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.
I believe this is one of the so much vital info for me. And i’m glad studying your article. But want to commentary on some basic things, The site style is great, the articles is truly excellent : D. Excellent job, cheers
Excellent, what a website it is! This webpage gives valuable data to us, keep it up.
it is a really nice point of view. I usually meet people who rather say what they suppose others want to hear. Good and well written! I will come back to your site for sure!
I’m so happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Wild Bandito tá mais quente que o Tigrinho essa semana!
This post gives clear idea in support of the new visitors of blogging, that genuinely how to do running a blog.
I like your style!
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something informative to read?
Fine way of explaining, and pleasant piece of writing to obtain facts on the topic of my presentation topic, which i am going to convey in college.
I’ve been using it for a few days for portfolio tracking, and the clear transparency stands out.
I’ll check back after you publish more articles.
Mahjong Ways 2: quem prefere esse estilo de cluster pays?
Having read this I believed it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Like the way you’ve outlined things. Easy to follow. Not cluttered.
Appreciation to my father who stated to me regarding this webpage, this web site is
in fact amazing.
It’s very simple to find out any topic on web as compared to books, as I found this article at this site.
It’s remarkable in support of me to have a web page, which is helpful in favor of my know-how.
thanks admin
Rowan here — I’ve tried using the API and the intuitive UI impressed me.
Hey there! I understand this is somewhat off-topic but I had to ask. Does operating a well-established website such as yours take a massive amount work? I’m brand new to blogging but I do write in my journal every day. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my personal experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!
That is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very professional blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to looking for extra of your
excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks
Howdy, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i
was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or
anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much
appreciated.
Very soon this website will be famous amid all blog users, due to it’s nice articles or reviews
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.
This is definitely a wonderful webpage, thanks a lot..
Hi there to all, how is the whole thing, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views are good in favor of new viewers.
It’s clear you’re passionate about the issues.
Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, superb blog!
Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and
in accession capital to assert that I get in fact
loved account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing on your feeds and even I success you get right
of entry to constantly fast.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually was once a enjoyment account it. Glance complicated to far delivered agreeable from you! By the way, how could we be in contact?
Hello, I’m Valentin, a 18 year old from Sainte-Marie, France.
My hobbies include (but are not limited to)
Machining, Vintage Books and watching Two and a Half Men.
These are actually great ideas in about blogging. You have touched some pleasant points here. Any way keep up wrinting.
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you,
you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something
which too few men and women are speaking intelligently about.
Now i’m very happy that I stumbled across this during my hunt for something regarding
this.
Hi there to all, because I am in fact keen of reading this website’s post to be updated daily.
It consists of nice data.
I’d like to find out more? I’d care to find
out more details.
How come you do not have your website viewable in mobile format? cant see anything in my Droid.
I visited multiple web sites however the audio feature for audio songs current at this web page is truly fabulous.
I’m pretty pleased to find this great site. I need to to thank you
for your time for this fantastic read!! I definitely liked every part
of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to check out new
things in your site.
What’s up mates, pleasant post and good urging commented here, I am genuinely enjoying by these.
It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve read this submit and if I may I desire to recommend you few fascinating things or tips.
Maybe you could write next articles relating
to this article. I want to read more things approximately it!
it is a really nice point of view. I usually meet people who rather say what they suppose others want to hear. Good and well written! I will come back to your site for sure!
My relatives every time say that I am killing my time here at web, but I know I am getting knowledge all the time by reading thes nice content.
I personally find that the best choice I made for trading. Smooth and wide token selection. I moved funds across chains without a problem.
We absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m
looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write
content for you? I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating
on a number of the subjects you write concerning here.
Again, awesome blog!
I’ve been active for a few days, mostly for checking analytics, and it’s always responsive team.
Hello colleagues, pleasant paragraph and good arguments commented at this place, I am truly
enjoying by these.