SAFARI!!

We had today off so PC could meet with our families for the mid-home stay check-in. so we met up at CCT and boarded a couple of very big vans then headed to Mikumi National Park, which is only a couple of hours away. On the way, we saw a wrecked car and small tanker on the other side of the road. We think it was the same accident on the news in which 5 people died. The roads here are very dangerous – the most dangerous thing in the country I think. There are few rules, especially that are enforced, and that includes no license. That’s right, people do not have to take a test or be trained before they can be in control of a few thousand pounds of potential destruction. They not only lack training, they are crazy! They are constantly passing on the narrow roads so head-on collisions are common. Plus they drive very fast; luckily the government has installed many speed bumps to slow vehicles down. If I am severely hurt or killed here, it will be by a vehicle.

Wildlife sightings started when we were just on the road that goes through the park, before we entered the official gate. We saw zebras, giraffes, impala, vultures, cape buffaloes, and warthogs. Actually, we were very fortunate to see a family of warthogs close to the road. I made out 4 baby warthogs and the 2 adults. When we got to the town of Mikumi, we couldn’t check-in but we did eat lunch. I had rice, beans, a bit of cooked spinach, and ½ a banana – a typical Tz meal. After checking-in, I took a short nap but others found the market. George shared a tamarind seed with me and it tasted kind of like a Warhead candy – it was a neat treat. Since Gene doesn’t have a camera, I gave him my digital to use – so I lucked out with getting both digital and film pics.

This afternoon, we headed to the park for our evening safari/tour (it’s a 24 hour pass). On the way, a front tire popped on the van I was in; it was quite loud. So we disembarked and waited while our drivers changed it – no AAA or roadside assistance here. We also saw some of the same animals as before as well as baboons, who were in and alongside the road. At the entrance, we saw elephants cross the dirt road while we waited for the permit and tour guide stuff to be worked out. Once inside, we saw them from a distance. We saw more impala *they are as numerous as deer back home or antelope out west), giraffes, zebras, & wildebeest while we drove to the Hippo Pool. Of course, we saw a hippo when we got there but there was a better treat – LIONS! There was a pride of lionesses to one side of the pool (i.e. waterhole) who were lounging after having fed themselves. They blended in well but we would see one occasionally roll over and it was funny because they act very much like a lounging housecat. At one point, a lioness stood up, walked to the carcass, picked it up in her mouth, and brought it back to where she was laying. I really hope I was able to get a good shot of it with my camera (film). Later, we could hear/see a bit of arguing between lionesses about the food. Like 3D National Geographic – pure awesomeness. As we were leaving the park, we passed by some funny looking guinea hens. Then we came upon some other vehicles that were stopped on the road (they were also leaving the park, coming from the Hippo Pool). There were more lions in the brush off the road! Unfortunately for the Jeep/Land Rover ahead of us, it was also when they had to change a flat tire. Did I mention it was late dusk? I’m sure the passengers were relieved when they could get back in the vehicle.

For dinner, I had the same thing as lunch plus a few cubes of beef and a soda that tasted so great after the dust of our trip in the park. Why did I have almost the same meal again? The menu was rice with beans, beef, or chicken; or small potato wedges in an egg omelet thing. There may have been a few more expensive things but we’re cheap. Although we had to get up early, most of us stayed up late talking, playing cards, and drinking – aka hanging out American style.