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Written By

Philip Mbeke, Roving Bushtops Camp Manager

Date

A Return To Wonder

Whilst the world adapts and adjusts in 2021, the wildebeest migration herds continue to do what they have always done: rotate around the African plains, driven on by rain, grass and instinct, while remaining utterly uninterested in human affairs (including pandemics).

Wildebeest herd in field of grass with camp in the background

For our lucky visitors however, the relative absence of fellow tourists has produced a series of superb viewing adventures across our Tanzanian camps (both of which re-opened on 1 June 2021 after a short break). Whilst we know travel remains a challenge, the sights, sounds and sense of release which greets our guests makes it all worthwhile.

three lions sitting in a tree

For example, anyone staying with us at Roving Bushtops (now at our Central Serengeti base) will be entertained all night long by the grunts of wildebeest and the coughs and screams of (respectively) the lions and hyenas which have feasted royally on the endless herds. The big herds of the wildebeest migration are currently spread all over the central Serengeti.  One guest hit the ‘big cat’ heights last week, sighting seven lion families, seven cheetah, a leopard with two cubs and another lone leopard – all on the same day.

young giraffe standing in camp grounds

These big cats are enjoying a bumper season, as the young and inexperienced wildebeest born in January and February become larger, grass-fed, tasty targets. Each deadly encounter shows the Serengeti red in tooth and claw. It can be shocking as well as thrilling, but the relentless cycle of life and death is timelessly natural and, once seen, never forgotten.

And what a relief to escape the world as it is right now! The adventurers who find their way to us breathe huge sighs of release and satisfaction, having finally broken away from the shackles of the pandemic. We still have a way to go before Africa is free from the scourge, but with strict protocols in force – and isolation as a matter of course – heading off on a Bushtops safari is one of the safest and most restorative ways to restore adventure to your life.

As for returning home, we will help to coordinate PCR testing adding reassurance and any documentation needed for homeward journeys.

We always love meeting new people, or welcoming back old friends, but it’s never been as important as it is now.

We all need a Return to Wonder!