It took time for the safari experience to sink in. Not until we were staring into the eyes of Massai Giraffes browsing the tops of Acacia trees 20 feet from our jeep, their long raspy tongues extended, and their ears perked with curiosity, did I comprehend that we were actually on safari in Tanzania. The “endless plains” of the Serengeti proved to be endlessly fascinating. They provide habitat for the huge populations of birds and wildlife that migrate annually to this world-famous ecosystem. And there we were, in the middle of it!
Naturalist Journeys summed up the trip well: “Tanzania safari is the
ultimate wildlife watching experience, heaving with iconic African animals like Elephant, Wildebeest, Common Zebra, Buffalo, Mongoose, Impala, Gazelle, Hartebeest, Eland, Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Vervet Monkey, Baboon, and so many more. Interactions between predator and prey are intense.” Our Naturalist Journey to Tanzania brought us to Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, The Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge, and Ngorongoro Crater. To this impressive list, we added a day in Arusha National Park.
We started our safari in late January and finished two weeks later in mid-February. It was timed to coincide with the annual mass migration of mammals including Wildebeast, Zebra, Elans and Gazelles to the Serengeti. Many of these animals bear young at this time of year, adding to the drama. We witnessed a Thompson’s Gazelle giving birth and saw baby monkees, elephants, Cape Buffalo, Wildebeast, lions and cheetahs. Lori, who is fond of baby animals, remarked that “even the baby warthogs were cute!”
In addition to the jeep-based safari, we hired guides for an extra day at Arusha National Park. This extension included two walks in the national park with iconic African wildlife nearby, like Giraffe, Warthogs and Cape Buffalo. Hiking with an armed park ranger with wildlife nearby was unforgettable. Both the ranger and the wildlife kept a wary eye on us.
One of Tarangire Tent Camp’s visitors: a Pearl-spotted Owlet.
Lodging ranged from tent camping to ecolodges with views of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tanagire National Park. Tent camps kept us in the safari mode because wildife surrounded us. Vervet Monkeys were raising a family in the Baobob Tree at one tent camp. Dik-Dik’s browsed during the day beside another one. We heard lions and hyenas nearby.
In addition to 366 species of birds, we saw more than 40 species of mammals,11 reptiles and 6 species of butterflies. Just seeing the expansive plains of the Serengeti was inspiring, with its widely spaced Acacia trees, full of wildlife and birds. As vast as this area is, the density and abundance of wildlife was surprising. It seemed like we stopped every 30 yards for a new sighting: elephants, giraffes, sleeping lions, leopards in trees, warthogs, hippos, crocodiles, and birds galore.
Our balloon trip over the Serengeti provided a birds-eye perspective.
The vast expanse of savannah rolled out beneath us like a giant green carpet dotted with Acacia Trees and punctuated by kopjes — volcanic rock formations where lions perch (think Pride Rock from The Lion King).
You could see myriad wildlife trails from above, along with herds of multiple species below including: Gazelles, Impalas, Zebras, Cape Buffalo, Warthogs, Hyenas, Elephants and even their diminutive cousin the Rock Hyrax. Larger birds like Kori’s Bustard, Tawny Eagles and Secretary Birds were clearly visible. How often can you look down at a birds nest?
As the trip progressed, our tallies of birds and wildlife grew beyond our wildlest dreams. We even started to see rarities like Servals and Honey Badgers. This was truly a trip for the ages; our “buckets” are still overflowing. The guides, including Peg Abbott, Washington, Martin, Boniface, Silva and Peter, are world-class interpreters and delightful people with whom to take a 14-day safari. We are especially grateful that a place this vast, with worldwide ecological significance, continues to be protected by Tanzania and Kenya. Tanzania alone protects 25% of its natural lands. The world would do well to emulate this model for conservation and ecotourism.
I cannot recommend this Naturalist Journey highly enough. Anyone who wants to experience one of the ultimate natural history hot spots on earth with top-notch guides should seriously consider going on this safari. Our keen group of observers experienced a bioblitz that they will not soon, if ever, forget.
