Arusha National Park

We took advantage of our extra days in Arusha awaiting the arrival of our friend. Arusha National Park is nearby, so our Kilimanjaro guide joined our driver and we headed out.

1/11/25

Arusha National Park

All of our three safaris were in this badass, ten-seat, Toyota Land Cruiser. There were four of us, so we had plenty of room, especially after they "pop the top" by raising the roof straight up. This provides a perfect camera roost. 

Arusha National Park

This was the only day we were allowed to get out of the vehicle. The National Guard provides armed escorts for the walking portion. Our guide was a fun guy, but he did get serious once. When a water buffalo looked up and gave us a little more attention, he calmly chambered a round and said "do you think we can move on?" We all said "yes!"

Arusha National Park

Sarah was the guide who accompanied us when we evacuated the mountain. We knew that coming back down with us meant she would not be paid for the remainder of the days - so we hired her for a few tours while we awaited our primary safari schedule to begin.

Arusha National Park

I always thought these critters were dangerous, but that wasn't the case with the wild pigs we saw today. I was 10 feet away, and she was uninterested  even with her piglet beside her.

Arusha National Park

We came across a troop of Giraffes lounging around a rock formation. They were perfectly staged for about 60 photos - This was my favorite.

Arusha National Park

There was a huge, open meadow with a meandering creek. It looked like the Lion King, with all the animals million around together.

Around Arusha

Next day, Sarah took us on a up-close tour of Arusha.

1/12/25

Around Arusha

Our chariot awaits.

Around Arusha

We hit the local market...

New Face Joins The Team

My friend's wife was too smart to climb Kilimanjaro, but she joined us for the safaris. Also joining us was our guide. He was with us for all three days.

1/13/25

Another Warm-up Safari

We took advantage of our extra days. Trip Advisor described the hike to the Napuru Waterfall as a wooded nature hike...

Another Warm-up Safari

...but it soon became a climb more extreme than anything we saw on Kilimanjaro. Me - and my injured shoulder - made this climb down an up again without doing any further damage.

Another Warm-up Safari

The fall was pretty cool - about 75 feet. This photo, however, was taken by our guide because I couldn't manage the final 10 foot ladder climb required to get there. I just couldn't lift my arm to grasp the ladder.

Safari One: Tarangire National Park

This park is a river lowland area. Like all of our safaris, all of the usual suspect African wildlife is there. The greatest number by far though, was the elephants. They were like rabbits - everywhere.

1/14/25

Safari One: Tarangire National Park

We also saw several Prides of Lions, including this little lady crashed out in the shade...

Safari One: Tarangire National Park

...with dad keeping a watchful eye...

Safari One: Tarangire National Park

...between dalliances with his harem.

Safari One: Tarangire National Park

Thousands of flamangos. This was one of my favorite photo from day one.

Safari One: Tarangire National Park

After the day's activities, we were delivered to our luxury accommodations for a great meal and a good night's rest.

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

This park reminded me of one of my favorite movies as a kid: The Lost World! The approach to the crater is a steep climb on dirt roads through Tarzan-quality dense jungle until this massive gate appears. Through the gate and over the rim of the crater, and the world opens up to a savanna right out of The Lion King.

1/15/25

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

Hippos, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, rinoceros, and every other African beast or bird you've ever heard of, were all together in this otherworldly place 

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

More elephants! This bird decided to  catch a ride.

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

These crowned birds were everywhere.

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

I finally got to see a Rhinoceros. I suggested to our guide that I should sit on the hood of the vehicle with my camera while he chased them around "Hatari-style" like John Wayne. He just stared at me. 🤣

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

Osterichs. Big and fast - also apparently pretty aggressive, so we didn't get too close.

Safari Two: Ngorongoro Crater National Park

Back to the lodge for a dip in the pool and another great meal.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

As the name implies, this is park is in a dense jungle surrounding a huge lake.

1/16/25

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

Saw thousands of baboons. This guy was large and in-charge - about 3 feet tall - sitting on his butt.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

This zebra was kind enough to pose in this landscape photo.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

Lots of birds. Our guide was great at spotting them. He saw these two huge, but very well-camouflaged owls in a tree about 20 yards off the road. Apparently, they are rarely seen - he ask me to send him this photo.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

Hornbill. Good name.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

Because the jungle here was so dense, we could hear this small herd of elephants coming through the jungle, stepping on trees like we would walk through tall grass.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

My friend is an accomplished wildlife photographer, and she was in her element.

Safari three: Lake Manyara National Park

...and a haircut. If you know anything about my travel habits, you know I always try to get my hair cut when I'm in a strange (to me) new place. It's such a wonderful way to get a peek into the real world. Barber “Nicky” lit up when he heard my accent, and dashed away to return with the Old Glory apron. I saluted and cracked him up.

Safari is among the coolest things I've ever done. I may need to do more. Next time: The Serengeti, where I hope to see some panthers and leopards.

Goodbye to Africa. Hello to six months of shoulder surgery and rehab.

1/17/25