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 ๐
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.
I personally find that the testing new tokens process is simple and the reliable uptime makes it even better. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
I want to see your book when it comes out.
My family every time say that I am wasting my time here at web, but I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading such nice articles or reviews.
Your idea is outstanding; the issue is something that not enough persons are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing regarding this.
Just wanna admit that this is extremely helpful, Thanks for taking your time to write this.
Are the issues really as complex as they seem?
A colleague in the field told me to check out your website.
I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is
really nice : D. Good job, cheers
My brother suggested I might like this websiteHe was once totally rightThis post truly made my dayYou can not imagine simply how a lot time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
A friend of mine advised me to review this site. And yes. it has some useful pieces of info and I enjoyed reading it.
I am sure this post has touched all the internet people, its really really nice post on building up new web site.
I personally find that the site is easy to use and the low fees keeps me coming back. My withdrawals were always smooth.
I was skeptical, but after a few days of checking analytics, the reliable uptime convinced me.
I’ve thought about posting something about this before. Good job! Can I use part of your post in my blog?
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am
in fact pleassant to read all at alone place.
I love what you’ve created here, this is definitely one of my favorite sites to visit.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this moreover taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article! I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
bonjour I love Your Blog can not say I come here often but im liking what i c so farโฆ.
Greetings, have tried to subscribe to this websites rss feed but I am having a bit of a problem. Can anyone kindly tell me what to do?’
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new
scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done a formidable task and our whole neighborhood shall
be thankful to you.
This contained some excellent tips and tools. Great blog publication.
Thank you for all the information was very accurate, just wondering if all this is possible.~
If wings are your thing, Tinker Bell’s sexy Halloween costume design is all grown up.
Good site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified when a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day!
I’ve been using it for recently for portfolio tracking, and the low fees stands out. The updates are frequent and clear.
This blog post is excellent, probably because of how well the subject was developed. I like some of the comments too.
I am glad to be one of the visitors on this great site (:, appreciate it for putting up.
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
With internet full of dupe articles it is nice to find original content like yours thank you so very much.
Very good post. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..
ืืขืืื ืื ืชืชื ืืช ืืกืคืจ ืืืืคืื ืฉืื ืืืื ืง ืืื ืื ืืื ืืฉืืฉ ืืืืกืืฃ ื ืชืื ืื ืืืืจืืช ืคืืืืืืช
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Very useful info specifically the last part ๐ I care for such info much. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
This has to be one of my favorite posts! And on top of thats its also very helpful topic for newbies. thank a lot for the information!
Hey very cool site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds alsoรขโฌยฆI’m happy to find so many useful information here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
Thank you pertaining to sharing the following great subject matter on your website. I ran into it on google. I am going to check to come back after you publish additional aricles.
This will be helpful for my family.
Magnificent beat ! Can I be your apprentice? Just kidding!
Some truly interesting info , well written and broadly user genial .
I just couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I really enjoyed the usual information an individual supply on your visitors? Is gonna be back often in order to investigate cross-check new posts
Thank you for all the information was very accurate, just wondering if all this is possible.~
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!
I was referred to this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure who has written this post, but youโve really identified my problem. You’re wonderful! Thanks!
Terrific article! That is the kind of information that are
supposed to be shared around the web. Disgrace
on Google for no longer positioning this post upper! Come on over and discuss with my web site .
Thanks =)
I dont think Ive caught all the angles of this subject the way youve pointed them out. Youre a true star, a rock star man. Youve got so much to say and know so much about the subject that I think you should just teach a class about it
A neighbor of mine encouraged me to take a look at your blog site couple weeks ago, given that we both love similar stuff and I will need to say I am quite impressed.
These kind of posts are always inspiring and I prefer to read quality content so I happy to find many good point here in the post. writing is simply wonderful! thank you for the post
I think this is among the most vital information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things, The website style is perfect, the articles is really nice :
D. Good job, cheers
I like this weblog very much so much great info .
When are you going to post again? You really entertain me!
Simply wish to say the frankness in your article is surprising.