Apparently monkeys like chocolate powder. During a typical African morning, with delicious breakfast and stunning views, we noticed that the monkey who was normally sitting on a large rock in a majestic way (waiting to steal some food from the table), was missing. Oh well. But when we walked back to the tent there was something strange; the zipper was half open. I was sure that I closed it. “Always lock the zipper” the camp manager told me. Of course I had forgotten. Suddenly in front of me a monkey quickly ran away..and then I knew… The floor of our beautiful tent was covered with powder for chocolate milk, used on last week’s Kilimanjaro climb. Needless to say it was a mess everywhere. But all I could do is laugh..we’d been robbed by a monkey! It was a fantastic ending of a great trip. This week’s blog is of little text; I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Following the recovery of my root canal treatment (thanks to the fantastic help by the locals) it was time to relax and enjoy Africa’s amazing scenery and wildlife. Drugged with antibiotics, and forced therefore to wear a hat to protect extra against the Sun, we sat off, feeling now totally like Indiana Jones with my hat bought in Disneyland.
Stitched Panorama
A first pitstop at the Ngorongoro crater, the world’s largest volcanic caldera and a World Heritage Site, was already mind-blowing. Home to about 25,000 large animals, you’re basically surrounded by wild life everywhere you go. It was also the only place where I spotted a hook-lipped rhinos. Another intriguing place was the elephant ‘cemetery’; a place where elephants spend the final part of their life and die, of which you find evidence of several elephant skulls lying in the grass.
Next stop was the Serengeti, where we could see the first wildebeests arriving, and saw some of the remaining Big Five such as the African leopard. Playful lions were a highlight, and a group of lions returning one by one from a hunt. We did not see any charge, but did find a couple of cheetah’s enjoying their caught meal.
Of course a trip in a balloon is not to be missed at the Serengeti. While the wildebeest were still mostly missing, we could spot a group of lions and several other animals in the water such as hippos and crocodiles. The landing against a tree was bound to be the highlight of the day, had it not been for a pair of impalas mating right next to our breakfast picnic tables..
The drive back to Arusha was sad. I like Africa. I have been only twice but I feel sad to leave it. With the upcoming planned climbs it is not likely that I will return soon. But I can’t wait for the day to be back!
Ciao!
Robin
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