12th November 2014

The following morning it was a long drive to the Serengeti, stopping off along the way to visit Oldupai Gorge, the ‘Cradle of Mankind’ (and not Olduvai Gorge as several people were at pains to point out). Wherever we went during the trip if there was water there were birds. It was very difficult to concentrate on the lecture about the finds at Oldupai when Red and Yellow Barbet, Kenya Rufous Sparrow and Vitelline Masked-weaver were flying to and from a dripping tap.

                                Red and Yellow Barbet

We entered Serengeti NP via the Naabi Hill gate and were able to wander around during the usual delay whilst permits were organised. Namaqua Dove, D’Arnaud’s Barbet and Yellow-fronted Canary were all added to the list here.

                                D'Arnaud's Barbet

We were running a bit late and heading straight for our lodge for lunch when it became clear that Prosper, our driver, was on a mission. He finally stopped, pointed at a tree several hundred yards away and said ‘Leopard’! With binoculars it was just about visible, with Zul’s scope we could identify it – how on earth Prosper could spot it with no optics I really don’t know.

                                Leopard