Uncommon Sightings in the Serengeti

My friend Monica and I just returned from a four day safari in the Serengeti. Instead of the usual animal photos, I thought I would share a couple of the more unusual things we saw.

While parked in a line of about twenty jeeps to watch a pride of lions feast on a fresh wildebeest, I turned to look behind me for a brief second. Imagine my surprise when I saw my Uncle Knud and Aunt Lea from Denmark driving behind us. (Full disclosure: I knew they were on safari the same week as us, but still, the Serengeti is a very big place) They looked a little surprised too.

I can honestly say, when I left for the trip, I did not expect to see the President of Tanzania either.

President Kikwete, center in dark suit

Our driver nonchalantly asked if we wanted to see the President of Tanzania at the Serengeti airstrip. Mr. Kikwete was there to officially welcome a gift of twenty-one rhinos from South Africa and support the efforts of conservation. We parked our jeep alongside the many other safari vehicles that were carrying tourists and joined the party. When I asked our driver if he’d ever seen the President before he said, “Of course, many times. He’s my President!” The  event was very festive with a marching band, dancers, and a lot of speeches praising the President’s pro-conservation-anti-poaching position. The complete lack of security and celebratory vibe made me feel like I was attending the Grand Opening of a supermarket, instead of a presidential event. Pinch me again.