Didn’t get our wake up call so bit of a rush to get ready and out for 7.00am breakfast. Nice selection and got our packed lunches and then on our way by 7.45am.
Throughput the night we heard various animals including Jackals and Hyenas, and all joking aside, twice I woke up genuinely wondering that the animal was but it was Tasha snoring!!
Set out and soon got the roof opened and made our way to a petrol station in the middle of the Serengeti!!
In the way we saw 5 hot air balloons which looked impressive and will the bright sunshine they made for some good photos.
Today we’re searching for the leopard, Peter said there was one spotted (ha ha!) yesterday but it was too far to travel as we’d have been getting back in darkness. So let’s see.
We are heading back to the crater today so another long day in the Land Cruiser ahead. Which I don’t mind. I’m loving this.
Stopped at a busy section and there was a lion just relaxing in a tree at least 100m away, how anyone saw that is anyone’s guess, very sharp eyes to spot it. Unless it’s a common place for that particular lion. Looked great and got good photos.
We continued on our way and then paused by another keep and they’d found a leopard in a tree almost the same as the lion. This time it was a lot harder to see and was more of a silhouette but as it moved you could zoom in with my camera and make out its spotted leg. A long way away but we can say we saw it. Hopefully find one that’s closer and clearer as we continue, it’s only 9.10am!!
Wee stop for everyone in the middle of the road and could hear things in the grass.
Wildebeest cantering along at distance and then crossed the road right in front of us to rejoin a few others higher in the hill
CB radio crackling with voices and static as the guides all communicated with each other providing updates and information on sightings. Or stopping passing vehicles to exchange information too.
And onwards we continued.
Standing up as much as possible to challenge myself and view things and taking it all in. Hard on the bumpy and uneven tracks. But great fun. Aching!!
I keep reminding myself that I am in the Serengeti on safari and how to explain this when we get home. It’s dreamlike but real at the same time. I’m actually here!!
Bit of excitement a few times but false alarms. It’s now 11.25am and it’s been a less fruitful day. No complaints though.
Outcrops of rock dotted here and there making for dramatic views.
Pride rock. Few lions and then thousands of zebra all grazing and then even better was a male and female lion just laying there watching them. Utterly mesmerizing!!
On we went back towards the main gate for our picnic but then saw a hyena on its own which I was pleased about. No photo but binoculars made it a clear view. Just driving along you see lions sat there panting away and gazelle quite close by keeping a wary eye on them.
Back to Nani gate/rock for picnic again and a quick ascent to a lovely viewpoint of the plains in all directions. Then back in the cruiser to make our way back to the crater. The roof was down now so I’m guessing Peter means businesse!
Straight away we saw a massive group of zebras, tens of thousands
More lions and then 8 hyenas lounging in a watering hole. That was good. They’re weird creatures and how the Lion King seemed to sum them up properly
Peter then put his foot down and we sped through the remaining miles. Must admit the tiredness hit me and I snoozed a lot. We did another viewing of the crater and then soon we were at the main gate and looking for our accommodation.
Looking forward to that because I am absolutely filthy dirty, Tasha just took a photo and I look like I’ve been down a coal mine. Must admit I thought the lodge was closer but it’s another 45mins drive.
A 45min drive well spent, we’ve arrived and it’s beautiful. An absolute paradise over looking a mountain range and is obviously some sort of spa retreat. Had a beer by the pool and relaxed. No pressure or hurry to do anything. Really nice to just read a book or update this diary and do nothing with time on our hands. It’s often felt a bit rushed to do things and it’s nice to have time this evening.
Made our way back to our accommodations and got ready and then back to the main lounge area for drinks and then dinner which was a buffet and was fine.
Couple more drinks relaxing and chatting and watching Man City v Chelsea and then to bed around 10.00pm
A really good and enjoyable day and night. Later start tomorrow as breakfast is for 8.00an.
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