Morning coffee in our tent and Glenn is off, sunrise photo opportunity!!! Packed and ready for breakfast we headed back to main camp quite keen to get a photo of the ant “crossing”. This meant focusing on the path looking for the ants rather than being aware. At some stage I looked up to see all the staff huddled in one group staring at us, the camp manager waved and shouted “did you see the elephant?”, oblivious to the elephant Glenn and I looked around and there he was moving away from us on our right. Edward later explained that we had walked right up to him and passed him, he was 10ft from us on our left and they were a bit concerned that if we panicked there could be a situation. Fortunately, we were ignorant of any danger!
Our goodbye from the staff was awesome, they sang to us and we all posed for the “leopard” (chui in Swahili – pronounced “chewie”) picture. Lots and lots of fun, long goodbye that caused a delay in leaving, yet again rushing to an airstrip, this time through the bush. Did have to stop for a quick photo of the bee catcher, such a beautiful bird.
Said our goodbyes to our fellow travelers from Singapore. Delighted to find out our flight was direct, had a beautiful 1-hour journey across the Serengti appreciating its beauty. On arrival at Manyara airport our guide served us a much-needed coffee and discussed the plan. We were joined by two tourists from Xian. It was a long and arduous journey to the lodge taking about 4 hours if you include the sightings and stop for a picnic lunch. Loved seeing the blue monkey and baby elephant. Delighted to reach camp and felt rather dusty. Last drive of the day fortunately.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is in the heart of the forest and we met another cool butler, Liberaty. This was a very different feel – traditional boma for dinner with oil lamps, big camp fire in the heart of the forest, a tree house for a room, a pool and even a tree house spa. My welcome – an already prepared luxurious bubble bath, ordered a bottle of bubbly immediately!!! Had a lovely romantic evening with Glenn and an early night.
