After leaving the lodge we drove around the top of the gorge and past a Masai village. The road was rough and dusty and after some time we reached the Oldavai Gorge where Mary Leakey discovered “Footprints of Man” that were 3.5 million years old. We had a short lecture and visited the museum with prehistoric skulls hung on the walls and other artefacts and the history of the people involved. Growing in the area is the Oldavai plant, it appears to be similar to a sisal plant that elephant and baboon can suck out the moisture from during the dry season. 15 minutes after leaving, standing on the roadside, were three young Masai boys dressed in black because they had been circumcised and were now warriors. After some time we arrived at the Naabi Gate the entrance into the Serengeti National Park. Edward had to go into the office there for permits etc., so we were left to amuse ourselves for half and hour or so. We climbed to the top of the Naabi Hill that overlooked the plain which was stunning. We were entertained by an Amaba Lizard the male was electric blue and shocking pink, the female a boring brown colour. Being opportunists were Superb Starlings strutting round hoping for crumbs of food. Whilst Edward was in the office he discovered a message from his company, telling him that there was a problem with the Mobile Camp. The site they were going to use had grass that was too long and a Ranger asked them to relocate therefore they were unable to provide lunch and we were to be taken to the Seronea Lodge in the same area. This lodge was also built by the Aga Khan, the roof is very attractive made from coconut palm leaves and the pattern of the ceiling very striking. We sat out on the verandah and had a small lunch. There is a problem that the food is too lavish and one is expected to eat a three course meal twice daily which is almost impossible!!!!!!!
After Edward reappeared from having had lunch we started out for the camp, en passant we viewed a leopard descending a leafless tree leaving it’s kill up in the branches, it then lay down in the shade of a Wait a Bit tree. Arriving at the camp it still wasn’t ready so off we went on a game drive. Returning to the leopard it was still lying down in the grass which gives very good camouflage. We passed lots zebra, impapla, topi, buffalo and gazelles and on one side of the track was buffalo kill of two male lions that were sleeping on the other side after having gorged themselves, taking the opportunity whilst the lions slept a vulture began to peck at the carcass. After some time the lions raised themselves off the ground and wandered over to chase the vulture away, looked with what seemed to be without enthusiasm and after a while settle down to eat. We then passed a Mama giraffe walking along with her baby bringing up the rear way behind. It was only a week or so old. We had another sighting of a leopard that had been down form the tree was now up in the Sausage Tree. It is quite comical to see because with their body lying along the branch they dangle legs and tail each side. Whilst we have been driving around to day a few lions have been seen with kills and at one site another driver who was a colleague of Edward asked him, “Why are these lions going around killing animals”? To which Edward replied, “Because that is the way lions survive”. We three chuckled about that one for ages afterwards. It then began to rain heavily and we headed for camp. When we reached our track was very wet and the black cotton soil caused the vehicle to slip and slide all over the place.
On arrival at the camp we were greeted by all four members of staff. Our canvas wash basins were filled with warm water and we were offered orange or mango juice. We were left whilst two of the staff arranged warm water for a shower. The tent has all mod cons, a toilet seat over and meter deep long drop, a sink with a pitcher of water and a shower cubicle. We were told the shower was ready and once inside I found a bar with two handles to release or turn off the water. Unfortunately, not being used to this type of arrangement I didn’t soap and rinse and left the water running. There was not enough water for John and they had to repeat the process. I bet they were not very happy with me.
Dinner was at 7.30pm and in the dining tent there was a table with a cloth and napkins as you would find in a hotel. The bar table held an array of wines and spirits. I think we had a glass of wine with dinner and said we didn’t drink spirits so they were removed. Edward dined with us, the food was excellent and then it was time for bed, and as we walked to our tent the stars were appearing.