Go West into the setting sun

Tuesday 2nd July

Time to leave our lovely tented camp in the Serengeti. We were so well looked after - nothing was too much trouble and the food was excellent. Actually everywhere we have stayed has been like this - they certainly know all about customer service. 

Today we headed out to the western Serengeti, and finally Lake Victoria. Lake Victoria is the second biggest lake in the world after Lake Superior, and Tanzania also has the second deepest lake after some lake in Russia. 

The roads weren't too bad considering others we had been on, but it was a long day on the move.

As we got further west we started to see more and more groupings of zebra and wildebeest. At one place there seemed to be wildebeest as far as the eye could see. We didn't see any lions or leopards following the herds but were assured they were there. We did see a lot of maribou storks and vultures - the garbage collectors.

We stopped for lunch at the exit from the Serengeti. Our guide warned us about cheeky monkeys at the lunch stop - and yes they were. They waited until you were momentarily distracted and then swooped in. One packet of popcorn donated to the monkeys, and one banana (I was looking forward to that).

We arrived at our next lodge early afternoon and then it was time for a boat ride and a visit to the local village. I chickened out on the boat ride (bit bumpy for me) but the others went out on the lake in one of their typical fishing boats.

Following that, a walk through the village where we got to see some of the houses and businesses along the main street. I braved one of the local shops and bought some fabric- much better price than the previous tourist store. We visited the local school and heard about its creation - by a group of 3 Americans who wanted to do something for the village. We had a very informative session by the principal explaining the education program. They are a very successful school - best in the district.

Evening drinks on the deck by the lake.

Eagle

Cape buffalo

We started to see herds of zebra and wildebeest
on their migration west and then north up into the masai Mara.
The groups who take this west then north route
are usually mothers with young because the soil is rich in calcium
and helps with the development of the young.
Older animals  take a route more directly north.
Both groups join up after crossing the Mara River.

Just one of the huge herds of wildebeest
on their migration North.

Vultures and maribou storks cleaning up those left behind.

Peacocks at our lodge at Lake Victoria.

Lots of metal sculptures around the lodge.

Making mud bricks - just a hoe and hard work.

Typical African village homes.

Walking through the village and the little boy on my left hand
just came up,behind me and slipped his hand in mine. 

Our guide, Boy, and some of the village kids who followed us.

Sunset across the lake.

More wildebeest.

Boat ride on lake Victoria.

One of their catch - usually tilapia or Nile perch from the lake.
This lake is the headwaters of the Nile river.

The boat boys - rowers.