Our next two days were filled with more exciting rides on the savannah. We saw what seemed like miles of moving wildebeests. Some herds had babies and we’re on the move – others looked heavy with baby and ready to pop while still moving along. We were told once the females start dropping their off springs they all start to drop. It keeps the predators guessing with so many more options. The babies have to bond with mama as they move or they just get lost in the herd and other mamas don’t want them.
They hyena’s and jackal can share a little of sustenance but it was fun to watch the interaction. Hyena’s will take a zebra after they are full to a water hole so they can eat more when they are hungry. However various carnivore birds work hard despite the water eating as much as they can. The giraffe most likely died of natural causes and the birds were feasting there also. Phil wanted to see at least one kill but all we saw were feasts happening already and one cheetah trying to bring down a small impala…he missed.
Doting the savannah are the granite “rocks” called Kopjes that stick out like islands in a sea of grass. These are ancient features that are over 500 millions years old and have been exposed after the softer volcanic ash from the area volcanoes were eroded away. They provide a contrast to the grasslands and acacia trees and provide the habitat for animals, plants, caves, water and the ultimate vantage point for the lions.
Wonderful opportunities for photos using any type camera!
Down cat and enjoying the afternoon!
Somedays the giraffes saunter through past our tent and out into the savannah in front of our camp. Delightful.
Hollywood has nothing on nature when it comes to big eyes or big eared creatures and how about spots and stripes and patterns!
Oh see warthog coming, see warthog running – woah maybe we ought to check it out! That was enough energy – just not worth it!
Getting ready for the sundowner! The rocks we have circled over two days to see lions have now become our sunset viewpoint. The only creatures we ran off were the to be able to return. Larkin explained the old history of the granite rocks.
Off to dinner and packing so we can head toward the Ngorngoro Crater in the morning. Thanks Gary for taking the photo! More to come…
THE TRAVELING MARTINI'S 