Although our bodies were still a little tired and sore from climbing, we were up early and breakfasting today with excitement and anticipation for our safari start. The first part was actually through the urban jungle of Arusha at rush hour. Our drivers skillfully took the two tricked-out Toyota Land Cruisers through a crazy mix of highway construction, cattle and "normal" road congestion to get us out onto the open road, west of town. We watched several hours of towns, villages and Masai herdsmen drift by before we entered Lake Manyara National Park. Then the tops were rolled back and we all tried our best to spot the next exotic animal. We couldn't beat the guide/drivers, Erik and Joseph... or even our cook, Zach. Time after time, they'd find the zebra, Cape buffalo, elephant, mongoose, giraffe or baboon first. We had a wonderful afternoon in the park. No big cats, but we saw their tracks and knew they were out there -watching us. With the last of daylight, we rolled up at the Plantation Lodge and were all surprised to find such luxurious and welcoming accommodations in the "outback". Tomorrow we'll head for Ngorongoro Crater. Best Regards, RMI Guide Dave Hahn