Serengeti - photo by Michael Girman
Serengeti in Maasai means Endless Plains
We had been driving for hours, staring at the flat landscape stretching to the horizon, when we realized that we were indeed now in the Serengeti, aka Africa’s Endless Plains.
We left Lemala’s Ngorongoro Camp after breakfast and drove 50 miles north through the central Serengeti. Along the way, we stopped at a Maasai village, called a boma, to purchase some of their hand-beaded jewelry. The Maasai women are skilled in this traditional art and count on tourism for income. The chief’s son spoke English quite well and took charge of the negotiations. I came away with a beaded necklace and a brass bracelet.
Olduvai Gorge: The Cradle of Humankind
Olduvai Gorge Monument - photo by Michael Girman
Between Ngorongoro and Serengeti lies Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Here lies the earliest evidence of the existence of our human ancestors. Paleoanthropologists have found hundreds of fossilized bones and stone tools in the area, dating back millions of years and leading them to conclude that humans evolved in Africa. Standing on this empty, featureless plain, we were struck with awe as we contemplated that this is where humanity began.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala’s Nanyukie Camp lies just outside of the Seronera area, famous for the large concentration of big cats and resident wildlife drawn to the water in its many rivers. The main lodge has an immense lounge and bar area with a variety of indoor and outdoor seating. The bar is fully stocked with all varieties of liquors and has an experienced staff trained to make your favorite cocktail.
The 15 luxurious guest tents are spaced well apart for maximum privacy. Features include an oversized bed, spacious living area and a large bathroom with double vanity, shower and free-standing bathtub. The wooden deck has sunken seating, an outdoor shower and stunning corner plunge pool with views directly across the Serengeti’s magnificent grasslands.
Cats
We set out to find cats. We weren’t disappointed. That evening, as I lay on the massage table, I heard what I thought might be a lion’s roar. I politely asked, “Was that a lion?” My masseuse nonchalantly replied, “Oh yes, they live around here.” On the game drives, we were able to see numerous prides and many individual lions, including lionesses with newborn cubs.
African Sundowners
A sundowner, as I’ve come to realize, is not just a happy hour but an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the uniqueness of a lodge’s location. At Nanyukie, our special secret sundowner took place in the savannah, under an acacia tree near a kopje where a crew from the lodge set up a complete bar with seating so we could enjoy cocktails in the bush at sunset. A Maasai warrior stood guard on the rocks making sure we had no four-legged intruders. The added thrill of wildlife joining our picnic made this even more remarkable.
Tanzania is open to all visitors. Going on safari is a life-changing experience. If you’d like to go on safari, message me and I can help you plan your trip of a lifetime.
Next and final installment: 10-Day Tanzania Safari: Northern Serengeti
Read past blogs on Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.