Nairobi

Doug doing repair work on his bike

Our camp site at Jungle Junction

Team farewell at Jungle Junction

African furniture store

As you can see on arriving in Nairobi we were spoilt for choice of Hotels to stay in

Speke Bay

On the shores of LakeVictoria

Doug and Rog exhausted after their long day. They decided to go round the park as it would be to expensive and complicated to get the bikes through the park. Leaving at 8am they expected to get to Speke Bay at about 6pm but after a few complications and a much longer distance than planned, 1000km later they arrived bruised, battered and relieved to be there safely at 10pm. Needless to say Jo and I were also very pleased to see them. By the time they got there we had all enjoyed a lovely 3 course dinner so they had to make do with ham rolls and a beer or two.

Homa Bay

After a nice short drive from Speke Bay we arrived at this quaint Hotel in Homa Bay where they said we could camp on their lawn. It was like a farmyard with goats, cows, ducks, geese and even camels. They had an Aids awareness conference on and we met some very friendly interesting people.

Everywhere we stopped there were LOTS of men fascinated by the bikes and asking all sorts of questions. The people in Kenya generally speak good English and have been very friendly so far

Setting up camp

The guys enjoying a beer with one of our new friends. Supper that evening was served under the trees and some of is had grilled Talapa fish fresh from the lake.

Serengetti

Top of the hill at the Serengetti entrance, stunning view overlooking the plains

The Wildebeest were gathering for the start of the migration, there were so many, just went on for miles and miles, a welcome sight after driving through the park for hours on the worst roads ever and seeing nothing much at all. It costs a fortune to get into the park and you would think they would spend some of that money upgrading the roads, its as if they want to discourage tourists in their own vehicles.

Jo and Jen at the top of the hill

Masai 'shoes'

Would it be Michelim or Continentals? These shoes are being made out of motorbike tyres. So gaurd your bike tyres and spare tyres well!!

Day 17

The last 2 days we spent at a camping place called Happy Days just outside a little town called Karatu. A very busy place as it is only 17km before the Gorongoza Crater/Serengeti entrance. It was a beautiful place, friendly and efficient staff that looked after us incredably well. The owners, ex South Africans, although we never met the wife, the husband, Andre, was there and to say the least we were all embarrased to say we were white South Africans and especially me, being afrikaans, was embarrased by his bad language, his drinking and disgusting behavour to put the icing on the cake, he was a Bull supporter and when he realized that the bulls were loosing he switched the TV off. When we asked him why he replied, 'because I can'. He actually threw a cake at one of our group members, he got so out of hand. The staff was so embarrassed, they chased him from the premises and banned him while we were there. What an experience. Sadly we cannot recommend the place because of him, . Tanzanian staff however was fantastic and very professional.

Today we all headed in different directions. The backup vehicle with Ian, Cheryl, Jo-Anne and Jenny are driving trough the Serengeti on route to Lake Victoria. Roger and Doug decided to ride around the Serengeti which is a long, 800km stretch. Rudi and I decided to head back to Moshi to once again try to see Kilimanjaro. As I am writing this post the sky is busy clearing and I can vaguely see the outline of the mountain. So keep fingers cross for a little peep later. Tomorrow we are heading for Kenya and will meet up with the rest 2 days from now in Nairobi. Tanzania is an absolutely beautiful country with even more beautiful friendly people. All we hear all day is, 'Jumbo Rafiki', which means 'hello my friend'. They cannot thank you enough for visiting their country and welcome you extensively. The police stop you all over, not to hassle you but to wish you goodluck on your journey through the country, unlike Malawi which was, in general, a very unfriendly tourist destination. The cops were out to nail you round every corner.

As you have seen we visited the Ngorongoza Crater yesterday, it is a must and it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world!. It is 21km long and 17km wide and 600m deep. Ecologically totally self sustainable. So put this destination on your 'must see list'!

More crater photo's

Ngorongoro experience...

Day 15- Moshi to Karatu

 As the mountain was under cover we decided to have a team pic in front of the painted one

 Masai women

 Sisal plantations just before Moshi

 View of Lake Manyara

 Doug and Jen on the road to Karatu

Road side stop

Day 15 - Dar es Salam to Moshi - 534km

Left Silver Sands at 09h00 this moring on route to Moshi. Long ride, 60km dirt and then tarr. 7hrs riding. The country side absolutely beautiful and diverse. Sitting at Key's Hotel's verandah having pizza's. Tomorrow off to Ngorongoza Crater. Fortunately short hall.Tanzania the most beautiful country and people extemely friendly. Ladies spent money on Tanzanite which dented our dollar stash!.

Jenny and Dough

Entering Dar es Salam and arriving at Silver Sands, not the best accommodation but seeing forward to rest for two days....