Day 9 - Serengeti Safari

To wake up above the Serengeti is a bit surreal! The sounds from a multitude of animals fill the air. We pretend to know what they are... "I think that was a hyena!" "No it sounded like an elephant."

I thought about taking a bath this morning to enjoy the great bath tub we have in our hut, but we had a guest visitor who was using it so I opted out of that plan. (And for everyone who knows my phobia of millipedes and centipedes you'll understand how difficult it was for me to even take this photo!)

I enjoyed a shower in the only facilities provided.. An outdoor shower on our patio with a full view of the plains below. I was secretly keeping watch out for leopards that may want to climb the tree next to our hut and suddenly make my shower less enjoyable. Nevertheless it is an unforgettable spot to freshen up before the days adventure.

Our guide, Amani, greeted us in the lobby and we were on our way! We visited the lowlands of the central Serengeti today. We traveled in an open-topped Land Cruiser where we can stand up and have our shoulders and head out if the vehicle. its a little unsettling at times but Amani assures us its safe.  

Almost immediately we come upon two lions. They are resting just next to the road and Amani parks the vehicle about 3 feet from the male. He doesn't even blink an eye. He completely ignores our vehicle and goes about business. 

Later Kim asks Amani if the lions ever charge the vehicles. He explains that the animals in the Serengeti have an "agreement" with the vehicles. They know the vehicles don't pose a threat and therefor respect them and treat them as another non-threatening species. He goes on to explain, "But if you get out of the vehicle they will eat you for sure!"  Good to know. But an earie feeling when our head and hands are just feet from them in full exposure!

It was a wonderful day in the Serengeti and we were able to see over 30 different species of animals and birds.

After returning back to camp we were quite wiped! 9 hours driving on pothole covered roads can take its toll! I was probably a little tired when I reached into my bag to grab some headache medicine and accidentally cut my finger on my uncovered razor. It took quite a chunk off the end... I know you want a photo ! ;)

Normally you would think... No biggie, put a bandage on it and get on with life. But here in Africa even the water has bacteria. EVERYTHING has bacteria! So Kim quickly lathered me up with Neosporin and we've been keeping our fingers crossed!

We ended the night in a blackout. The power suddenly went out about 9:30. That's a bit scary in the middle of the Serengeti. Mind you.. There are no fences at this lodge.. We'll keep our fingers crossed for our safety from lions too!

Goodnight! (Fingers crossed)