August 22: Ndabaka

First order of business: The mystery structure in the rocks of saanane island was, I believe, the home of a rock hyrax. Now, I must disclose that I can’t say for certain that this was a rock hyrax den because I didn’t actually see a rock hyrax at the entrance. However, I did see rock hyrax all over these and all the other rocks on the island, so I am pretty sure of its occupant. You may recall that the hyrax is also called rock rabbit or dassie, and it is a small furry mammal that looks like an oversized guinea pig and its closest living relative is the elephant.

After leaving Mwanza, my destination was the famous Serengeti National Park, but rather than pay $300/day (all fees included) for a partial day in the Park, I opted to stay outside the Park for a night on the shores of Lake Victoria near the Ndabaka Gate (the western gate into the “western corridor” of the Park where it almost touches Lake Victoria on the map above).

My campsite was at Nyatwali Beach Lodge and Campsite. Once again, I was the only guest at this lodge and campsite. This time, however, I had a wonderful site literally on the lakeshore with yet another spectacular sunset, but this time over Lake Victoria. Check out this camping spot:

In addition, I had the pleasure to give away some crayons and coloring books to three grateful young pre-school aged children of the native host, and later to the older school-aged “sister” once she returned from school and heard of the gift-giving mzungu (swahili for white man) in camp. Here are some photos:

I am going to submit this astonishingly short post because tomorrow I head into the western corridor of Serengeti National Park and will be camping at an exclusive site for a few nights almost certainly without cell service or wifi. See you in a few days, I hope.