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

Posted on

70,955 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)”

  2. I favored your idea there, I tell you blogs are so helpful sometimes like looking into people’s private life’s and work.At times this world has too much information to grasp. Every new comment wonderful in its own right.

  9. Substantially, the post is really the best on this laudable topic. I concur with your conclusions and will eagerly watch forward to your future updates.Just saying thanx will not just be enough, for the wonderful lucidity in your writing.

  13. As there are alternative teams in any certainly one of which a candidate could get hold of honours, so it is with reputationsпїЅthey might be made in law, literature, science, artwork, and in a number of different pursuits. Some tumours, after a period of slow progress, malignant tumours develop in dimension as a result of the cell manufacturing could suddenly present spurt of their progress due to develop exceeds the cell loss. Which of the following factors on this affected personпїЅs historical past has contributed essentially the most to the development of her urinary incontinence bacteria zone of inhibition [url=https://careermakers.edu.np/wp-content/pharm/Keftab.html]purchase keftab 500 mg fast delivery[/url].
    Distribution the volume of distribution of brexpiprazole following intravenous administration is high (1. The international physique could also be both within the conjunctival sac, on the cornea or inside the eyeball (intraocular). For example, under the heading Skills, you may embody Perform laboratory procedures and Communicate well with customers erectile dysfunction pills with no side effects [url=https://careermakers.edu.np/wp-content/pharm/Super-P-Force-Oral-Jelly.html]buy generic super p-force oral jelly 160 mg[/url]. The damage that happens in the blood vessels leads to a illness process known as a “vasculitis,” and bleeding or clotting within the mind or other important organs could happen. Cystic fibrosis delays progress Client wants category: Physiological integrity and the onset of puberty. The pattern was from a feminine with acute myeloid leukaemia with monocytic diferentiation anxiety kills [url=https://careermakers.edu.np/wp-content/pharm/Wellbutrin.html]purchase wellbutrin 300 mg mastercard[/url]. In vulnerable hosts, the virus then disseminates to other tissues, significantly the liver, through the bloodstream. Conditions with extra fat these are situations by which the capacity of the liver to metabolise fat is exceeded. For stimulation of the protection mechanism in instances of continual illness and viral infections Nasal spray: Each one hundred ml incorporates: Luffa operculata 2X, Pulsatilla 2X, Euphorbium together with colds and u impotence new relationship [url=https://careermakers.edu.np/wp-content/pharm/Zenegra.html]cheap 100 mg zenegra amex[/url].
    Italian variety Carmagnola from There are two main strategies in most classification Hempoint, Ltd. Individuals with insomnia become tense, anxious, preoccupied with sleep, and incessantly complain of poor focus and poor ability to focus on tasks. Based on present proof, no less than 30%of future most cancers instances are preventable by comprehensive and carefully considered motion, taken now erectile dysfunction kamagra [url=https://careermakers.edu.np/wp-content/pharm/Kamagra-Super.html]cheap kamagra super 160 mg on-line[/url].

  14. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally visit my site =). We can have a hyperlink trade contract among us!

  23. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up.

    The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility
    but I figured I’d post to let you know. The design and style
    look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon.
    Kudos

  30. Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you aided me.

  33. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

  34. I am not certain the place you’re getting your info, but good topic.
    I must spend some time finding out much more or figuring out more.
    Thank you for wonderful information I used to be searching for this info for
    my mission.

  36. このリンクは、当社の公式ブランド／サービスを装ったフィッシングサイトです。このページは、ユーザーに偽のログイン情報／支払い情報の入力を促し、データ窃盗に悪用される可能性があります。また、このサイトは頻繁に詐欺サイトや違法なギャンブルサイトに自動的にリダイレクトされます。 このリンクは、当社の公式ブランド／サービスを装ったフィッシングサイトです。このページは、ユーザーに偽のログイン情報／支払い情報の入力を促し、データ窃盗に悪用される可能性があります。また、このサイトは頻繁に詐欺サイトや違法なギャンブルサイトに自動的にリダイレクトされます。

  38. Trying a real money online casino ccan make digital entertainment feel more engaging.
    With smooth account access, players can keep everything easy to follow.
    Many users also appreciate clear rules,simple platform structure,
    and varied entertainment options.This helps create
    a positive atmosphere.

  40. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your blog?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little
    more in the way of content so people could connect with
    it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or two pictures.
    Maybe you could space it out better?

  41. An online casino designed for smaller stwrting amounts caan offer a more flexible way to begin. Thanks to
    a lower entry level, players can enjoy a balanced aapproach
    to play. Simple deposit steps annd practical account
    tools keep everything pleasant.

  44. Hi there! Quick question that’s entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!

  45. Exploring an online casino for real money can create a more rewarding overall experience.
    Thanks to practical payment features, players can keep everything easy to follow.
    Many users also appreciate clear rules, convenient account features, aand a wide choice of games.
    As a result, there is a pleasant atmosphere.

  46. Hi there, I discovered your website via Google whilst searching for a similar matter, your web site got here up, it seems to be
    great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, just changed into aware of your weblog via Google,
    and located that it is really informative.
    I am gonna be careful for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you happen to continue this in future.
    Numerous folks shall be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  48. A gaming platform with a low depksit entry caan offer
    a more flexible way to begin. Thanks to a lower entry level, players can managee their budget more
    easily. Simple deposit stepos and easy platform access keep everything pleasant.

Leave a Reply to HelpMe Cash Cancel reply

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