A lovely tea last night with many further congratulating from the enthusiastic staff with champagne and roses delivered to our table.

An 8am start for our first game drive in lake manyara game park. A small area of built up foliage leading to the open plain surrounding the lake.

We saw many baboon, monkey and a large group of hippo out of the water in the day a common sight here apparently but as a rule unusual.

There were also different antelope and large pop of flamingos within the lake only visible from the distance. Unexpected excitement when we saw two lion sleeping in a tree but seen from about 100 metres.

After lunch at the lodge we embarked on the long 6 hour drive to the serengetti. The route took us past the ngoro ngoro crater were we return later this week, a huge volcanic crater with a nature reserve within it. The view was breath taking as we stopped for brief photos on the edge.

We then pushed on with many antelope and Masai spotted on the way and a highlight of approx 15 giraffes including infant munching away at side of the road.

We pushed onto serengetti park, derived from Swahili word open plains. It certainly was that with huge open grass table area. On route to lodge we saw huge no's of zebra,and wildebeest, part of the great migration.

Also we saw more hippo, wart hogs, mongoose and elephants before arriving at the lodge after night fall. Situated high on the ridge another great setting, we have to be walked to our room by security as their are animals on the go, no fences to stop them.

Quick tea then an early night as we r up at 415 am for our hot air ballon safari tomorrow.