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

102,162 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)”

  1. I will right away seize your rss feed as I can not to find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me understand in order that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  2. After looking at a handful of the blog articles on your web site, I truly appreciate your way of writing a blog. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my web site as well and tell me how you feel.

  3. I feel that is one of the such a lot important information for me.

    And i’m happy reading your article. But wanna commentary on few basic issues,
    The site style is ideal, the articles is really nice :
    D. Good task, cheers

  7. I blog often and I really appreciate your information. This article has truly peaked my interest. I will take a note of your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed too.

  13. At this time it seems like Expression Engine is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  14. I blog often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

  17. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though
    you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why
    throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to
    your blog when you could be giving us something informative to read?

  18. This article is a refreshing change! The author’s distinctive perspective and thoughtful analysis have made this a truly captivating read. I’m appreciative for the effort he has put into producing such an informative and mind-stimulating piece. Thank you, author, for sharing your wisdom and igniting meaningful discussions through your exceptional writing!

  19. In these days of austerity plus relative anxiety about having debt, most people balk against the idea of making use of a credit card to make acquisition of merchandise or even pay for any gift giving occasion, preferring, instead just to rely on this tried in addition to trusted procedure for making payment – hard cash. However, if you’ve got the cash available to make the purchase in full, then, paradoxically, that’s the best time for you to use the credit card for several factors.

  21. You are so cool! I don’t suppose I’ve read through something like this before.
    So good to find somebody with unique thoughts on this subject.

    Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up.
    This web site is one thing that is required on the internet, someone with some originality!

  22. I used to be suggested this website by my cousin. I am now not positive whether this put up is written by him as no one else know such exact approximately my trouble.
    You are incredible! Thanks!

  23. Artikel yang sangat informatif dan bermanfaat.
    Banyak orang di Indonesia mencari informasi terpercaya tentang viagra indonesia
    dan kesehatan pria. Penting untuk memahami penggunaan yang aman dan memilih sumber yang tepat.

    Terima kasih atas informasi ini. Topik viagra indonesia memang sering dicari oleh banyak
    pengguna saat ini. Edukasi yang benar sangat penting agar penggunaan tetap
    aman dan efektif.

    Konten yang bagus dan mudah dipahami. Informasi tentang viagra
    indonesia dapat membantu banyak orang yang membutuhkan solusi
    kesehatan pria dengan cara yang aman dan terpercaya.

    Postingan yang sangat membantu. Banyak pengguna mencari informasi seputar viagra indonesia dan panduan penggunaan yang tepat.
    Artikel seperti ini sangat berguna bagi pembaca.

    Artikel berkualitas dan penuh informasi. Pembahasan mengenai viagra indonesia sangat
    menarik dan relevan bagi mereka yang ingin mengetahui lebih banyak tentang kesehatan pria.

  24. I should say also believe that mesothelioma cancer is a uncommon form of cancer malignancy that is commonly found in those previously familiar with asbestos. Cancerous tissues form inside the mesothelium, which is a protective lining that covers most of the body’s bodily organs. These cells usually form inside lining with the lungs, tummy, or the sac which actually encircles the heart. Thanks for expressing your ideas.

  28. Easily, the post is really the greatest on this laudable topic. I concur with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your future updates. Saying thank will not just be sufficient, for the wonderful c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates. Solid work and much success in your business enterprise!

  29. 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!

  34. Woah this is just an insane amount of information, must of taken ages to compile so thanx so much for just sharing it with all of us. If your ever in any need of related information, just check out my own site!

  39. I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but I’m glad I visited. I will post a link to this site on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful.

  41. My coder 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 WordPress on numerous websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!

  42. My coder 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 WordPress on numerous websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it? Any help would be really appreciated!

  44. I discovered your weblog site on google and verify just a few of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the very good operate. I simply further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader.

  48. Amazing! Your site has quite a few comment posts. How did you get all of these bloggers to look at your site I’m envious! I’m still studying all about posting articles on the net. I’m going to view pages on your website to get a better understanding how to attract more people. Thank you!

Leave a Reply

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