Why did we select Serengeti for our African Safari trip? Serengeti vs Masai Mara vs Kruger

 

The Lioness Pride in Serengeti National Park

The 'African Safari' had been on the bucket list for a long time. However, it was way out of my travel budget.  This time I decided to just go for it. After COVID-19, decisions have been faster. Who knows what befalls tomorrow, so the thought has been, 'Just DO it today if you want to'. We had only 10 days of vacation time and limited funds, so had to make the most of it within the constraints. 

We wanted to experience the Great Migration, hence, late July - Early August was pinned as the travel dates. Unfortunately, almost everything was booked in August and we had to plan around the dates when accommodations were available in Serengeti National Park. The Lesson Learnt: If planning a Safari Trip, plan way ahead. To get good accommodation at a good price, book at least 6 months ahead of the travel dates. We were four months away from our target date and it was truly late!

Our final itinerary included three days in Zanzibar, 4 days in Serengeti National Park, and 2 days were kept for travel. Part of the family flew from Delhi, India to Zanzibar via Mumbai, India, and Dar Es Salaam and part flew from Milan, Italy via Doha, Qatar. Air Tanzania has direct flights to Zanzibar and Arusha from Mumbai via Dar Es Salaam. Now the reason we wanted a direct flight was to avoid the yellow fever vaccination!

Yellow Fever vaccination requirements for Tanzania:

Tanzania is not a Yellow Fever Endemic Zone as recognized by WHO. If one flies to Tanzania directly from a non-endemic zone and flies out directly to a non-endemic zone, vaccination is not necessary. However, it can be taken as a precaution. If taking a flight via an endemic zone, either way, vaccination is mandatory. We had septuagenarians traveling with us who were at high risk of serious side effects if vaccinated and we wanted to avoid it. It is advised that people aged 60+ avoid the yellow fever vaccination. South Africa and Tanzania are not endemic zones and people above 60 can plan their safari trips in these countries. Kenya is an endemic zone, hence Masai Mara was off our list. Please note: In 2022, Tanzania required yellow fever vaccination irrespective of the flight origin or destination when Kenya faced an outbreak. It is always good to check with the Embassy and the air carrier before planning the trip. 

Serengeti (including Ngorongoro crater), Tanzania vs Masai Mara, Kenya vs Kruger, South Africa

The top three popular destinations for the once-in-a-lifetime African Safari experience include Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Kruger. It was a tough job deciding which one we wanted to pick as our destination. Here are the pointers we based our final decision on:

1. Yellow Fever Vaccination - It was on the very top of our list. Serengeti and Kruger did not require it. Masai Mara required it. That removed Masai Mara from our options.

2. Flight cost - Flight to Kenya < Flight to Serengeti < Flight to Kruger. Kruger was the farthest from Milan and Delhi and the flight tickets were exorbitantly priced for July/August, which removed Kruger from the option leaving only Serengeti as the choice of destination.

3. Park fees - Krugar < Serengeti < Masai Mara

4. Travel fees within the park - Masai Mara < Kruger < Serengeti. The cost of travel in Serengeti increases because one has to pay for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee during entry and exit.

5. Accommodation cost - Kruger < Masai Mara < Serengeti. Kruger has the most affordable hotels and camps compared to the other two.

6. Availability of Accommodation - Serengeti < Masai Mara < Kruger. Serengeti has fewer accommodations compared to the other two.

7. Park size - Masai Mara < Serengeti < Kruger. Masai Mara is the extended smaller part of Serengeti, located in Kenya and it is the smallest of the three. Kruger remains the largest and the only park that can support all the BIG FIVE.

8.  Chances of seeing the big five - Masai Mara < Serengeti < Kruger. The highest chance of seeing all the big five is in Kruger. In fact, both white and black rhinos can be easily seen in Kruger while we had a tough time getting a glimpse of a black rhino in Ngorongoro crater.

9. Chances of seeing land migration of Wildebeest and river crossing - Kruger < Masai Mara < Serengeti. Since Serengeti and Masai Mara have vast stretches of savannah plains it's easier to see big herds of animals, particularly during migration. 

10. Self-drive safari convenience - Serengeti < Masai Mara < Kruger. The ease of planning a self-driven safari trip is best in Kruger. I don't think it's even possible in Serengeti. 

11. Terrain and Landscape - Kruger has a bushy landscape while Masai Mara and Serengeti have vast stretches of savannah grassland. The landscape is more diverse in Serengeti and Masai Mara than in Kruger.

12. Best months to visit - Kruger: May to October; Masai Mara: June to October; Serengeti: January-February and June to September

13. Ease of getting a Visa - South Africa < Kenya and Tanzania. Getting a Visa was pretty simple for Kenya and Tanzania. All three countries have e-visa facilities but friends said South African Visa processing time was longer than the 7-day window of Kenya and Tanzania.

Great Migration, July 2024

Most Popular African Safari Destinations include the following countries: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa

If I get a chance to make a second trip, it will be Kruger. Masai Mara still stays out because of the vaccination requirement. Zambia and Zimbabwe come close next because Victoria Falls is on my bucket list as well. Let's see what life has in store!

The Mysterious Garo Hills

 

Wari Chora in Garo Hills. Source of photograph: Official Meghalaya Tourism Facebook Page. One can reach Wari Chora from Baghmara. The Wari Chora homestay is about 1.5 hours by road. The trek point is an off-road drive of another 10-15 minutes. The descent trek is about 1-2 hours depending on one's stamina and ability to trek through forests. The ascent back is about 2-3 hours. The canoe ride and exploration at the canoe, waterfall, and river takes about 2-3 hours

Garo Hills are one of the most unexplored parts of our country. My father tells us stories of his adventurous trips to the beautiful caves and rivers hidden in these hills. The photographs I saw on the Meghalaya Tourism website are absolutely intriguing and I can't wait to visit these mysterious mountains. However, getting the permission to go there will be one big task. Till now my parents did not allow me to venture to that side rather scared me off it. According to them, it's pretty dangerous and unsafe. I googled a bit and yes, this part does sound difficult in terms of infrastructure (but I guess as long as development does not reach there, these hills will remain gorgeous) and insurgencies. People have been abducted and the tribes in these areas can be pretty intimidating for outsiders, I guess (However, I may be wrong since I have been mostly discouraged from traveling to that part of the country). Can't blame them! As has happened in other parts of the world, the tribes were uprooted from their very homeland in the name of development like one of the Khasi groups called Diko are extinct. Guess, it will take a while to figure out how to reach the hidden sanctuaries of these hills before development encroaches on them to mutilate their existence. People have visited and am sure I can as well pretty soon. 

Karukol in Garo Hills. Source of photograph: Official Meghalaya Tourism Facebook Page 

Simsang River in Garo Hills. Source of photograph: Official Meghalaya Tourism Facebook Page 

Places of Interest in the Garo Hills

The course of the Simsang River. It has its origin in the Nokrek range, then flows down south into Bangladesh where it is called Someshwari

Origin of the Garos

The origin of Garos is not well documented due to unavailable resources. Garo's history has been passed on through generations orally in the form of stories and legends. Ancient Garo scripts are lost and in recent times, English is their adopted script. The little that has been researched about their origin, suggests that the tribes probably migrated from Tibet. The similarities in language and traditions incline towards the theory. Garo's consider Yak tails sacred which is prevalent in Tibet and regions where Yak's are found. However, Yak is not native to the mountains of Meghalaya or other Garo habitats which further supports the theory, that their ancestral trail must have led to Tibet. Many Garo legends suggest similar stories of their migration from far Northern mountains. Small Garo Villages along the river routes even in the present day, lean towards these migration theories.

Many historians believe different Tibetan tribes migrated to Garo Hills following the course of the Brahmaputra River. Some even detoured toward present-day Sikkim and followed the course of the Teesta River. It is suggested one of the first settlements of Garos was Cooch Behar. They were later driven out from there by the Koch rulers. They moved East to Jogighopa and then to Dalgoma. From Dalgoma they moved South to Garo Hills. 

Other historians believe the Tibetan tribes followed the Salween River from its source and moved towards Myanmar. There they followed the course of Chindwin and Irrawaddy Rivers to reach the Mandalay region of Myanmar where they settled down as farmers. Some tribesmen later moved west and crossed over to Dimapur. From Dimapur, some went North towards Northeast Assam and some went towards Garo Hills.

Probable routes of Garo Migration to Meghalaya from Tibet 

The name Garo was coined by the natives for the migrant tribes. The origin of the name Garo is unknown or rather obscure. Some say stepped farmers were called Gari which later changed to Garo. Some connect the name to Garuda tribes and some connect it to Gara-Ganching tribes. Originally the Garos called themselves Achik Mande which means the hill people. The indigenous Garos were nature worshippers and they followed a religion called Songsarek. In recent times, most Garos have converted to Christianity. 

Like the Khasis and Jaintias, the Garos are also matrilineal and matrilocal but not matriarchal. The family name and the property are passed on through a chosen daughter of the family. In the absence of a daughter, a daughter is adopted from the mother's sister's side. After marriage, the groom moves to the bride's family and takes over the responsibilities of the bride's family. The Garos are divided into five exogamous clans called 'chatchis' or 'katchis' - The Marak, The Momin, The Sangma, The Arengh, and The Shira. Each clan is further divided into several septs called 'Machongs'. Marriages are strictly prohibited in the same chatchi. However, in modern times, many just follow marriage prohibition within the same 'machong'. I think the prohibition in marriages within 'chatchi' should have been strictly followed since it prevents inbreeding and recessive genetic mutations in offspring.

There are about 12 sub-tribes of Garos based on their dialects and geographical location: Ambeng/Abeng, A.tong, A.we, Chibok, Chisak, Dual, Gara-Gaching, Koch, Matabeng, Matchi, Matchi-Dual, Megam, and Ruga.

Distribution of sub-tribes in Garo Hills

Shiju Bat Caves - Source of photograph: Official Meghalaya Tourism Facebook Page. One can reach Shiju bird sanctuary and caves from Baghmara in about 1.5 hours drive

How and when to travel to the Garo hills

I heard from travelers that it is not very easy to get to the caves, waterfalls, and canyons. Most places need a good amount of medium-range trek through deep forests full of leeches, animals, and insects. But I guess that's what makes it an adventurous treasure hunt. I remember trekking to Chitrakote Falls through the deep forests of MP with a tribal guide when it was undiscovered and unexplored. The beauty was exquisite. But now it's an easily accessible tourist spot and always crowded. The interest in the place has since faded. I sincerely feel Garo Hills need to be preserved, and protected and not made easy access! 

Garo Hills are one of the wettest places in India, rather entire Meghalaya as the name suggests is the abode of the clouds. Monsoons are a bad time to get here. June and July are an absolute no-no for Meghalaya. Rather June to October is the wettest in the state. People tend to go to the hills for a cooler respite during summer vacations, but if one is planning treks and hiking, summer may not be the best time. It gets a wee bit sweltry. Also, the forests are infested with leeches which gets worse during summers and monsoons. I enjoy winters in Meghalaya and the cool climate makes treks easier. however, if one does not plan treks and hikes, summer may be fine.

Most places of interest in Garo Hills can be reached from Tura and Baghmara. One can reach Tura and Baghmara via Shillong or directly from Guwahati, Assam which has the nearest airport and railway station to the Garo Hills. Nokrek National Park is about 2.5 hours from Tura. Balpakram National Park is around 1.5 hours from Baghmara. 

A Walk On The Bridge That Breathes In Riwai

This small village 90 km south of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya came into prominence when a travel channel voted it as the cleanest village in India. However, our main interest was the living root bridge connecting Riwai and Nohwet villages, very close to Mawlynnong. Root bridges are unique to the state of Meghalaya and not seen in any other part of the country perhaps not even the world.

It took us about 3 hours to reach Mawlynnong from Shillong. The drive usually takes about 2hrs but we couldn't resist taking photo breaks in between. It was a beautiful March morning, with perfect weather, and an absolutely picturesque route. Many shades of green flanked both sides of the road for miles and miles till we arrived at a streamlet. 

Inspired by John Keats .... lingering along streams of rushing waters...in the heart of pristine nature, the blue skies, virescent trees, and cool breeze.....echoed our hearty laughter....:) :P (Okay that was a terrible effort and I hope Keats didn't turn in his grave - I owe an apology) :P

The loveliness of the tranquil ambiance can't be captured in photos for sure! It must be experienced, smelt, and felt. A painter's paradise, a poet's muse, a writer's haven, a singer's mood. 

Had we brought camping equipment, this would have been the perfect place to pitch the tent for the night. Not sure if it's safe at night but if allowed I would surely try the next time.

The multi-purpose cane basket. Here is an eco-friendly innovative trash cone. Isn't it cute? Mawlynnong and Riwai are eco-tourism community ventures and they have used only natural, biodegradable materials for the trash cans everywhere.

Off we went on the trail to the Living Root Bridge. As the name clearly implies, a living root bridge is an actual 'living' 'root' bridge :)  A bridge made of the roots of a living tree of the class Ficus Elastica - Banyan fig in this case.

In order to make the tree's roots grow in the right direction, betel nut trunks are used. The trunks are sliced down the middle and hollowed out, to create root guidance systems. The thin, tender roots of the ficus tree are led through the hollowed portion thus, preventing them from fanning out and allowing them to grow just straight. When they reach the other side of the river, they're rooted back into the soil. In time layers of roots form a strong sturdy bridge that can carry a good amount of weight. Once very strong, stone slabs are placed to make a smoother walkway.

It is said the bridges last for hundreds of years, depending on the health of the mother tree. Since new roots keep growing, the bridge literally regenerates every time the old roots or old trees die and over the years, its strength increases with more layers. Of course, villagers do maintain them well and are prompt about all repair work, since it's their only way to commute.

These bridges are the only means to connect to the small interior villages of Meghalaya which do not have road access. The trail to the Riwai Bridge is not too steep, slimy, or narrow as compared to many others.

Khasi men and women washing clothes along the beautiful stream. The same cane basket is used to carry the clothes.

A precarious little stretch of rocky trail. 

A typical bamboo and cane hut. Mawlynngong has homestays and guest houses for visitors. I think one must stay overnight to experience the place better since there are a couple of waterfalls and other nature treks, which can be enjoyed well if visited in leisure rather than a hurried and tiring day trip. Definitely a treat for those who like a little rustic, non-city atmosphere.

A tall bamboo tower leads to a sky-view shelter. The structure is at least 10-12 meters tall and made entirely out of bamboo, even the ties, and joints. Initially, I was a bit scared but once I began to trust the strength of the construction I eased up. The view from the top was spectacular. The feeling of being on a really high tree house can't be anything less than amazing.

There are even tree houses for visitors to stay in. Not sure how brave I will be to perch up that high for a night but shall give it a shot next time.

There are no restaurants in the village. The only options are homemade food and fruits offered by the villagers. We tried some new types of berries. Above: Shophie and below Shohsang. These berries looked quite tempting but ....but.... one bite and I literally jumped. It was extremely sour. I must have mimicked one of Jim Carry's favorite antics after an uncontrollable tickle ran through my entire body :P That's the best I can describe the degree of sourness. 

We didn't stay back for the night, as we had plans to go to Sohra for the waterfalls. But a promise I made to myself, next time I am going to carry a good fat book and stay there till I finish reading it. Fresh air and a good book should be quite relaxing. I think I should take 'Roots' :) 

The Untouched Jaintia Hills

From Tyrshi Falls, Jowai

The Jaintia Hills lie on the eastern side of Meghalaya. Jowai is the official headquarters of West Jaintia Hills and Khliehriat is the official headquarters of East Jaintia Hills. Jaintia Hills were a part of the Jaintia Kingdom. The Greater Jaintia Kindom spread across parts of the present-day, states of Meghalaya, and Assam in India and the present-day state of Sylhet in Bangladesh. Its winter capital was Jaintapura, in present-day Bangladesh, and its Summer capital was in Nartiang, present-day India. Later in 630 AD Jaintia king Raja Guhak (as per Wikipedia) divided the kingdom among his three sons - Jaintia Kingdom (present-day Meghalaya and Assam) went to Jayantak, Gour Kingdom (Northern Sylhet in Bangladesh) went to Gurak and Laur Kindom (another part of present-day Sylhet) went to Ladduk. 

What was the history of the Jaintia tribes is a bit of a contradiction. Some say they were an Austroasiatic tribe of Mon-Khmer Origins, who traveled to India from East Asia or South East Asia. Some say they were the origins of present-day Cachar or present-day Sylhet. I lean towards the former version considering the features and cultures of the Jaintias. 

As per some historians, a group of Mon-Khmer tribes traveled to the Kopilli Valley, from Tonquin (a region in North Vietnam) Via Yunan (a southwestern province of China), and Myanmar. They settled in the Kopilli Valley fed by the Kopili River. Later after the Indo-Aryan rulers took over this region under their reign and established the Pragjyotish Kingdom, the tribe moved west and north. Eventually, they settled in the region known as the Jaintia Hills.

The migration of Mon-Khmers from Tonquin to Kopilli Valley

The Kopili River Valley

The Jaintia kingdom went through many changes and rulers till the Britishers annexed it in 1835. One of the first known rulers of Jaintias was queen Urmi Rani. Jaintias are Matrilineal like the Khasis and Garos of Meghalaya. As the term suggests, the women carry forward the lineage, the surnames, and the inheritance. The youngest daughter of the family inherits the property. If the youngest daughter dies or is disowned, the immediate elder daughter inherits the property, and then her youngest daughter carries forward the inheritance. If there are no daughters in the family, the mother's youngest sister inherits the property and it continues in the same order. After marriage, the men move into the bride's family. Ancient Jaintia Kindom was ruled by Queen Monarchs. Women were powerful and highly respected.

Medieval Kingdoms of North Eastern India

The Jaintia matrilineal traditions continue even to the present day. Some Jaintias today are converted Christians and Muslims and some follow the Hindu way of living but the indigenous Jaintias worshipped nature their religion is called Niamtre and they follow three cardinal principals, Kamai yeh hok, tipbru tipblai, and tipkur tipkha which signify, honest living and livelihood, fulfilling duties for fellow humans, and all living beings, respect for the family.

Ruins of Jaintia KIngdom in Jaintapur in Bangladesh (Source: Wikipedia)

Jaintia Hills is a region still not destroyed by human activities. It is endowed with lush green vegetation, beautiful waterfalls, and crystal clear-water rivers. Some famous points of interest are Tyrshi Waterfall, Nartiang monoliths, Umngot River, and Thlu Amwi Waterfall among others.

Places of interest in Jaintia Hills

Tyrshi waterfall (picture source Wikipedia)

Nartiang Monoliths (Picture source wikipedia). These monoliths were erected by Jaintia rulers in honor of their predecessors. This collection of monoliths is perhaps the largest collection in any one place

Thlumuwi Waterfall (Picture source Wikipedia) This falls is famous for a stone footbridge built by the Jaintia rulers 

Umngot River (Picture source Wikipedia). The Umngot or Dawki River is famous for being one of the cleanest rivers in India

The Regnant Queens Of Egypt

Queen Nefertari with Horus, the Falcon head God (painting at Nefertari's tomb in Luxor)

Nefertari - The Deified Queen from the 19th Dynasty (13th century BC):

I visited Nefertari's gorgeous tomb in Luxor's Valley of Queens last January during my seven-day trip to Egypt. The entry fee was pretty steep and only a limited number are allowed entry per day. The tomb's exquisiteness is evidence that Nefertari. was no ordinary queen. Initially, I thought Nefertari was Nefertiti but the guide cleared my doubts regarding the same. Nefertari was the beautiful wife of Pharoah Ramesses II. In fact, her name means 'beautiful companion'. She was considered one of the most powerful royal wives who was highly educated, for those times. Ramesses II bestowed upon her one of the highest honors ever received by any Royal Consort. He built her a temple alongside the Sun Goddess, Hathor in Aswan, known as the temples of Abu Simbel today. 

Temple of Hathor and Nefertari at Abu Simbel. The entrance facade has colossal statues of Ramesses II and his deified Queen Nefertari

The temple of Abu Simbel was originally built on the second cataract of the Nile in Aswan which currently is submerged under Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was built. To conserve the temple, it was relocated to another site on the western bank of Lake Nasser, now called Abu Simbel. 

The original Abu Simbel temples were relocated from Aswan to Abu Simbel

Interesting Fact: The name Abu Simbel was actually the name of a Nubian Boy who showed the mound under which the temple was buried to Swiss explorer Burckhardt. Burckhardt, however, was not successful in excavating the temple. It was Italian archaeologist and the pioneer of Egyptology, G. Belzoni who later excavated it. The site was named after the boy who discovered the site.

Nefertiti - The Reformer Queen from the 18th Dynasty (1351-1336 BC):

The famous limestone bust of Nefertiti, currently displayed in Berlin Museum

Nefertiti was the wife of Pharoah Akhenaten. Her name meant "The beautiful one has come". Some say she ruled for a few years after the Pharoah's death before Tutankhamun took over the reign of Egypt. She is known for religious reforms in Egypt. Akhenaten and Nefertiti introduced monotheism in the earlier polytheist Egypt. They established The Sun, Aten, as their sole GOD. Some studies suggest she may have been Akhenaten's blood sister. Some researchers suggest she may have been the mother of Tutankhamun. However, the recent, discovery of a mummy in KV35 whose DNA matches that of Tutankhamun and Amenhotep III negates the former theories.

Hatshepsut - The Pharoah Queen from the 18th Dynasty (1479 - 1458 BC)

Hatshepsut is the only queen whose tomb is in the Valley of the Kings. She was considered the most powerful female Pharoah however, chronologically, she was the second female Pharoah after Queen Sobekneferu (12th Dynasty) or perhaps the third considering Queen Merneith (First Dynasty) may have been a Pharoah as well.  She was the consort of her half-brother Thutmosis II and daughter of Thutmose I. She became a regent to the two-year stepson Thutmose III post the death of her spouse. Eventually, after a few years, she established herself as the Pharoah in her own right and even assumed the dress code and traits of male Pharoahs. She changed her name to Maatkare (Maat - Truth, Ka - Soul, Re - Sun God) to affirm, that she like any other Pharoah could communicate directly with God. While her original tomb was destroyed several times and her mummy relocated by her predecessors, her grand mortuary temple at the Valley of Kings proclaims her power and position. She and her achievements were almost erased from the history of Egypt by her predecessors considering her reign was one of the most prosperous and attributing success to a woman ruler was not acceptable to some of them for political reasons. Ironically, she trained her predecessor Thutmose III to become a skilled warrior, a scribe, and a priest as expected of a thoroughbred Pharaoh. He in turn ensured her name was obliterated for reasons still unexplained. Yet after all, the attempts to wipe out the existence of this great woman, she stands today as perhaps the most progressive Pharoah Queen of Egypt, and as her befitting name, Hatshepsut means 'The foremost of nobel women' who expanded trade relations to as far as Punt, led many infrastructure projects, and patronaged many great temples and buildings like the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Deir El Bahari, and many others.

Deir El Bahari - The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Luxor

Merneith, The first Regent Queen from the First Dynasty (31st Century BC)

Bust of Merneith. Photograph source: National Geographic website

Merneith whose name means 'The beloved of Neith (the Ancient Egyptian goddess of home and feminity)' was the consort of Pharoah Djet and mother of Pharoah Den. She reigned as the Regent when Djet died and her son Den was too young to take over the responsibilities of a Pharoah. Some historians debate She may have established herself as a Pharoah in her own right and thus may have been the First Pharoah Queen of Egypt. Some historians believe she was the second regent queen, after Neithhotep, who ruled as regent for her baby son Hor-Aha after the death of her spouse, the first Pharoah of Egypt Narmer.

Sobekneferu - The first Regnant Queen of Egypt from the Twelfth Dynasty ( 18th Century BC)

Bust of Sobekmeferu at Berlin Museum. Photograph Source: Wikipedia

Sobekneferu was the daughter of the Pharaoh Amenemhat III and the last Pharoah of the 12th dynasty. She is considered the first woman Pharoah of Egypt, considering there is no clear evidence of Merneith being a Pharoah. She ascended or usurped the throne of Egypt after the death of Pharoah Amenemhat IV, who may have been her spouse or half-brother, or both. Her name means 'Beauty of Sobek (the ancient crocodile god of Egypt).

Cleopatra VII - The most Celebrated Queen and the Last Pharoah of the Last Dynasty, The Ptolemaic Dynasty (69 0 30 BC)

Statue of Cleopatra VII in Altesh Museum. Picture source: Wikipedia

Perhaps, Cleopatra is the most famous and most celebrated Egyptian queen. For a very long time as a kid, I thought Elizabeth Taylor was the actual Cleopatra. Cleopatra was the last queen, the last regnant of Egypt. I am not sure why popularly the title of Pharoah is not associated with her but technically, she is also the Last Pharoah of Egypt before the Romans took over Egypt. She was the daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes. Her name means 'The father loving godess'. After her father's death, she ascended the throne along with her brother Ptolemy XIII as a co-ruler. However, they did not get along and civil war engulfed the empire. Meanwhile, Triumvir Julius Caesar occupied Alexandria in the process of chasing his enemy Pompey who sought refuge in Egypt but was betrayed by Ptolemy III. Caesar's army defeated and killed Ptolemy III and established Cleopatra and Ptolemy IV as the joint rulers of Egypt. Caesar had a famous brief affair with Cleopatra till his assassination. Cleopatra had a son Caesarion with Caesar. Later Cleopatra married Triumvir Mark Anthony and they had two sons and a daughter. Cleopatra was highly ambitious and had plans to expand her empire to far south and north with the alliance of Mark Antony. Unfortunately, her dreams were squashed when Octavian / Augustus Caesar, Caesar's Nephew ascended the throne of the Roman Empire, rather laid the foundation of the Roman Empire. Octavian manipulated Anthony into marrying his sister Octavia as a political strategy which angered Cleopatra but she eventually steered the divorce of Octavia and Anthony brought him back to Alexandria and proclaimed her children as successors to her throne. This led to the final war between the Roman and Egyptian Army. The Egyptian army was defeated, and Anthony committed suicide. There are stories, that Anthony committed suicide on hearing the rumor of Cleopatra's suicide. Cleopatra was hiding in her tomb when Octavian took over Alexandria. Fearing her capture, she got herself killed by a snake bite and thus ended the 3200 years of Pharoah rule in Egypt.