A full day of travel. We are heading to the Serengeti. Arrived at the airport and no international flights landing or departing, it was desolate. We were on a charter flight to Ndutu and turns out we were the only 4 passengers. Lots of waiting around – fortunately there was a great gift shop with local arts and crafts and a coffee shop. At about 1pm we headed to the boarding gate. Funny story, we were escorted to a bus and Simonne was rearranging her bag. Glenn and I and our luggage were on, the bus took off. Fortunately, we noticed Wayne and Simonne had been left behind and alerted the driver. He stopped and we discovered they were not allowed through the doors – our escort sorted it out and we all headed for the 12-seater Cessna Caravan.
Great scenery from the Cessna of Rwanda and Tanzania. We flew over Lake Victoria, 3rd largest lake in the world as we entered Tanzania. Our first stop was the border entrance and customs at Mwanza. We were the only passengers at the airport and to enter Tanzania it required another Covid test. All 4 negative and good to go. For once I did not have to pay for a visa – South Africans get in visa free!!! Wayne was excited, got to see 10 minutes of live sport on TV, first time since he left the USA!!!
Back on the plane we headed to Ndutu airstrip. It was a short flight and we spotted animals – herds of zebra and wildebeest, giraffe, and the a couple of lions. Getting excited. That was short lived, as we started our descent a thunderstorm came in and we flew right into it. The result, an aborted landing and off to another airstrip – Kusini airstrip. Lots of discussion and radioing. After about 20 minutes we were back on the plane. The pilot shared they believe it is clearing and the storm is moving our direction so they would make a second attempt to land. If that did not work, we were off to Arusha. Fortunately, we had a successful landing.
We were met by our guide Mohammad – short briefing and off to camp. Under Canvas would be our home for the next 4 days. Welcomed with a song by the staff at the camp… Introduced to our butler, Christian. Glamping for sure. As you will see by the photos, the tent looks very average until you open the flap and are welcomed by a Persian rug and inviting bed with all the bells and whistles you could want in a suite!!!
Drinks by the fire and then a lovely dinner and fireside chats.
Very small plane that 🙈, stunning accommodation