Serengeti Serenade

Jambo! The 30 minute flight from Maasai Mara was quite thrilling in the 12 seat Cessna single engine prop. The fellow who was sitting in the co-pilot seat didn’t know how to open or close the door and the lone pilot loaded the luggage, did security check and did a brief 10 second security briefing. “Keep your seat belts fastened”!



After clearing both Kenyan and Tanzanian immigration we met our new guide/driver and we’re off on another lengthy drive to the World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park. At over 15,000 sq km it is almost 10 times larger than the Maasai Mara which we had just left. I turn and say “ Jennifer, we’re not in Kansas anymore”.

Famous for its 2.2 million wildebeest migration this huge territory is as breathtaking as it is vast. 

 

 

I find it more lush here but as the Asians say “same same but different”. The wildlife population is much larger than the Maasai Mara and is evidenced by our daily wildlife drives. In addition to the lions, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, wildebeest, wart hogs, birds and on and on and on, we find a leopard sleeping in a tree. Rare, but not uncommon. Our lodge is not protected by fences and we need to be escorted back to our accommodation at night fall. Wild life sightings all the time.

 



Standing in the middle of the Serengeti  today, surrounded by 100’s of kilometers of grass plains and listening to the breezes blow through the grasses and the warmth of the sun felt on my face made me realize we really are on an African safari.

 

 

 

Note: My apologies for so many bird pictures but I just can't seem to be able to edit the bad ones from the good ones.



Maasi Mara Oh me Oh My!

This is Africa!! As I sit on my balcony gazing across the vast 1510 sq km Maasai Mara with the Mara River stretching far below me, I reflect in awe as to this natural wonder which is as boundless as it is breathtaking. This is really something to behold, far surpassing my infantile imagination by it’s sheer  scope and grandeur.

Prior to arriving here yesterday, we stopped at a local Maasai village to take in some of the local colour and culture. It is unbelievable how these nomadic peoples can survive and even more  unbelievable how they have escaped the jaws of modern progress. This way of life is sure to pass by the wayside in the not too distant future as these people become more educated and see the ways of the outside world.



The reserve itself seems to have an infinite horizon which stretches out in all directions. Once we entered the conservancy it must have been a three hour drive just to the lodge. Besides the beauty and the grandeur of the plains, our first sighting of a male and female lion was an incredible experience and the natural setting was something to ground you if you have any spiritual leanings at all.

 

Not only that though, it is the inclusiveness of all the animals living in a natural respectful manner, allowing nature to take it’s natural means of survival. I think giraffes are my favorite, but all the creatures large and small are marvellous in their own special way.

Two animal drives today. One in the early morning, followed by one in the late afternoon. Can’t wait!!