November 4th, 2007
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What comes to mind first when a non-African thinks about Africa? Maybe it is the wild safaris of animals roaming in freedom and unafraid across the vast, untamed land of tall grasses, mountains and acacia trees. If Lion King comes to mind, then you’re on the right track. On Saturday and Sunday, eight of us, 3 Canadians (I am Chinese Canadian), 1 Spanish, 2 British, 1 German and 1 American went on a safari to the Ruaha National Park, one of the less visited game parks in Tanzania that is only 3 hours away from Iringa by car. We went on a tour with a driver and tour guide, riding in a small bus that had a flip-open roof. Although not as high concentration of animals as in Ngorogonro Park or Serengeti Park, Ruaha’s landscape was incredible and in the dry season, it was clear to spot out all the animals. We saw all the animals that lived in the park from crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, impalas, elephants, zebras, kudus, warthogs, lions to various birds and 200 buffalos (the list is actually much longer). The highlights were numerous, but each time there was a spotting of any animal, there was something surprising. We spotted a lion with a zebra kill from far away and decided to drive up to it. We were literally 5 meters from the lion in the late afternoon. The lion was guarding her zebra and panting in the heat under a tree. Within 20 minutes another lion appeared, and actually switched duties in guarding their food. As we returned to the same spot, 3 lions were resting near the zebra. One was vigorously feasting on this zebra carcass. Another major encounter was the spotting of a LEOPARD! Most people have gone to 3 or 4 safaris without ever seeing a leopard. We were extremely fortunate to see one, thank God! We watched him for an hour as he sneaked slowly and craftily, trailing after an impala as prey. The leopard, upon noticing our presence, hid under the tall grass and quickly escaped our glances. We later saw him at a much farther distance. It was an incredible experience to be part of this “natural” and beautiful world where humans and animals, animals and animals live in harmony (unless you are on the menu!).
Landscape in Ruaha National Park
Crocodiles galore and hippos hidden deep in the water. Hippos come up to breath once in awhile, it is fascinating to hear them breath.
Our traveling gang
Jen
Impala family, following after the father
Lion and zebra kill
Time to switch the guard
Zebras
Elephants
Baobab tree - the most intriguing looking tree, looks like a tree in "Nightmare Before Christmas"
Giraffe portrait
I love seeing the giraffes in action, running fast on their long legs
Spot the leopard - we only had far away pictures
200-300 buffalos
Warthog jaw - reminded me of my dentist friend who practiced on pig jaws, the molars are so clear.
1 comment:
Those are great shots, JEn. What an awesome safari. We had a great time on my first one so far but no lions and certainly no lepoards. Although there was a dead hippo in the lake. Does that count?
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