Eli has a smile that would shame the noon day sun. It breaks through the morning darkness, I recognize him before I recognize anyone else at the early camp fire. “Good morning, Eli,” I say, and he says the same thing, always, “Are you ready? Good to go?” sweetly, in his Tanzanian accented English.
We get up early in the Serengeti, it is barely light. If you have neglected to set your alarm it does not matter, you will wake to the unzipping of tents and the voices of your neighbors.… continued…
Can’t see the pictures? Try this link.
My travels to East Africa were sponsored by Intrepid Travel as part of their “classic journeys” campaign.” Most – but not all – of my expenses were paid for by Intrepid Travel.… continued…
The Destination: In very brief, Nairobi was overwhelming and surprisingly cold, the Serengeti and the Ngorogoro Crater were so unbelievably awesome I thought my head might explode, and Zanzibar, well, I’m going back there, dammit. I love interesting landscape and I was surprised at how many ecosystems I saw. I saw only a tiny portion of East Africa — it’s a whole freaking continent, people, and a big one — but I’d totally go back.… continued…
7:30, Nungwi: I push aside the mosquito nets and haul my aching body to the shower. I’m sticky with sweat and exhausted. I have tossed and turned all night long, trying to fight whatever virus or bacteria has invaded my body, but it’s useless. Feverish and damp, I head to breakfast. There is no choice, today is a travel day, a long one, and I must go with the group all the way back to the Dar es Salaam campsite and then, to the airport.… continued…
