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WhereAreJanetandRick Northern Safari Circuit, Tanzania, Africa |
Animals Along the Way
Elephant Family
The elephant is the largest mammal in Tanzania. We encountered them frequently in all parks. Although we saw many traveling alone, they usually travel as a unit consisting of 1 or more families. Like humans, the female is usually the toughest one of the bunch.
Our first elephant was an older one, on his own. Bosco explained that the older ones often leave the herd to die and that when other elephants encounter a dead one, they bury it!!
Charging Elephant
We were also treated to a charging elephant. At Lake Manyara, a fairly large female was strolling up a narrow road and encountered a Land Cruiser heading down the road. She turned to go the other way, but there we were, going up – she was trapped as the sides of the road were too steep for her to escape. She became agitated, flaring out here ears and decided that it was easier to charge downhill, toward us. Now Bosco was on the ball. He immediately had us in reverse and started downhill. The elephant didn’t think that we were going fast enough, so started charging. It was amazing to see a creature that big run so fast and nimble (as nimble as an elephant can be). During our retreat, another Land Cruiser came up behind us and figured that it was safe to pass us, despite the agitated elephant. We, of course gave way and were wondering if the elephant would try to flip the cocky vehicle. One in the clear, the elephant clamed down and peacefully moved on. It was quite an experience.
Lions vs. Elephants
At the Serengeti, Bosco sighted a potential lion. To our untrained eyes, we were somewhat skeptical, but after the required waiting, we saw a lioness, 4 cubs, and a lion that briefly peered out of his hiding spot. As this was our first lion family sighting, we didn’t initially notice a family of elephants grazing – on a collision course! Bosco advised that in this case, the lions would give way, and they indeed did. The elephant matriarch preceded her group, the lions moved back and the family of elephants continued grazing on.
Sharing camp with an elephant.
Before our safari, we met Nancy from the Boston area. Nancy had just returned from safari and told us about an elephant that had visited her campsite near Ngorongoro. Well we also met Jumbo at the seemingly misnamed Simba Campsite. It turns out that at Simba, there's a 5000 litre water tank that's much easier to get to than walking 2000 vertical feet to the bottom of the crater for a drink. It certainly appears that Jumbo makes regular visits to drink from the water tank, providing guests with an amazing sight. Nancy, if you see this posting, please email us your picture and we'll post it here, if you don't mind. We saw exactly what was in your picture.
Hippos on the Beach
We saw numerous hippos at various water holes. These are pretty sedentary animals. They’re usually resting an water, in groups, with birds cleaning stuff off of their backs. We saw these guys at Lake Manyara, taking a walk on a cloudy day.
Lost hippos
These guys looked like they got lost and were having a bit of trouble finding the water.
Rhinoceros
Hunting has taken a real toll on the rhinoceros population in Northern Tanzania. In the safari circuit, rhinos can only be found at Ngorongoro. There are only 16 in the crater and we were lucky enough to see 2, albeit from about 1 km away. Thankfully, we were able to get a bit of a glimpse with binoculars and a long lens.
African Buffalo
African buffalo – we didn’t see too many of these guys – we were told that they had migrated up to the Masi Mara in Kenya for Tanzania’s dry season. These guys are Africa’s only native wild cows.
(Blue) Wilbebeest
Wildebeest also migrate north, however, many stay in the crater. Now when God made the wildebeest, he was sure thinking UGLY! And stupid. Wildebeest usually travel with zebras – actually, it’s probably the other way around. Wildebeest are blessed with an uncanny sense of knowing that there are predators around. The problem is that when they sense them, they just stand there. Their traveling companions, however, pick up on the wildebeest radar and get out of harm’s way.
Did I say that the Wildebeest is ugly?
Despite Janet’s fascination with the Wildebeest, she does maintain that it’s one of the ugliest creatures that she’s ever seen.
Zebras
Zebras are another grazer. We found these virtually everywhere, usually in larger herds. See wildebeest section above for IQ comparison.
(Masi) Giraffe
These are common to Tanzania. We found these unique looking creatures traveling alone, in pairs in larger groups. They mostly feast on leaves, and along with elephants, are responsible for most of the beautiful tree pruning that produces that distinct Acacia trees that stud the countryside.
Lions
These are definitely the most powerful and majestic creatures that we’ve seen. We’ve seen lounging lions, hunting lions, lions with prey in jaw , just ate lions, and lions giving way to elephants. Here are a few shots of what we saw.
This lioness just caught some breakfast. Unfortunately, new weren't around for the kill, but here she is dragging it home.
Struttin' their stuff.
The male lions really look like kings! These guys were struttin’ along the road and eventually cut into the grass.
Sitting for a portrait.
Then these hams posed. This guy positioned himself not more than 25 feet from our truck.
And now for a cose-up.
The Cheetah
The Cheetah is often elusive. We got lucky again. Immediately after leaving the 2 brothers, we saw this cheetah hunting in the grass. He kept popping in and out of sight. Lucky for me, he sat down for a break and I had my camera ready.
The Leopard
Most people don’t get to see a leopard. We were lucky again! This guys was having an afternoon snooze at Taranguire. You can just make out his coat on the right side of the closest rock.
The Serval Cat
We saw 2 of these little guys. They’re not much bigger than the largest of North American house cats, so pretty hard to spot. Robert spotted both and this is the best picture that we have.
The Hartebeest
This herbivore hangs with the wildebeest and zebras.
Impalas
Now these little guys are all over the place. Cute to watch, very fast when playing, and a challenging snack for an energetic lion.
Thomson's Gazelle
These guys are of the same family as the Impala, but come with a racing stripe!
Warthog
Hyena
Jackal
Looking for picture
Kite
Flamingos
Stork
Vervet monkey
Blue Monkey
Baboon Family
Baboons - Full Service Grooming!
Sunset on the Serengeti
We're off to the beach! Zanzibar!!
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