Not sure if I picked the right outfit for a safari……
Little did she know……when she left on safari……just who was tagging along…..
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Category Archives: African Safari
African Safari – Gorilla Trekking – Rwanda
High in the mountains of North Rwanda, on the border of Uganda and the Congo, live the over 800 mountain gorillas, brought back from near extinction, and made famous by Dian Fossey (Gorillas in the Mist)……They live in troops (families) of 6 – 40 gorillas……and each day visitors can trek through the thick vegetation with trackers and guides to find a troop and spend one amazing hour with them…….
These are the porters that carried me in……they used to be poachers…..but have now found alternative and more helpful employment…….I was grateful…….
This is the “team” – porters, trackers, guides, and trekkers…..I am in the middle….with the big ears…..the guide is holding me so I don’t get my feet dirty…..
Mother gorilla and baby (nine days old)….with the big Silverback just behind………I took the photo – that’s why I’m not in it…….the baby gorilla was slightly larger than me…..and also has large ears…..
African Safari – after the drive…..
Following the game drive is “down time” back in the camp……examples of which can be seen here…..in the Serrengetti….
…..it’s time to clean up and get rid of all that dust……..
….followed by a little R&R outside the tent……
….and of course refreshments and snacks:):)
African Safari – a few things you might see…..
While every safari offers different viewing experiences…….here are a few examples of what you might see….
Lions…..safely from a distance….
Elephants – apparently, elephants and mice are related?? Perhaps it’s the ears……
Hippos……laying low in the water……as if we can’t see them….. They are very noisy and very big when they come out of the water…..and they have huge teeth (very visible when they yawn)
Cheetah – on the hunt…..they are VERY fast, VERY patient, and VERY hungry….fortunately, mice aren’t part of their diet…..that we know of……
African Safari – additional suggestions
No good Safari is complete without camera and binocs (short for binoculars)……and of course there are a few other things (other than the game viewing) that will make the experience complete…..
Item #1 – Breakfast – Safari style – Please note, it is important to pick a spot with a good view in all directions……and look over your shoulder at all times…..
Item #2 – Good seating (although in this case a booster seat may have been helpful)
Item #3 – Provisions for what they call “sundowners” – the safari experience whereby drinks and snacks are consumed out in the field….before return to camp.
African Safari – alternative viewing options…..
In addition to the traditional safari, there are occasionally options for “walking safaris”…..not to be done alone, but rather, in the company of an experienced guide…….and there are a few precautions to take (after a few deep breaths to keep calm……
- Item #1 & #2 – Good guide, Good gun…..Richard Pye at Mara Plains Camp, big gun.
(additional note – gun is only for extreme emergencies we were told – it is all about conservation…..) Item #3 – Stay close and keep an eye in all directions!!!
Necessities to maximize your positive African Safari experience……..
A good safari experience requires good planning and a few important considerations…….
The following pictures itemize a number of things to consider before embarking on your adventure……
- Item # 1 – Sturdy Safari Vehicle – 4 wheel drive is mandatory! Snacks and refreshments in the vehicle are very important.
Item #2 – A good guide – Daniel Koya from Mara Plains Camp very nicely did the trick.
Item #3 – Good viewing position – In this case almost 360 degrees and right next to the snacks…….
Item #4 – option to take cover and hide, but able to sneak a view when needed. In this case, the ability to check the mirror is another advantage.
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Item #5 – Be prepared for any eventuality….and be able to change a tire QUICKLY!! Team work is critical!!