The rock formations with the sprouting umbrella trees in the Serengeti are called “kopjes,” which are essentially isolated, rocky hills formed from ancient granite that was pushed up from deep within the Earth’s crust, exposed by the erosion of softer volcanic rock and ash layers around it; essentially appearing as “islands” in the grassland plains of the Serengeti. These rock formations provide vital habitats for various animals, offering shelter from predators and extreme weather conditions. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Some members of my Jeep group looking out into plains for animals from our open top Jeep 4x4in the Serengeti. From left: Svenja, Daniela and XXX. (Oct. 9, 2024)

The rocky formations in the Serengeti are called “kopjes,” essentially isolated, rocky hills formed from ancient granite that was pushed up from deep within the Earth’s crust. (Oct. 9, 2024)

And the game drive view of the day were the five young male lions roaming the Serengeti. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Four of the five young males keeping company together in the Serengeti. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Young male lion roaming in a pack with four others. (Oct. 9, 2024)

The five young males keeping company together in the Serengeti. They were quite playful with one another but as they get older, they may end up fighting one another to death to be the one who mates with the female. For now, they roam the Serengeti plains together and kill as a pack at night. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Back at our campsite, the Nigiri Public Campsite in the open of the Serengeti After our early evening game drive, a group built a camp fire between the tents so we could have a fireside dinner. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Our fireside dinner at Nigiri Public Campsite in the Serengeti. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Jeremy, our super kind and helpful Intrepid truck driver, made another delicious dinner of lamb chops, rice and deliciously seasoned beans. (Oct. 9, 2024)

Back at our campsite, the Nigiri Public Campsite in the open of the Serengeti After our early evening game drive, a group built a camp fire between the tents so we could have a fireside dinner. (Oct. 9, 2024)

This is the view of four male group volunteers washing the dishes after dinner at our Nigiri Public Campsite. I would say this is a rare sighting but these men always helping to clean up and more. (Oct. 9, 2024)

The 4×4 Jeeps ready for our last ride through the Serengeti, Ngorogoro and back to our overland Intrepid truck parked at the Twiga Campsite & Lodge in Mto wa Mbu. I just loved seeing the Serengeti Balloon Safaris balloon passing overhead of our campsite. Another beautiful days for a ride in the air. (Oct. 10, 2024)

On our last game drive through the Serengeti, we spotted this gorgeous male Impala in the Serengeti. (Oct. 10, 2024)

Our tents packed and on the supply jeep back to our Intrepid overland truck. A young man, who put up my tent came back to take down my tent. I tipped him, 40,000 Tanzanian Shillings, a little less than $15 USD. And one of the young strapping men in my Intrepid group, brought it back to the Intrepid overland truck. (Oct. 10, 2024)

Made it through passport control at the Kigamboni ferry entrance in Dar es Salaam to board the ferry to Zanzibar. (Oct. 14, 2024)

At the ferry port in Dar es Salaam waiting to board our hour and a half to 2-hour ferry boat ride to Zanzibar. (Oct. 14, 2024)

At the ferry port in Dar es Salaam waiting to board our hour and a half to 2-hour ferry boat ride to Zanzibar. (Oct. 13, 2024)