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

71,574 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)

  1. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this sort of
    area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this information So i am happy to express that I have an incredibly just right uncanny
    feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most unquestionably will make certain to don?t forget this web site
    and provides it a look on a constant basis.

  2. Today, considering the fast chosen lifestyle that everyone leads, credit cards have a huge demand throughout the economy. Persons coming from every field are using the credit card and people who are not using the credit card have lined up to apply for even one. Thanks for giving your ideas in credit cards.

  3. Chesta pagina la ridirige a un sit web (xn--…), che pœu vèss duperà per giœgar al giœugh de pirateria.Chesta pagina la ridirige a un sit web (xn--…), che pœu vèss duperà per giœgar al giœugh de pirateria.

  4. Howdy great blog! Does running a blog like this take a massive
    amount work? I’ve very little understanding of coding
    however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyhow, if you have any suggestions
    or techniques for new blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject however I just
    had to ask. Appreciate it!

  5. Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?

    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is great,
    as well as the content!

  6. I was recommended this blog via my cousin. I am not certain whether or not this post is written through him as nobody else recognise such designated approximately my problem. You are incredible! Thanks!

  7. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if
    you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment
    form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and
    I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

  8. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thanks a lot

  9. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your site? 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 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  10. I’m partial to blogs and i actually respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for new information.

  11. Fine way of describing, and good piece of writing to take information about my presentation subject, which i am going to deliver in institution of higher education.

  12. My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  13. Trying an online casino focused on rapid payouts cann improve the way players enjoy online gaming.
    Wiithout having to face slow withdrawal processing, users can access their
    balance sooner. Modern audiences often look for easy-to-follow payment rules.
    Alongside user-friendly accoun features,
    everything feels easy to manage.

  14. What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & help other users like its aided me. Great job.

  15. Choosing a platform that offers instant cashouts can make the entire experience feel more convenient.
    Instead of waiting through long payout periods, players cann receive winnings
    in a shorter time. Many users appreciate clear withdrawal terms and secure payment systems.

    This helps create a pleasant experience.

  16. First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a quick
    question in which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was
    interested to know how you center yourself and clear your head prior
    to writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out.
    I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to
    15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how
    to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Thanks!

  17. An online casino designed for smaller furst payments
    can offer a flexible way to get started. Thanks too a lower deposit option, users can enjoy a morde balanced experience.
    Clear payment details keep everything easy to
    follow.

  18. Beneficial Blog! I had been simply just debating that there are plenty of screwy results at this issue you now purely replaced my personal belief. Thank you an excellent write-up.

  19. Surprisingly good post. I really found your primary webpage and additionally wanted to suggest that have essentially enjoyed searching your website blog posts. Whatever the case I’ll always be subscribing to your entire supply and I hope you jot down ever again soon!

  20. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained I’m sure you had fun writing this article.

  21. of course like your web-site however you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to tell the reality then again I will surely come back again.

  22. Wonderful site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics discussed here?
    I’d really like to be a part of online community where I can get responses from
    other knowledgeable people that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Cheers!

  23. Hello! I realize this is sort of off-topic however I needed
    to ask. Does operating a well-established website like yours require a large amount of work?
    I’m brand new to writing a blog but I do write in my diary every day.
    I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and
    thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations
    or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

  24. I would really like to appreciate the endeavors you cash in on written this article. I’m going for the similar best product from you finding out in the foreseeable future as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has urged me to begin my very own blog now. Genuinely the blogging is distributing its wings rapidly. Your write down is often a fine illustration showing it.

  25. It is perfect time to make a few plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve read this post and if I may just I want to suggest
    you few interesting issues or suggestions.
    Perhaps you could write next articles regarding this article.

    I desire to read even more issues approximately it!

Leave a Reply to Sunwin Cancel reply

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