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

16,308 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)”

  1. That is really fascinating, You’re an excessively skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in the hunt for extra of your magnificent post. Additionally, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  2. I encountered your site after doing a search for new contesting using Google, and decided to stick around and read more of your articles. Thanks for posting, I have your site bookmarked now.

  5. Hello there, I discovered your web site by the use of Google while searching for a comparable subject,
    your website got here up, it appears to be like great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, just become alert to your weblog via
    Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m going to be careful for brussels.
    I will be grateful in case you continue this in future. A
    lot of people shall be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

  6. The Quick Extender Pro offers become one of the most talked-about traction devices between men looking for a slow-moving, natural and
    routine-based approach to individual improvement.
    Many men and women trying to find a Rapid Extender
    Pro assessment want to learn how the device runs, what the traction approach actually means, in addition to whether long-term persistence can lead to meaningful improvement.

    The building blocks of this kind of device is the extender method, an idea
    applied for many many years in orthopedics in addition to essential.
    Traction consists of applying gentle and continuous stretching to be able to soft tissues, encouraging gradual adaptation above time.

    When applied properly, this low-intensity method can support tissues elongation, however
    it requires patience, discipline and even steady use, which usually is why the Quick Extender Professional routine is frequently
    discussed in depth by simply users who have tried it for a number of months.

  8. Hello there I am so thrilled I found your site, I really found you by accident,
    while I was searching on Yahoo for something else, Anyhow
    I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a incredible post
    and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I
    don’t have time to browse 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 lot more,
    Please do keep up the great job.

  34. First of all I would like to say excellent 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 mind before
    writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts
    in getting my ideas out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes
    tend to be lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any
    recommendations or hints? Kudos!

  35. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you happen to
    be a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and will eventually come back down the road.
    I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great writing, have a nice
    weekend!

  40. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have remember your stuff prior to and you’re just too excellent.

    I actually like what you’ve bought here, certainly like what you’re stating and the best way through which you say it.
    You are making it entertaining and you continue to care for to stay it
    wise. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful website.

  45. You made some good points there. I checked on the web for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along
    with your views on this website.

  47. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it

  48. Does your site have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it
    but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

Leave a Reply to TK88 Cancel reply

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