Steppes In Africa; A Disney-inspired Safari-U is for: Underway to Usawa Mobile Tent Camp (9/28)

[Steppesister]

I would rather see the animals from the ground anyway. The balloons at sunrise do make for a spectacular photo though!

I agree. I mean, maybe on a 2nd safari or after a really long one?

Looks like a pretty cushy vehicle!

It was and even better that I was nearly the only one in it!

Haha pretty sure we got that line on our safari too. Impala everywhere!

Some of the jokes reminded me of Jungle Cruise.

 

[pkondz]

(Things were busy at camp during the night!)

erm... those look... feline...

Love that one in the middle. Looks like it's bawling out the one on the left. The one on the right just doesn't want to get involved.

a 3-hour tour which includes brunch and cocktails and an hour or two up in the air was out of my budget at $600pp.

So...

I would've skipped it even at half the price. I've been up in a hot-air balloon. No... not in Africa, but... I'd want to be closer to the ground to get all those spectacular animal shots/encounters you've been getting.

Such a pretty shot!

I am not sure if the roaring is the male or the young female, but it was rather unnerving,

Terrific shot!

Nice shot of you.

Why, yes. Yes, I did have breakfast with the giraffes!!!

How cool is that?!?!?

Looks like he'd glow under a UV light.

Because there are times I have the sense of humor of a 4th grader.

Like none, other than the backside of a truck.

Ladies and gentlemen... the ninth wonder of the world! The backside... of the truck!

Oddly enough, sounds like you'll be exposing your own backside there. Huh.

When done doing your thang, you simply put the used TP in the provided brown bag and then put this little "goodie bag" in the seat pouch in front of you for disposal back at camp.

Ew?

But then again... better than littering up the country with TP.

Ok, ok, to be honest I never had a doody emergency.

Ok, ok, to be honest I never had a doody emergency. And trust me if I had to doo #2, it would definitely be classified as an emergency because I’d have a… well, I’d have to go pretty badly to need a truck stop for that.

Yeah... not something you'd want to do without a commode.

You’d think it’d be easier to find a dung beetle than say, a leopard, right?!

I actually have no idea!

I’d say that 99% of safari-goers want to see the Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino.

Makes sense.
Quite surprised you actually saw one. I'd have put money on you not seeing one.
And a lot more money that you'd see all five!

then got bored and went off to do whatever leopards do in the morning.

Probably had a hare and nails appointment.
(Catching a hare with his nails.)

Wow!

This little dik-dik

It's not little! It's normal size! He was in the pool!
(Lemme know if you don't get this reference.)

the smallest species in Africa. At the shoulders, they are only 12-15” tall!!!

Tiny!
Had no idea this creature even existed.

Wow! Beautiful colours!

Those are stunning too.

One was a wee little snickerdoodle and another was a Hulk Hogan Wannabe.

But I'll stay outta the water with either/or.

Wonder if they’re very fast.

Nah. Go ahead and take a dip. What's the worst that can happen?

awwww...

(I need one of these! Please start a GoFund Me for my new pet!)

I present to you the "McDonalds of the Savannah"… the IMPALA!!

At first I thought you meant they were the most common food source for predators..
(and maybe they are?)

Lots of double arches out there!

...but then I saw what you were referring to!

(The males are certainly impressive!)

Those horns!!!

I'll end with a few more birds... because there were A LOT of them!!!!

You certainly got your money's worth on this trip as far as bird species goes.

(Grey Kestrel)

Huh. Interesting. I've heard of kestrels, but never actually knew what one looked like.

(Pin-tailed Whydah, seen before)

So pretty, though.

because of some unfortunate weather, there wasn’t a lot of game spotting on the back end of the day.

I'd demand a full refund!!

I took the opportunity to take some more detailed photos of the main tent of this luxury tent camp so you can get a good idea of how truly nice this place is.

Very luxe!

aww... my mom had those books (not those exact ones, but the Readers Digest books.)
I still haven't forgiven her for giving them away. I wanted them!

That looks interesting. Know what it is?

(Lunch with Impala!)

McDonalds, huh? Even in the middle of the Serengetti.

a group of Vervet Monkeys up to a lot of monkey business.

Go ahead and name another mammal with blue coloring on it (I did think of one). The ball’s in your court.

"ball's" in my court, huh?
You're nuts!

Okay... I immediately thought of one, but couldn't remember the name for it, so had to Google it. Mandrill.
Also... the Blue Whale, but I consider that more grey than blue. Certainly not a bright blue.

Snork!

Cute!

Great shot of the eyes.

There’s not much that grosses me out anymore

That implies seeing far too much gross stuff. Not sure that I envy you, that.

gigantic rotting hippo carcass square in the middle of the reeking cesspool of the pond.

Cool!

Circle of life.

Huh!

Like this shot!

With lightning speed, it lunged at the festering flesh and, with a fantastic “alligator roll” proceeded to tear off a tasty bite. Gulp, gulp, gulp!!! Amazing!! Raw, unadulterated nature in action!!!

Wow! That'd be so cool to see. Your own personal National Geographic show, right in front of you.

whoa...

Maybe the entrée didn’t have enough au jus.

a gargantuan hippo decided to take an afternoon stroll. This! THIS is a spectacle you will NOT see often.

No way! Would not have expected that.

his lazy buddies were busy poo flinging as hippos are prone to do. It’s like hippo instant messaging.

(ID pending. I've asked my Bird Group)

Oh, that's easy.



You're welcome.

Cooool. Like a big ol' dog.

I keep looking at your photos and going "Wow!"

Ah! So they don't just fling poop, but ear wax, too!

How cool is that! Never see a giraffe with birds perched on its neck!

(The gin I enjoyed. Never liked gin much at all until this trip!)

This may or may not have been the Corn Chowder that was listed.

Yeah... not sure if I'd be a fan of that.

It wouldn’t be my most favorite meal of the trip, which will probably surprise you a bit, but it was a very close 2nd.

Really!
Fish must've been darn good.

From Wiki: “Amarula is a cream liqueur from South Africa. It is made with sugar, cream and the fruit of the African marula tree

Huh!

I think I've seen that in our local liqueur store. Maybe? Looks familiar, nevertheless.

The Amarula was for sipping afterwards, but I only remembered that I had it after people were ready to head out.

Whoops!

It’ll be there though for the 2nd installment if I don’t sip it all myself with hot cocoa.

the lady who was all freaked out about the mouse on her bed seemed to be just as wigged at this little guy. Like…. Why?!

That lady is in the wrong country.

I am rather sure it’s Mr. Toad who found a place to call home when he was evicted.

There ya go!

His gravestone at HM is just a ploy. Don’t be fooled.

I'll never look at that headstone the same again.
Lies!

This little dude is a Darkling Beetle of which there are over 20,000 species. No, I do not have time to narrow it down more for you.

What??? What kind of shoddy TR writer are you???

Stay tuned… more to come in a couple of weeks…

Enjoy the wedding!

 

[missjackiemcg]

All of the leopard pictures were just awesome--what a gorgeous creature! It actually made me smile, too, as I remembered that when Jimmy was little, he really liked the leopard animatronic at the Rainforest Cafe, because it's long tail hung down over the bathroom doors and twitched this way and that. The pictures brought back that memory I hadn't thought of in SO long!

You must've felt incredibly lucky at all that you got to see in the way of elephant behavior on this trip! Startling, for certain, but I bet not every safari guest is lucky enough to see so much happening. Same with the crocs and the hippos. What an adventure, honestly.

Also, I know it's a stretch, but my eyes see a wannabe Hidden Mickey in the dew drops on the right side of this flower. And who am I to argue?

 

[Wood Nymph]

That crocodile is really fat. Was he gorging on the dead hippo?

The main tent looks very cozy with all the rich wood. It looks like a really nice place to relax.

 

[Steppesister]

erm... those look... feline...

I think so. Rawr!!!

Love that one in the middle. Looks like it's bawling out the one on the left. The one on the right just doesn't want to get involved.

HAHA!!! It does look like that.

So...

I would've skipped it even at half the price. I've been up in a hot-air balloon. No... not in Africa, but... I'd want to be closer to the ground to get all those spectacular animal shots/encounters you've been getting.

You definitely have a point. I've been in helpicopters and that's super awesome, but I think for THIS place in the world, staying grounded is best.

Such a pretty shot!

I think this was my fave of the lot.

Terrific shot!

Wish it was a bit sharper. But I do love the composition.

Nice shot of you.

Thanks!

How cool is that?!?!?

Almost as cool as lunch with the elephants the day before. And hippos in Ngorongoro.

Looks like he'd glow under a UV light.

The birds are so, so colorful there. So much brighter and pretty than our birds here.

Ladies and gentlemen... the ninth wonder of the world! The backside... of the truck!

Oddly enough, sounds like you'll be exposing your own backside there. Huh.

Not nearly as cool though as the Back Side of Water.

Ew?

But then again... better than littering up the country with TP.

For sure! They really do a great job at keeping little down to almost zero. In fact, at least once we stopped to pick up trash to take back to camp.

Yeah... not something you'd want to do without a commode.

And, yet.

I"ve done loads and loads of camping and National Forest lands tend not have potties either.

Makes sense.
Quite surprised you actually saw one. I'd have put money on you not seeing one.
And a lot more money that you'd see all five!

Exactly!!! I'd say I was really, really lucky.

Probably had a hare and nails appointment.
(Catching a hare with his nails.)

Ok, that was....

masterful.

Wow!

I just wished the background was better. Even a little. As it is, it's garbage.

It's not little! It's normal size! He was in the pool!
(Lemme know if you don't get this reference.)

I have heard the reference, but don't know the movie.

Tiny!
Had no idea this creature even existed.

I don't think I'd heard of them until I started researching for this trip.

Wow! Beautiful colours!

This seems to be the singular fan-fave of photographers (of birds anyway) because of those colours.

Those are stunning too.

I just loved those little bee-eaters!

But I'll stay outta the water with either/or.

If the creatures you can see don't get ya, the ones you can't will.

Nah. Go ahead and take a dip. What's the worst that can happen?

At first I thought you meant they were the most common food source for predators..
(and maybe they are?)

I do wonder if they actually are. They are just EVERYWHERE!

...but then I saw what you were referring to!

Such a hilarious design!!

Those horns!!!

I kind of think they might be the loveliest of all I saw.

You certainly got your money's worth on this trip as far as bird species goes.

I need to do a so-far count.

I'd demand a full refund!!

I think I'm past the statute of limitations.

aww... my mom had those books (not those exact ones, but the Readers Digest books.)
I still haven't forgiven her for giving them away. I wanted them!

HAHA, I wonder if our kids thought the same when we got rid of the Britanica set.

That looks interesting. Know what it is?

I think it was either lamb or beef kefta with some veggie salad. No idea what the sauce is.

"ball's" in my court, huh?
You're nuts!

Okay... I immediately thought of one, but couldn't remember the name for it, so had to Google it. Mandrill.
Also... the Blue Whale, but I consider that more grey than blue. Certainly not a bright blue.

BINGO!!! It took me a little bit to think on it, but have seen mandrills in the zoo. They are indeed.... colorful.

Great shot of the eyes.

FINALLY!!

I need new camera gear.

That implies seeing far too much gross stuff. Not sure that I envy you, that.

I'm a healthcare worker.

Like this shot!

Fun! Sometimes it's good to get macros...

Wow! That'd be so cool to see. Your own personal National Geographic show, right in front of you.

1,000% Not just sightings, but some truly amazing drama!!

Oh, that's easy.

You're welcome.

Ironically, it ended up being an Eastern Grey Woodpecker.

I keep looking at your photos and going "Wow!"

I really loved that one. Probably one of the 3 best of this chapter.

Ah! So they don't just fling poop, but ear wax, too!

Kinda like Shrek. A little.

Yeah... not sure if I'd be a fan of that.

If memory serves, this soup was one of the more bland ones.

I think I've seen that in our local liqueur store. Maybe? Looks familiar, nevertheless.

I love the bottle art!

That lady is in the wrong country.

Mhm... like maybe somewhere that there is no nature at all. Or perhaps a zoo.

I'll never look at that headstone the same again.
Lies!

You're welcome.

What??? What kind of shoddy TR writer are you???

A somewhat, sometimes efficient one.

 

[pkondz]

You definitely have a point. I've been in helpicopters and that's super awesome, but I think for THIS place in the world, staying grounded is best.

Thought so.
I mean… if you’ve never been in a balloon… or if you e been on safari before or have a lot more time… then I can see it.
But… I’d go on safari to see animals. Like you’ve been doing.

I think this was my fave of the lot.

Can see that.

Almost as cool as lunch with the elephants the day before. And hippos in Ngorongoro.

You’re certainly getting an adventure.

Not nearly as cool though as the Back Side of Water.

Nothing is as cool as that.

In fact, at least once we stopped to pick up trash to take back to camp.

Huh!

I"ve done loads and loads of camping and National Forest lands tend not have potties either.

Well there ya go.


Literally.

Ok, that was....

masterful.

I just wished the background was better. Even a little. As it is, it's garbage.

Disagree. Focus on the subject.

have heard the reference, but don't know the movie.

It’s actually from a Seinfeld episode.

I kind of think they might be the loveliest of all I saw.

Won’t disagree.

I think I'm past the statute of limitations.

Well, shoot.

BINGO!!! It took me a little bit to think on it, but have seen mandrills in the zoo. They are indeed.... colorful.

Yuss!!!

What do I win?

I'm a healthcare worker.

Yeah… nuff said.

I really loved that one. Probably one of the 3 best of this chapter.

Again… agree.

Kinda like Shrek. A little.

Yes!!

Mhm... like maybe somewhere that there is no nature at all. Or perhaps a zoo.

 

[buzzrelly]

While Hassan and I trucked along, others chose to take in the morning sunrise from the air. I had contemplated adding this experience to my package, but a 3-hour tour which includes brunch and cocktails and an hour or two up in the air was out of my budget at $600pp. I’m sure it was fantastic and something I’d consider for next time, it just wasn’t something I could do this trip.


[][/]

Such a gorgeous shot!

As always, it was absolutely lovely!! And as always there were a few curious guests nearby!

[][/]

Very nice pic of you!

Why, yes. Yes, I did have breakfast with the giraffes!!!

Words cannot describe how absolutely regal and beautiful this animal was. Just stunning. From its perch high in the tree, it watched for prey, groomed itself, then got bored and went off to do whatever leopards do in the morning. We probably stayed there a good 30 minutes just shooting photos, admiring how lovely it was, and observing its behavior.

[][/]

Your pictures are amazing. This must have been so cool to see in the wild!

 

[GreatBiscuit]

I tip my hat to your fine photography skills my friend! You trip looks like it was amazing! My youngest did a African field study in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe through her university and loved every minute of it.

 

[Steppesister]

U is for: Underway to Usawa Mobile Tent Camp
May 11, 2025
***Warning, Long Chapter Ahead***​

Today I woke with fresh anticipation of where this journey would have me traveling to next. Recall, I’d only learned the name of the camp the day prior and knew nothing about it, or even where it was. I trusted my team to have something very special cooked up for me, and it will probably come as no surprise that they did.

But first, a journey there!

It was a nice change that I didn’t have to wake up early for my day-long transfer to Usawa Tent Camp. For reference here is a map of the area. Note… at the western end of the blue road is the Grumeti Airstrip…. Tuck that away.

I did not wake particularly early as the “game drive” was the transferring from one camp to another- which meant back-tracking from Lemala to Seronera Airstrip, then a 3-hour drive-time-only trek to Usawa. 3 hours turned into all day, from 9-5:30. I ordered coffee to be delivered to my tent at 7:15 and enjoyed sipping life itself while birds flew all around me and hot air balloons drifted silently overhead. It was fun to say hello to the travelers aloft as they waved down below to me.

​

My bags were packed and my tent steward carried everything for me to the Main Tent where I had one last meal there. On the way, I spotted some movement in the underbrush flanking the trail and spied this sweet little mouse looking for a morning bite as well.

​

Every day starts off with a delicious breakfast, and always, always features fresh cut tropical fruits. That, in and of itself, would be more than plenty, but typically, it is almost always followed by freshly cooked eggs and bacon or sausage. The coffee is consistently strong (French-pressed) which makes my caffeine-loving heart so happy. But what made my heart even more happy was that while I enjoyed my own delicious feast, I was surrounded by all manner of magnificent animal life including zebra, hartebeest, elephant, and impala. Writing that and seeing my photos again makes me yearn to visit again sooner than later.

​

Hassan and I bid goodbye to the staff at Lemala and off we set on a glorious day for the 1 ½ hour drive to the Seronera Airstrip(we did make a couple of very brief stops for photos. With no stops this would take 45 minutes, but game drives are never rushed. There are always roadblocks, stops, and a thousand other great reasons to slow down and enjoy what’s going on around you.

Like a morning march of elephants…

​

Hassan pulled our trusty Land Cruiser into the airstrip parking lot next to one of many others there to meet guests, but I recognized my next truck right away as it sported the logo of Wilderness Destinations on its side. Before unloading my gear, he introduced me to the next outstanding team of guides I’d have the pleasure of touring with- Hashim and Sawaum (Sow-woom). Their smiles were as warm and bright as the sun on the savannah. Their hospitality made me feel welcome and we got to know each other over some morning snacks and goodies and a nice warm cup of tea. I’m shocked I don’t have a photo of this sweet little table of treats but imagine some tiny tiffins of nuts, trail mixes, cookies, and dried fruits and an assortment of teas to choose from. There was yet another water bottle that I could keep, but space was a precious commodity, and I chose to only bring home the first one that I’d been given by Delvina on the first day. It’s my everyday one now and I love it just as much as I did when I first got it.

​

Making a strategic potty run inside the “terminal”, I came back out to meet the other guest being taken to Usawa as well and soon we were on our bouncy, dusty way. The drive time to the next camp was a full 2 ½ hours without stops. But it was agreed beforehand that the entire day would serve as a game drive and it didn’t disappoint. However, to my own delight it was definitely bird-heavy, in fact, there were very, very few big game sightings at all.

(An "Auric Air" sighting! )​

Right out of the gate, like literally before we cleared the airstrip parking lot, Hashim spotted a Slender Mongoose. They are far, far too quick to get photos of most of the time, but I can indeed say that one was spotted which I can add to my total animal count.

From the net:

(NOT my photo)​

As we drove, we talked about the names of different groups of animals and one that was interesting to me that a group of giraffes are called a “tower” when standing still and a “journey” when walking. Huh, who knew?! He also told us that a group of hippos can be called a bloat OR a school. And there ya go, straight from the guides. Speaking of hippos, Hashim asked us if we would like to stop at a Hippo Pool along the way. Both of us exclaimed that no, we really didn’t feel a need for that; I’d seen several hippo pools by now and nothing was going to top a pool with a giant rotting hippo carcass with crocodiles feasting on it.

And now… a break for birds. (We braked a lot for birds) I must add that the birds that I saw on this day were most definitely some of my very favorites. This lot is so insanely cool and so unique to E. Africa.

(White-headed Buffalo Weaver)


(Speckled-fronted Weaver)


(Greater Spotted Cuckoo)




(African Grey Hornbill)
​

Technically, Zazu is a Red-billed Hornbill and this is a Grey. Stay tuned to see if Zazu makes an appearance....

(Southern Ground Hornbill)



(Shikra Hawk)



(Eastern Gray Plantain Eater)



(Bare-faced Go Away Bird)​

At about 12:30, Sawaum and Hashim found their pre-selected spot for the lunch stop and got the truck parked. They spent the next little bit setting up the most amazing, picturesque and perfect little picnic lunch. It was absolutely elegant and delicious too!

​

A note about that table itself: It was a completely foldable jobbie made of a light-weight wooden frame and a bamboo top. When it’s not set up as a table, it neatly folds up into a small canvas bag so is perfect for picnics on the go. To go with the set up were 4 very comfy tri-leg fold up canvas seats. The cutlery was wrapped in classy leather pouches, there were real cloth napkins and a elegantly rustic tablecloth. Honestly, the whole thing was just dreamy. Following suit with my up-to-now luck in dining with the animals, a large herd of elephants ambled by off in the distance and a huge herd of water buffalo grazed a bit further off as well. To top off this scene, Hashim put on his favorite soundtrack for moments like this: Louis Armstrong’s Wonderful World. Yes, friends, there still are places where it is a wonderful world.

Feel free, Louis never disappoints!

​

The table was covered with scrumptious food including Asian cabbage salad, couscous salad, marinated cold beef, haloumi cheese, breadsticks, cut fruit cups, and date and coconut balls for a sweet ending. This was all topped off with spectacular fresh-squeezed hibiscus juice.

(A Bush Katydid)​

Everyone “took a turn behind the truck” and once again we set off. By then, 2:00 or so, the clouds were starting to build up and it would become a race against the rain to camp. However, we did not hurry and found several more amazing bird species along the way.

(Yellow-billed Stork eating a tilapia lunch)



(Black Crake)



(Fork-tailed Drongo)



(Brown Snake Eagle)



(Magpie Shrike)​

 

[Steppesister]

Continued from last chapter...

To be very honest, I’d taken thousands of photos of animals by now and my photography started to give way to intentionally immersing myself in the environment and magical experience I was blessed to be part of. I can say that on my animal list were Lion, Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Warthog, Topi, Ostrich, Hartebeest, Impala, and a fairly large smattering of bird species that I couldn’t get photos of.

(Baboons)


(Dik-dik)​

At one point, after lunch but before it started raining, we came across a fairly large herd of migrating wildebeests interspersed with their wandering partner species, Zebra and antelope. Tagging along for “safety in numbers” were Hartebeest and Impala. This was probably as close as I’d get to seeing a small glimpse of the Great Migration as I was now in the “Western Corridor” where the millions of animals would be this time of year.

​

A word on The Great Migration:

If this a Bucket List Experience for you, I'd HIGHLY rely on a Tour Operator to help you with planning it. Where to be varies year to year and is continually monitored for animal movement and outfitters can adjust as needed to get you a quality placement. If you do your own planning, BEWARE, you are NOT guaranteed to see massive groups of Wildebeest et al... if you've miscalculated.
Interesting facts: The animals that typically travel together, Wildebeest, Zebra, and antelopes, etc... do so for a strategic reason, the most food, for the most species. The guides explained that there is a super amazing phenomenon in which each species eats a very specific and selective "layer" of the grass along the way. Zebra eat the longer grasses and mow the tops, Wildebeest follow as pickier eaters eating shorter stuff.
"The wildebeests of the Great Migration are fussy eaters. They only eat the shoots of grass.

Zebras, on the other hand, aren't picky. They eat the fresh, long grass, and in so doing, 'mow it down'. The wildebeests can then come in and access the shorter grass they need to survive."- https://followalice.com/knowledge/7-truly-stupendous-facts-about-the-great-migration

This is another good article on how that happens and some research behind it.
https://news.wfu.edu/2024/02/15/competition-for-food-drives-mass-migration-of-herbivores/

At 4:00, the skies began to give their life-giving gift of rain, and we had to zip up the canvas sides of the truck and put up the windshield and its wipers. That was the end of game driving for the day. I had NO idea how far the camp was from where were were; heck I had no idea where it was at all really. There were some "exhilarating" moments when the road became completely water-soaked and huge “puddles” of water gathered and mud became quite deep. But the drivers are amazingly skilled and there was never any need for worry. The trucks worth their salt have snorkels, beefy tires, and high clearance. If any of those should fail, help is only a radio call away.

​

After about an hour and a half after zipping up, Hashim announced that we only had 40 miutes to go. Say what?! I was, confessedly, a bit “road weary” by then and was more than anxious to be done for the day. 40 more minutes?

5 minutes later, he burst out laughing and said, “Just kidding, you can see the lights of camp just over there; only 5 minutes to go.” I admit, I was definitely relieved.

We pulled up to the large, angular Main Tent merrily lit with chic, modern fixtures and several staff came out to greet us. Bags were taken for us to the tent, and each staff member shared a few words about who they were and what their role is at camp. The usual safety lecture was also given and as always, they maintain a strict rule about never walking anywhere alone after dark. This camp did not have authentic Maasai warrior guards, but my tent steward was available 24/7 for any needs I might have had.

I was graciously escorted to my tent which was exquisitely luxurious, almost more so than the room/tent at Lemala. While a bit smaller, it felt more upscale in décor and set up.

One difference was that this camp had a true “talking shower”. The guest tents do not have piped-in water, hot or cold, and showers are filled each time with nice warm water by the tent steward. I was offered a shower before dinner to freshen up and gratefully accepted. I wanted to crawl into bed right after dinner. While my shower was being prepared, I enjoyed exploring all of the wonderful details of my tent and settled in.

​

There was a little coffee/tea set up, a writing desk with a little animal ID book and pen, robes, slippers, filtered water, all the amenities you could really want in a luxury room. Best of all there was a sweet little welcome card on the bed to make me feel special and pampered.

​

The tent steward announced (from outside the tent) that my shower was ready and I enjoyed a nice warm shower albeit a brief one. There isn’t an unlimited amount of water in the shower water, but it’s more than plenty to get clean and wash your hair. Refreshed, I made my way back to the main tent for a nice glass of wine before dinner. The hors d’oeuvres of little potato fritters with fresh pico de gallo was a beautiful and delicious touch!

​

There were other guests at the camp, including the one who’d shared the truck with me on the way from Seronera. One lady was an International Lawyer and investor in African Game Camps, and the other was a Game Camp Designer and Overseer. I think they were traveling together loosely but on different itineraries. I got the impression that the Designer was wooing the Investor for more cash inflow. When I got to the Main Tent, both were working on their laptops but both soon left on a Night Game Drive with infrared equipment.

Remember that little Species ID booklet on the table in my room? I had brought it with me to dinner and asked if they had copies for sale as I really wanted one to bring home as a souvenir. I was told no, but 10 minutes later, a staff member came back with 2 copies for me to take home! I insisted on paying something for them, but they said, “No, they are a gift from the lodge.”.

While I sipped my wine, I stared out the huge open tent front waiting for what surely would be another amazing African savannah sunset. I waited, and waited, and waited…. Huh?! Like, where even is the sun at all. I got up to use the potty tent a few yards away behind the tent and felt like a royal idiot when I rounded the corner en route and saw a gorgeous, but fading, sunset… behind me the whole time. I’m not always a moron.

​

Dinner was over-the-top fantastic and huge! As always. For the appetizer they served a perfect little plate of chapati with lentil spread, pickled carrots, a small beef skewer, a little pastry thing that tasted like apple pie, and a zucchini garnish. A perfect little nibbling plate!

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The main course was roast chicken with curried lentils and sweet potato with crispy fried greens. Every bite was absolutely delicious. This was more than enough, but they brought out a dish of fried rice and some sort of sauce as well. I’m not even sure I touched much of either of those.

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Dessert was small and just right. The little pastries tasted like churros and were served with a banana slice and a rich, warm caramel dipping sauce. Yummy! And with that, I’ve come to a sweet ending to a perfect day! My tent flaps were all lowered and I went to bed in my beautiful, cozy tent cocoon.

Take care, Friends, more to come....

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Species counts for the Day:

Animals- 15
Birds- 22

 

[Steppesister]

So sorry for the hiatus here. The wedding was gorgeous and fun. I will get to replies in a while later today, but first I gotta hit the gym and take care of some household chores. Back soon....

 

[Steppesister]

Thought so.
I mean… if you’ve never been in a balloon… or if you e been on safari before or have a lot more time… then I can see it.
But… I’d go on safari to see animals. Like you’ve been doing.

You’re certainly getting an adventure.

You know, it felt like the very most perfect blend of adventure AND luxury. I was never uncomfortable, even during the very long days in a super bouncy, rough truck.

Well there ya go.


Literally.

It’s actually from a Seinfeld episode.

That would make sense.

That or The Simpsons.

Yuss!!!

What do I win?

Something like... between a Corvette and a slow hand clap. But closer to the slow hand clap end of the prize spectrum.

 

[Steppesister]

Such a gorgeous shot!

Dreamy!

Your pictures are amazing. This must have been so cool to see in the wild!

It truly was. Disney does a VERY good job at presenting the essence of a safari, but it's so much more leveled up there and up close.

 

[Steppesister]

I tip my hat to your fine photography skills my friend! You trip looks like it was amazing! My youngest did a African field study in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe through her university and loved every minute of it.

Why thanks, the Greatness of Biscuits! It was really very amazing in every way! Did she love it?! I definitely will go back at some point but would like to go to a different location for the next safari adventure. Was thinking S. Africa and Botswana maybe. Or Rwanda for the Gorilla trekking. But have heard very positive things about Zambia.

BTW, how's the Fam? See you've got at lease one daughter married now?