Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)

Breakfast at the camp this morning before leaving at 7:30. We are heading South today in search of the Black Rhino. It was quite the drive so Ally drove with a purpose today so we could get there, search then begin the long drive back. Driving with a purpose here has a whole new meaning for me…lol!

There is a Black Rhino project here where the monitor the species to help from extension. Poaching here is still a huge problem so there are rangers in this area who live on top of the cliffs to help protect them. We learned that often poachers are just killed here because too many have been arrested but go back to poaching when they get out so it’s easier to just eliminate them. Something to be said for repeat offenders of violent crimes in the states. Visited the Rhino information center to learn about their history. A great guide full of knowledge and passion for these animals. You would have to love it to live way out here. You sure can’t just run down the street for milk if you forgot it on your way home.

No luck in spotting a Rhino today though. Since there are only 23 monitored animals on these planes, and they mostly graze alone, there was no telling where they were. The trip however gave us the opportunity to see the Kopjes, which are forms of rocks like none I have ever seen. There are many difference Kopjes, named for the tribe that lived there many centuries ago. This is Massai country. When in Arusha, we saw many of the Massai tribe which are easy to spot as the men still wear the red draped clothes as their daily attire. Would have been something to see these people still living upon on these rocks. There was one particular area where steps have been built so that you can climb to the top. Ally said he normally would not allow us to climb there unless there were other vehicles around because it has been known to have lions up there. But we all agreed we were game to try it. I know…wreckless right? Ally led the way making lots of noise to scare anything that might have been visiting the area. A few remnants of lions were present but no lions to be found. Let me say how glad we are we made that decision. What an amazing site from up there.

Back in the jeep and off to a lunch spot for a packed lunches. Arrived a favorite spot by many and were told we couldn’t be here because the President of Germany and the President of Tanzania would be visiting there soon. They were already setting up a huge spread for them by the Zebra refreshment company…lol! So we left in search of a new lunch spot.

Now for the excitement of the day. On our way to find a new spot we ran across a pride of lions laying in the shade of a huge tree not far from the road. It was an amazing site. 10 juvenile cubs in all and 7 lionesses (we never did see the males) however it was the same pride we saw yesterday, noted by one with a monitoring collar and one with a huge gash in her nose. Within a few minutes, one of the females raised her head and they all looked in one direction towards a herd of zebras who were making their way across the road into the area of the lions. In a split second 5 of the lionesses each rose and moved with grace to do their particular job. Can you believe this? A kill is just about to happen right in front of us. I didn’t think I wanted to see this at all until I watched how these amazing animals worked together with patience and purpose to feed their family. In a matter of maybe 15 minutes, they had completely formed a parameter around the herd and were waiting for their opportunity. In a split second one lioness made a move and the herd scattered, charged, ran…you name it. One of the lioness had to lay down in the road to keep from getting trampled. In that split second their opportunity was lost…they got away! We have a video of the whole thing and believe it or not it was sad. I hate to see the zebra loose it’s life but it was such an amazing thing to watch. Ally put it well, the lion laid down because no one wanted to die that day. They all made it back to the tree with the cubs to rest from their big chase.

We needed to make a trip back to the airstrip anyway (I’ll mention in a future post why) so decided to just have lunch at the airport. Now, keep in mind, without thinking, when were going to the same airstrip where both Presidents were expected in shortly. A guard at the entrance just let us on in, we parked and walked to the small building with our lunch boxes. We laughed because you can’t even get within 5 miles of the airports at home when our president is flying in. Tons of safari vehicles lined up to meet their arrival. A few armed guards and mostly people like us standing around with cameras. There was no concern to be standing along the strip for a photo op so I took it. Now, I have no idea who the president of Germany even is but figured it would be a great moment for Ally to have photos of “his” president. Planes landed and I snapped pictures of anyone coming off the plan. Ended up with great pictures of the German president but the Tanzania president was not there. Only the Interior ministers were there to meet him. Fun adventure to this trip, even though our original trip to the airstrip was not a success 🙁

Before heading back to camp we saw another Leopard in a tree. It’s so funny to see how they just chill and are so uninterested in us.

Back at camp at 4:30. Showers again at 6. Dinner at 7. Tonight we were joined by all the staff of the camp, except the chef. We had asked them all to join us when we first got there and they said they would on the last night. It was a great meal and a lot of fun. This crew has over exceeded our expectations. It will be hard to top it at the next camp. During our dinner, we were joined by a Hyena, just beside the tent. That just sort of cracks me up. I watched JJ leave the dining tent and walk to the kitchen tent, in the dark, with the Hyena sitting right there. He said, He knows me! They also shared that a few weeks ago a pride brought down a buffalo right in the camp area and stayed there for a solid week. JJ said they had approached him carrying the buckets of water to the tents to get a drink. He just dropped the buckets of water, walked away, let them get their drink and then picked up his buckets and carried on. OMG!!!! I guess there is something to be said for living in this country and feeling comfortable.

Back to the tent to be zipped in at 8:30. We packed, well Rich packed, played a few hands of gin and I caught up on my blog posts. Heard several lions throughout the night. I don’t think I will ever get tired of this. We leave for 2nd camp location tomorrow.
20150205_014827

20150205_072127

53,300 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)

  1. Gelatin Diet Recipe (Step By Step)

    This gelatin diet recipe is based on the viral gelatin trick recipe used to
    support appetite control and healthier eating routines.

    In this quick guide, you’ll see exactly how to prepare gelatin step by step and how people
    include it in a weight loss diet.

    The gelatin trick recipe is often used as
    a pre-meal drink to help manage hunger naturally.

  2. I’m not sure the place you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or understanding more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

  3. Hello There. I found your blog the usage of msn.
    This is a really well written article. I will
    make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful info.
    Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  4. Hello there, There’s no doubt that your web site may be having
    browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues.

    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Apart from that, wonderful site!

  5. I was suggested this blog by my cousin. I am now not sure whether this submit is written by way of him as no one else know such certain approximately my trouble. You are incredible! Thanks!

  6. No matter if some one searches for his required thing,
    so he/she wishes to be available that in detail,
    therefore that thing is maintained over here.

  7. Gelatin Weight Loss Hack (Get The Recipe)

    This gelatin weight loss hack is a simple version of the viral gelatin trick recipe.

    In under one minute, you’ll learn how to make the gelatin trick and why so many people use it before meals to support portion control.

    This gelatin trick recipe is low-calorie, affordable, and
    easy to prepare at home.

  8. Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to grasp so much approximately this,
    such as you wrote the e book in it or something. I think that you just can do with some percent to
    power the message house a bit, however other than that, this is fantastic blog.
    A great read. I will certainly be back.

  9. Gelatin Trick Recipe To Lose Weight (Bariatric Gelatin Recipe)

    This gelatin trick recipe to lose weight is commonly known as a bariatric gelatin recipe.

    It’s used before meals to help promote fullness and reduce
    overeating using simple ingredients.

    In this video, you’ll learn how the gelatin trick recipe works and how to use it safely as part of a weight
    loss routine.

  10. Гидрофобизатор — это один из самых простых и эффективных способов защитить поверхности от влаги и разрушения. Его используют для обработки бетона, кирпича, камня, тротуарной плитки и даже фасадов зданий. После нанесения материал перестаёт впитывать воду, становится более устойчивым к морозу, грибку и загрязнениям, при этом сохраняя «дышащие» свойства.

    Многие выбирают гидрофобизатор как альтернативу дорогостоящему ремонту, ведь своевременная обработка может заметно продлить срок службы конструкций и сохранить их внешний вид на годы. Особенно актуально это в регионах с частыми осадками и перепадами температур.

    А вы уже использовали гидрофобизатор на практике — и если да, то для каких поверхностей он показал себя лучше всего? Подскажите как выбрать [url=https://airlady.forum24.ru/?1-5-0-00000282-000-0-0-1767959998]гидрофобизатор для бетона купить[/url]

  11. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site
    and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you
    access consistently rapidly.

  12. Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing
    a blog article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same topics
    as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Awesome blog by the way!

  13. I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.

  14. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog
    posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this web site.
    Studying this info So i’m happy to exhibit that I have a
    very excellent uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.
    I most indisputably will make certain to do
    not disregard this web site and provides it a glance regularly.

  15. Gelatin Weight Loss Hack (Get The Recipe)

    This gelatin weight loss hack is a simple version of the viral gelatin trick recipe.

    In under one minute, you’ll learn how to make the gelatin trick and why so many people use it before meals to support
    portion control.

    This gelatin trick recipe is low-calorie, affordable, and easy to prepare at
    home.

  16. Attractive component to content. I simply stumbled upon your website and
    in accession capital to claim that I acquire in fact loved account your weblog posts.

    Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment or even I achievement you get admission to constantly quickly.

  17. I just like the valuable information you supply on your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and take a look at once more here regularly.
    I am rather certain I will learn lots of new stuff right here!

    Good luck for the next!

  18. Great blog here! Also your site loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  19. Nice blog right here! Additionally your web site rather a lot up
    very fast! What web host are you the usage of?
    Can I am getting your associate link on your
    host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  20. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and even I
    achievement you access consistently fast.

  21. It’s genuinely very difficult in this full of activity life to
    listen news on Television, so I just use the web for that reason, and take the
    most recent news.

  22. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr…
    well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say great blog!

  23. Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that
    I have truly loved surfing around your blog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing in your feed and I hope
    you write again very soon!

  24. I absolutely love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme.
    Did you create this amazing site yourself? Please reply back
    as I’m attempting to create my very own website and
    would love to know where you got this from or just what the theme
    is named. Cheers!

  25. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog
    that’s equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you’ve hit
    the nail on the head. The problem is something which not enough folks
    are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came
    across this during my search for something concerning this.

Leave a Reply to мостбет зеркало Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *