20/02/18

To start with this is the nearest that we are going to get to see the top of Kilimanjaro.

Fantastic little budget hotel In Arusha, with the benefit of a few extra schillings getting all our dirty clothes washed. Very satisfying.

With a little bit of running around to the tourist office and the wifi shop we set of to Ngorongoro for what was to be a relatively short drive.

The sight of the crater was quite breath taking unfortunately it didn’t show on film. Probably our poor photography. We then saw the usual local tribes people in their villages and hanging around the side of the road, but I thought this was more Disney than an authentic look into the true heart of Africa. We see much more of that on our travels. It wouldn’t be too far off the mark to say they are just professional beggars, but hey ho.

 Our first stop was the recommended luxury camp site of Simba that we were to base at and then on to sorting entry into the conservation. We were told that it was not worth while driving one’s self and therefore sort the services of a local safari guide. We were promised a price in the afternoon.

Onwards for a nice lunch and then to return for tying up the loose ends. Unfortunately, we soon realised that the cost for a 2 ½ hour trip would be about $1000, including 1 nights’ accommodation and lunch. With the fact it was an additional 1 ½ hour drive to the crater entrance Martin and I took the reluctant decision to abandon this excursion and head South as it was still 2 to 3 days to clear Tanzania. This meant the Serengeti is out as well. We will sort another safari in Botswana and give a little more attention to detail before we get there. Tex where did you recommend??

We have therefore ploughed on and managed to make quite good gains into the Tanzania section of this trip. Could be described as the wilderness. May be just 1 or 2 more days till Malawi, lake side cottages and a bit of serious R&R. Also lucked out on a good motel in babati.