Tanzania - Serengeti. Ngorongoro Crater and Arusha National Park.

22/5/2010 to 1/6/2010.

The migration herd seemed to be confused on this safari. They had formed up but were not where they were expected to be, and had wandered up to the northern sector of the Serengeti. The Park had had spectacular rainfall duringthe past rainy season and there was no shortage of water or food which was thought to be a contributory factor. The vegetation in the northern sector of the Serengeti is more dense than in other parts of the park, and although we were aware of the extent of the migration herd, it was impossible to see the magnitude of this mass of animals at one viewing. The bird life was very rewarding, as it always seems to be, and we had unusual and very good sightings of Banded Mongooses and also the large dung beetles doing what they do best.

Without doubt, the highlight of this year’s safari was an interaction we were privileged to enjoy for a couple of hours one afternoon. A mother Cheetah had three cubs, two of which were restless and there to explore. One of them climbed onto the bonnet of one of our two vehicles and spent some time not liking its image in the highly polished paint work or the vehicle windscreen. The Guides were superb, and made sure the cheetah were respected and that no harm came to them or any of our guests. All the cats were spectacular, and we had sightings of many Cheetah, Leopard and Lion.