Tanzania safari report - Day 13
Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 08:39PM Almost all of my travelers had left camp 30 minutes earlier for their hot air balloon flight this morning, with the exception for three of us. We took the morning driving around on our own game drive while the rest of the group flew above the Serengeti in their balloon.
We spent the afternoon at the Moru kopjes, and had excellent success. We watched the beautiful scenery, climbed up a huge kopje and took in the expansive views. Within 1km of Gong Rock, we came upon a gorgeous lionees at the top of a rock. No complicated background to get in the way, as she was at the top and was modeling for us. The only thing that would have been better would have been a huge male with wind in his face and his mane flapping in the wind. But I digress....
After a few minutes with the lioness, we said hello to the ranger that drove by, and he pointed us to three black rhinos that were walking out in the open area on the edge of the kopjes. There is green grass right now, as well as a plethora of yellow flowers all around the Moru area. Wow. Double wow. Triple wow. I have seen a rhino at Moru in a couple of years, and it certainly was a treat. A tad far away for a good photograph, however I was excited to see such a rare treat.
A nice drive back to camp yielded some young hyaenas, as well as birds. Too many birds species to count, but I probably noticed at least 15 to 20 species in a 15 minute drive. I will miss Moru. One of the Serengeti's most private game drive areas that the bottom feeder outfitters don't bother with. All the better for me and my guests, because I don't like sharing it! It sounds selfish, but I do kind of feel that way. I do prefer to be away from other vehicles, and I balance my safaris to try and maximize photography as well as rich experiences.
Reader Comments (1)
Hi Andy,
Great to read your daily activities in Tanzania. This is the first year since 2004 that I am not visiting this great country and I really miss it. By reading your daily post it is as if I'm there again!
Especially your desription of Moru makes me longing. I love that fairytale like landscape. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 I spent 2 weeks camping on these special campsites in Moru. With the migration at your feet when waking up... I also saw the Rhino you described (Was it a mother and 2 little ones?) Last year we actually were charged by one of them!!
I'll bring my best Moru shots this summer when we meet again. But then in Botswana and S Africa!
Best regards,
Giedo