Days 41-45: Oldapi and Siringet

Days 41-45: Oldapi and Siringet

                Four days ago we packed up and left for our camping trip. I was on cook crew, so I got up at 5 to make breakfast for everyone. We left at 7, and were on our way. We arrived at the gate at 12 and ate lunch, then went to Oldapi Gorge. It is commonly miss-called Oldavi Gorge, the Cradle of Mankind. This is where Australopithicus spps. and Homo habilis fossils were found. I studied it in my archeology class, so this was a great treat for me. We then drove to our camp site via a game drive. We were in the Dik Dik Public Campsite. There were bathrooms there and showers, so that was a happy surprise. We had to set up our tents, which turned out fine. Then we had dinner and got to listen to the rules. As we were in the middle of the Serengeti, there were predators about. This was emphasized by the hyena laugh we then heard. And there were hyena everywhere. Our ascari (guards) had huge flashlights that they would shine around the perimeter. Eyes would shine back at you, and sometimes you could see the whole body. They were really close; it was very scary. When we went to the bathroom after dark, we had to take a guard with us for protection. But the stars at night were awesome. The Milky Way was so clear.

                The next morning we left for another game drive at 6.30. We saw so many animals. One interesting one we saw was a cheetah with four cubs. They were in the distance, but they were still so cute. We came back for lunch, and then went to a lecture on the park. It was interesting. We drove around some more and saw a pride of lions under a tree. Then we went back to camp.

                The following morning we left at 6.15 and did a bird exercise. I can now successfully identify and black-winged stilt and a blacksmith plover, among other birds. We then saw a few more lions. We had lunch, and drove around some more. We were supposed to have another lecture, but the guest lecturer did not show up, as he had to round up some lions in a different part of the park.

                Yesterday was had to get up to leave by 6.00. But it was worth it, as we saw a leopard in a tree eating a Thompson’s gazelle. We also go to see the sunrise, which was truly beautiful. We had the lecture we missed, but then got to go to Serena Lodge for lunch. They had a buffet, and the best food we have eaten this whole trip. We also got to swim and watch zebra from the pool. On the way back to our campsite, we saw a serval. It was small and in the grass, but still cute. When we got back to camp, there were a large number of tents set up. It was and S.I.T. group. They are another study abroad group that stays in Tanzania. We were able to talk to them, and a few people from our group knew people in that group. After hearing about their program, I am so glad I am on mine. I turns our Madison does not support SIT, because there a few safety measures. They kids are given vouchers and have to find their own food and housing, and are often sick because of it. Their research is also not as useful as ours, as theirs is all individual but ours is going towards a huge plan. But, it was interesting to talk to a few of them.

                We had to leave this morning, but on the way out saw a male lion on the road. It was great because he was so close. We had a long drive back, and got all covered in dust. And are now taking showers and feeling truly clean for the first time in days.

We saw many more animals than I listed here; I just gave some of the best examples. Also, the Serengeti is called the Siringet, or the vast endless plain in Masaai. And that is what it truly is. A wonderful place with amazing creatures.

Kylie