Day 68 – You have to have a very hard head to be a giraffe.

Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park – Seronera Wildlife Lodge

This morning we drove to Serengeti via the Ngorongoro Crater rim. On the way we stopped by two giraffes looking to our uneducated eyes almost as if they were dancing, but our driver explained they were getting ready to fight. When it kicked off we were taken by total surprise as they attack with their heads and necks, belting each other up with the most incredible force as they lay their heads into each other bodies. We captured it on video so will let you know when we have enough internet to upload it as it was the most amazing sight.

Serengeti did not disappoint. As we drove into the park we came across large numbers of gazelles along the road, they would stay on the road until the last possible moment, then run off just as the driver braked to avoid them. We then managed to see a group of lion cubs lounging in and around a tree, herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, hyenas, jackals, wildebeest, warthogs, vultures, ostriches, as well as some cheetahs in the distance.  We also saw a leopard in a tree, but it was getting dark and it was so far away that it took about 15 minutes of explaining where to look by our guide before we could make it out – and even now we’re not sure we haven’t fallen victim to the power of suggestion! Here’s hoping we get a better look at one tomorrow, though our guide says the chances are about 40%.  

We finished up at Seronera Wildlife Lodge, which is built into the side of one of the kopjes (rock formations) that are common in Serengeti – it’s quite an amazing building, as the rocks form part of the walls of the bar and restaurant