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

15,004 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)

  1. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts.
    Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly.

  2. Terrific work! This is the kind of information that are meant
    to be shared around the web. Disgrace on the seek engines for no longer positioning this publish higher!
    Come on over and talk over with my web site . Thank you =)

  3. Undeniably consider that which you said. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the web the
    easiest factor to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst other people consider concerns that they plainly do not know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top as neatly as defined out the entire
    thing without having side-effects , other people
    could take a signal. Will likely be again to get more. Thank
    you

  4. Hi there! This article could not be written any better!
    Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept preaching about this. I most
    certainly will send this article to him. Fairly certain he
    will have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  5. Thanks for the marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you will be a great author.
    I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great posts, have a nice evening!

  6. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter
    to be really something that I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I
    will try to get the hang of it!

  7. Hi there, i read your blog from time to time and i own a
    similar one and i was just wondering if you get a
    lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any
    plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me
    insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  8. Howdy I am so happy I found your blog page, I really
    found you by accident, while I was looking on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now
    and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post
    and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design),
    I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but
    I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
    Please do keep up the awesome work.

  9. Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am
    going through issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot join it.

    Is there anybody else getting similar RSS issues? Anyone who
    knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

  10. I personally find that i was skeptical, but after since launch of providing liquidity, the seamless withdrawals convinced me. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.

  11. Fast Relief Hypnotherapy is the best hypnotherapy service in VA because it
    presents individualized and effective treatments for
    a variety of issues. Customers experience quick and enduring effects through tailored meetings that deal with their specific needs.
    The group at Fast Relief Hypnotherapy is well-trained and proficient in using effective methods to help people overcome difficulties such
    as stress, pressure, smoking cessation and weight loss. The friendly and encouraging environment helps clients feel comfortable and safe during their sessions.
    Fast Relief Hypnotherapy employs a holistic method
    that targets the unconscious mind to generate beneficial transformations
    in habits and attitude. Many patients share marked advancements after just a small
    number of appointments. The facility is famous for its qualified and empathetic staff
    who are devoted to assisting each individual reach their objectives.
    Fast Relief Hypnotherapy also delivers ongoing support and
    guidance to ensure lasting progress. The center follows the most recent innovations in hypnosis to deliver the highest quality treatment
    possible. Patients like the convenient site and adaptable booking
    choices that fit busy lifestyles. Fast Relief Hypnotherapy has earned a excellent name for providing results and enhancing life satisfaction. Clients seeking hypnosis
    in Virginia can rely on Fast Relief Hypnotherapy for efficient and consistent
    treatment customized for their needs. The focus to quality and patient contentment positions Fast Relief Hypnotherapy shine as the leading
    provider for hypnotherapy services in the region.

  12. من واقعا از سایت سیب بت راضی هستم چون هم ضرایب فوتبالش خوبه هم بازی های کازینویی متنوعی داره. سیب بت بدون فیلتر باعث شده هر وقت بخوام وارد سایت بشم. سرعت اجرای بازی ها خیلی خوبه و لذت بازی کردن رو چند برابر می‌کنه. این سایت یکی از بهترین هاست.

  13. We absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write about here. Again, awesome weblog!

  14. First of all I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d
    like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to find out
    how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.

    I have had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out.
    I truly do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted just trying to figure out how to begin.
    Any recommendations or hints? Kudos!

  15. Thanks , I have recently been searching
    for info approximately this subject for a long time and yours is the best I have came upon till now.

    However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the
    supply?

  16. sib-bet یک محیط رقابتی عالی برای بازیکن های حرفه ایه و من همیشه داخلش بهترین نتایج خودم رو گرفتم. یکی از چیزهایی که باعث شد بمونم، پشتیبانی خیلی قوی سایت سیب بت بود که همیشه سریع جواب میده. طراحی سایت رسمی سیب بت به قدری خوبه که اصلا گیج نمیشی و هر چیزی سرجای خودش قرار داره. واقعا راضی ام.

  17. hello!,I love your writing so a lot! proportion we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I need a specialist on this space to resolve my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look forward to peer you.

  18. I’m excited to uncover this site. I wanted to thank you for ones
    time just for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it
    and I have you book-marked to check out new stuff in your web site.

  19. Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment
    (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum
    it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
    I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to the whole
    thing. Do you have any tips for rookie blog writers?
    I’d really appreciate it.

  20. I’ll immediately take hold of your rss feed as I
    can not to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
    Do you’ve any? Please permit me recognize so that I may
    subscribe. Thanks.

  21. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this
    onto a coworker who has been conducting a little homework on this.
    And he actually bought me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending
    the time to discuss this subject here on your web page.

  22. Hi there I am so grateful I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Askjeeve for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say
    thank you for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the
    theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have
    saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I
    have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb work.

  23. Link exchange is nothing else however it is simply
    placing the other person’s blog link on your page at proper place and other person will also do same in support of you.

Leave a Reply to FX file viewer software Cancel reply

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