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

50,021 thoughts on “Day 3 – Safari (Moru Kopjes & Gong Rock)”

  1. Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or vice-versa?
    My website goes over a lot of the same subjects as yours and I
    think we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you’re interested feel free to shoot me an email.
    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific
    blog by the way!

  8. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to
    and you are just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly
    like what you’re stating and the way in which you say
    it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to
    keep it wise. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
    This is actually a tremendous web site.

  10. I dont think I’ve read anything like this before. So good to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject. cheers for starting this up. This blog is something that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality.

  12. I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I
    come across a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing,
    and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
    I am very happy that I stumbled across this in my hunt for something regarding this.

  13. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
    own blog and was curious what all is required to get setup?

    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 tips or advice would be
    greatly appreciated. Thank you

  17. you’re in reality a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible. It sort of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve performed a great process on this topic!

  27. Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering which blog platform
    are you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because
    I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform.

    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  29. Hi there! This article could not be written much
    better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He continually kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this post to him.

    Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

  30. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog post or
    vice-versa? My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you happen to be interested feel free to shoot me an e-mail.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  31. Гидрофобизатор — это один из самых простых и эффективных способов защитить поверхности от влаги и разрушения. Его используют для обработки бетона, кирпича, камня, тротуарной плитки и даже фасадов зданий. После нанесения материал перестаёт впитывать воду, становится более устойчивым к морозу, грибку и загрязнениям, при этом сохраняя «дышащие» свойства.

    Многие выбирают гидрофобизатор как альтернативу дорогостоящему ремонту, ведь своевременная обработка может заметно продлить срок службы конструкций и сохранить их внешний вид на годы. Особенно актуально это в регионах с частыми осадками и перепадами температур.

    А вы уже использовали гидрофобизатор на практике — и если да, то для каких поверхностей он показал себя лучше всего? Подскажите как выбрать [url=https://mymoscow.forum24.ru/?1-6-0-00037488-000-0-0-1767959680]гидрофобизатор для бетона[/url]

  40. I think this is among the so much vital info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. But wanna remark on few common issues, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Just right job, cheers

  47. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am having difficulties with your RSS.
    I don’t understand why I cannot subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar RSS issues?
    Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!

Leave a Reply to Zora transfer bridge Cancel reply

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