So after leaving the lake-with the local Maasai waterfall guide guy in the back for a ride to Mto Wa Mbu-we raced off along the dirt roads again. We came across a landrover with a shattered axle and (no AA here) loaded up the axle and 2 occupants to take them to Mto Wa Mbu as well. So we had a packed vehicle. I was bemused by the extra passengers the Tour gods kept granting us, but I guess here is where lofty ideals of ‘Good Samaritan’ meet hard reality. Gotta help each other out, yo.
(Lengai on the right as we head home)
We got to the town at about 8ish, dropped our passengers and walked Kat to a dala dala to take her back to Karatu. It was great to have a random ‘nother Kiwi along for the journey, karibu tena Kat. Getting back to the car we found another problem.
Breakdown II.
Our right back wheel was a bit, well wonky, I think a bearing or two had gone on the rough Natron road. That road was a horror, surprised we didn't have more equipment malfunctions. It would take at least an hour to fix. Our driver had done enough driving that night we thought as there would still be another 4 hours or so back to Moshi. So we stayed the night at a local ‘Twiga Campsite and Lodge Hotel’. Our stay was pleasant but expensive. Stupid muzungu tourist prices. We drove back the next day and spent the remainder of the day relaxing by the YMCA Pool in Moshi.
What an adventure. Africa will not let us take a ‘normal‘holiday it seems. Big shout out to our driver and friend, who dealt with poor roads, long hours, vehicle issues and constant badgering to see leopards with aplomb.
Finally, on the way home we saw a magnificent eagle, its wing torn off by a vehicle, dying by the side of the road north of Arusha. It looked blearily at us for solace, all we could do was move it into the shade, while avoiding its talons. From the sweeping plains of animals and the 'Mountain of God' to a raptor discarded like trash by the side of a dusty road.
Off to play Nintendo now.
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