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.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and
I in finding It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to provide one thing again and aid others like you aided me.
It’s remarkable to pay a quick visit this site and reading the
views of all mates about this article, while I am also zealous of getting
familiarity.
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers
and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us useful information to work
on. You have done a outstanding job!
I used to be suggested this website by way of my cousin. I’m not positive whether or not this submit is
written by way of him as nobody else know such particular about my trouble.
You are amazing! Thanks!
I am actually grateful to the holder of this site
who has shared this fantastic piece of writing at at this time.
Hi, I do believe your web site may be having web browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening in Internet Explorer,
it’s got some overlapping issues. I just wanted to provide you with
a quick heads up! Aside from that, great blog!
I was recommended this website by my cousin.
I am not sure whether this post is written by
him as no one else know such detailed about my problem.
You are amazing! Thanks!
I think this is one of the most important info
for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few
general things, The website style is perfect,
the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
Fabulous, what a weblog it is! This website gives valuable facts to us, keep it up.
all the time i used to read smaller articles or reviews which also
clear their motive, and that is also happening with
this piece of writing which I am reading here.
Amazing! Its actually remarkable paragraph, I have got much clear idea regarding from this piece of writing.
Howdy, There’s no doubt that your blog might be having web browser compatibility problems.
When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, fantastic site!
Currently it appears like WordPress is the preferred
blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using
on your blog?
Excellent tips, Cheers!
You said this fantastically.
Spot on with this write-up, I absolutely believe this web site needs
much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read through more,
thanks for the advice!
Wow a good deal of very good info.
This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this
one. A must read article!
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am
going through problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I can’t subscribe to it.
Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anyone
who knows the solution will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
If some one needs to be updated with latest technologies after
that he must be pay a quick visit this web page and be up to date every day.
You said it perfectly.!
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based on the same ideas you discuss and would love
to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work.
If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
I like it when people come together and share views. Great website, keep it up!
소액결제현금화 당일 입금 서비스 | 빠르고 안전한 휴대폰 현금화,
캐셔머니오더 … 소액결제 현금화는 휴대폰 소액결제 기능을 이용해 상품권 같은 디지털 상품을 구매한
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you
access consistently fast.
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking
for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you
write in relation to here. Again, awesome web site!
You suggested it terrifically.
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Spending some time and actual effort
to create a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
Nice response in return of this query with real arguments
and describing the whole thing regarding that.
Thanks to my father who shared with me on the topic of this blog, this website is in fact amazing.
Whats up very cool site!! Man .. Excellent .. Amazing ..
I will bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?
I’m happy to seek out a lot of helpful information here in the publish, we want work out more techniques in this regard,
thank you for sharing. . . . . .
I am really thankful to the holder of this site who has shared this great post
at at this time.
There is definately a lot to find out about this topic.
I love all the points you’ve made.
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.
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure 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
one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
I got this web site from my pal who shared with me about this site and
at the moment this time I am visiting this web site and
reading very informative articles at this
place.
You are a very smart person! 🙂
Thanks , I have recently been searching for information approximately this subject for a while and yours is the
best I’ve came upon so far. But, what about the bottom line?
Are you sure about the supply?
Admiring the time and energy you put into your website and in depth information you
offer. It’s awesome to come across a blog every
once in a while that isn’t the same out of date
rehashed material. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site
and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
It’s continually awesome when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I’m sure you had fun writing this article. Regards, Clotilde.
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Excellent blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so
many options out there that I’m completely confused ..
Any recommendations? Cheers!
It’s remarkable to pay a visit this site and reading the views of all mates about this
paragraph, while I am also eager of getting familiarity.
Taking Viagra with Coversyl is not recommended.
Coversyl is used to lower high blood pressure. Viagra can add to the lowering of
the blood pressure.
Hey There. I discovered your blog the use of msn. This is
a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your useful information. Thank you for the
post. I’ll definitely comeback.
Everyone loves it when people come together and share ideas.
Great blog, continue the good work!
Useful info. Fortunate me I found your site by accident,
and I am surprised why this twist of fate did not came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your website accidentally, and I’m surprised
why this accident didn’t took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
This is a topic which is near to my heart… Thank you! Where are your contact details though?
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.