Safari Adventure Continues: Northern Serengeti with Hylton Langley Safaris

Arrival at Kogatende

Our journey started with a bit of adventure—delayed planes, slow border crossings, and rainy weather meant we arrived a couple of hours later than planned. We even saw a plane that had slipped off the runway and was perched among the trees, though fortunately, everyone on board was safe and uninjured. Upon arrival at Kogatende, our guide Hassan, welcomed us warmly, ensuring that the challenges of the day were quickly forgotten.

Life at Serengeti Under Canvas

Serengeti Under Canvas offers a truly immersive experience, with no running water but plenty of comfort. Daniel, our dedicated butler, prepared hot showers on a donkey boiler, making sure we were refreshed after a long day of travel. As night fell, we were lulled to sleep by the chorus of a million wildebeest and the distant roars of lions—a truly unforgettable soundtrack to our nights in the Serengeti.

Exceptional Game Viewing

The game viewing in the Northern Serengeti was nothing short of spectacular. Large herds of wildebeest were still concentrated in this area, providing endless opportunities to witness the Great Migration in all its glory. We were fortunate enough to experience a thrilling hot air balloon safari with Serengeti Balloon Safaris. Our skilled pilot guided us over the plains, offering stunning aerial views of hippos in the Mara River, a hyena attempting to hunt a solitary wildebeest, and a buffalo charging across the rocky outcrop-dotted landscape.

River Crossings and Wildlife Encounters

We witnessed two river crossings, with herds of wildebeest bravely navigating the treacherous waters, while the resident crocodiles once again went hungry. The most fascinating moment came when a mega herd attempted to cross the Sand River. Though the thick vegetation obscured our view of the crossing itself, we watched in awe as thousands of wildebeest filed past us. Suddenly, the herd was thrown into chaos as two enormous elephant bulls in musth emerged, their fierce battle sending wildebeest stampeding back towards us.

Unexpected Adventures

Our adventure didn’t stop there. Poor Hassan managed to get our vehicle stuck in a muddy ditch, adding an extra layer of excitement to our day. Fortunately, everyone was safe—though I did receive some good-natured teasing about my “bougie” sandals, which were far from practical bush shoes. It was a reminder that in the wild, you always need to be prepared for the unexpected!

Stay tuned for the next part of our journey as we continue exploring the wonders of East Africa. And if you’re ready to create your own safari memories, reach out to us today and start planning your unforgettable adventure with Hylton Langley Safaris!