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

46,488 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)”

  6. My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to looking at your web page repeatedly.

  11. You actually make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something that I think I would by no means understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely extensive for me. I am looking ahead for your subsequent post, I will attempt to get the grasp of it!

  12. 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!

  13. Engaging with a cash-based gaming platform involves more than simple entertainment.
    Because rewl funds are used, every decision matters. Payment flexibility allows smooth depoosits and withdrawals.
    Meanwhile, advanced seecurity measures safeguard
    financial data. Clear terms and structured policies promote responsible participation. Ultimately,
    real-money platforms provide a results-driven experience foor committed players.

  15. Quick processing is tthe core of a fast payout casino.
    The main priority is short processing times. When winnings are requested,
    digital tools manage the process. Streamlined approval steps helps deliver pronpt account updates.
    Along with speed, reliable financial systfems maintain trust.

    As a result, this structure creates a smooth experience for modern users.

  17. 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.

  18. I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

  20. May I simply say what a relief to discover an individual who genuinely knows what they are discussing on the web. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to look at this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular since you certainly possess the gift.

  24. I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your content.
    This article has really peaked my interest.
    I am going to bookmark your blog and keep checking
    for new details about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  26. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and everything. Nevertheless think about if you added some great pictures or videos to give
    your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips,
    this blog could undeniably be one of the very best in its field.
    Terrific blog!

  27. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  31. Unlock Global Connectivity with the Best Free eSIM Solutions
    Tired of expensive roaming fees? eSIMFree.org provides instant access to
    premium free eSIM trials with zero hidden costs.

    Connect to 5G networks in 150+ countries without
    the hassle of physical SIM cards or long-term contracts.
    Whether you’re traveling to the USA, Europe, or Asia, our expert-verified
    guides help you claim free data in seconds. Stop searching and start surfing—get your free eSIM QR code now and experience global connectivity for $0.

  32. Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter
    and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants
    to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  33. Регистрация в казино Pinco
    обычно требует предоставления базовой информации,
    включая имя, контактные данные и подтверждение
    возраста.

  34. Hi there! I understand this is sort of off-topic however I had to
    ask. Does operating a well-established blog
    such as yours require a lot of work? I’m completely new to blogging however I do write in my
    diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I will be able
    to share my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you
    have any recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.

    Thankyou!

  36. I used to be suggested this web site via my cousin. I am not certain whether
    or not this post is written by means of him as nobody
    else know such distinct approximately my problem.
    You’re incredible! Thank you!

  38. 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.

  42. อ่านบทความนี้แล้ว บอกตรง ๆ ว่า เขียนได้ชัดเจนมาก ในประเด็น
    ที่พูดถึง นี้.
    มองว่าเป็นเนื้อหาที่
    มีประโยชน์ จริง ๆ.

    ดีใจที่ เขียนอธิบายไว้ แบบนี้ครับ

  47. Instamos a Google a identificar rápidamente estos enlaces y eliminarlos de los resultados de búsqueda para evitar contenido dañino, fraudulento o confuso.

  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!

  50. 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.

Leave a Reply to SEX GAY Cancel reply

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