The day of the Jackal

The plains around Lamai Serengeti are filled with stories day and night. There is literally always something going on. Yet not always are we lucky enough to get the whole story on what happened!

Like yesterday...

Suddenly there was this proud black backed Jackal that carried the fresh head of an Oribi. Looking at the Jackal’s speed and determination when it crossed our path, it likely just got hold of its meal. But had it been stealing or hunting? Who made the kill? And where could the scene have taken place?

For the Jackal couldn’t care less. The cunning little creature was having a real good day...

What a place!

3 out of 5

There is need for a little resume. It’s just over mid March now and we’re heading for the end of Lamai Serengeti’s first season. As it appears, for some reason, there seems to be a little hesitation over ‘green season period’ bookings, or better said visits close to the ‘end of the season’. Guests seem to think twice to visit an area that falls out of the migration madness for this part of the year.

Now let us tell you a valuable secret... 

Anywhere outside the high season – generally lasting roughly between June and November – the areas around Lamai Serengeti turn blissfully silent. With visitors that is. As fires compete with short thunderstorms to make way for fresh grazing in the North, most of the attention for the eco system shifts south.

As nature leaves us an area so pristine and so filled with safari essentials, anyone who makes the effort this time around will feel highly rewarded. Back to its strong roots of being and off the beaten track region, adventure and rewards are awaiting the ones that do make their way.

An area covering roughly a fifth of the national park out there, practically undiscovered by anyone. See the reward already?!

Ok! Back to game viewing mid march. As we left for another afternoon of venturing into the surroundings and within the space of 1 hr 30 mins we had come across Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo – 3 of the Big Five. Not that we were chasing the 5, but realizing the quality of our sightings, this was yet another proof of the finest safari areas. All the time we were with them – alone - .

If landscapes, skies and animals are your cup of tea, this is the place and time to visit!

Serengeti days...

As camp managers you have to be able to enjoy the challenge of hectic days. However you also need to be prepared for simply the best possible job in the world.

As we sat on the hood of the camp’s Landcruiser, we zipped away a cold drink on another glorious afternoon. The stunning views, the rolling plains and its sweeping grass, the noisy animals – East Africa is magic.

Let’s do the admin in the morning, ok? Oh and Suzanne? Her smile is visible even from behind the camera as she takes this picture.

Highly polite... and ambitious too!

The African Safari industry is unique in many ways. But one way we so much enjoy experiencing is the opportunities that people can create, pursue and realize.

Enough introduction - time to meet John Hipolite. Head waiter at Lamai Serengeti since Lamai opened its doors the 28^th of June 2011, John leads a team of seven. But how did John get here and does he have any plans for the future?

After graduation as a carpenter from Makiungu College in Singida, John joined Nomad in Sand Rivers Selous in 2004 to support the company with his woodwork knowledge. Although his first step in the safari industry, John did not speak a single word of English at the time.

Having enjoyed carpentry for nearly 3 years John knew he wanted more. So he studied English in his evening hours and spent his holidays in school, training his language skills. In 2007 he started waiter training in Sand Rivers Selous next to his carpentry position. A rising star, he quickly turned to a full time waiter in 2008.

Over the next 3 years John showed superb hospitality qualities. Growing to be ready to lead a team of people, his chance of becoming a head waiter came at Lamai Serengeti in 2011. Today John almost clocks a year in his more responsible role. Seemingly enjoying every minute of it, John mind is already figuring out his next step!

Guiding is what he would love to see himself doing in a few years from now. This March John starts a guiding course in Arusha – on his own initiative. He knows that if you really want something, you have to pursue it.

I told you it’s an enjoyable experience to meet with people with a strong sense of ambition... Time to meet with John face to face when you’re here!

Free as a bird

Look at this beautiful ostrich couple. There is something about them don’t you think? Calm, confident and majestic they are as they move about the vast Serengeti plains.

And looking at the figures the bird actually has every reason to behave that way. With a 65 – 130 kg (140-290 lb) it is the largest flightless bird on the planet, even reaching heights of up to 2.75 mts high in length.

Unknown to most of us, the ostrich is very capable of attack when need arises. Though it usually prefers to flee, with speeds reaching up to 70 km/h (43 mp/h) !, its powerful legs can attack with fierce strength. An impressive nail on its inner of its two toes is used as a weapon.

All in all a bird that you may not miss to understand. The moments up close I had with this bird I certainly started appreciating it a lot.

We vote for clouds!

This absolute stunning sunrise that I shot this morning at 06.25 is one to remember. After a series of powerful thunderstorms that lasted the evening and parts of last night, shreds of thin clouds were left in the sky. 

On the ground, misty slivers of humidity filled the undulating plains with only big trees sticking their branches through.

Magnificent, mysterious  and African - this was a moment to enjoy!

Clouds certainly accentuate sunrise colours. So only in the early mornings between 06.00 and 07.00 we wish them here, every day! 

The fresh buns of Lamai

What can make a Serengeti safari even more delightful?

A kitchen team with soul for the food they produce! We don’t want to raise expectations to much, but lucky we are with the team we have... As they keep trying to innovate the breads they are making, we have got some  absolute stunning creations. 

And look at these yummy’s.

From left to right Lucas – head chef – with fresh croissants, Yasini – junior chef – with raisin biscuits and Akyoo – chef – with a stunning rolled onion and poppy seed loaf.

Hmmmm... of to lunch now!

African Civet – or as close as I get to it...

Nocturnal and elusive – for spotting the African civet you have to be pretty lucky. Fairly well represented around Lamai Serengeti it is in the evening when we have managed to spot it. Photographing the African civet in such conditions is taking it to another level!

So let us show what is easy to photograph, but equally interesting – footprints!

With help of a beautiful summer thunderstorm yesterday evening, the pathways were in excellent condition to preserve tracks from anything that passes.

A morning walk around camp after rains is very enjoyable. Prints are easily identifiable and the smell of the African bush after rain is just out of this world!