atravelynn

I am enjoying your poetic report.

knightriders1950

So nice to CaliNurse and atravelynn. Many thanks both of you for going through my report. But realy I am not a Prince or anything. I just trying to share the enjoyed moments with my heart. nothing more. If it touch you, I am realy greatful. Thanks again

knightriders1950

13th October’11, Thurshday.


After having our breakfast, we stated our journey at 7-30 AM in search of new destination, Lake Maniyara. We are passing through the Amboseli savanna , but not deprived to enjoy the all beautiful creation of God. By almost an hour we crossed the Amboseli and moving towards Namanga gate , Border of Kenya. The road is not good but its motorable. Reached Namanga at 10-15 AM. We proceed for immigration formalities, Danis accompanied, Its took half an hour to complete the process without any hazads. Danies Introduced with Camilus, our guide for Tanzania Part. Already transferred our luggage to the 4 WD Land Curser. We were very happy with both Denies and Festus, and request them to join with us for Masaimara part. We took leave from themwityh big hug and started our journey at 10-15 AM with our new friend Camilus ,also known as Maji, means water. The Tanzania Part will be covered by Warrior Trails, a coordinating part of D.K.Grand Safaris.

We are moving through Namanga – Arusha road, passing beside Longido mountain, Garamtoni village( from name of a river), masai village. Road was very good and the scenic beauty is also enjoyable. But the van is moving slowly, we were discussing within ourselves. After some time I asked Camilus, why we are so slow, He replied , we going up. But we are not at all satisfied, even we had not argued .although the road not so up. We reached Arusha at about 12-30 afternoon ,covering 90 km, by more than two hours journey. We took our launch at hotel Impala , Shortly after reaching the hotel the CEO of Warrior Trails Mr Clania, a nice gentleman meet us, He assured that our journey will be enjoyable through out. He was asking the reason for choosing Lake Manyara. We told that this the only alkaline lake and also tree climbing lion. He explained that Lake Manyara is the only place with full of big trees and full of bushes, and it is difficult to see the animals. Over and above to see the tree climbing lion is one in million. He conveyed his good wishes and inform to contact him if we face any problem. So nice. We finished Indian type launch with full satisfaction, It’s a good hotel. We meet Mr Anand, an Indian, head-cook. From 1-15 PM we waited there another 45 minutes for Camilus, We were little annoyed . We started for Lake Manyara at 2-15 PM. The road was good even we reached in the hotel Hotel Lake Manyara in late afternoon. We straight go the nice pool to refresh ourselves. Its a beautiful hotel with all amenities. Location wise also beautiful. One can enjoy the valley from the hotel. Great entertainment(local music), nice food, friendly staff, wonderful. We passed a long time in the lobby and went for dinner at 9-30 PM .Already told there was good food cater every taste. There was a program for a game drive in the afternoon ,but we could not avail due to late arrival( now you can understand for slow driving). However we kept mum considering our coming safari.

knightriders1950

14th October, Friday, Lake Manyara

We will go for full day game drive with lunch pack and then left for Ngorongoro. It was decided yesterday. We get up at 6 in the morning. Ready by 7 o’clock with beautiful variety of breakfast. As I already told you that a charming atmosphere in every corner. At the time of check out in the morning the management was so graceful, it really touchy. One thing I forgot to mention that we met famous cricketer of England yesterday dinner Andrew Flintoff. Left the Hotel at 7-45 AM. Our Land Cruiser(LC) was ready with open pop-up roof for search of tree climbing lion. Whether we will be lucky one? With high hope we were moving for our journey. We stop the gate for formalities. All on a sudden we saw a scorpion ,don’t worry, it was dead, somebody save others from danger. Thanks to the unknown person . We entered in the game park. It is deep forest with big trees, as told by Clamian ( Sorry, earlier I mention him as Clania). We noticed few big trees having no leaf, Camilus told its known as Baobao tree. Today also it was little bit cloudy. We felt comfort.

We entered in the park and noticed few baboons jumping from here to there. Some of them nursing their kids. Blue monkeys on our way. A group of elephants, smaller in size, compare to Amboseli . We saw two giraffe where colour of body is blackish, Camilus told it is Masai giraffe. We came in touch with so many beautiful birds. Slowly we entered into deep, came across Dicdic, one species of antelopes, very small one. We are enjoying, but our mind was for special attention i,e tree climbing lion. We are moving from one end to another . In between we saw a group of 26 giraffes. Large, medium, small , Hippo in the water, Thomson Gazelle, Impala, Grant Gazelle,zebras, wildbeests, Black smith Flover, African spoon bill, Yellow neck bird. vultures. All was O.K but the energy and attitude what we expected from a guide, that was very much absent in Camilus. As if he will drive, if you see anything, well, if not , it is not in my hand. We know to see wild animal in a jungle requires luck. But guide should take some extra efforts for that What we had notice in Danies and Festus of D.K.Grand Safari Even we could not go near to the lake, as Camilus told there is no road. The God knows the truth. How ever by this time it was 1o’clock. We stopped for picnic lunch. There was nice sitting arrangement with clean toilet facilitates provided by the Tanzania Govt. Thanks to them. We move for safari as soon as finished our launch. We are moving here and there but still we had not came across neither leapord/cheetah nor tree climbing lion. This way we spent some time. It was 2-30 PM. We almost giving up our hope. All on a sudden one van crossed us and told something to our guide. We were unable to understand, but observed our vehicle started moving fast. Short while we reached a point for which million of people strike their head. Yes, tree climbing lion appear before us.. We are get out of breath in joy. We are in front three lion kids, but not saw their mother. What a beautiful moment! We were speech less, spell bound. Just looking with trembling eyes. Really-really we are fortunate enough.. It was revolved in the mind that I should call around, come everybody and see we are a fortunate one in million. Off and on the kids were changing there position . Our camera was clicking ,clicking and clicking. We spent more than a hour in that spot. It’s a life time memory . We cannot express our happiness. It is not possible to allaying ourselves in such a short span of time . But we have to move. Left the place with a romance. Proceed towards Ngorangoro and reached there at 5-20 in the evening left behind Kacatu village (a masai village). On the way to Wild Life Lodge we stopped one view point to enjoy the lovely view of the crater.Slowly fog covered the crater. Reached the lodge. As usual greeted by a welcome drink. Little bit cold was there but it was foggy. Enjoyed the lobby beside fire place with local music. Finish our dinner. Food was not so much impressive. Tomorrow will be full day safari. Crash to bed.



13thof the body.

atravelynn

Though more common than 1 in a million, your lions in the tree are still a rare and special sighting! The cricket player and dead scorpion must have been good omens. Thank you for included the lower points of your trip with the outstanding ones.

knightriders1950

15th October, Saturday, Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is often called “African Eden’ and the ‘8th natural Wonder of the World. We have read many stories about Ngo. Today we shall try to match that. We awake up at 5 0’clock in the morning with a hope to enjoy the crater from the lodge. That time it was not fully clear. Fog was there, but visible. But with a short span of time crater was covered by dense fog. What to enjoy! We were really dishearten. Every thing is not in our hand. Get ready by 7-30 o’clock and proceed for breakfast. There are variety of items and palatable. We have to start by 8 o;clock, but it was dense fog as well as drizzling also. We were demoralized. Temperature showed 13 * C. Asked Camilus, what to do? He assured that we shall move. We started with depressed mood. Fog was so dense that the visibility was almost zero that stage. One can easily understand the status. Slowly we were moving forward. By fifteen minutes we reached a point from where we have to go down to the crater. Camilus informed that there are separate roads for the up coming and down going vehicle .Perhaps considering safety reason. We were going down to the crater. It a was unimaginable that as we going down , slowly and slowly the density of the fog was also disappearing. We are coming down nearly 200/250 mts. It was really most surprising thing that in the crater there was no fog at all rather it was fully sunny. It’s really wonder before we entered into the wonderland.

Our expectation was too much here. We heard that masai people with their cows are permitted to live in the crater, we could not notice them. Camilus told that they are living in the end of crater which was covered by fog. Immediately we saw a large group of zebras and wildebeest. wild buffalos As usual number of Thompson gazelles , Impalas were busy with eating grass. Ostriches both male and female. Moving forward there are one lion and one lioness laze in the sun. The lioness was sleeping with his four legs upward, looks like a dead one. We stopped for some time. There was no movement of the lioness only lion was changing his direction. After some time we saw beautiful pink colored flamingos, but from far way, in the watery land. We saw flamingoes in the Lake Manyara also, but number was very less, here it was hundreds. There were number of hippos we enjoyed, Two of them was walking in grass land , it was beautiful. Slowly we rush to a spot where 15/20 vehicle .. Wow ! What a nice looking picture ahead. There were group of eleven lions ( one lion three lioness and seven kids) was scattered around a just killed buffalo, Some of them was busy with eating. Eating was going on cyclically. We seen this in TV channels only, but today it is before us, It was a spectacular beauty. We spent almost an hour there. We again noticed a group of ostriches , wait for awhile, one ostrich came to the road without any fear. In between we came across several hyenas, crowned crane, ruwf, luck, black smith glover , elephants, wild hogs . By this time it was 1 -30 PM. We moved for our lunch spot, on the way we saw large group of hippo in the water. We reached in the hippo pool. A lake where hippos were in the water. Enjoying the hippos and finished our picnic lunch.Here also Tanzania Govt. arranged for nice sitting and clean toilet. Thanks to them. The packed lunch was good. We told Camilus we want go the same spot again where we have saw the group of lions. Reached there. We saw one lion and lioness just opposite side, of the road, very near to the road. We stopped, there were six / seven vehicles at that time. Camilus told that it is the meeting period, please wait. After some while the lion stoop up and engaged in meeting. Some tourist start ridiculing among themselves. Ridicules, Those who don’t know , how to enjoy the nature, are they defined as a real tourist? I don’t think. It was a rare opportunity. We don’t want to miss the moment. In the other side, they were not even finished the half portion of the buffalo, but lazing in the sun. There were one hynea and twi jackles were play hide and sick with the lions to take a portion of the hunted buffleo. Funny, Asked Camilus, till we have not seen any rhino or cheetah. He told cheetah is very less here and possibilities of viewing rhinos are remote. We do not know the actual, but by this time we lost confidence on him. At this point we had nothing to do. Slowly moving forward, Suddenly Camilus told there are group of rhinos. It takes long time for us to locate, even with the help of binocular it was not clearly visible. It was other side of a lake. We saw in the morning there is a road that side where vehicle were moving. We requested Camilus to go through that road. But he started arguing it will be too far etc. We were helpless. After some time, at about 3 0’clock he told that we will go back to lodge. We protested for that and told we can spend another two more hours here. He was not happy with this. Again we were moving towards the 11 lions point. Still eating of buffalo was on. All the lions scatteredly here and there. One lion just in touching position of a vehicle just in front of us. Charming. One thing we noticed that there was no giraffe in the crater. We understood that it is due absence of comparatively longer type bosh here, which giraffe can eat. Spent some time there and returning back to the lodge.

In the late afternoon the weather was beautiful, no fog, nothing. Enjoyed the beauty of the crater and the nice sun set from the balcony with cup of tea. Enjoyed the nice local music in the evening, Finish lunch by 9-30 Pm, go to bed with a hope to swim in dream in the wonderland.

atravelynn

That crater fog can be so disappointing when it totally obscures the view, but then all of a sudden it disappears and spirits lift. It appears you had some nice long visits with the lions. Spending a lot of time with them like you did, you really get to understand their behavior.

knightriders1950

Thank you Atravelynn, for your patience reading. All of your lovely encouraging discussions boost me up to share my experience. Yes , you have rightly pointed out that viewing tree climbing is defenitely a wonder, but it is also a wonder the strangeness of fog in Ngorongoro. For nothing lion is not being called" King of Jungle". Their majestic behavior proves it.

knightriders1950

16th October, 2011, Sunday, Serengeti


Today our journey was for Serengeti. We have read many novels in Bengali on Serengeti. Imaginary picture of Serengeti is already in our mind. We ready by 8 AM, having our breakfast. Weather today was little bit better. Somehow we enjoyed beauty of the crater in the morning. We started by 8-30 AM with our picnic launch towards Serengeti via Olduvai.. One night at Wild Life lodge was good other than quality and choice of food.. Within one and half hour we reached Olduvai Gorge, In masai it is known as Oldupaie. One guide explained in brief the history of the archeological importance .There was small museam containing fossil casts of early hominids, tools, artifacts and fossils of various animals that roamed this area millions of years ago. We spent 45 minutes but not so impressive. We reached Serengeti gate ( Nandi hill gate ) at about 1 PM. We finished our packed lunch. There was a viewing spot from where we enjoyed the beauty of the savanna, We seen beautiful bi-coloured lizard ( Agama Lizard) blue and pink. Beautiful, Latter we have seen the same lizard at masaimara , male one, this was a rare sighting both male and female. At 2-15 Pm we started for Serengeti Sopa Lodge, on the way we will go for game drive. Through out road is dusty. Slowly as we are proceeding through the road we saw large number of Thompson gazelle, Zebras, wildebeests, Impalas, few hyenas, wild hogs, elephants, giraffes. As we are not come across any cheetah and leopard, we were eagerly waiting for that moment. We knew that we have wait for that. One thing I missed to mentioned about a nice rabbit which we have seen at Ngorongoro, it was not white but brownish. Suddenly we noticed one hyenas with three kids. Camilus told that it’s a rare sighting. It was surprising that the colour of the kid was dark black where as body of a hyena is different. We enjoyed , how the hyena nursing the kids along with the naughtiness of them. Enjoyable , We entered the savanna of Serengeti. We saw number of hippos in a small lake. We enjoyed this just standing beside the lake. We were moving and noticed single lion. in a sitting position .But started moving towards a bush. Suddenly heavy rain was start dropping and saw the lion started running , perhaps to avoid the rain, towards a bush and disappear. One more hour we spent in that area , but no mentionable incident find except one Long Crested eagle.Short rain makes the comfotable as well as save from the dust also. We moved towards Sopa Lodge and reached there at 5-45 Pm. As usual greeted with welcome drinks and with warm napkin. The room was very good and one can enjoy the out side beauty sitting in the room. We spend some time in lobby with cups of tea and snacks. Sopa lodge is the only where you will get tea/ coffee with snacks throughout the evening. Beside pool side , just below, we have noticed wild buffalos, Haney’s, and some beautiful birds. We visited curio shop, but it was costly. At about 9 Pm we went for dinner. The selection food and the preparation was wonderful. The hospitality I have noticed here can be compared with Kibo Safari Lodge. Here also we had fixed table. Every off and on waiter was asking about our need and quality of food. They also asking about our comfort and any special item we required for tomorrow. As we have to move tomorrow with picnic launch, we requested them to provide chicken item in the lunch packet, not beef. They agreed and kept their commitment. Armed guard escorted to the room, as there was no fencing in the lodge, I asked the guard, whether they have seen any wild animals here? They replied some times wild buffalo , hyenas, wild hog etc seen here .Go to bed with a hope to see Cheetah /Leopard and Rhino tomorrow

atravelynn

Hyena pups, what a delight! Your first line answered the question I was going to ask. I wondered what other language you spoke.

Hoping for your cheetah sighting.

knightriders1950

17th October, Monday, Serengeti

We have to start by 8 Pm, accordingly get up by 6-30 in the morning and ready 7-15 AM. It was a sunny bright morning. Two baboons were moving from here to there. Moved for breakfast. Buffet system, Beautiful selection of different items . One fried cake was there was really very tasty . leaving bread I took 4/.5 pieces of cake to finish my breakfast. In the breakfast table the attendance of the staff is appreciable. As if we were the valued guest their house. Thanks to them, also to the management. We started sharp at 8 AM, with open pop-up roof. of our Land Cruiser. We are moving towards Moriu area. Due to short rain yesterday evening weather was little bit cool and absolutely no dust. Comfortable, Within 20 minutes we noticed a few number of vehicle were standing, and we rushed to that point. We reached to the point for which we were waiting for a long time. Yes , we were in front of two leopards with two cubs. Two leopards were on the top of a tree, one cub was on dry branch on very lower side of the same tree and one was under the tree.. One of our dream came successful today. We were hungry for that. We were watching the movie picture with total silence. There were 4/5 vehicles only. All of us enjoying the amazing opera. The cub which was on the tree, came down and join other. Running here and there and engaged in amusement. Within a short while both the leopards came down together. Looking around and stretching of limb to throw off dullness. (must be got bored by laying down for a long time on the tree). A little after both of them start walking sluggishly parallel to the road within ten meter distance from the road. We were also following them silently. On the other hand cubs don’t took any notice for their parents but engaged in naughtiness. They moved about hundred meters. Reaching to the same type of tree both of them climbed and laid down as earlier. Still both the cubs were in the earlier spot. We spent more than an hour and moving forward with full satisfaction. On the way we saw huge giraffe was standing alone. Busy in taking food. Again we noticed few vehicles and rush to that direction. Today our luck was with us. We saw two cheetahs were sitting under a small tree. We were enjoying with fascinated eyes. Frequently they were changing their sitting position and rolling their body. In this way we quenched our thirst. By this time both the cheetahs were started walking. Slowly they were out of our sight. We noticed a large group of elephants. Some of them furbishing their body on soft clay. We saw one most beautiful bird Red Billed Horn Bell, several ostrich,both male and female, zebras, wildebeest, Impalas,etc . We also noticed Goose, koori bustard, White headed Buffalo weaver, Drongo and so many birds. Then we came across a group six lions, one lion, three lioness and two cubs. , scatteredly lazing under the sun. By this time it was 2 o’clock, we proceeded for picnic launch in the Tourist hub. The lunch box provided was the best of all time. As requested, they provided a preparation of chicken with nice selection of items. There was nice park in side the campus.

After launch we were roaming in the park for few time. In between I asked one person there, whether rhino can be seen here? He informed today we have saw one rhino in the southern part. You can try for that. We pass on the information to Camilus, he just replied .”anyone can say anything”. One can easily understand his attitude. As today was our last safari with Camilus, we told him, we like to visit the place as mentioned by that person. He has no other alternative but to proceed. But we were sure he will not go to that direction, as we were blind in this respect. It was actually happened like that. However as we left the Tourist hub we again saw one cheetah laid down scattered his four legs lazily on a branch of a dead tree very near to the road. We moved to other side of the road to see the face. The tree was in the corner of the two roads. How lovely moment that I can’t explain. After spending half an hour we moved for Rhino hunt ( through eyes only) We were moving ,moving and moving, but no trace of rhino, only notice large number Mongoose, two dicdics, one gazelle was drinking water, and others as usual. Not a very eventful afternoon, except that cheetah. One thing we noticed during this three days safari, the wireless set in the vehicle never working, except once. I asked Camilus, Is it Working? He replied Yes. But We have not heard any message to receive or any response. During two days in Amboseli We notice that there was continuous message in the set, Festus almost continuously responding and talking in there language. Here it was some thing different. We don’t know the reason.

We came back to lodge at about 5-45 in the evening. Taking tea ,go straight to room. Take rest in the room for sometime. In the evening we spent a long time sitting in the open space in the lodge with several cups of tea and snacks. In the lobby a register maintain for visitors remarks. There was a column “ What you have seen”. On that column .I wrote “ The title of the column would have been –What you have not seen, So that the space provided is sufficient. We computed our experience. We finish our dinner by 9-30 Pm. The head of the dinning area was Mr Kennedy, Lovely person, always laughing face. Tried to take care every guest. As like yesterday security guard escorted us up to the room for obvious reason, Slowly we have already spent eight day of our safari. We will be in our last part at Masaimara. Throwing body to the bed.

twaffle

I've resorted to printing this off so that I can read it at leisure. So much wonderful information.

atravelynn

What a day full of spotted cats! You indicated the two adult leopards were "parents." Were you able to see if this was an adult male and a female with the cubs? Is it possible the female had a near adult cub and then two young ones?

Four leopards in one sighting is way more rare than a tree climbing lion!

twaffle

I've finished reading, wonderful so far thank you. Now I'm ready for the next part!
I agree with atravelynn, those leopards were the prized sighting for sure. Not very impressed with your Tanzanian guide, doesn't sound up to scratch at all.

knightriders1950

Dear atravelynn, You are absoutely right, that way I never think. But the two lepord were seems to the same age, and I mentioned as "parents". Yes, both give us same plasure, Only difference is that tree climbing lion can be seen in the Lake Manyara only where as leapord/ Cheetah are available in so many places. I was lucky to enjoy both in my first time visit.

Dear twaffle, Its my pleasre that I can share my experience which make you happy. If my trip report helps anyway to the future traveller, then I will very happy. shortly I will post last part of my report. Thanks all of you for your look through of my trip report.

atravelynn

Looking forward to the final installment and what you thought of the journey between the Serengeti and the Mara. Please include details such as length of travel, what you saw, etc. if you can.

knightriders1950

18th October,Tuesday,on the way to Masaimara


Spending one of the best lodge , in all respect, two nights, today we have to move for our last part of the safari i,e Masaimara. We have read so many bad reports about the road in the trip report on “Indiancouple” before our journey. Even our first question to Daniel, CEO of D.. K .Grand Safari, about the road. One can easily understand how much scared we are. Yesterday Camillus told we shall start by 6A.M. But from trip reports, I was sure if we start by 7 AM ,it will be comfortable. I have not told any thing to any one. Accordingly get up at 5-30 AM. Took our bath and go to breakfast table at 6-30 morning. Camillus came to us and expressed his unhappiness, But we have finished our beautiful breakfast in our own time. Convey our sincere thanks to all the staff members for our comfortable staying and good quality food, over all nice hospitality and got ready by 7 AM. Camillus told we already late by one hour. We heard silently. We started our journey towards Masaimara, through Serengeti safari park. As we are moving through the park, we were expected to see anything ,what we have not seen so far. But it is always not so, what you think. As usual we saw so many zebras, giraffes, wild hogs. Wild buffalo, Thompson gazelle, impalas etc. But no big cat . We were passing beside Sukuma Lake.. We were nearby to the exit gate of Serengeti. All on a sudden we saw hundreds of wildebeests, Zebras and impalas over both side of a big field. Camillus told they are for migration from Serengeti to Masaimara. Although we have not enjoy the migration, at least notice the preparation of the animals for migration. Butter-milk in lieu of milk. Reached Serengeti exit gate at 10 AM. During this period we observed our van was running with a speed of 80 to 90 kmph. It means his earlier slow driving with a specific intention. As per rule you can not drive within park more than 50km, but now no rule is applicable to him, as he has to go back early. We already told Camilus while going to Masaimara. We will go via Lake Victoria. We discussed the matter with the CEO of Worrior Trails, The nice gentleman immediately agreed that and told us “you ask Camillus, he will take you. By this time all of you might have been notice the nature of Camillus. As usual he started giving excuses. We gave up the visit of Lake Victoria and started towards Masaimara.

At 1-30 PM we reached at Serera , Tanzania- Kenya border. Completed the immigration formalities. Crossed the border and reached Isibenia, Kenyan part for further journey. We noticed that our old friends Denis and Festus were waiting for us with smiling face with the same van. Transferred the luggage. Took leave from Camillus. He was a good person but totally negative attitude. One person of this type alone is sufficient to damage the reputation of a very good organization like Warrior Trails. I requested some time for smoking, but Festus told we have to start immediately, if there is rain , it will be difficult to drive. Already there was fear in my mind so without wasting any time we started for Masaimara. Thanks to Festus . he allowed me to smoke within the vehicle, but for the first and the last time. Agreed my friend.

We started with a fear in our mind. Slowly we were moving. The road was motorable but occasionally was in very bad shape. We were thinking about the report of’ Indiancouple’. By this way we already spent one and half hour. Suddenly we noticed that the road is muddy. Although there was no rain in between, but this may due to the earlier rain. Silently we were observing. We were passing through the forest. No habitants nearby. Our van was moving through the muddy road and sometimes through the bush to avoid the muddy road. We were speechless. But alas! If there is trouble in your fate who will save you? Our van stuck in the mud so badly that it was total dead-lock. Festus and Denis get down from the van and tried to push the van but failed. We told them that we should also get down and help you. But in spite of our several request we did not allow us to do so. In this way we have spent half an hour. But suddenly we noticed that a small truck reached that spot. Festus requested them to pull the van, so that it can get out of the present position. There was a strong rope in our van and with the help of this we came out from dead situation. Definitely God save us from the hazards. Otherwise how the mini truck came there. We believe in God and sometimes we face the miracle. I think so. Again we were moving in the same way very slowly and cautiously . After almost one hour journey we are passing through a Masai village. Just after crossing the village we saw the terrible condition of the road. It was totally in a very bad shape. No one can expect to drive on that condition. We stopped for a while and decided to drive through the bush. Even to cross the little portion was difficult. But there was no other alternative but to proceed, By this time we saw two more tourist van behind us. We got some strength. As usual we stuck in the muddy road. In spite of all effort, result was zero. One of the other vehicle came before us through another passage. But they faced the same result. Third vehicle came in between but not on the road, waiting over grass land. The third vehicle tried to pull both the van separately but no result. I do not know how much I able to describe the situation but it was a horrible condition. We forgot everything. By this time 10/15 Masai people gathered and tried to help us. They also failed. In this way we already spent more than two hours. All the people were discussing among themselves. Ultimately we saw the third vehicle came behind us and drag our van back to a better position. Similarly second van was also drag back. After that we found three Masai people sat in the three van. Denis informed us that that this man will show there foot road through the bush up to a certain distance. We are moving through the bush as per their direction .After about 30 minutes of journey we reached a motorable road. They get down. All the van paid some money to them and we convey our thanks. I am writing very easily, but the situation we faced is indescribable. Coming to the road(?) we heave a deep sigh. Once it was in our mind that we have to spent full night on the road. Thanks to the unknown people, who came forward of their own to help us. We feel still there are good people in this world. Shame to Kenyan Govt, when they are earning a huge amount from the tourist, they should have moral responsibility to think for them. It is my advise for the future tourist to avoid this road at any cost. As we entered the park we seen Zebras elephants Giraffe Hyenas and a Group of 6 lions just beside the road. We enjoy the beautiful sunset from the park .We reached Mara Sopa Lodge at about 7-30 PM. The road to the lodge took almost 15 to 20 minutes from the safari field and the condition of the road was horrible. We were extremely tired. In the reception we were informed that there was only a single room left for us. Denis shown the confirmation slip of advance booking .But nothing happened. They might have been allotted the room to others to earn more. Shame to them. They promised to change the room tomorrow morning. There was no other alternative but to accept. To reach the room we have to cross a long distance. It was a small room in a shabby atmosphere. We were totally fade up with the management. We took some rest and go for dinner. The choice of the food was very bad and the taste also. We were not in a position to think anything that time. Finish our dinner came back to the room and observed the mosquito net was not properly placed. Every where we observed during dinner period it is arrange. At that moment we were helpless. Go to bed immediately. We pass one of the most horrible day in our life. Perhaps I shall forget the wrong attitude of Camillus, bad approach of Mara Sopa Lodge, but day as silent as the dead will remain forever.

knightriders1950

atravelynn, I do not know how far I am able to narrate the situation, but I am confident all of you must think twice before move on this road. Thanks

knightriders1950

19th and 20th October 2011, Wednesday and Thursday , Masaimara

Yesterday it was decided that we shall be in safari both morning and afternoon. Accordingly we got up and ready by 6 o’clock. As we to change our room, so we have not open our luggage’s. Coming to the reception desk I reminded them to provide us a good room nearby to the reception. They assured us that they will shift our luggage when we will be out for safari.. Coming out we met our guide And ask them about their condition. Yesterday they were extremely tired both physically and mentally but now comfortable. While going we were discussing about yesterdays journey, Festus and Denis both informed us that they never faced this type of situation before. Perhaps we shall forget the negative attitude of Camillus, also forget the bad management of Mara Sopa Lodge, But is it possible to forget the dread day of our life? I think no. Let it be, we are trying to forget and immerse in joy.

We already told Festus that so far we have not came across rhino. He replied, let us hope for the best. I was confident that they will do their best for us. We started at 7,o clock. Its large area. We covering one part today, Morning session nothing special to mention. We saw as usual Thompson Gazelle, Zebras, Giraffes Elephant etc. etc.

Coming back to the lodge at about 10 Am. We were expecting that our room has been changed by this time. But practically it was not so. They requested us to wait for half an hour. We came to our room After taking our break fast. We waited for more than an hour but no one there to shift our luggage. We were getting annoyed by this time. Again came to the desk and asking about the change of room. They are asking me why it is not changed so far? Then I shouted and told about the poor service they are rendering. One way they have deprived our originally booked room, other side they were not changing our room . This is most poorest service we got among all the lodged we stayed during this safari. However , ultimately they changed our room which was better than earlier.

After launch we took little nap and started for evening game drive by 3 Pm. Second half also very monotonous. Nothing special here to mention. It was the most dullest day of our safari. We were very disappointed but with a high hope that one more day with us and we want leave this place with full satisfaction. It was decided tomorrow we shall go for full day game drive accordingly we shall start by 8 AM. In the evening we mostly confined in our room. There was a masai dance in the lobby but not at all impressive. Finish our dinner go to bed with a dream of better tomorrow.

We were ready by 7-30 in the morning on taking very ordinary breakfast. We started by quartet to 8 with our packed launch box. We are at the fag end of our journey. Naturally we not in good mood. In the morning we recollecting all the incidents during past few days. However today is our last day and we like to enjoy as much as possible. Today should not be like yesterday.

We are moving towards other part of the game field. Shortly we noticed two leopards under the tree. After some time they started moving here and there. Then crossed the road just in front of our vehicle and slowly disappear in the bush. .On the way we noticed a spectacular thing. That one just born impala. Most probably 10-15 minute before we reached there. Really wonderful. Next we came across lions was eating the residual of their hunted animal . Two/three jackal, Thompson Gazelle, Impala, giraffe , elephants, hyenas and of course so many beautiful birds. We noticed one antelope very big in size. Denies informed that it is called Elands Nice to see many of them. Back portion is black but other as usual.. It has so strength that tiger even afraid of them. Slowly the clock was ticking toward the afternoon and we were moving towards the Mara river. In the river bed we saw so many beautiful crocodiles of different ages. One thing we noticed that the colour of all the crocodile was yellow base not what we generally seen a blackish one. We spent some time and also saw huge numbers of hippo in the river Mara. It was beautiful afternoon with nice scenic beauty. We left the place for lunch. In Tanzania, Govt has provided beautiful sitting arrangement within the park so that people can comfortably sit there. But in Kenya no where we noticed the same. Govt is earning a substantial amount from tourist , but they do not bother about the comfort of them. Sated under a tree we finished most third class launch. I was thinking that we will missed the rhino as there was little time left. I have not discussed the matter with any one. As I was noticed that Festus was trying with his best for the same and I was confident he will try upto his last. Even after this if failed, it will be our nothing but bad luck.
Slowly we our moving forward in the last session. Again we saw two cheetahs on the field. Little bit from a longer distance. Moving forward , saw lions, elephant and again came across three cheetah under a tree we did not spent much time as we were in definite target. At about 3PM all on a sudden fetus was in a excited mood and continuously talking in transmitter and our vehicle start moving very fast. From side my son-in-law told me, definitely there is a smell of some thing special. With in a short span we reached a point for which we were waiting from the beginning. Yes, It was a big black two horn rhino. What I say, I was very rare moment of life. Festus and Denis both were looks like very satisfied not because we saw Rhino but they were at last able to satisfied us. This was the difference between Camilus and Festus and Denis. The rhino just 10-15 ft from our vehicle. There were only one more vehicle, so we were enjoying to last point of our soul. More than an hour we were on the spot and the Rhino was busy with eating grass, bushes, not bothering about our presence. slowly the rhino crossed the road and joined with another rhino ( Not visible properly) within the bush. Festus asked me are you satisfied? I replied, What both you have done for us ,after this I have nothing to say. What to tell about our satisfaction! Then he told that in the morning also I got the massage and tried to reach the spot. But by the time we reached there the rhino disappear. We are moving toward the Mara Sopa Lodge. Daniel told today we have seen all the “Big Five’ of Africa in one day, it’s a rare opportunity. Really we are very very grateful both Festus and Denis, Over all to Daniel ie D.K. Grand Safari and all the staff. We witnessed of enough animals ,birds , scenic beauty over all the nice people.

Getting down we hug both of them to show our gratitude. Yes, guide should like this, who will try up last to satisfy their guest. Daniel is fortunate that he has people like Festus and Denis with him. Only request to Daniel that he should think twice before booking to Mara Sopa Lodge. We packed up our bags with all our memories to proceed toward Nairobi tomorrow. (I am really sorry all of you that I could not posted the article in time as I was extremely busy with my personal work)

21st October , Friday, To Nairobi and India

We start at 8 AM with our lunch box., our flight to India was at 5.30 in the evening.
The terrific traffic position was in our mind, so we liked to reach Nairobi at early as possible. In the breakfast table we were cherish the memories of last twelve days and it come to end so fast. We know time and tide wait for none. We have to accept the truth.
In midway we collect some curios for family and friends. We were passing through the Rift Valley. Halt for some time to take a breath of the beauty of the Rift Valley.. Reached Nairobi at about 1-30 afternoon. We straight go to Kazuri Bead & Pottery factory to have a look. Due to shortage of time we could not see properly. During this short span of time we noticed the beautiful product of the Factory. Then we left for Utamaduni Craft Centre. From here also we purchased some wood carving and Garments. It was 3 o clock. No one interested to took the packed launch, even then we took some thing on the way to Airport. Denis contacted Daniel and he assured to meet in the Airport. We reached The airport By 4 Pm. But Daniel could not reach due to traffic jam. We were already late. So we were not in a position to wait for Daniel further. But again we like to mention here that the arrangement done made by D.K.Grand Safri was beautiful. If I get an oppotunity to come here again, I shall not hasitate to hand over my journey to them. Thanks to Daniel and his team. We proceed for finish our formalities and go straight to security check. One surprising thing we noticed that there was no provision of drinking water in the airport. You have to purchase the same. Even there was toilet after security enclosed. It is some thing ridicules. Our flight on Ethiopian Airlines which was Mumbai via Addis Ababa. Ultimately when we landed Mumbai Airport, rising sun was welcoming us in our motherland. Good Bye to all Fodorites, who spent time to read my articles. I take leave from all of you with hope meet again any where at any time . Thanks to all of you again.

atravelynn

Your son-in-law must have a very keen sense of smell to know you would be seeing something as special as the black rhino.

Your last days in the Mara were highly productive. Always glad to note cheetahs were sighted.

I too hope we meet again in another trip report, or maybe even in India! Might you be in the mood for spotting blackbuck in the next few months? If so, perhaps we'll cross paths.