Safari Shenanigans

We went on safari to Mikumi national park last weekend.  The DIY nature of our escapade meant that the whole thing only cost £60 but also that there were a number of mishaps/ adventures along the way.  On Friday we skived work, packed up the Jesuits’ elderly Land Cruiser and headed to Morogoro.  About half way there we got a puncture, so we all piled out while Martin changed the wheel.  In Morogoro we stayed at a Salvatorian seminary where one of the Dodoma community is teaching – it’s in a beautiful situation at the foot of the Uluguru mountains.  We had a good evening at a local restaurant, followed by a bit of star gazing!

On Saturday we headed to Mikumi where we managed to find a bargain motel with, luxury of luxuries, air con in each room!  Even before we got into the park, we’d seen giraffes, elephants and baboons along the side of the road.  The park itself is teeming with life, much of which proved to be obliging when it came to posing for photos!  It was amazing to be so close to the animals in their own habitats.  The natural habitats became less alluring however when we inadvertently drove through an area infested by tsetse flies.  A frantic killing spree ensued after which the Land Cruiser was liberally splattered with blood – killing those things is not pretty!  We then sweltered our way out of the area with all the windows closed, only to emerge with another puncture.  Changing this in the park while in search of lions made the second change of tyre a particularly swift operation!

 

After dinner that night, we returned to my room for Konyagi (local gin) only to have Erin jump on my bed and the whole thing collapse!  By the time the staff had hammered it all back together again we’d nearly finished laughing.  Erin’s bruises are still serving as amusing reminders however...

Sunday was a very early start in the continuing quest for the illusive big cats.  This time we took a guide with us but even he didn’t manage to locate them.  Still, we did find a beautiful spot to have Mass – lovely to celebrate together amidst the early morning sights and sounds of the park.   

When we finally gave up on our simba search, we headed back to Morogoro and our 3rd puncture.  The spare wheel hadn’t yet been mended, so poor Martin had to roll it miles back down the road to have it fixed.  Fortunately someone gave him a lift back on their motorbike. 

After a meal and tyre fix in Morogoro we left for Dodoma and puncture number 4 – in the pitch black for variety!  There then only remained the requisite stop by corrupt police who were hard pushed to find a reason for bribery until they hit on the fact that the interior light wasn’t working.  Kiarie played the priest card and eventually we were ‘let off’ again.   So we’re back with happy memories, great photos and exhaustion we’re hoping isn’t sleeping sickness courtesy of the tsetse flies..