African Safari - 2026
Monday 12 October'26 - Lake Manyara (Tanzania)/Amboseli National Park (Kenya)
Primarily, a travel day but still an 0700 departure from the hotel and in keeping with the norm, a local was there to wish us a bon voyage. At least it was on sealed roads. Just after 1100 we arrived at Namaga in Tanzania, where Noel was to hand us over to Michael, our Kenyan guide, for the last part of the trip as far as safari's go. Another "interesting encounter" with Immigration officials before jumping in the Land-cruiser and heading off into Kenya. A few minutes later we pulled over for lunch and then 45 minutes later, we hit the road, destined for our last stop on the safari trail, Amboseli National Park, with our destination being Amboseli Serena Lodge. As was the case with all other national parks, the trip to the actual entry gates was on a dirt road and at least 30 minutes after turning off the highway. Along the way, I was surprised to see a camel feeding quietly despite being in Africa. Amboseli is nestled at the the base of Mount Kilimanjaro and has wide open grassy plains, which provide a mirage giving the impression of a large lake, as well as (due to the snow melt from the mountain) big marshy waterways. Again, the wildlife was something to amaze you.
As we neared the accommodation we came across a yellow baboon enjoying himself. We also saw a Tawny Eagle, a Squacco Heron and just before we entered the grounds of the lodge, a group of elephants hanging out. The lodge itself was great and after sorting ourselves out in the room, headed down to the bar for a pre-dinner drink. The sunset was something to behold and the gentleman in the red is a Masai Warrior, employed to keep the monkeys and baboons from pestering guests with his trusty slingshot, or as he called himself, the Monkey Controller. Dinner and bed as tomorrow is the last day of our safari component of the trip with another 0700 start...
