Habara za mchana! Good Afternoon!

We woke up today not knowing what was in store for us. Hiking up to the peak of Oldonyo Sambu was treacherous yet invigorating. With Maasai warriors as our guides we conquered our fears and successfully reached the summit where we were immersed in panoramic views of the lush Maasai Steppe. The next day we packed up camp, loaded the trucks, and made our way to Tarangire National Park. A rainy day brought vehicles stuck in the mud, but on the bright side we saw hundreds of African Elephants. Together we pushed through and arrived at Tarangire Lodge. After sleeping on the ground for the past week, we were more than delighted to be welcomed with beds and warm showers. The following morning we awoke for an early game drive. A first for everyone, including Jon and Jake, we witnessed an elephant carcass covered by scavenging Hooded Vultures, African White Backed Vultures, and Marabou Storks. A relaxing afternoon by the poolside provided a perfect view of the abundant wildlife in the savanna below. During our late afternoon drive we encountered a lone musting bull elephant and while observing him from our truck, he became agitated and started to aggressively approach. As everyone froze we were overwhelmed by a primitive connection to the environment and realized that we were experiencing nature. As the elephant gave its final warning, our guide Daudi said, “It’s okay boy,” and he backed down. It was then time to depart from the Tarangire Lodge and set out for the Nou Highland Forest. With our accent to higher elevation we traveled through villages and witnessed a transition from grasslands to forest. Who knows what the Nou Highlands will have in store for us as we embark on yet another adventure.

An elephant puts on a display as our truck drives passed in Tarangire National Park.  

Photo by: Carly Burrus

 

Among the crowd of vultures and storks, one individual spreads its wings as a display of dominance. As the vultures pick meat from the carcass the Marabou Storks patiently wait for scraps.

 Photo by: Carly Burrus

 

Two Maasai warriors rest on the top of Oldonyo Sambu overlooking their land, the Maasai Steppe.  

Photo by: Morgan Fiore

During our travel on the Maasai Steppe, the sky opened up and painted sunlight across the horizon highlighting Oldonyo Sambu, which we climbed the next day. 

Photo by: Holly Pierson 

Our safari truck driver Habibu spotted this little Flap Necked Chameleon on the side of the road. Maggie and Jon jumped out and we all observed it change colors. 

Photo by: Holly Pierson