Tanzania is famous for it's national game reserve parks and the abundance of wildlife, so it would have been a shame not to visit one whilst I'm here!
I had the pleasure of the company of two good friends who came to visit me from the UK, and we went to the Selous Safari park.
Although it was only a short trip we packed a lot in, having a boat cruise on the mighty Rufiji river to see hippos and crocodiles and many beautiful birds, and to watch the sun setting over the river
We stayed in a lovely camp just outside the main gate to the park area in a traditionally built "mud hut". The camp only had about five huts and so was nice and personal and the staff were friendly and helpful. One night walking back to our hut (in the company of an armed guard... just in case!) there was a rustling in the bushes and the guard pointed out a bush baby.. it's big eyes staring back at us! At night other people said they heard elephants.. but I was asleep!!
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| The Rufiji River |
The next day we had a full day of driving around the park and it's many lakes and saw so many animals! We were lucky to see the very rare African Wild dogs as well as lions (although they were just sleeping under a tree) and the rare Greater Kudu. Unfortunately the elephants were hiding - I didn't know they could be so stealthy!
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| Twiga (Giraffe) |
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| African Wild dogs |
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| Wild dogs |
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| A rather sleepySimba (Lion) |
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| Wildebeast |
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| A male Greater Kudu - he was massive |
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| Crocodile |
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| Impala |
We had lunch under the shade of a Baobab tree that is estimated to be about 3000 years old!
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| Baobab tree - 3000 years old! |
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| Yep it's big! |
The final day we were taken on a walking safari by our guide and walked around some of the park. We learnt all about the different trees and vegetation, insects and a lot about the different types of animal poo!! Also, we got to play with the skeleton of a hippo! I know know I have a longer femur than a hippo..... Every day's a school day!!
After the safari we spent a few days in Zanzibar (again.. it's rude not to!) before they left.
It was great to see my friends and they bought me lots of goodies from the UK that I can't get here. I was a bit sad to see them leave but I didn't have much time to mope as I was back down to the village and the hecticness that is Nyangao Hospital! It was good to get back to the village, and all the hospital staff and the shop owners seemed pleased to see me!
(Honestly, I really do go to work.. it's not all fun things!!)
Just fantastic James..Wonderful job on this blog. Walking safari is much more adventurous than usual safari involving vehicles. On taking it through a long distance you can explore the nature at it's best. If you feel it on your own personal basic, as I can get the ideas from these pictures especially the last one. Thanks for all this personal experience on putting online.
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