In the "BUSH"

 Sunday June 21, 2015

So here I go, semi-darkness and no wi-fi!  I won't be able to post until at least Tuesday but if I don't write this now, I won't remember the details!

This morning we got up at 6 AM, ready for our next adventure. After a hot shower in our en/suite bathroom, repacking, and a lovely breakfast in the beautiful dining room of the lodge, we embarked in our Land Cruiser for Tarangire National Park. I rode with Gail and Carol and our charming guide Raphael who taught us some Swahili vocabulary and regaled us with much local info. Peter rode with Bea, Tom and Ashley. 

Driving through Arusha town and a Masai village were interesting but "third World!"  But when we got to the countryside, we were astounded!  Herds of goats led by kids, donkeys carrying casks of water and women gathering water at any water source available. There are many small Masai villages with thatched roof dwellings, each probably belonging to a polygamous Masai male, each dwelling inhabited with a wife and children. All this along with shrub and forest savannahs. 

Once we entered Tarangire National Park, we were "blown away!"  Elephants, giraffes, gazelles, warthogs (pretty ugly!), impalas, ostriches, zebras, exotic birds, beautiful flora and fauna. Unbelievable and totally awesome. Lunch was served at a picnic area, and I mean SERVED!  And there were black-faced monkeys who tried to snatch away some lunch food from picnickers. Back on the road there were more fantastic road views and interesting info from our guides. 

We arrived at Oliver's Camp about 6 PM. It's a "bush" camp in the middle of nowhere. We are in Tent 3 of 10 tent sites. Totally isolated, no wi-fi, escorts needed between 6:30 PM and 6:30 AM to the main camp area because of wildlife roaming the camp at night, all power is solar, all screened, thatched roof. But, there is an indoor bathroom with an outdoor shower. Jackie (South-African) and Justin (Canadian) run the camp of ten "tents" along with a staff of about 20. We had cocktails at the fire pit as the sun set and a remarkable dinner at the   outdoor dining room. It's 11PM, Peter's snoring and our alarm is set for 5:50 AM. 

Until tomorrow, with more adventures.....,