Lions and leopards and hippos and giraffes and oh my!Jan 8, 2006
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| We made it back without being eaten by any lions (or other animals!)The Safari was absolutely amazing. On the first day, we had a group meeting at 7:00am, and we were a bit weary about what was about to happen, but everything turned out great. After the meeting, we drove across the border into Tanzania, and drove to the Snake Park camp ground. Luckily all snakes were in a building! Mom was able to go on her first camel ride though. I refrained as I will be going on one when in Egypt. That night, the owner of the camp ground had a huge BBQ for New Year's. The following morning, we packed up and drove to Lake Manyara. After setting up our camping gear, we set out on our very first game drive. We saw tons of animals, including 100s of baboons and lots of giraffes. The rest of the late afternoon was spent in the shade by the pool at the campground. On our third day, we were up early, and drove to the Serengeti, where we stayed for 2 nights. The Serengeti was AMAZING!! There were so many animals. We saw lions up close, including cubs, a leopard in a tree, giraffes, hippos, impalas, gazelles, more baboons, zebras, wildebeests and elephants. We came across a game kill, luckily just after the wildebeest had been killed by 2 female lions (I wouldn't have wanted to see the kill). On the 2nd early morning drive, I stayed in bed as I had been up all night due to burning and itching hands. I am having some sort of allergic reaction to my malaria pills and the sun. It is not pleasant. We also were not allowed to get up during the night to use the bathroom as cats would often wander through our campsite at night to get water. None were spotted, but a few were heard. After the Serengeti, we drove to another village, Marangu where we were given a warm welcome. The owner of the hotel and campsite had just been elected minister in the government, and was having a huge party. He invited our group (all dirty and dusty) to join them and have food. At one point that afternoon, I also went out into the village to give some kids some left over granola bars. I was mobbed by the kids and the adults! Thankfully one of the hotel workers came out with me, so we tried to hold them back as best he could. Unfortunately I ran out of granola bars, but the people were allowed into the grounds to recieve some food from the party. After we ate, our guide took us to Marangu Falls. It was small, but really neat and peaceful. On the way back our guide took us to his home, which was an honour, and we got to meet 2 of his children and his godson. They were so cute! Our last night was a lot of fun, as we all relaxed sans the 2 princesses from our group, and our driver Sami finally got rid of his headache and really opened up! Our cook Yasani also made us one last amazing meal, African style. (He spoiled us all week with fresh soups daily and many delicous dishes and desserts-including creme caramel and popcorn for snacks!) My mom, aunt and I had an amazing time on Safari, and really enjoyed the group we were with (minus the princesses), and our guides and cook. We really lucked out with everything. Sunday we spent the whole day driving back to Nairobi. Along the way we stopped at a gift store/bathroom break, where I bartered for a beautiful hand carved mask and a little box in the shape of Africa from $160American for the mask alone to $50 for both! Once back in Nairobi we showered, and got someone clean-the water was dripping black from all the dust and dirt i had accumilated over the week. I'm still not fully clean! Then we had dinner, and I then attempted to organize myself for starting my Kilimanjaro trek on Monday (including doing laundry which cost close to $40US), and attempting to figure out my week in between Kili and Egypt. I am planning to go to Uganda, but was having some trouble getting the arrangements done. I'm crossing my fingers my mom and aunt were able to sort it out for me Monday! As for now, I am mentally preparing myself for climbing to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I have been reassured that the rock fall from last week was on another part of the mountain and we will not be affected by it. (there was a brief moment where I was crossing my fingers that it would be cancelled, but no such luck....or maybe lucky it wasn't....?! I'll let you know next week-when I have my picture of me at the top!) Check out our tour mates Rebecca and Wayne's website describing their project in Uganda in honour of Rebecca's mom: www.ugandaproject.org Everyone think warm thoughts for me over the next few days....and send some extra air for me! More when I get back down (*hopefully in one piece!) Pictures from the safari also coming soon! Love Tovè |
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