LANDY TO LONDON: Da lyons for real!

All our relaxation from the Golden Tulip was undone in one morning in Dar trying to get some "simple" admin done - see Campbell's post. Usambara Mountains, northeast of Dar Es Salaam, was the perfect way to unwind and is a definite must on the Dar to Marangu route.

We decided to go local and camped at Irente View point which is set up on a shear cliff drop up in the mountains. King James Engineer built the bandas and the viewing deck himself. We weren't brave enough to stay in the bandas but the camping grounds were too stunning to turn down.

The next two days were an education and a half. Our guide, Joseph, took us on a 6hour hike through the Usambara mountains teaching us about local plants and their medicinal value as well as local history. We really recommend asking for Joseph from Irente View Lodge if you want a great guide and don't let his age deter you. Although he is only 19, he is definitely worth his weight.

Campbell holding a camelion - apparently these are a really bad omen in Tanzania and are "shooted by the kids with a stone" >>>

View from Usambara Mountains >>>

Joseph with the very yummy Jack fruit that tastes like a rubbery version of pineapple - bizarre but tasty >>>

We can't quite work out whether it was the local cuisine, the sampling of Jack fruit, the long drop masking itself as a flush toilet, or the doxy but the Usambara Mountains left Campbell with a nasty case of Bombay belly which saw us to Marangu.

Marangu is the town where most trekkers leave for Kilimanjaro and where every local on the street runs at you to sell you some trekking package of sorts. Coffee Tree campsite came in close second to Fawlty Towers in Livingstone, but not quite. I know Campbell was grateful for the clean toilets in close proximity to our campsite.

I can tell you it was hard leaving Marangu and not climbing Kilimanjaro with the amount of stories you hear and the vibe in the town, but we have decided to climb Mount Kenya.

We met up with Team America in Moshi and an honourary Team America member, cousin Nikki, to go on an awesome safari through Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park. We went through a great tour company Peter Tours and Mountaineering who provided a great budget camping option.

We were lucky to enjoy the big five (with the exception of leopards) and in the Ngorongroro crater we had three lions sleeping in the shade of our car - so wicked!

Shortly after this picture was taken all three lions got up walked over to the car and plonked themselves in the shade. We quickly rolled up our windows >>>

The real deal up close and personal!

Vicious animals in Lake Manyara National Park (hee hee Jill from Team America having a laugh) >>>
Team America (plus cuz) are heading to the gorillas in Uganda and Kaspuur are heading to Nairobi to service the car and climb Mount Kenya.