An unforgettable experience, we circumvent potholes – too many too count - which now are swimming pools for the hyenas who return from an arduous night of scavenging, and we strategically maneuver washed out roads by veering to the far right, to the far left, or sometimes, deciding to take a risk and forge straight ahead (moja kwa moja!).
A few twists and turns in the road, and we find ourselves driving right into the aftermath of a battle of two simbas – two virile kings of the Serengeti who fought for the coveted title of “head of the pride”. The more wounded and defeated of the two lies in agonizing pain nursing the physical injuries on his body and tending to the wounds of a shattered ego. He hides his face in dejection and disgrace, and occasionally tries to lift his limp body, but to no avail. On the hilltop across from him sits “the victor” – the new king of the pride. The triumphant lion is perched on the hilltop surveying the rewards of this prowess. He is surrounded by two females. Although he was declared the winner, he remains guarded – always glancing in the direction of the ousted simba for fear that he will regain his strength and resume the battle to reclaim his pride.
We waited in anticipation of the next scene in this unfolding drama, but neither one of the simbas initiate another battle, at least while we were there. Both lie on their hilltops trying to find solace in the healing African sun and occasionally rearing their heads to see what the other is doing.
There is calm in the marsh for now. All is at peace. But, as is common in the Serengeti, the landscape soon changes. Wait until you read what we saw next. Something totally unexpected. Stay tuned for the next blog which will be coming to you in a few days.
The Serengeti keeps surprising me, and today was no exception.
From the hills of the Northern Serengeti, in a massive cloud of dust, came the thundering stampede of the wildebeest. It was a sight that brought us to a full stop. We were witnessing the grandeur of the migration of the wildebeest.
In single file, hundreds of wildebeest - veterans of the migration and those that were making the trek for the first time - were being led by the eldest and most respected amongst them.
Legend says that when God was creating all the animals he gave zebras a splash of contrasting colours, lions a magnificent mane, and elephants strong and majestic ivory tusks. When God was finished creating all the animals, He scratched His head in wonder about what he should do with the parts that were left over. He decided to combine all the spare parts and – voila! – the wildebeest was created! A peculiar and rather comical assortment of features combined with a quirk personality.
We watched in fascination as the wildebeest charged onward, darting apprehensively across the road in front of us. A few of them stopped on the other side to graze on the lush vegetation, while others chose to proceed onward. Together, they were following the rain clouds in the sky on route to an unknown destination that held the promise of bringing them much deserved tranquillity after a long journey.
As the wildebeest made their way across the vast terrain of the Serengeti, we could see, in the distance, the clouds rolling in. It was a familiar, yet foreboding display of blue, black, and grey that heralds the imminent arrival of a storm. A flash of lightening raced across the sky which was followed by the rumble of thunder. It is the end of another memory-making day; a most satisfying day.
The Serengeti continues to tantalize us with its intoxicating beauty, luring us into the sights and sounds that are uniquely Africa.Can’t wait to write to you again about what unfolds tomorrow.
Article by Allen Mollel