E phatlaladitšwe: 14.07.2024
The next morning, we set off early for the safari: we are heading to Mikumi National Park via Morogoro, but there is plenty to see along the way. Traffic, roadside stalls - not just stalls - almost life itself happens outdoors, from fruits and vegetables to furniture and electrical parts, you can admire everything from the car. 5-6 hours are planned, but the road is so crowded that it will rather be 8-9. The safari car is not necessarily the strongest, but overtaking maneuvers with the many trucks are constantly happening. You can still merge, even when oncoming traffic is only a few meters away… As a German, you wouldn't want to drive here!
By late afternoon, several animals can already be seen on the main road: various monkeys, herds of impalas, giraffes, and zebras. Unfortunately, we do not proceed to the park for the 'Evening drive' as planned. But the visit to a Maasai village takes place, and we inform ourselves, marvel, dance, and explore. An interesting contrast arises between the information on history and customs and the iPhone recordings that a wiry young man is taking here…
Finally, we are taken to our accommodation, a resort at the end of a village street, surrounded and guarded by a wall, but inside, the level is quite good. Ordering food: please choose from this menu! At 70%: no, unfortunately, we do not have that! Gert and I order fish, and later the staff member comes back: unfortunately, there is only one fish, what else would you like? 😁
To end the day, we treat ourselves to a drink and celebrate the birthday (in Germany) of the next day
The next morning, we get up early again, we arrive relatively early at the park and here we really get our money's worth, seeing lions multiple times, elephants, wildebeests, various birds, crocodiles, and hippos. An intense but wonderful morning before we have to make the long journey back along the main road.
It rains - completely atypical for this time of year - and the windshield wiper gives up after about 10 minutes and will be fixed when possible.
Despite and with everything, our driver and guide did a great job, although driving African style, but not taking too many risks, and in the park, he shares comprehensive knowledge about animals and nature, complemented by good networking with others - it helps to know where to look for lions, for example!