Three Generations. Three Destinations. One Family Safari Woven Together.
The Serengeti
We found Mama J’s passport in the queue for the first plane to the Serengeti. Our fortune continued as our pilot took us right over the top of OI Donyo Lengai, the Maasai Mountain of God. The migration was in town so we were in the far north of the Serengeti. Mkombe’s House is an exclusively booked sister camp to Lamai Camp, perfect for family groups. Overlooking the Mara River from a wonderfully hidden perch amongst the Kuria Hills.
We started with a lioness, some elephants, a pair of giant eagle owls and an ostrich. But then a crackle on the radio got my attention. “Hold on, we’re going to go for it!” I had spent the previous day explaining how this was next to impossible but there he was, a beautiful black rhino, wondering across the endless plains in a scene that time forgot.
Ruaha National Park
We were in Ruaha not ten minutes and already she began to work her magic. “Where is everybody?” “These are like Harry Potter trees!” (Baobabs). Taking the scenic route to Ikuka Camp we were enjoying the dry Mdonya River bed when a tree squirrel began making one hell of a racket. Decidedly unhappy about something. Moments later a leopardess nonchalantly walked out of the grass and into the riverbed.
In the quiet moments before sunrise, making our way through the cold and crisp air of the valley floor, a surprise awaited. Nine lions crossing in front of us, heads down, moving with intent. An old bull giraffe had succumbed to his age two days before and we followed the pride as they made their way there. When hunting and feeding is to see a lion’s true, awesome, nature. Another sighting all to ourselves.
We even made time to get to Mkuyu Guide School. Where the highlight was inevitably the football, a fiercely contested three all draw.
Nyerere National Park
Our last stop, Nyerere National Park and Sand Rivers. Always a delight to be on the waters of the great Rufiji River, amongst the hippos and the crocodiles. Blue monkeys calling from the treetops, African skimmers dancing on the water’s surface.
We searched high and low for the illusive wild dogs, but they were too quick for us. We did however, find plenty of tiger fish in the river, warm water in the hot springs, the finest bush breakfasts and delicious barbecue meat on the grill on Swahili night.