The First Day in Ruaha
The edge of the middle of nowhere...
We woke to the sound of Hippo calls. Only 20 meters
from the river, we had to make sure they were in the river and not by the cabin
before we stepped out. Despite their size, Hippos are very fast and kill more
people in Africa than
Lions.
The view from the Cabin
The Cabin
Todd was quick to begin shooting QTVRs as I soaked in the scenery. We were definitely in “the Bush”. While somewhat luxurious, the Fox Ruaha River Camp sits on one of the only water sources in the area making it a highway for elephants, gazelle, hippos and even crocodiles. A Hyena passed us last night as we arrived reminding us not to trying to walk the grounds at night. Though Mwanga assured us Hyenas would not attack us unless they are sick...he wasn’t going out there either.
Todd shooting...very near the Hippo Pool.
I love my cargo pants :)
On the way to breakfast, we found very large round tracks and some droppings the size of a soccer ball. The evidence was left by “Billy” the neighborhood elephant. A few years ago, Billy discovered that rumaging through the garbage was a good source of leftovers and he’s been around ever since. He’s generally friendly but everyone gives him his space even if he’s eating some of the plates. We later found Billy in the garage sorting out breakfast. We were close enough to touch him...but we didn’t. We just took lots of pictures.
His foot is much bigger than mine.
His droppings are too...
mmmm...Garbage.
After breakfast, we made out way into the Park. It was similar to Mikumi but will more animals and denser vegitation. After a few hours, we approached a water hole and found a group of elephants watering. The water is very low which attracts animals from a further distance. This created a collection of Elephants, Girafffe, and Zebra along the dried river bank. August is really the best time to visit these parts because you have enough water to attract the animals but not so much that they can get it anywhere (such as in April/May).
The scene at Breakfast
Mwanga catching a few frames of Zebra
Maina taking in the view at a look out location
Nothing like having to clear the Giraffe before taking off...
Big Baobab
Chantal shooting Elephants
Hanif trying to levitate one of the Elephants. I tried explain that Yoda wasn't real :)
Harvey getting a little closer.
Our trusty guides.
After returning from the drive, I had some time to talk to Apollo Ambilikile, a bartender who came recently from nearby Mufindi. His last name came from his Grandfather and means “You are invited to the Kingdom of God”. He attended a local seminary college studying religion, math and physics. He’s hoping to return to school next year to study accounting. I don’t get that it’s what he wanted to do with his life but accounting is a fairly safe career here in Tanzania and seemingly a popular profession.
In many ways, it’s similar to how many people anywhere pick their profession. It’s not what they want, just what they can get. While practical, it creates a life far less than what is possible. I almost took that route...I was planning to be a patent lawyer...of course, I didn’t...and it has made all the difference.
Apollo
The Fox Ruaha River Camp from the Bar.
Billy walking down...the steps...
Todd with his trusty rusty Kaidan rig...
My new office
The view from the Cabin
The Cabin
Todd was quick to begin shooting QTVRs as I soaked in the scenery. We were definitely in “the Bush”. While somewhat luxurious, the Fox Ruaha River Camp sits on one of the only water sources in the area making it a highway for elephants, gazelle, hippos and even crocodiles. A Hyena passed us last night as we arrived reminding us not to trying to walk the grounds at night. Though Mwanga assured us Hyenas would not attack us unless they are sick...he wasn’t going out there either.
Todd shooting...very near the Hippo Pool.
I love my cargo pants :)
On the way to breakfast, we found very large round tracks and some droppings the size of a soccer ball. The evidence was left by “Billy” the neighborhood elephant. A few years ago, Billy discovered that rumaging through the garbage was a good source of leftovers and he’s been around ever since. He’s generally friendly but everyone gives him his space even if he’s eating some of the plates. We later found Billy in the garage sorting out breakfast. We were close enough to touch him...but we didn’t. We just took lots of pictures.
His foot is much bigger than mine.
His droppings are too...
mmmm...Garbage.
After breakfast, we made out way into the Park. It was similar to Mikumi but will more animals and denser vegitation. After a few hours, we approached a water hole and found a group of elephants watering. The water is very low which attracts animals from a further distance. This created a collection of Elephants, Girafffe, and Zebra along the dried river bank. August is really the best time to visit these parts because you have enough water to attract the animals but not so much that they can get it anywhere (such as in April/May).
The scene at Breakfast
Mwanga catching a few frames of Zebra
Maina taking in the view at a look out location
Nothing like having to clear the Giraffe before taking off...
Big Baobab
Chantal shooting Elephants
Hanif trying to levitate one of the Elephants. I tried explain that Yoda wasn't real :)
Harvey getting a little closer.
Our trusty guides.
After returning from the drive, I had some time to talk to Apollo Ambilikile, a bartender who came recently from nearby Mufindi. His last name came from his Grandfather and means “You are invited to the Kingdom of God”. He attended a local seminary college studying religion, math and physics. He’s hoping to return to school next year to study accounting. I don’t get that it’s what he wanted to do with his life but accounting is a fairly safe career here in Tanzania and seemingly a popular profession.
In many ways, it’s similar to how many people anywhere pick their profession. It’s not what they want, just what they can get. While practical, it creates a life far less than what is possible. I almost took that route...I was planning to be a patent lawyer...of course, I didn’t...and it has made all the difference.
Apollo
The Fox Ruaha River Camp from the Bar.
Billy walking down...the steps...
Todd with his trusty rusty Kaidan rig...
My new office
Posted: Thu - July 24, 2003 at 09:44 PM Africa, Summer (Winter) 2003 Email Comments
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Total entries in this blog: 31
Total entries in this category: 31
Published On: Aug 05, 2003 10:45 AM
Total entries in this category: 31
Published On: Aug 05, 2003 10:45 AM