March 9
By 6:00 am we were all up and packing while sharing stories of experiences in the night. Everybody's story was the same, as I listened with horror. Apparently I slept through the visitation of a pair of hyenas pacing ourside around our tents and ravishing on the chicken scraps in our garbage. I much prefer watching the wildlife from the protection of the jeep over the veil of a piece of canvas. Chris assures me that when we are in the jeep, the animals don't see the humans. All they can see is the jeep. I go with it, even though I know that somewhere in that scenario human scent must play a role. Chris has also told us that once a lion has tasted human flesh, it becomes their preference. The message is, “STAY IN THE JEEP” Really the wildlife only attacks if they feel threatened or need to protect their babies. Otherwise, they seem to simply run away from the scent of humans. Herbivores like giraffe and wildebeest, zebra, etc. carry on life regardless of how close we are.
By 7:00 am we were in the jeep; one more game drive to exit the Serengeti. It was spectacular! On the five hour game drive we saw a pride of lions up close in a clearing, a herd of elephant and the wildebeest migration. It was an awesome conclusion to a very memorable Serengeti experience. Once at the gates of the Serengeti we stopped for a picnic lunch and then proceeded around the rim of the crater and into Masai territory again. The rolling hills, village views and views of the Masai dressed in their bright woollen cloth, herding their cattle in vast fields was a refreshing image to remember of Tanzania. Once through the gates of the Crater Conservation Area we continued to meet Sam and get back on the truck one more time. One last long drive to Mtowa Mbu, the half way point between Arusha and the Crater.
We stayed in Snake Campground for the night. I was happy to learn that it was named that because of the vast collection of African Snakes on display in a caged area. Once our tent was up, we had two hours to collect all our belongings together. Fortunately, we wore the same clothes for three days so we have a set of clean clothes for our climb. I wrote a note to Chris, Kioko, and Sam with a tip enclosed to present at dinner. After a quick shower to wash the Serengeti out of our hair, we were ready for our last dinner together. Dinner was prepared at the camp outdoor restaurant.
Ed decided that he would say a few words to thank the group of people we have travelled with for their part in making our experience memorable. Ed thought it a good idea for me to thank Chris, Sam and Kioko. I'm not sure about that. As soon as I bravely stood up to say my few words and give them each a tip, the tears came flowing. Overwhelmed with appreciation, I got it all out; thank you to Sam for driving us SAFELY with admirable focus over periods of driving that extended up to 15 hours on some days. I have no idea how he did it! Thank you to Kioko for excellent nutritious meals, introducing us to some African Specials and keeping our bellies healthy. Thank you to Chris who earned our trust and respect very early in the trip. We felt safe, all the way!
Chris and Lyn
Goodbye to lockers 6, 7 and 10!
Kioko and The Girls
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