Africa is pure magic.
Egypt seems a world away from the sub-Saharan countries of the ‘real Africa’, but the country where I have spent the last three and a half years was once home to a vast array of large wild animals, such as giraffe, elephants, rhino, and even lions. This was back when the Nile River was untamed, and the lands were green, rather than the largely sandy, arid landscapes we see today. Ancient hieroglyphs have also told us this was Egypt’s past. Dang! I wish these amazing creatures were around today.
I ventured recently to Tanzania, first via the island of Zanzibar for some scuba diving, and then to Arusha in order to go on safari and to squeeze in a Mt Meru climb before heading to Spain.
It was a crazy week full of adventure
but one which remains forever etched inside my mind and heart. Not only were the Tanzanian people incredibly hospitable, warm, and upbeat, but the landscape was drop-dead lush and gorgeous.
Tanzania’s Wildlife is jaw-dropping.
I travelled with Monkey Adventures for a safari over three days, solo, to camp within the two national parks I wanted to see - Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater, and camping at both locations. Going solo was the best decision I ever made, as this enabled me to decide my own timetable, have the safari vehicle to myself, be able to stop whenever I wanted, and also to spend as much time as I wished watching any animal.
I was partnered with a guide who understood my desire to also see birds, and he was mindful of my need to be photographing the animals at length - I craved quality over quantity - seeing ‘the big five’ was not a priority; rather, spending quality time within the wildlife areas to observe nature at its best.
I cannot begin to describe what it is like to see a huge lion wander by the open-sided vehicle - close enough to touch, or a lioness preside over her recent kill - panting with steam rising off her back, hot from the chase, or the sweet play of a mother and her young cub in the early morning light.
It is pure magic.
This really is where animals should be - not in zoos.
Tarangire is home to a very large number of elephants, and I watched these graceful, curious animals as they wandered in lolling groups across the trails, swaying their trunks and kicking up dust while protecting their young deep within the group. Occassionally a brazen male would turn his head towards us and flare his ears with a heavy nod of his head as if to say - “that’s enough for today - go on now”.
I understood - this was THEIR house, not mine.
Over three full days and two nights, I witnessed an incredible array of animals and birds. From the graceful grand eland and waterbuck, to the awkward ostrich; from the tiny dik-dik to the elegant giraffe - I was fortunate to see many beautiful wild animals just doing their thing where they are meant to do it.
Below is a gallery of some of my favourite photos from my safari.
I will be writing a detailed blog on my Mt Meru trek in the coming months.
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