The Road to Serengeti

CLICK HERE: TODAY'S PHOTO ALBUM

Not too much to write about today due to the fact that we were in a jeep for most of it.  Juma picked us up at 7am. After saying goodbye to our new friends, we were off to the Tanzania border crossing. We did stop to take some pics as we were leaving the reserve.  Nothing new but a pair of  two-story hyenas. (Sorry Jennifer but I had to take the shot)

The roads in Kenya got progressively worse.  It was the bumpiest day yet.  Got to the border at around 12:30 and met our new guide, Gila.  After much confusion about where to go, what to do, and oh, where the hell is the bathroom, we made it out in about an hour.  Gila is a bit harder to understand and definitely doesn't have Juma's sense of humor.  We embarked in another 3-4 hour journey. The roads in Tanzania so far are bumpy but nothing like Kenya.  

Went through a Canadian diamond mining operation that was interesting but couldn't get pictures. Passed through fields of banana trees and was impressed with the local transportation.  In one town, there was a road block - pretty much a rope across the road. This was to collect taxes from the motorbikes that operate like a taxi.  Some system! There was a short lunch stop (lunch boxes from hotel) at a medical dispensary.  This place was like a clinic. J had an interesting conversation with the doctor as we were leaving.

Eventually we made it to Serengeti Park and did a mini game drive on the way to our new tents.  This is even more rustic than the last place.  However, we still have a hot water showers and flushing toilets.  It is a no fence area, so we have to have an escort everytime you leave or go to your tent at night -- just in case the wild beasts are lurking.

Tonight's dinner was the first that was not a buffet.  I didn't eat much. Stomach a bit woozy today.  Could be the partying last night or all the driving or probably both.  Either way, taking a breather with the food.  

Tomorrow we explore the Serengeti with a morning and afternoon game drive.  We have really seen so much already, I can't image what we will see next.  I must say, however, that the Serengeti is beautiful whether there are animals or not.  Forecast calls for clouds.  This is good since it is going to be in the 90's.  Time for bed - very, very tired.

Next time.. The Serengeti