THE LAST OF TANZANIA

Mateba town and Blue Canoe Lodge - the last of Tanzania.  In our Memories we will always think back as a HIGHLIGHT to remember.

Songwen border post went fast. After paying another THIRD PARTY INSURANCE of 50$ per vehicle we were in Malawi. The home of Joseph. He is so excited to see his family after 4 years. He is only working for us since May this year. We decided to give him 3 weeks to stay with his family. He will come by bus back to us. There is a direct bus from Malawi to Johannesburg.

At Chiweta town we will over night at Hakuna Matata Lodge. 

Willie a South African and Maggie a Malawian woman welcomed us. Maggie is managing the camp for Willie. Lamb chops from South Africa, healthy veggie pot still from Annie and Quentin, pap and sheba on the fire. 

Willie joined us telling his amazing stories of all his travels. We were fascinated by his stories. He was very surprised, us saying a thank-you prayer to God to bless our food. Willie himself is a Christian, he says that most of the guests visiting him are non believers. 

Long after our bedtime Willie was still telling us the story of Speke discovering the source of the Nile, ( he says it is the most important river in the world. Not only the longest but the reason for the Pyramids, and Moses). We wished him a good night sleep.

Willie joined us with our morning praise. Maggie prayed beautifully in Swahili . Wave them goodbye we were soon on our way. Leaving the Rife Valley you cross a steep mountain.

Mzuzu is in all Africa standards a well organized town with an excellent Shoprite.

Cuppachino's at The Coffee Den was a novelty by now. Our last once were in Arusha.

Hans wanted to balance his tires,  so he send them off to Mkuzi Camp. He made a reservation for us.

This is a must see on any bucket list. 

Brent and his wife are maintaining this little piece of paradise.

We decided 3 nights is what we need to enjoy this gold glitter beach on the Malawi Lake. Nellie was fascinated by all the glitter. When swimming - she came out all glittered.

Chris capabilities with  a canoe was clear its not the first time he is doing this. 

The bar is built on a rock over looking the pristine little bay, surrounded by rocks.

Last night we had a lovely 3 course  meal in their cozy restaurant. Thanks Anton for spoiling Hans and myself, leaving 50$ with Wimcar to treat us. You really have such a kind heart, always putting somebody else first. It was a very special surprise, much appreciated.

7:00am we were all packed and after our morning prayers we left.

Zambia will be our next country today. Aiming to reach South Luangwe.  The amazing thing last night we were lulled to sleep by the waves to night the Hippo's snoring will put us to sleep.

Mghinji border post on the Zambian side just reminded us we're in Africa. No rules to obey. Our Passports were promptly stamped, no form filled in ( the Police officer notified us, tech-knowledge in Zambia is most advanced.) Our admiration didn't last long. Paying 70$ towards, third-party, Road Tax, Road toll, District counsel fees, and Carbon tax. Carneys must be stamped, just to find out the only officer who can do it, was on lunch. We've to wait a hour??? AFRICA????

At Chintetsi we'll draw money. The Zambian khwasha 10 to the 1 $

STRONGER THAN THE RAND??? What is happening to our beautiful beloved South Africa?

South Luangwa - we reached Croc Valley camp just before sunset, thanks to our delay at the border.  An Elephant at the reception welcomed us by breaking the rope with his back side and then stroll on as if nothing was wrong.  On our way we saw Elephant walking among the villagers in their village.

 Here humans and elephants really live in peace. 
Hans not feeling well at all - Elisme very worried maybe she must fly him out and bring Anton in at Lusaka.  As you all know Elisme is just short of 51 subjects to be a Doctor. Decided to start a coarse of general Antibiotics. 

Her diagnose is Pleurisy Putting him straight to bed with pain-killers and a sleeping-tablet. The next day she ordered bed-rest, lots of water and healthy fresh food. Nellie offered to give him a back, neck and head massage. Tuesday morning his coughing and chest pain was something of the past. Elisme insisted that he still takes it easy, with lots of rest.

Sunday evening a group 6 Lions visit the camp. Monday evening an Elephant came right up to Hans and Elisme's vehicle eating his Supper of tree branches close to them. Wimcar and Nellie had a Elephant family of Mom, Dad and baby visiting them. They were just inspecting the ford and then walked off quietly. Satisfied its a excellent vehicle. 

Wimcar and Nellie went on a game drive which got them 75$ out of the pocket. BUT was worth double that. Chris and Julia decided to catch up on WIFI, still frustrating - it comes and go.

Hans will decide where the wheels will lead to tomorrow. 

LOBO CAMP SITE

Lobo Camp Site ...our next stop.

Lobo Lodge - Hans invited everybody for a drink. A view that takes away your breath met our eyes.

 The Camp Site sheltered by magnificent rocks reaching  to the sky and Buffalo grazing down in the valley. This was a true Africa scene of peace and tranquility. 

The opposite was our destiny tonight, with tents pitched up all over the small camp site, the camp kitchen buzzing with activity, Over-landers!

Our group was exposed to real Over- landers with loud laughter, talking and EXERCISE  for the group. 3 different groups, Italians, Spanish and Germans all with their own cultures and the our group of South Africans. This is when you learn to respect them and enjoy their differences.  

 

Migration was on our program the next morning, to see hundred thousands, (as they say ) of Wildebeest getting together.

Anton and Michelle's expectations was soon fulfilled. Flip was in amazement saying,  "now he must start his count again" he stopped at 49,000!

360 degrees of Wildebeest some as big as an anthill or just a spot on the horizon BUT that was Wildebeest.

We saw a small crossing over the Bologonja River. What amazed Nadia and Anton where the rows and rows they were walking in as far as the eye could see.

Anton spotted 2 Cheetahs laying and staring over the Wildebeest. They were totally unaware of us. So we could have a good view of them.

 

Franky our driver stop between them for our vehicle lunch, strictly forbidden to get out of the vehicles. Soon the group knew, why they're called Gnu. With thousands making the same sound you couldn't make a mistake.

Chris and Julia went back to Seronera to go and try to see and be able to take pictures of a lion catch.

 

 On our back drive Anton shouted stop. Once again he was the spotter, this time the biggest Leopard, Wimcar even saw how he was busy planning his catch. With a baby Zebra in eye he started his Leopard crawl. Something warned the Zebra's and all that the Leopards could do, was to go and lay in the tree pretending to sleep.  This was really one of the biggest Leopards we ever laid eyes on. A MAGNIFICENT LEOPARD.

Everybody was sharing their photo's - with a drink in the hand sitting in the shade of a Fig-tree. 

Tonight we'll experience the nightfall in all it's splendor. Only 3 German tents and us. Just to be disturbed by a Ranger. Coming to fight with us about the wood laying next to the fire. Law in Tanzania don't allow you to pick-up or burn any wood.

This was the Italians wood of last night, we were only using the fire place. Luckily the kitchen staff sorted him out after a few hard words, he left.

Once again we had a beautiful laid table and a five star combined meal. Everybody was just commenting on how excellent the meals are. Last night Wimcar was the "braaier" on fillet and tonight it was Anton with pork chops.

Vikaless gave us a cooking lesson on how to cook their special rice.

Seronera at Dik Dik Camp will be our last evening together with Anton, Michelle, Flip and Nadia.

Sad that the Parks authority do not give attention to their ABLUTION FACILITIES. Just impossible to use,  all flooded and then NO WATER toilets to the rim. They're asking an arm and a leg for 24 hour entrance and then THIS?

Wimcar, Nellie, Chris, Julia, Joseph, Hans and Elisme's entrance fee for the 5 nights were R48,000. Not even to talk what Anton, Michelle, Flip and Nadia are paying.

With this in mind I think it is fair to expect CLEAN ABLUTION FACILITIES WITH RUNNING WATER ( even if it is cold) ??????!

We met Chris and Julia at our favorite Camp site at Dik Dik.

Our now special one and only tree, was just the right place. Chairs all neatly placed to have a view over the Serengeti Plains and in our memories, came up the movie "OUT OF AFRICA" . Wimcar with his amazing singing talent, singing the theme song of Mozart brought back beautiful memories. Just realizing once again how privileged we're.

Each one of us having a drink. Nellie, Michelle and Nadia serving us a cheese and fish platter.

15:00 Game drive was well rewarded with a Cheetah killing of a Thomson Giselle and 20 Lions being lazy under the tree.

Tonight was a FIRST ( I am sure for the Serengeti, not even "VOETSPORE" can match this.) Dinner to celebrate Nellie ( and our grandson Francois in Belfast)  birthday.

 Saying Our thanks to the group. This will be our last Dinner together. Tomorrow Anton and them are going to Manjara and we to Lake Victoria.

Menu of Crayfish tails, Main: Cod and King fish in a wine and lemon butter sauce - served on a veggie rice with Calamari rings on top.

Pudding was a Peppermint tart made by Julia with the help of Michelle and Nadia. Birthday candles saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

Early morning Anton was having coffee with Elisme, saying their GOODBYES. This is never a easy one. Why is time flying when things are soooo special?

Under the Serengeti Sun, Hans praised the Good Lord for all our spoiling. Then it was time to split in different directions.

Each group trying to get at the gate to exit before 12:00 Waving Goodbye to THE SERENGETI.

 

Next stop Lake Victoria.... 

SERENGETI

                                                   Serengeti means wide open grass fields. 

That is exactly what you see.

Here the game eat in harmony .... and they are eaten.

22 August will be remembered by Hans, Elisme, Anton, Michelle, Flip and Nadia as the best game viewing day  in Africa of their life's.

To see Lions is a privileged but to see 40 and ONE stocking ( not successful) and then a kill. 20 lions eating a Zebra in 30 min?

 

A Cheetah laying in the morning sun. Lazy getting up then slowly strolling  through the high grass. We could take pictures from each side of it. As if the Cheetah was saying: " Please admire my gorgeous moving body, just now I will excel to my full speed of 70km."

Leopard being one of the shy cats of the Animal Kingdom, to see one of them is really a HIGHLIGHT to remember.

One was hiding in a bush. Elisme could see its head. We were waiting, an Elephant came walking straight to where it was laying. All in vain. Then Franky decided to raise the cars engine, that made the Leopard jumping out of his bush. He was gracious enough to walk slowly to his next bush shelter. So that we could take our pictures.

We all felt fulfilled and very blessed. The Serengeti at Dik Dik camp will be en-grafted in our memories for ever.

 

Chris and Julia decided to have a day at leisure. Joseph nearly set the landy a lite. He  plugged in the Solar Panels ( with no trip fuse). Slam the wires in the door lock. Just there it got fire. Luckily Chris had a side-cutter and saved the Landy.

Chris found his cell phone !!! It sledded down the Fridge. His cup was running over with joy!  

Dinner was a pleasant and enjoyable combined meal. We heard a commotion behind the Landy. Just to see our night visitor - Elephant coming for HIS DINNER at the Rangers Kitchen.   Last night he came in and broke open his way to the Cabbage, Watermelon and Oranges. Until one Ranger, drove on to him with his Land Cruiser. He ran off.

Tonight it didn't work. The Guides instructed their guests from Canada to get in their tents.

Being South Africans we were ready to take a video, never-mind getting in to our tents. Wimcar with his 3000 lumen torch, lite up the Elephant as in daylight. 

This strategy with the vehicle didn't work tonight. The Ranger came with his Landy, tried, the Elephant just moved to the other side of the kitchen. Then the Ranger shot two warning shots with a shot-gun in the air. That made the elephant run off. 

Flip was very upset and thought the Elephant was shot with the AK 47 ( that was just the back up gun) His mind came to peace, when Anton got back with the bullet casings ( shotgun) 

Wimcar, Nellie, Flip and Nadia had to get up at 4:00 am to go for their Hot Air- balloon  ride and breakfast in style with white damask, silver and champaign. 

The rest of the group were packing up to leave to Lobo.

Seronera will always be special.