Sunday 1 January 2017

BLOG 10 - DAY 21, DAY 22 & DAY 23

DAY 21
We had an early brekkie full of billions of flying ants as additional guests. Witnessing 4 lionesses and too many cubs to count all eating a buffalo carcass was such a treat. It rained on and off all morning and a lot last night so the roads were very slippery and muddy. It was really cool seeing how different the environment was dry versus wet. Around 2 we drove back towards the crater to stay at Simba Camp. The view of the crater along the way was breathtaking. The food was incredible, again! After dinner while enjoying a festive campfire and gooey roasted marshmallows we could watch the buffalos grazing at the bushes nearby (only 10m away). Feeling warm and toasty from the fire we all slept like babies.


DAY 22
A game drive through the Ngorogoro Crater (named after the sound a cows bell makes when they walk). After changing a flat tire and an impromptu bathroom stop we sped off to lions- a beautiful male lion and 2 females but more soon appeared. It looked as though they were going to hunt a baby zebra nearby but instead they moved off lazily into the shade. Roaming the plains were two lone Ellie's, I've never really seen elephants as solitary animals (other than the bulls that are exiled by the the matriarch). We saw many hyena, and even some foxes and jackals. After ascending the crater and admiring the view we drove to a place called the African Galleria - which had wifi.  I managed to receive old messages and send a few replies. My dad had sent me message explaining that the reason my bank cards stopped working was because the bank cancelled them believing they'd been stolen and used by someone in Central Africa (nope, it was only me haha) - but he sorted it all out. 2 of 3 vehicles then arrived at our camp (snake park again) as the others had broken down. After emptying our vehicle our driver rushed off to fetch the rest of our group. After a long shower (& washing my VERY dusty hair for the first time in a couple days) I felt so much more alive. After a tour of all different kinds of snakes and even getting to hold a few. We then grabbed drinks and joined the others in the dinner area. We played card games till dinner. After a huge dinner that made me feel like I was at home (braai meat, coleslaw, salad, potato salad AND garlic bread) we continued our drinks closer to our truck. It was only 10 and our dancing was already in full swing, around 11 power naps were necessary. Although the partying restarted at 11:50 haha. Dancing and singing to Queen as the New Year began. It only lasted till 12:20 then everyone scattered to their tents (we were all really tired and knew we had a 5am wake up)


DAY 23
Waking up at 5 and leaving at 6 left like it took at least 3 hours, as many were not feeling quite themselves (tipsy or hungover I'm not too sure) . A 9hour drive turning into a 13hour drive to Bagamoyo due to speed limit changes gives you time to think, sadly. It's weird that it doesn't even feel as though Christina's has passed. I think these last couple days that I've started thinking about home more, like wondering what everyone else is up to. Sleeping on the truck I had a good sleep. After finally arriving at Firefly Camp we were so excited- the place was exquisite. The camp is right on the beach, there's a pool, and you can feel the salt in the air. Gosh how I miss the ocean. We all thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing swim as well as the beautifully lit bohemian outside area. Dinner was the best chicken we have had so far. Sitting and chatting on the couches with the others and even a quick call to my family allowed time to pass very quickly. All the windows wide open in our tent and we were still hot, sticky and gross.

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