Monday, October 29, 2007

Tanzania--Serengeti Under Canvas

Here are a few pics from our first stop in Africa. It takes forever to download pictures so if you want to see more go to my web gallery.


First we flew into Kilimanjaro and then took a bush plane to Serengeti National Park. When I say bush plan, that's exactly what it is. Buzzing the landing strip so that we can land on the grass. A little crazy, but that's Africa. Then we were met by our guides and started the Safari to our camp.

Highlights--

  • The dung Beetle-- I was deeply touched by the unity of the beetle couple. The female beetle clings to the dung while the male rolls the dung for up to a mile till the find an appropriate hole for the female to lay her eggs in the dung and then bury it. The Dung Beetle is responsible for burying half of the dung in Africa. Quite the task. So chivilristic.
  • Beautiful Tents--King size bed, sinks, bucket shower and a flushing toilet--yes I did say tent. Best tent I ever stayed in.
  • Saw every animal imaginable. It was the migration and there were thousands and thousands of Zebra and Wilda Beasts migrating. It was beautiful.
  • Interesting fact--Female Hyenas are actually hermaphrodites. Yep, they have a false penis until they give birth for the first time and the penis bursts. Not joking. That would have to be a painful delivery.
  • Our guide told us a stroy of an elephant that lived int he Serengeti. A female matriarch got stuck on a poacher trap. She got out, but her trunk was ripped of at the stem. Local rangers assumed that she would soon die, but she was spotted a year later still alive. How you ask?--an elephant can't eat or drink with out a trunk. They saw that her daughter would suck water through her trunk and then put it into her mother's mouth. The same would be done with food. Who knew that elephants were so intelligent and cared so much for their kind? Since this Elephant was the matriarch--(the matriarch is the leader of the herd, she is relied upon for her wisdom and guidance), she was very vital to her herd. Love the elephants.








9 comments:

A and L said...

wow chels. those pictures are amazing! you have such a great, fun family.

Natalie said...

Great job on the pictures. It sounds like you had an amazing time. Can't wait to see more.

hayleyrowan said...

those pictures are beautiful

Lindsey said...

This looks amazing! I want to do this someday! I LOVE the PICS!!!

WE are forsure around for thanksgiving PLEASE can we get together?

PS. What kind of camera do you have? We are looking for another.

Jon and Ashley Lefrandt said...

No bungie jumping this time? I will never forget that video of your first trip to Africa. Your pictures are amazing!

Chelsea Anne said...

The bungi was closed the day we were in Victoria Falls, but, we did do the gorge swing which was just as exciting if not more. My brave parents did it too. It was the one had was on Richard Bransons Rebel Billionair.

Shanna said...

Chels. Looks like fun.. You always have such fun adventures with your family. I love looking at your blog.

Kathy said...

Beautiful pictures. What an amazing trip!

Bri!!! said...

I LOVE the story about the elephant. They have always been my favorite animal next to the horse and this story is another reason why. How remarkable.

Isn't Africa amazing. It truly is an experience everyone should have. I can't wait to take Dan there with me. It is magical.

I look forward to reading your blogs from her on out.

Much love,

Bri