This was our early game drive. We were picked up at 6:00 and started out to yet another section of the Serengeti. Since it was still dark out we had to call for an escort to bring us up to the lobby.
David was there and ready to go. It is such a large park that each day is a new experience. The animals are doing different things at different times of the day or some prefer morning so going at different times of the day is advantageous.
The first thing we looked for was the sunrise and it was beautiful.
Sunrise over the Serengeti ~ priceless
It was beautiful, quiet and calm early in the morning so it was appropriate that the first animal we encountered was the graceful giraffe.
But then John spotted a lion lurking in the tall grass ~ no, four lions all looking in the same direction .
1, 2 . . .
Oh, we followed their gaze and it became evident they were stalking a grant gazelle, frozen in her tracks.
We watched as they rose on their haunches ~
watching carefully ~ waiting ~
Up and ready ~ but they decided not today. Our guide explained the gazelle was out of range and she knew it because she started to slowly walk away. The lions are powerful but can only run at high speed for a short distance.
As we crept forward in the jeep, we saw the gazelle hiding in some bushes. We had mixed emotions about this. It would have been interesting to experience the "circle of life" but we were concerned for the gazelle as well.
The sight of the giraffe family changed our focus ~
We got up close and personal with the African Buffalo ~ they are huge
A different group of hippos who were very active this morning ~
coming out to graze ~ talk about huge ~
We spotted a hot air balloon over the savannah. Many people take these air safaris ~ quite an extravagant affair ~ complete with a champaign breakfast following the early morning flight.
We, on the other hand had a different level of extravagance ~ a wonderful boxed breakfast at the picnic area ~
It was sooo quiet and beautiful that morning ~ we wouldn't have traded it. The views were wonderful.
It also afforded me the opportunity to take some pictures of these pretty little flowers that I've been seeing but unable to photograph.
And this little fellow looking for crumbs ~
We drove by a little lake that was so quiet and serene at this time of day. Beautiful, delicate flamingos spotted the perimeter in contrast to the powerful beasts of the savannah we had been seeing.
Another jackal ~
The hyena ~
Ngong rock area ~ another Maasai residence. In 1952 when the Serengeti became a national park the Maasai were relocated. There are some original drawing on these rocks.
We found more lions this morning ~ Dana has been on three other safaris and she has never seen a lion in a tree. David said lions are not really comfortable in trees ~ but we've certainly seen a lot of them.
The first lion didn't want the second lion to climb the tree ~ a little squabble insued which we have on video.
Then they settled down ~
More giraffe ~
Just before our lodge, we found the herd of elephants again. Today we watched as the mother just backed into a tree and knocked it down for her little ones to eat.
We returned to the lodge around 1:30, had lunch and relaxed around the pool.
Before dinner we watched the sun set from an observation point near the pool. It was a great spot ~
First we spotted a small rainbow in the sky ~
then the clouds started getting pink ~
Perfect ending to a perfect day.
This was our last night at the lodge. Tomorrow we will be heading back through the crater to Arusha.
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