Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, Serengeti Mara - Sept 23rd to Oct 9th 2015

[Julian]

I really like all your images of camp; they help to solidify the illusion that I am there with you as I read the TR!

The hippo shots are splendid, as is the one of the fish eagles at night (what a neat thing to see).

 

Thanks Marks

 

Seeing the storks fishing for catfish from the backs of hippos, while flocks of egrets come and go, with the evening sunlight , was definitely one of my all time safari highlights.

[Atravelynn]

This account bears repeating in larger bold:

 

As the vegetation was fairly dense – long grasses, bushes and trees with only a narrow track I focussed on looking for anything straight ahead that might cross the track as it heard us coming - and then I saw something cross the track – about thirty yards in front. It wasn’t something I recognised so I shouted to Emmanual and indicated where it had crossed. As we quickly approached the location Emmanual exclaimed - its an aardvark!

 

And you saw it first.

 

"We were expecting to share a vehicle but not to have six guests crammed into a vehicle where four should be the maximum.Considering Chada camp daily rates are over 30% more than Mwagusi and Selous Impala we felt disappointed." Your photos of Chada made me want to step right into the computer screen. But you pay a premium to avoid practices like what you describe. At the lower cost options, I expect 6 in a vehicle to be common practice, but not at the top of the line spots.

 

Wonderful hippo action, despite the smells.

[michael-ibk]

What Lynn said. Love the hippo pool and landscape with palms photos - awesome stuff.

[xelas]

Those hippo pools reminded me of photos of swimming pools in Japan !

[Julian]

Our new guide/driver - Benedict - was already waiting with the Landcruiser when we landed at around 4.15pm. Serian Serengeti camp also provide each vehicle with a spotter as well - usually a member of the Maasai – but our spotter Sibulu was a member of the Hadza people. We exchanged greetings and climbed in to the vehicle where we were immediately offered a much appreciated drink from the cool box.

 

 

 

No problems here with overcrowding in the vehicles as Serian guarantee to allocate each party with their own vehicle (even if you are a solo traveller). As we were in no hurry to head off to camp – about a twenty minute drive – we decided to have a short game drive for an hour or so.

 

It was a very pleasant sunny afternoon – not too hot – with a slight breeze, and it felt good to see the unmistakeable landscape of the Serengeti again after such a long absence. We soon saw some of the common species including giraffe, baboons, warthogs and wildebeest – lots of wildebeest. After a while we headed in the general direction of the camp but there was still time to stop and observe two adult male lions relaxing in the shade of a tree, fairly close to a wildebeest carcass that had been caught earlier.

 

 

 

 

 

Upon arrival we met the camp manager - Belinda (who is the sister of Mike Ghaui – the wildlife artist we had many interesting conversations with at Mwagusi), and Gerard who also assists with the running of the camp, plus Tanya a young family friend of theirs who is a student, spending the summer there gaining valuable work experience.

 

 

 

We were given the usual orientation talk and Belinda and Gerard were keen to know where we had already been on this safari and where we had been on previous safaris. We discussed options and decided that we would have a bush breakfast each day and be happy to return for lunch with the standard two game drives each day.

 

They also asked if there were any species we were hoping to see, and although we made it clear that we like seeing everything, we said that we hoped we would witness a decent wildebeest crossing (as the most wildebeest we had seen on a crossing before was 30), and that cheetahs were definitely on the agenda as we had not seen any on this safari so far. There had been a rhino and calf in the area - but not for some weeks now, and definitely no wild dogs – so we put those two species out of our minds.

 

Our tent was large, comfortable, had a high ceiling, and well equipped. All the zips and seals were in excellent condition, as was the canvas which was a heavier material than those at Chada. The tent was equipped with a flushing toilet and bucket showers (the buckets were larger than those at Chada). A large bowl of cold water was by the washbasin and each morning when the tea, coffee and biscuits arrived we also given a jug of warm water for freshening up with if needed. Each of the two bedside tables had a charging socket which was very useful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Views from our tent:

 

 

 

 

The eight guest tents were well spread out but it was only a very short walk to the central area of the camp – which was comprised of three central large tents – one for the lounge/smaller dining area used at breakfast time and when guest numbers are low, one very nice tent for the main dining area – decorated with some beautiful photos/ artwork, and one for the camp office.

 

 

Alex Walker fighting with his ' appalling' internet connection at the camp 'office'

 

 

 

Lounge/ small dining tent:

 

 

 

 

Main dining tent:

 

 

 

We set about unpacking our few things, changed the memory cards in the cameras, backed-up the previous memory cards we used at Chada on to our external harddrive, and by then it was dark and the camp fire was burning brightly.

 

The evening starts with everyone meeting round the camp fire – guests, managers and later in the evening other staff as well. Quite a mixed bunch of other guests here – which is always nice – one couple on honeymoon and first safari, another couple also on first safari, and the remainder were more regular travellers.

 

Dinner was served to you at the large table in the dining tent around 8.00ish each evening, and we were in for a treat on this last leg of our safari as the lunches and dinners here were the best we have ever had anywhere on safari. The chef produced dishes to the same standard as you would get in quality UK restaurants. There was plenty of variety and always enough dishes to guarantee some choice if there was something you did not like.

 

The owner, Alex Walker joined us for dinner, and at all the lunches and dinners apart from the last day when he was at the other Serian satellite camp a couple of miles from this camp, and Belinda, Gerard and Tanya also dined with all the guests at the large table. It seemed slightly strange after being at Chada (where nearly all the guests arrive and depart on the same day) as we were the only new guests. However everyone was very sociable and Alex and the managers engaged in conversation with all the guests over a very enjoyable and tasty dinner.

 

After that it was back to the camp fire where the conversations continued for sometime as did the wine drinking, until gradually guests returned to their tents.

[Julian]

Day 14: Tuesday 6th October – Second day at Serian Serengeti camp

 

Just to note, as I stated back near the beginning of this trip report, all the photos posted are ‘as taken’ jpegs, no editing, etc, and some, especially landscapes show the marks/dust/etc that had accumulated on the sensor – and by this stage of the trip there were rather a lot of marks that showed on the second camera -which was used to take most of the landscape shots – and there were a lot of opportunities to take interesting landscape photos here in the Serengeti.

 

(I do still intend to use the software to ‘remove’ those marks for the photos that we will enlarge or include in our photobooks , but for this report - which has taken a lot longer than I intended – the marks are still on the photos).

 

We were eager to start our game drive this morning as arriving late afternoon yesterday meant that this morning was our first full game drive here. There was plenty of wildlife to see as soon as we started - zebra, elephants, wildebeest, giraffe, waterbuck and a variety of birds all put in an appearance in the first hour or so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The number of wildebeest approaching the Mara river at several crossing points was increasing during the morning and we decided to wait near crossing point number two, with probably 1000 wildebeest congregating on our side of the river. However after a while they seemed to change their mind and settled down to graze or rest away from the river.

 

 

 

 

So we decided to move on to crossing point zero. All the guides from the camps in the locality had their radios on waiting to hear news of any potential start to a crossing. This meant passing through the area that included crossing point number one – where a few hundred (not two thousand as we were originally told) wildebeest had drowned about a week earlier trying to cross. The smell as we drove fast through the area, and some way back from the river, was really terrible. However it was amazing to see so many vultures in the vicinity – every tree, bush and on large rocks in the river contained vultures, plus ,many more circling in the skies above – there were hundreds of them, but the smell was just so bad that we didn’t even want to slow down.

 

 

 

Another herd of around 3000 was near crossing point zero, increasing in number as a long line of wildebeest could be seen heading towards the river stretching way back into the distance from the direction of the Maasai Mara.

 

 

 

 

 

However they could not seem to make up their mind and gradually moved further along the river southwards until eventually, where the road tracks come to the end, we could go no further as it was very strictly out of bounds. A bit disappointing as we watched the herd continue to move further along the river.

 

We headed back to crossing point two where the herd we were watching earlier of about 1000 had started to show some interest in moving back towards the river bank.

 

 

 

 

However it was now about 11.00am and becoming very warm and humid – which seemed to deter the wildebeests enthusiasm – so the six or so vehicles at this location each moved in turn slowly, well back up the sloping ground away from the river, so as not to deter the wildebeest in any way.

It looked rather odd – as though the vehicles were each ‘hiding’ under a tree or by the bushes – all their engines switched off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We waited ......... and waited.......until eventually one voice came on the radio.......it looked as though the wildebeest might possibly be about to start crossing... .....then after a few more seconds three words were shouted ‘they are going’ – at which point all hell seemed to break loose. Within seconds all the vehicles engines were on, accelerators pressed to the floor, as the vehicles raced flat out to get best position at the rivers edge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was all over within five minutes and although initially the first to cross were trying unsuccessfully to get up a steep section of bank, all of them eventually crossed safely. I have to say I found it really exciting to experience – so now having seen 1000 cross I feel that maybe sometime in the future I would like to see a much larger crossing, but I don’t think I could cope with 100 plus vehicles at large crossings in the Maasai Mara, so it would be a case of coming back to this area at a time of year when much larger crossings were more likely.

 

We were about to head back to the camp for lunch when another , much smaller, crossing began at the same spot, this time including some zebra with a young foal – all also crossing safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to head back to camp for lunch.

[michael-ibk]

Great to see the crossing, very enjoyable pictures! Don´t worry about the spots too much, the photos still are very beautiful and you can remove them later.

[Marks]

Great record of the crossing.

Caught in the grip of winter as I am, those blue skies sure are enticing, too.

[Julian]

After a very pleasant and sociable lunch, and the excitement of the crossing this morning we were looking forward to being out again, and at around 3.30pm we set off. Benedict suggested that as we had seen a good wildebeest crossing this morning we might want to head off to one of the large rocky outcrop areas in search of big cats- which we agreed to instantly.

 

The weather was just right – warm and sunny but with some cloud and a bit of a light breeze to take the edge off any humidity. Some of the grazing species were obviously still around in the area between the camps and the rocky hillsides, but it was generally a bit on the quiet side - as it often is at this time of day.

 

As a hillside appeared in the distance, and having never been to this area of the Serengeti before, we were pleasantly surprised at the large amount of these sprawling, hilly, rocky areas there are, with many small to medium size kopjes that came into view. The Serengeti certainly has some really beautiful landscapes and this sort of area looks spectacular with the late afternoon sun shining on the kopjes.

 

 

 

 

 

As we made our way up the first hillside we noticed two vehicles stopped by a rocky clump which also had mature trees growing through it. A leopard was in the tree but difficult to view. Fortunately by the time we had stopped the female leopard climbed down the tree and decided to sit astride one of the rocks – watching all of us. It then proceeded to have a wash and changed position a few times, but was looking rather annoyed as more vehicles approached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took a lot of photos on a continuous burst and also a short video clip as our time watching this leopard was going to be very short.

 

 

 

 

Other vehicles were on their way and it was a very tight narrow space among the rocks that the three vehicles were occupying, requiring reversing out to turn round. Therefore only a couple of vehicles at a time could get close enough to take photos of the leopard, and it was good to see the guides being careful about how long they stayed and everyone waiting their turn.

 

Benedict and Sibulu said we should head off to another kopje area while there was still plenty of time and because we would be ahead of other vehicles that would inevitably turn up to see the leopard. It didn’t take long before we found more predators. As we came round a corner sprawled out asleep on top of a very large rock was a lion, but it was facing away from us and as we were on a narrow track the angle made it impossible to photograph, but two minutes later we came across another large lioness sitting on top of a large kopje, looking at us.

 

It was a real classic setting with the Serengeti savannah sprawling out into the distance behind the lion. There were no other vehicles here so we sat for sometime peacefully observing the lion and just taking in the magnificent views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This afternoons viewing had been very good – but it certainly wasn’t finished yet. A few minutes after we left the lion we came across another lioness sitting on a rock but where we were able to get fairly close. She seemed to be looking at something - and then two more adolescent lionesses appeared. She snarled at them but they didn’t seem bothered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benedict and Sibulu told us thetwo lions were the daughters of that lioness, and she obviously just wanted some peace.

The two lions stopped in their tracks and settled down on some small rocks – directly in front of our vehicle – and very close to us. In fact so close that if they moved a couple of yards nearer they would be on the bonnet. They ignored their mother and were in a playful and greeting mood – which was great for us to see and photograph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a few minutes Benedict decided he would need to reverse back a few yards as if other guides turned up might think he had actually driven up that close to the lions. As it turned out we never saw any more vehicles around that area of the kopjes. A few more photos and then it was time to start making our way back to camp.

 

 

 

We were very pleased with this afternoons viewing, but it still wasn’t over as we came across a male leopard lying on top of a high rock. Unfortunately it was facing away from us and the only reasonable photo I could get was when it raised its head up.

 

 

 

The sun was getting low and just as we reached the edge of the kopje area a pair of klipspringers appeared – a new species for us on this safari. As we approached the camp there was another glorious African sunset - a fitting end to our wonderful game viewing day.

 

 

 

 

Back around the campfire with our pre-dinner drinks everyone seemed to be in a cheerful mood – it seemed all the guests had experienced very good sightings today. The dinner was excellent and once again the conversation flowed, as did the wine.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring?

[Julian]

Day 15: Wednesday 7th October – Third day at Serian Serengeti camp

 

The weather was rather different today – overcast, grey and feeling quite cold – and at first there didn’t seem to be much wildlife about, but things soon changed as not long after we started we came across a solitary lion.

 

 

 

Groups of elephants were being a common sight for us since arriving in the Serengeti but we never tire of watching elephants – they are always fascinating.

 

 

 

 

 

We were making our further north - towards the border with the Kenyan Maasai Mara, to an our area where there were some vast open plains, ideal cheetah territory. As the landscape changed to reveal the plains we spotted two ostriches close to their nest of eggs (our first ostriches on this safari).

 

 

 

 

 

There were also some of the grazers – wildebeest, topi and our first sighting of two Thompsons gazelle since arriving in the Serengeti.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benedict and Sibulu were searching hard to find cheetahs for us to see and eventually they did – two cheetah brothers, who were looking very full, obviously from eating a recent kill. Benedict told us that the cheetahs often move over to the other side of the border as these open plains straddle the border, and therefore guests are not always lucky at seeing them. Cheetahs are definitely the most beautifully marked and sleek looking of the big cats, and are always a pleasure to watch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Julian]

After that we made our way steadily back south but following along the winding route of a stream which eventually feeds into the Mara. Its banks have plenty of bushes, trees and vegetation to draw both wildlife and predators in. We came across two lively adolescent male lions that looked as if they were very keen to find some prey or possibly very alert due to other predators in the area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After leaving the lions a while later we found quite a few giraffe feeding from the vegetation along the stream.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also found two impala calves lying still under a bush – they seemed to be in quite a dangerous location as we soon spotted a hyena searching along the banks, and then more hyena. They were very spread out along some miles of the area close to the stream, and we ended up seeing eight in total – which I was very pleased with as hyena sightings had been very few on our safari so far.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the hyena there were two separate sightings along the river bank vegetation of a new species for us – leopard tortoise.

 

 

 

A few more viewings as we steadily got closer to camp......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I dont know what this bird is called?

 

 

........ then it was time for lunch. Another very rewarding game drive was over.

 

[Julian]

As we set out on our afternoon game drive it was still cloudy but had warmed up significantly. No likelihood of any further significant crossings so we headed in the general direction of the border with the Mara again. First to put in an appearance were a few zebra, then groups of elephants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly after we left those a banded mongoose crossed close by.

 

 

The skies began to clear and the landscape seemed to gradually be filled in with colour.

 

 

 

We came across two lions next, that gave plenty of photo opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Julian]

A jackal then appeared – close enough for a change, enabling us to get a decent photograph.

 

 

 

The skies had now cleared much more and the low afternoon sun created spectacular colours and contrasts on the landscape. There is something about the Serengeti landscape that is truly unique and as we stopped and got out of the vehicle by one of the border marker ‘stones’ the landscape really looked wonderful, such a stunning contrast of colour and vistas.

 

( these landscape photos are where the camera sensor marks look really bad!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shortly after that we found the two cheetah brothers again, and although there was no sign that they were interested in hunting, the light was really good for taking more photos of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was now time to make our way back to camp fairly promptly. A few more sightings on the way and as we approached the camp just enough time to photo another sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another excellent dinner followed with drinks and socialising around the campfire before and after. As we headed back to our tent we were feeling slightly sad that tomorrow would provide our last two game drives in the Serengeti, and of the whole safari.

Edited March 3, 2016 by Julian

[michael-ibk]

You really saw a lot, what a great day. Enjoy your landscape photos especially. The bird you asked for is a Grey-Headed Kingfisher. Also I think the Impala calves are actually Reedbucks.

[Julian]

You really saw a lot, what a great day. Enjoy your landscape photos especially. The bird you asked for is a Grey-Headed Kingfisher. Also I think the Impala calves are actually Reedbucks.

Many thanks Michael

 

Going back through Rachels diary of the Safari in order to make sure I have the detail correct, and going through all the photos, then writing each days reports and posting the photos not only makes me realise just what a huge amount of wildlife we saw on some days, but also brings everything about the detail of the day to day events of the entire safari back into the forefront of my mind. So it currently feels as though the safari was just a couple of weeks ago.

 

Thanks re indentifying the bird - rather a dull name for such a colourful bird.

Also thanks for pointing out re the calves- may have been told at the time and after I posted this I realised they were unlikely to be impala. Its a

Ways helpful if people point out errors in my reporting of species.

[Marks]

Those are some photogenic kopjes above - and of course the cats don't hurt!

Nice tortoise shots, too.

[Julian]

Day 16: Thursday 8th October – Fourth day at Serian Serengeti camp

 

The morning light looked especially nice on the landscape as the skies began to clear and the temperatures rose. With no news of any large gatherings of wildebeest we set off in the same general direction as yesterday but staying fairly to the Mara river and covering some different areas, very pleased to look forward to whatever would turn up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two hyenas put in an early appearance followed by elephants, buffalo, hippos and giraffe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soon after we spotted a male cheetah perched on a small mound. The landscape here didn’t really look like ideal cheetah territory, rather different to the vast open plains by the border where we saw two cheetah brothers yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Julian]

Plenty of other species were on display this morning including warthogs, zebra and more buffalo.

 

 

 

 

 

The temperature was rising fast and by 9.00am it was becoming very warm and humid. We followed the edge of the Mara near crossing points nine and ten.

 

 

 

 

 

Time for breakfast – Benedict found a location with some shade and we were about to get out when he and Sibulu realised there were two lions lying down under a bush very close to us.

 

 

 

 

 

We moved on to another location still by the Mara river where there was a small herd of maybe 100 to 200 wildebeest and a few zebra that were showing an interest in possibly making a crossing. A very pleasant spot to enjoy our final bush breakfast on this safari.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wildebeest couldn’t make up their mind and eventually moved away from the waters edge so we set off again. Plenty of the more common species appeared including an eland, more warthogs and zebra, and several more groups of elephants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By late morning it had become so hot that Benedict and Sibulu put the roof cover over the vehicle so provide some shade from the intense sunlight. Next we came across another different cheetah – another male.

 

 

 

 

As midday was now approaching we made our way promptly back to camp.

 

The buffet lunches always had a good choice of high quality food and among today’s offerings was some thinly sliced lightly cooked fillet beef. There was also always a good salad choice at lunchtimes here and that included excellent tasting very long avocado slices – the size of which I have never seen back in the UK.

 

[Julian]

It felt rather strange this afternoon. We had been in the African bush for the past 15 days. On the one hand it seems like we have been in the bush for a long time and on the other hand the last few days has passed too quickly and its hard to believe the holiday is almost over. Our thoughts were starting to be about getting back home and returning to the more ‘normal’ mundane aspects of daily living, but there is still one more game drive left...........

 

 

 

 

We really didn’t have any wish list for our final game drive as we had seen so much on this safari it just didn’t seem to matter now, which was probably fortunate as this afternoon turned into one of those safari days where the wildlife appears to have gone into hiding. The radio remained silent, no news of anything of special interest. As the afternoon progressed we headed to the hilly location of the kopjes. The late afternoon light was really stunning and the Serengeti landscape looked even better than the last few days. The beauty of it all made up for the lack of any decent sightings and it was wonderful just to gaze across the landscape and be amazed by its magnificence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However Benedict and Sibulu were determined to find us a good wildlife sighting to end with, and as the sun approached the horizon we enjoyed our final sundowners driving along. All of our sundowners here were drunk on the move, as up until now there had been so much wildlife that we were always observing and photographing wildlife right up until sunset approached.

 

A brief conversation on the radio and we were told to hold tight as it was going to be a fast drive to a location some miles away. The sun dipped below the horizon, the light began to fade but we were still speeding along and finally reached the destination – a pride of eight lions – two adult males, three females and three cubs.

 

We stopped fairly close to the resting pride and took our last wildlife photos of this trip. One of the female lions stood up and walked along the bed of the dry stream where had stopped and continued walking towards the side of the vehicle, getting closer and closer – it wasn’t until she was about three feet from the vehicle that Benedict reacted and moved the vehicle forward a few feet, otherwise we thought she would have climbed into the vehicle. (She was of course just walking along the dry stream bed and the vehicle was in the way). A fitting end to our whole safari - a pride of lions at sunset in the Serengeti.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As we arrived back at the camp it was already completely dark and we quickly got ready for our final campfire drinks and dinner. There were only two other couples in the camp now but Belinda, Gerard and Tanya made sure the evening meal was as sociable as ever, and as usual here the food was excellent.

[Julian]

Day 17: Friday 9th October – The journey home – 9.45am: light aircraft transfer from Serengeti Kogatende to Kilimanjaro, via Lobo and Arusha.

 

 

Flight from Kilimanjaro to Nairobi.

 

 

Ten hours hour stopover at Nairobi, flight to London Heathrow, arriving 06.30am on Saturday 10^th October.

 

 

Breakfast in camp – a very pleasant leisurely affair, with the managers joining us. Then it was time for our fairwells, with Benedict and Sibulu taking us to the airstrip. A very busy morning at the airstrip with lots of guests from the Kogatende area leaving.

 

 

 

 

 

Farewell to the Serengeti:

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had hoped we would have to go via Lake Manyara airstrip – which would have given us a spectacular view flying over the Ngorongoro Crater - but no guests to pick up there on this flight. Inatead we had a stop at Lobo to pick up a large group of Dutch guests.

 

Landing at Lobo:

 

 

 

That turned out interesting as they had a huge amount of luggage in hard suitcases – which our pilot explained he could not take on board. So the group

repacked their luggage leaving their guides from &Beyond to forward most of their luggage on to their destination (Zanzibar).

 

Leaving Lobo:

 

 

 

 

On the next leg of the flight we were lucky enough to get some excellent views of the famous volcano – Ol Doinyo Lengai, before stooping at Arusha for about an hour, including changing planes for our short flight to Kilimanjaro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Arusha airport, although we were very close to Kilimanjaro now the view of it was almost totally obscured by clouds as it usually is for most of the day.

 

When we arrived at Nairobi with a ten-hour stopover we took the advice of ATR and eventually found the first class lounge - ‘The Pride’ ( its only accessible from a lift). It cost $40 each to stay in there as long as we liked - and it was really worth it. Its made up of several different lounges and sections – comfortable armchairs, newspapers, areas you could lie down and sleep, showers, laptops connected to the internet (with fast connection), unlimited good quality drinks and food (the selection of hot food being changed every couple of hours ) – all self-service, and everything included in the $40. I spent some time looking through many of our photos and some of the video clips, as well as making use of a laptop.

 

Our flight left on time and on arriving back in London the following morning we collected our car and headed home on the motorway - which always seems really weird when you have just returned from the African bush – so many cars going so fast , so much noise, so many buildings people, etc.

 

As I said back at the beginning of this report – it was an amazing safari - so much wildlife , so many beautiful African landscapes. The highlights are too many to list but a few things that stand out are:

 

The Selous – the amazing Rufuji river and the riverboat cruises, so much more of unimaginably large Selous I would love to be able to visit. The huge numbers of giraffes.

 

Ruaha – Stunningly scenic, the dry sand river beds, hundreds of the mighty Baobab trees, so many lions, so many elephants. Mwagusi – definitely the best camp and one I really hope we will return to.

 

Katavi – the pools with the massive concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and storks catching catfish standing on the backs of hippos, plus the beautiful area known as Paradise.

 

Serengeti (Mara area) – the endless plains, truly amazing landscapes, predator central, and of course the wildebeest crossing the Mara river. Serian Serengeti camp - a close second best in the camps we stayed at.

 

So, after over 18000 words of text and over 950 photos posted in this report its finally complete, and its now time for us to move on to the task of selecting photos to create a photobook, deciding on about 30 enlargements (to replace existing photos from previous safaris adorning the walls of house), and using the relevant software to remove those marks on the sensor that are on a lot of our landscape photos.

 

Then it will be time to start thinking about our next safari – but where to next ? Zambia? Northern Tanzania and Rwanda? Botswana? .........................

 

T H E E N D

[xelas]

@@Julian

 

yours was a fantastic trip followed by a fantastic trip report and I have enjoyed so much being there at your side ! Thank You!!

Edited March 6, 2016 by xelas

[Julian]

@@Julian

 

yours was a fantastic trip followed by a fantastic trip report and I have enjoyed so much being there at your side ! Thank You!!

 

@@xelas

Thank you for taking the time to read it , I'm pleased to know you enjoyed it so much.

[michael-ibk]

An epic trip, and a great report to go with it. Thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks for sharing and all your efforts.

[pault]

Well done on completing your report. That took a while and I nearly missed Katavi, which would have been a shame as I liked that part very much, with the hippos.

[Julian]

An epic trip, and a great report to go with it. Thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks for sharing and all your efforts.

 

Well done on completing your report. That took a while and I nearly missed Katavi, which would have been a shame as I liked that part very much, with the hippos.

Thank you Pault and Michael-ibk.