At 6:00 am the next morning we headed off to the Mikumi National Park. With hundreds of sleeping policemen (speed bumps) along the way the trip was slow. During the trip Anthony and Lawrence discussed how much dowry they paid to their in-laws and how much Anthony could get for his school age daughter. Seems even in today’s world he could still expect to get 65 cows and a few chickens because of her musical ability.
On the way we stopped at the city of Morogora. Morogora is where Anthony is from. It is also where thousands of South African refugees came during their years of tension. The refugee camp was later turned into a university for agriculture.
We stopped along the highway to purchase some handmade baskets.
Five hours later, after passing some pretty exotic road kill (monkeys, hyenas, etc.) we arrived at the game park. While driving through the park we came across baboons, giraffes, antelope, water buffalo, wart hogs, impalas, hippopotamus, cranes, zebras, wildebeests, and elephants. Our guide wouldn’t allow us out of the vehicle because lions were spotted in the area that morning. In addition to animals we also came across Maasai. Maasai are a nomadic tribe who maintain many of their traditional values and beliefs.
Maxwell, Anthony,Lawrence and I prepare for our safari.
Driving home that evening I was reminded how much I really do not like night driving in Africa. Too many vehicles with no lights, driving much too fast, weaving in and out of their lanes. The uncontrolled burning of bushes along the highway was also a little unnerving. Driving through 20 ft high flames on the side of the highway is not my idea of a relaxing time.
Maasai girl holding a Chapters bag??
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