December 20, 2004
A sadness has come over the group. The realization that we must leave the Serengeti leaves a hole in our hearts. We're quieter than usual. After group photos with camp staff and guides, we reluctantly piled into our vehicles for the drive back to Ngorongoro Farm House.
As we climbed back up the western slopes of Olgira le Korongoro we watched wistfully as bomas, Maasai herdsmen with their flocks, and the incredible beauty of this land slipped past. Too soon we reached the rim of the crater, once again made breathless by the sheer size and perfection of the caldera. How we yearned to drop down its slopes and roam the crater floor once more in search of rhino, lion, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. But alas, that was not to be; we circled the rim, then departed through the park gate and headed to the Farm House.
The staff at the Farm House lifted our spirits with a delicious lunch and a brief but energizing visit from owner Wilbard Chambulo (a.k.a. Willy). Many of us spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool. Bernadetha presented Carol with the two-piece dresses that were tailored from Katenge fabric while we were in the Serengeti. The beautifully tailored dresses fit perfectly. Carol gave one of the dresses as a gift to her sister, Beverly.
Albert, Farm House manager, and Willy gave a group of us a tour of the gardens and new guest bungalows. Willy is rightfully very proud of his operation.
Carol and Beverly debuted their newly tailored African attires. During pre-dinner drinks at the campfire James and Alex bestowed them with the titles of "Mama Africa", and "Maasai Princess."
Dinner was beautiful, but the reality that this was our last evening together tempered our high spirits. Even the gods seemed to be sending us a message -- throughout dinner the skies flashed with lightening and the rumble of thunder filled the air. With heavy hearts we headed to our cottages for our last night in Africa.
