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We shared our jeep with another couple from Ireland, Louise and Domhnall, and Nina from Japan. We were also introduced to our driver and guide Freddy - a Tanzanian man with a huge smile. We set off along the bumpy roads which only got bumpier as the day went on. We spotted our first giraffes along the main road before we even got near to the Ngorongoro conservation area. And I was so pleased as we were the only car that saw them. Freddy did us proud, it boded well for the Serengeti!
We drove through some small villages with huts for houses at the side of the road. We stopped at a shop for a toilet stop but soon moved on and entered the conservation area. Here we drove up and up until we reached the Ngorongoro crater rim. It was really windy and cold but the views of the crater were stunning and we were excited that we will be down there tomorrow. Stopping for lunch we all ate in our cars to avoid our food being stolen by the local swooping birds.
We drove to a local Maasai village which was amazing. They did a welcome dance for us and then we got the opportunity to join in! They explained to us how they live nomadically and how they build their houses. It was hot and stuffy inside one of the tiny mud and straw huts but I was amazed at the simple living. We were also shown the school at the back of the village and the children were so sweet, happy and smiley. They performed a song to us about living in the Serengeti and even though we couldn't understand what they were saying it was still a memorable experience. It was sad to learn that only the smartest child of the lot (about 25 children in total) would go to proper school as it was too far away and cost too much.
After leaving the village we entered the Serengeti National Park where we climbed up Nobby Hill to get an amazing view of the plains before our game drive. Peeking through the roof of the jeep we were lucky to see giraffes, zebras, warthogs, ostriches, gazelles, hyenas, jackals and hippos. It was awesome to see all these animals in their natural habitat and I can't wait for more of the same tomorrow. There isn't too much to write about this but have a look at our pictures!!
At the campsite we were given a tent and a mattress, put our stuff in, went to the loo and made our way to the food area. Dinner was delicious noodles and bolognese - yum! We shared some banter with the group over dinner before gazing at the stars on the way back to our tent for an early night.
We were up at 5am, had a cuppa while looking at the beautiful stars and then were off to start our game drive. We had such a good morning spotting lots of antelopes, baboons, a female lion, some huge buffalo, a male lion on the prowl, 2 cheaters and some more giraffes. All this was seen before 10 am when brunch was served.
After a delicious brunch we were back on the road where we spotted more gazelles including a baby, lots of hippos, 3 female lions and 10 cubs, some elephants, a leopard, more giraffes and some zebras. We all had a giggle with Freddy our driver and we were so pleased he did such a great job of sussing out where all the animals were.
It was a long and tiring day but so worthwhile. The Serengeti is such a huge flat plain (the size of Spain!) and it is amazing that so many different species of wildlife live here together. We also saw lots of pretty birds and at one stop we saw a red and blue lizard.
We got to the campsite on the crater rim about 6pm before it got dark so got ourselves ready for bed before heading over to the meal area for tea. I enjoyed a hot choc and filled my hot water bottle too. We ate our dinner and chatted with the group getting excited about what we saw today. We had a nice time sitting around the campfire to warm up as it is so cold up here on the rim. We are now both snuggled in our sleeping bags with an extra blanket eachJ.
We can't believe how lucky we were with all the animals we saw - we hope you enjoy the photos too! Lots of love xxx
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