safari mobiles

We had three days out on the bumpy and dusty roads in a hefty Landover driven by our awesomely knowledgeable guide Jeremia, who, by the hour was texting other guides as to the goings on of the neighborhood. Safari is like the opposite of a zoo, because it’s us humans that remain in a cage the whole time, unless of course you absolutely must use the bush toilet. Then, you have eyes in the back of your head like the zebras.

the new animal print

My fascination with going on safari was no doubt influenced by my Father, Grandmother and Grandfather who endlessly watched animals of the Serengeti on Nat Geo and collected video cassettes of Marty Stouffer’s Wild America. Maybe the love of the wild just runs in my paternal family, we are after all, descendants of the Vikings.

congregation

There is a peaceful yet primal feeling lurking on the landscape. I don’t have the slightest bit of dread that at any minute my last breath is just around the corner. For that reason, the peacefulness you feel on this endless plain is only something one can have if you are at the top of the food chain. I.e. You’re a super powered lioness. All others, especially the skittish zebra seems to have eyes in the back of their heads and always on alert.

guiding lights

We planned our trip to Tanzania during The Great Migration,  where over 1 million wildebeest transverse the plains following rain for water and new grazing land. They happily congregate with zebras on their quest and some of the other herbivores such as the gazelle and impala who righteously so, remain in tight packs.

vervet monkey

Sneaky and suspicious, they spend hours a day grooming.

wing art

The chickadee, the tufted titmouse, the robin, the blue jay, the red-tailed hawk, the finch, the cardinal, the peregrine falcon. Somehow when you learn the names of birds at 2 years old they stick with you even in your thirties. My Grandma Ginna taught me all names of all the birds in the bird book when I was a toddler and every now and again she tells me “Daynakins, when you were two you knew every bird in the bird book!”. I totally think this is cute. I hope this comes in handy if I live in a deciduous forest again. One of my favorite birds visiting Tanzania has to be the white-bellied g0-away bird named as such because when you get close they just go away!

serious airport food for $8US

This fried chicken and curried tomato sauce was insane. Surprise, surprise. Airport food can be good.

preventative measures

I’m not really a medicine gal. I don’t like to take pills so instead of malarone, I opted for a ridiculous forty-five day regime of doxycycline. Once I returned to the states however, I stopped taking it. I know, not good.

wildebeest on parade

We had a bag lunch at this tourist center one day on safari. They sold soda, chocolates and other goodies. Like clockwork, all of my girlfriends and I craved chocolate EVERY day before, during and after meals.

the lion’s den

Hunt. Eat. Sleep. Play. Repeat.

zebra luv

into the unknown

What I love about some of these photos is that they are so true to the way it looks out there. It’s just stunning to say the least. Life exists at a much slower pace then the rest of the world. It teaches you to slow down, relax and be.

lonely or independent?

The giraffe lives a more solitary life and is usually found with few cohorts lingering near by. Here is a closer look at regional fur patterns. The giraffes we saw in Tanzania were of the Masai species and munched on tree leaves heavily guarded with thorns.

i spy a crocodile

I was hoping for a Battle at Kruger moment.

tippity top

boarding passes optional

It is almost certain if you visit Africa there will be some death defying car ride. I know this because we had several in a two week period. Probably not coincidental. It’s common for cars to pass each other on a typical two lane street. This was the first time I had experienced a three lane street. I didn’t see any speed limit signs and therefore we cruised around 85 with 6 people in a small civic sized car, jammed packed luggage and all to make our flight from Arusha to Zanzibar. The beach was calling our name. Somehow the flummoxed Italian airline operator put us through sans boarding passes. I was still trying to catch my breath from the intensity of our taxi ride.

rolling hills, wildebeest and zebra

love birds, literally

a.k.a. rastafari birds.

Nairobi made printed fabric

Curtains at the Springlands Hotel. Eye-catching. I bought a bunch of different batik fabrics in Moshi to play with.

un elephante – iphone4S + camerabag

from above iphone4S + camerabag

three’s company – African elephant

don’t mess with me – African buffalo

definitely not a cowardly lion

Tina Turner hair. We were so close to this lion and lioness as they were sleeping under the tree. After 10 minutes of snapping photos Simba started stretching and got up. (Everyone gasps from excitement) He walked slowly through the opening between Landrovers and off into the distance. His lady quickly followed.

a bird’s paradise – the marabou stork

our cage

Our perma-tents were top notch with comfortable beds and mosquito nets, a private toilet and a sprinkling cold shower. At night we fell asleep to the whinnying zebras and laughing hyenas, all which felt like they were right at our doorstep. Quite a difference from dreaming to the melody of cicadas during east coast Summertime.

post rain

topography iphone4S + camerabag

sunrise breakfast

Daily: scrambled eggs, beans, toast and honey, sauteed tomatoes, pineapple and coffee.

the foulest animal alive – iphone4S + instagram filter

If you don’t know now you know. One  hundred hippos in a small pool of water creates an utterly disgusting experience for the tourist. It’s confirmed. They are huge, lazy and dirty. Eeeeek!