2015 Trip – 26 July

Sophie Sidgwick

On Saturday we went on a morning game drive in Tarengire, I was really looking forward to this part of the trip because it was probably my favourite safari from last time. I wasn’t disappointed. We saw giraffes, gazelles, buffalo, wildebeest and loads of elephants which was amazing. People went in the swimming pool at the campsite that we stayed at last night, but it was freezing and me, Becca, Jess, Joe and Joe didn’t fancy it so we just chilled poolside. This morning we were up early and heading to Ngorogoro Crater for a safari, we went in four separate jeeps and because we only have three duty groups we got split up. Me, Becca, Aaron, Jess and Rhys went in a Jeep with Grace whilst everyone else was with teachers. We saw hippos, an elephant, wildebeest and gazelles. We also managed to see lions, some people must have spotted them and parked up to watch them and the lions had decided to get some shade and laid right under the car! It left those people a bit stuck as they couldn’t move until the lions did but it ensured that we got good pictures and managed to get quite close to them. I’m having a really good time but missing everyone at home, love you and see you soon.

 

Aaron Jardine

Yesterday we woke up in tarengeria early morning for a game drive, after not doing it two years ago due to me being ill, I was rather excited to do it and see what animal we could spot. We saw a lot of elephants which I was extremely happy with and we got really close to them as well as they were pretty much at the side of the road. We also got to see giraffes, wilderbeasts, buffalo, zebras and much more. We then headed back to the tents, packed them away and then we set off and headed for karatu which is where we stayed last night. The place where we stayed was amazing, we got to go in the pool, however, it was very cold which meant I could not stay in for that long as I was shivering. We were then treated to a small show last night consisting of dancing and acrobatics, it was unbelievable. We then woke up this morning really early again and headed for the Ngorongoro crater, we went in four jeeps, as there is only three duty group leaders, myself, Becca, Sophie, Jess and Reece were in a jeep with Grace which was great. We saw a load of animals with the highlight being that we saw some lions asleep at the side of the road in the shade of a jeep which had parked up to take pictures, it was great. Anyway, we are heading back to snake park now, thinking of you all at home and hope you are well, speak soon.

 

Matthew Naylor

Up close to elephants yesterday on a early morning game drive in Tarengeria national park, so I was less than 10ft from the massive elephants which was amazing. Then a long drive to flamingo lodge which was lush!!!! Posh as peas with a pool and everything, then on the night we had a massive surprise sprung upon us by Peter who arranged a dance show from a local group which was top notch. On the morning we had an early wakeup call at 5AM. However it was well worth it as we went to possible the beautiful place I will ever visit, Ngorongoro crater which has been a exploded volcano filled with the most breathtaking views and animals. Going into the creator we saw the clouds roll over the walls of the creator which was truly amazing, it looked like Niagara falls. We were treat to a massive amount of animals sights one being a lion sleeping under a truck right next to us and hippos in their amazing swamp. However an awesome aspect was that I stood up in a jeep which was an interesting experience. Now we are en route back ‘home’ the snake park sat with Danny and Sophie having a good laugh. Missing home 😀 x

 

Daniel Appleton

I’ve only done half a diary entry in 2 days so I have a bit of catching up to do. Yesterday morning I had to get up early to go on a game drive. Sadly, we didn’t see anything new but it’s always fun going on a game drive. After that we had to travel to our new camp which was called Flamingo Lodge. It took a while to get there but it was very nice and posh. It felt like I was on holiday when we were there because we were allowed to go in there pool which was a lot of fun for us all. Afterwards we went to a small local bar which didn’t look too good but everything was really cheap and we were treated to our first drink. To add to the holiday feel, after tea we got to watch a show put on by a Tanzanian dance group.  They were really talented and I don’t know how they learnt to do some of the things they did. At the end they even let us dance with them and we all got to show our selves up. Today we were up even earlier to go to Ngorongoro Crater. This was definitely better than any other game drive so far because the Crater is like nothing I had ever seen before. All the animals on the inside came really close to us as well so I got a good photo of them all. We were at the Crater for hours but we’re back on the road now and heading back to Mesarani Snake Park. Will try to write again soon but missing you all and hope you’re enjoying yourselves at home.

 

Josh Cooper

Following on from yesterday’s entry, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in the pool and were able to have an amazing shower, so that we felt nice and clean for evening meal, which was chicken, roast potatoes and vegetables. Later on, Peter called the entire group together, so that he could show us a surprise, which turned out to be a stunning acrobatics show booked for us to watch in private at the Flamingo Lodge. At the end of the show, the dancers got us into a circle and pulled us into the circle one by one to dance with them which was great fun! Today, we woke up at 5am to get prepared for our early morning game drive through the Ngorongoro Crater. We arrived at the main gate for 6:30am and were split into our three duty groups, so that we could be given a Jeep each to go through the crater in, with our very own driver. My duty group’s driver was called Isaya, and he was easily the best driver!!! The Ngorongoro Crater was stunning. It was once a super volcano that was larger in height and square feet than Mount Kilimanjaro! We also ate our packed lunches in the crater, after spotting lots of wildlife, including two female lions that decided to lay down in the shade underneath one of the other tourist’s Jeep. We are currently on our way back to the Meserani Snake Park. Still missing you all at home. Lots of love.

 

Elizabeth Huck

We woke up extremely early today; 5am start to get ready for the day. We went on a game drive in the Ngorongoro crater. Our driver, Isaya, was amazing and so enthusiastic. He saw lions that we all thought were rocks until they moved. The crater was absolutely stunning, it used to be a super volcano that was larger than Mount Kilimanjaro. We saw lions twice they were saw laid under a jeep. Currently we are on our way back to Mesarani Snake Park. Missing you, love you!

                                                                                                                          

Jenny Readshaw

Last night we camped at the Flamingo Resort but before we went to sleep we watched a performance by a dance and acrobatics group. It was great to see what they could do then dance with them afterwards. This morning we woke up at 5 in the morning so that we could drive to Ngoragora Crater. We went on a game drive all morning and managed to see loads of hippos and lots of lions. There was three lions sitting next to one of the vehicles so they were very close which was great to see. Now we are going back to Meserani Snake Park for two nights and tomorrow we are going to spend the day at Kipok Girls’ Secondary School with the sponsored pupils.

 

Felicity Holden

Yesterday we went to a campsite called Flamingo resort. We went swimming and the campsite reminded me of ones we went to in France. After dinner there a surprise performance by a dance and acrobatic group which was amazing and then we all got to dance with them at the end which was loads of fun!! Today we went for a game drive in the Ngorangora crater after awakening at 5am which was a struggle. We saw loads of different animals and I filmed a type of small cat make a kill which was so good to watch, there was also lions and zebra there too. We are currently on our way back to the snake park and I’m looking forward to getting a shower!! Tomorrow we go to Kipok girl’s school and Janeth is coming with us so I get to spend the whole day with her tomorrow which I’m super looking forward to!!!! I’m really enjoying myself but starting to miss everyone a little bit, hope you are all not missing me too much, love you lots, kisses xxxxxxx

 

Jake Hardy

Back to snake park we go but not before an amazing night and an unbelievable day of sights to behold. After a beautiful dinner with chicken there was a special surprise from a dancing and acrobatics group performing all sorts of wonderful movements and music. Everyone was dancing and was enjoyed by all. The pool earlier in the day was cold but with the heat on the outside it was a welcome break. Today was another dark and early morning but with the sights to see everyone was excited. In a sea mist all there was to behold was a couple baboons and the slight outline of trees. Making our way down the crater the fog lessened and lessened opening to what is the most beautiful sight I have laid my eyes on with the fog from before rolling down the sides of the crater all the way round it was like a waterfall drifting down from the edges. Including today we have had 4 separate lion sightings two today and two earlier. One today was roaming around near the weak river bed but the other was of three lions, one a young male, under a truck and continued around the sides. What a sight. Hippopotamuses weren’t scarce as before with them being in abundance in two separate lakes one where we had our meal. Hope your enjoying yourself and abusing the all you can eat and drink.

 

Jess Taylor

Hi guys, yesterday was fab we started the day off in Tarengire on an early morning game drive which was great! We saw giraffes, elephants.. lots of elephants, buffalos and gazelles. After our early morning game drive we made our way to flamingo safari lodge which was a gorgeous camp site! There was a swimming pool too. Nearly everyone went in apart from me, soph, becca and joe as we just didn’t fancy it but we just relaxed instead which was nice. We were up early again this morning to make our way down to the crater which was unbelievable!! We made our way down in four land drovers with our own drivers. We saw all kinds of animals and it was definitely my favorite game drive we’ve done.. Peter definitely saved the best until last! We saw three amazing lions which were unbelievably close and was definitely a sight lll remember. We also saw loads of other great animals! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the cheetah I was desperate to see I still had an amazing time! The view was also amazing looking down on the crater. I cant wait to see you guys to tell you everything! See you soon x

 

Rhys Williams

Yesterday morning we rose early to do a game drive through Tarengire were we saw a range of different animals from the mongoose to the Elephant. We then drove to the flamingo lodge and campsite where we would rest before tackling the Ngorongoro Crater. We got in to the pool that was there and enjoyed ourselves a lot and then Peter took us down to the local bar and treated us all to a drink. However the surprises did not end there. After tea a group of musicians and acrobats turned up and gave us an amazing performance that Peter also paid for. He is making this trip amazing.

            This morning we rose earlier than ever before (five o’clock) in order to get to the crater in good time. From what I saw it was well worth the early morning as the view was absolutely stunning. When we got there the top of the crater was covered in to mist and when we started to descend in to the crater we could see the mist creeping down which just looked amazing. The crater itself is breathtaking and then there are all the animals that live inside it. There was three lions that came to rest in the shade of a jeep which we all got a good photo of.

            Now we are heading back to the snake park. only a few days left.   

 

Joe Garrens

Our night at Flamingo Lodge was absolutely amazing. The staff arranged for a group of performers to come and perform for us and do a traditional dance and acrobatics. I have never seen anything like it, they were unbelievable, the atmosphere was incredible. At the end they got us all up dancing and brought us into the circle one by one which made everyone laugh. This morning was an early wake up as we had to be up for 5 and out for  6 as we were going to Ngorongoro Crater, which used to be an active volcano. The scenery and wildlife that we saw was breath taking the animals were just walking straight in front of the jeep not having a care in the world. Lions were laying under the truck so that they could get some shade it was amazing. We are now on our way back to Meserani Snake Park which is one of the two last camps we will be at. Not long now till I’m back. I hope everyone is having a good time at home and that you are all alright. I can’t wait to see every single one of you. Love and miss you all!!

 

Rebecca Crandon

We’ve had an unbelievable few days!!! Yesterday we had a morning game drive at Tarangire where we got to see so many elephants which are my faves so I was buzzing, of course I took lots of pictures! One of the things I’m looking forward to when I get home is showing you both all of the pictures I’ve taken. We then drove to the new campsite called Flamingo Lodge, everyone got in the pool but Sophie, Jess and I decided we would give it a miss. Peter organized a surprise/treat for us all last night too, a group of dancers performed for us which was amazing! Today we got up really early so we could get to Ngorongoro Crater, it was the best safari yet, we saw so many different animals like hippos, lions, birds and some rare cats which I can’t remember the name of, typical.  We are currently driving back to Snake Park which is the last camp before travelling back to Kenya… Nearly home time, can imagine you’re both counting down the days until I’m home hahaha. Loving you, see you soon xxxxxxxx

 

Abi Pentney

After tea last night Peter said that we had a surprise and we went down to the reception of the campsite. There was a group of dancers that played traditional music and danced for us. They performed acrobatics on concrete with bare feet and then afterwards we all joined in and danced with them. This morning we travelled to the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area in safari trucks and when we got there the roofs came off and we could stand up and see all the animals around us. We saw three lionesses that were laid down in the shade next to another truck and we were unbelievably close- it was the best experience ever. Now we’re travelling back to Meserani Snakepark and we’ve got two more schools to visit as well as another visit to the market. The trip has flown by and I’m shocked that we’re travelling back home on Friday already! I hope you’re enjoying your holibobs- I’m having an absolutely amazing time and I’ll see you soon, love you lots x

 

Jacob Jardine

We got to go swimming yesterday, it was a fancy campsite but unfortunately the water was extremely cold so we all didn’t stay in long. Then after tea we had a small surprise where a group of people sang, and play traditional music not to forget an acrobatics show. This morning we had a early start as we went to Ngorongoro Crater in 4×4’s and got to see the vast amount of animals there. A breath taking experience to say the least. Now we are traveling back to the Snake Park to set up camp their for the last time before we head back to Kenya on Wednesday. Only a few days to go before this journey comes to an end.

 

Josef Ramsay

Last night was amazing! Peter said that he had a surprise for us, none of us had any idea what it was. He took us round to the front entrance of the site where we seen a load of seats set out for us with a local dance/acrobatics act was waiting for us. It was unreal! They were so good it was unbelievable and at the end they got everyone dancing with them which was funny.

 

Today we went to Ngorongoro crater which was great! We seen such amazing stuff and it was even better because we were in the 4×4 land rovers. When we were driving around the crater the was a load of 4×4’s around this one car which had 3 lions laying next to it in the shade and that was such a good thing to see. The views were spectacular and so were the animals.

 

Were on our way back to the snake park now where we will be spending 3 nightsbefore going back to Kenya. Love you all.

 

p.s. Tell Brian I can play Sunday.

 

Kieran Potter

Last night before we all went to bed we were treat to a show put on by an African group of acrobats. They showed us their acrobat skills and some traditional dancing. It was absolutely amazing to see their talents. At the end of the show we all stood in a circle and one by one we danced with the members of the group, it was an amazing and funny night. today we woke up at 5am which was a surprisingly easy time to wake up and get moving. So we set off in 4 different safari vehicles which was an experience in itself, and we headed for the crater. It was a fairly short drive but then we had about an hour to get to the summit of one of the crater walls. But the view when we got to the top was absolutely…. Well nothing really. The top of the crater was just covered completely in mist so we just started our decent into the crater. The entire experience inside the crater was outstanding. we saw so many different types of animals in there and they were close enough that we could reach out and touch them. We are en route back to the snake park now for three more nights. I’m missing everyone so much. I love you all x

Lorna Davison

Yesterday we left Tarangire after a game drive where we saw loads of elephants, and headed out to the Flamingo Lodge where we went swimming. The pool was quite posh and we laid out ion the sun on some comfy sun beds and I felt like we were in a luxury hotel. In the evening before our tea we headed down to a bar just down the road from camp where one bottle of ‘soda’ was 600 shillings which is  around 20p! and then after the evening meal we were told to get our cameras as we were going on a walk. We started the walk and we heard some drums and saw loads of chairs sat out and we got a surprise traditional African dance and an acrobatics show which was incredible and we all got involved afterwards. The performers only expected a tip not payment for the performance and we tipped them the maximum which was only £8! Then today we went down into the ngorongoro crater, it was amazing! We saw lions literally across the road from us! There were so many hippos and zebras and ostriches and so many more! The weather was so nice, the views were breath taking and then we had lunch in front of a little lake which was filled with hippos! Anyway, we’re heading back to the snake park today, it’s a couple of hours which should be good. See you soon! Xxx

 

Jordan Mace

Yesterday night after tea we had a surprise as an African group game performed a traditional dance and an acrobatic dance. It was such a spectacular experience as there performance was outstanding. After they finished they got us in a circle and got every person in the circle to dance with them but one by one. Today, we were up at 5am to go to ngorongoro to see the view of what was a volcano but now is national park. It was so big and the view was extraordinary. The thing that really stood out for me is that we 3 lions up close as they were laid next to a jeep in front of mine. Now we are on our way back to the Meserani snake park where we are camping for 3 more nights. Anyways, I love and miss you all at home so much can’t wait to see you all. Bye

 

Lizzie Nicholson

Yesterday we woke up at 6 o’clock after our bush camp. We stayed up until 11 around the camp fire looking out for the reflection of eyes in the bush and listening to Grace telling stories about Kenya and Tanzania. I was shattered the next morning though but it was worth it in order to have a pre-breakfast game drive. We saw an unbelievable amount of elephants yet sadly no big cats. We exited the park and began to drive to our new camp site. We arrived at a lodge with a camp site and got told we were allowed to go sqimming in the pool! I have never been so excited to go swimming haha. It was freezing but I kept telling myself it was ‘refreshing’. To be fair it was. I loved that afternoon not because we were swimming and relaxing but because we were spending time together as a whole group who were all having a great time. Throughout the trip there have been lots of challenges that different people find difficult. This means not everyone is experiencing identical experiences. However yesterday regardless whether people swam or not, everyone enjoyed themselves. This morning was a lot harder! We had to wake up at 5:30 am because we had Jeeps coming to collect us early to spend the day in Ngorongoro crater. It was by far the best sfari we have experienced! We saw almost every animal in Africa! Sadly there were no leopards or cheetahs yet as we were driving up we saw 6 jeeps parked up because there were 4 lionesses laid by the side of the road and one of them was relaxing underneath one of the jeeps! It was brilliant! Never in my life did I imagine I would see lions that close. In the crater the viewes were out of this world! I have never seen anything like it and probably never will again. Right now we are all sat in the truck again about to return to the Snake Park. I will be so sad to leave there. Tomorrow however we are travelling up to Kipok Girls school where I will meet my sponsored pupil Stela. I can’t wait because I have been looking forward to this the entire trip! Not long to go now and I can’t wait to see you all. Love you loads xx

 

Lewis Jefferson

Yesterday night we were treated with a surprise and it was truly amazing! A group of local performers were hired to show us a traditional son and dance show followed by an acrobatics show. The acrobatics was breathtaking, definitely the best I’ve ever seen. and when it finished they got us all up in a circle picking individuals to dance with them; it was so funny and an unforgettable experience! The next day it was land rover time and we set off early in the morning to the Ngorongoro Crater. The view when we got the the top of the crater was… nothing. We were in the clouds and nothing could be seen but when we dropped we saw the most amazing view of a huge bowl which is a collapsed super volcano. We got into the park and saw the usual animals but saw some new birds which were huge and beautiful. However, within 30 minutes of being in the dense wildlife atmosphere, we saw 3 lions laying in the grass spotted by our brilliant driver! It was incredible but that’s not even the best thing. W drove further down to see 3 gigantic hippos lying next to a small river. We then turned around to see one of the lions walking towards the river which was really close to the truck so we got an even better view. After that we went further into the park to see 2 fully grown female lions lying at the tyres of a jeep!! Literally 10 feet away from us, not moving!  We then saw more hippos, snakes, hyenas, ostrich and even were we stopped to eat there was a family of hippos chilling in the lake we were sat at! The park was the best one yet I loved it!! We’re now going back to the Snake park for 3 days then back to Nairobi. Bye for now guys. I love you all lots.

 

Helen Roberts

Guess who got a picture of a rock hyrax? I didn’t think this would ever happen but I can’t wait to get home to start drawing from all the pictures I have taken. Over the last two days we have travelled across Tanzania and again we are travelling. When we landed in tarangire national park we went on a game drive were I got the picture of the rock badger along with other animals including many, many elephants. Then we slept in the bush which was exciting but we had to wake up early ish to get on the road again to travel. This time we were making our way to the ngorongoro crater but we stopped at a camp site for the night. This place was new for everyone but Grace so we were really excited to find a pool which we were allowed to go in. it was really cold but that was good because of the heat. Later that night some local performers came and put on a traditional dancing and acrobatics show which was great we even joined in on the dancing. I was truly unforgettable. After that we went to bed because we had to wake up really early this morning to get into jeeps and trek up to the rim of ngorongoro crater. The view from their was amazing you could see all the clouds; we were too early so the clouds hadn’t risen yet. After that slight disappointment we set off down the crater with the tops of the jeeps true safari style. We saw loads more animals including a great view of three female lions which had parked themselves in the shadow of a jeep this would have been fine unless they hadn’t put tails and feet in front of the tyres. We moved n quickly getting on final snap of the whole crater without the clouds blocking the amazing view. We are now on the move to snake park for another two nights. Quick update on my health; I have a cold, typical isn’t it, I also have blisters but apart from that I am happy and enjoying myself. I’m very happy to have come here and am grateful to my parents for letting me come here. Hope everyone is happy and health and safe. Lots of love. Xxx

p.s parents make sure you have sent off an envelope so I can get my results please.