Thought-process

Our second day began pretty early. We had a quick breakfast and carried packed lunch with us. We were to have a picnic in the Serengeti!! We followed a trail of vehicles and reached a spot where a Leopard was taking a stroll.

It was a little difficult to spot him amongst the tall grass but he decided to just walk towards us cutting through vehicles and completely ignoring us! We tried to follow it as long as we could before he completely disappeared among the grass. Soon we were in the middle of a herd of antelopes – all kinds – Topi, Hartebeast, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, Impala, Eland along with Zebras, all contentedly grazing away. A little further along we approached a huge herd of Cape buffaloes enjoying the bright sun. Two Southern Ground Hornbills moved along with the herd. They are big birds with a black plumage and a red throat pouch.

 

Next, we were moving at a fast pace towards the gates of the reserve and on the way we encountered an ostrich with bright pink legs and a pink neck! Well, that’s how they attract the females. This one was trying his best to do so. We were also greeted by a pair of giraffes, so still – that they seemed sculpted.

We exited the national reserve and headed towards a Masai village. From a distance I could see areas enclosed by wooden fencing with mud huts inside. Right outside stood a group of young masai men in their ceremonial regalia waiting to greet us. This visit had been chalked into our itinerary.

 

It was a warm welcome followed by dancing and singing. The Masai have naturally gifted voices and a slender body which is tuned to rhythms. We danced with them as well! Inside the enclosure, we danced with the women as well.

Our Masai guide, Patrick, took us to his house. This was quite a revelation. There was a tiny window which admitted a tiny bit of sunlight and the two small rooms remained almost completely dark. We sat there as Patrick explained the layout of the house which had two small rooms – one bedroom for the children and another room that serves as the main bedroom, the kitchen as well as the dining room for the household. All ablutions are at the river flowing nearby. He, then, along with his friends demonstrated how they light the hearth by rubbing sandpaper wood against another piece of wood. In no time, smoke appeared and some twigs and dry grass was used to light up.

The women also displayed a lot of handicraft items that they make and sell to tourists. I understood that the art of bargaining would really come in handy if you are looking to buy stuff.

We returned to the reserve and sure enough the giraffe pair was still where we left them not having moved an inch (or so it seemed)!!  It was getting closer to lunchtime, so James with his vast experience stopped under a shady tree and we set us up for a picnic. While we ate, he kept a lookout for us making us feel quite safe.

Our game sighting wasn’t over as yet and as we drove through the grassland we spotted a herd of zebras and springbok grazing away. A little later, several warthogs captured our attention playing in the water. Two hyenas came into view, heading towards a prey, I presume. As we went ahead we noticed a young wildebeest roaming aimlessly. James said this little on seemed to have strayed away from the rest of the herd.

Soon we encountered another vehicle and I noticed that the occupants were intently looking at something through their camera lenses. The driver spoke to James and without wasting any time, James swung into action and drove us straight down a path where we came within a few feet of a huge lion staring straight at us!!

James decided to take us closer to him but our vehicle seemed to have got stuck in the mud! So there we were, next to a lion and unable to get out! Our hearts beating way beyond capacity, we found solace in James calm words. He asked for a minute and very surely reversed the van. Now we were even closer to the majestic animal! But just like other animals, he ignored us completely. It is evident that in the animal world, unless you provoke them, they let things be, unlike the world of humans!

A few meters away to our left we saw a stream on which several boulders were piled high. We saw quite a bit of activity there. Five cubs and a lioness were frolicking around. Suddenly the lioness decided to stroll towards us! She came within a few feet and sat under a tree all the time keeping a watch on her cubs.

Then we spotted another lioness and along with her came the lion we had just met. He seemed to be courting this lioness presently. The lion then decided to quench his thirst and walked towards the water body. The lion had a very dark burgundy coloured mane and a lean dark body. Thirst quenched, he walked out of view and then we heard a low growl followed by a few grunts. James told us we were lucky to have heard that sound. It was the territory proclaiming sound. I suppose no one would dare contest that!

We then turned towards our lodge calling it a day. On the way we waved at a baby giraffe and its mother silhoutted against the setting sun. The gazelles could be seen all over, wagging their tiny tails! Back at the lodge we decided to take a walk in the sprawling gardens. That’s when we saw a bridge leading out of the garden and decided to take a look. This led to a viewing area. Several baboons were relaxing on this wooden bridge but seeing us they graciously let us go! A huge waterbody lay on our left full of Hippos!! There were several pelicans too and we just stood there trying to take it all in.