Tags
Africa, Around the World, Duma Explorer, Family, Safari, Serengeti, Tanzania, Travel
From Aidan: This morning, we woke up early to go on a game drive. We saw lions defending their kill against a pack of hyenas and two jackals. The hyenas got the head of the zebra. We did not stay long enough to see what the Jackals got.
From Nathan: On our way to Ngorongoro, I got very excited when we saw a cheetah sleeping on a mound of rocks. Though you had to use binoculars to see it, it was still a very memorable sighting. The ironic thing was that I had just finished listening to the song, I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For by U2. Then we saw the animal that we hadn’t seen, a cheetah.
(Note: This photo was taken by Carl, the Irish chap – yep, they say that – on our safari from a great distance. My camera battery was inconveniently dead.)
New species that we saw today:
- Cheetah (!)
- Spotted Hyena
- Steppe Eagle
- Vervet Monkey
- White-headed Buffalo Weaver
- Wooly-Necked Stork
We’ve now left the Seregenti. Tonight, we’re staying at the Rhino Lodge at the Ngorogoro Crater. Beds and hot water.
We’ve spent four nights camping in Africa. Admittedly, there’s something magical about sitting outside your tent and seeing two dozen baboons cross in front of you or seeing a herd of gazelles stare back at you from your shower window.
That being said, if I’m being completely honest, camping has been mostly miserable. First, it’s incredibly hot in the tents during rest time in the afternoon; at night, it’s incredibly cold. It makes it difficult to get a good night’s rest. Consequently, we’ve all been a bit short-tempered during the day. The three of us are crammed in a 2-person tent, constantly rummaging through our overstuffed backpacks. We’re sick with runny noses and sore throats. We’ve either had no water or cold water. It’s been hard to get clean, and I’m really trying to keep us clean and healthy. Worse of all, I hate being held hostage from sunset to sunrise. If I were to do it all again, I would probably pony up the money and stay in a lodge.
Neerav, the boys and I have decided that you can put our tents on Craigslist.
Don’t sell your tents. All you need is a s’more or two, and everything will be good again!
Sorry, bro. We’re done. 🙂
Love the photos. No more camping? Really?
Yep, totally done. Email me about Carl’s condition. We’re worried.
Beautiful pictures!!!
Those lodges are nice, huh? We only stayed at one as well (in the Crater) and maybe that’s why I liked the Crater better? 🙂
What an amazing adventure! You’re seeing things most of us will only ever see on Animal Planet.
Unbelievable photos, amazing adventure! Do get well, not good to be ill on your trip!