serengeti, Tanzania

Sunset in the Serengeti, Tanzania

2013 - Africa & Amsterdam

Serengeti, Tanzania: (Day 17) Dec-27-2013