Submitted by Lascelle Gordon on the 2024 Winter ENWC program in Tanzania…
Heartwarming Welcome in Tanzania
The week commenced on a resilient note when we discovered that our bags had not arrived with us. Despite the initial hiccup, our enthusiasm for being in Tanzania overshadowed any potential inconvenience. Prepared for the worst-case scenario and ready to confront the challenge, our spirits remained high. Fortunately, our bags were delivered the following morning, alleviating any concerns.
The positive momentum continued with a delightful breakfast featuring cinnamon twists, toast with tangerine jelly, bacon, and fresh fruit. Energized and ready for exploration, we embarked on a walk to an orphanage. This excursion not only provided an opportunity to engage with the orphanage community but also offered a glimpse into the daily lives of nearby villages.
The return journey was particularly memorable and heartwarming. As we traversed through the villages, nearly every child we encountered greeted us with cheerful “hi” or “hey,” accompanied by friendly waves. This simple yet genuine display of friendliness from the local children left a lasting impression, underscoring the warmth and hospitality of the Tanzanian communities. The walk back became more than a physical journey; it became a cultural exchange, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for the local way of life. This early encounter set a positive tone for the week, emphasizing the cultural richness and the welcoming spirit of the Tanzanian people.
Close Encounters: A Day with Elephants in Tarangire National Park
Today marked our farewell to Randilin as we journeyed to our next camp in Tarangire National Park, conveniently located nearby. The highlight of the day centered around our encounter with elephants, our designated focal species. Once again, luck favored me, placing me in the open truck for an up-close experience due to the excellent visibility it provided. However, this proximity bordered on the intensity as a bull elephant approached our vehicle, prompting uncertainty on the faces of Dr. Bowman and Humphre, one of our guides. The deliberation on whether to pull away or hold our ground was palpable. Fortunately, the magnificent creature was merely seeking softer grass to graze on, affording us an unparalleled view of him in all his glory. The extended observation lasted around 45 minutes, allowing us to appreciate every detail, from sight and smell to the audible digestion sounds as he consumed the damp grasses. This encounter with elephants undoubtedly ranks among my most cherished experiences so far.
Safari Surprises: Lazy Lions and Balcony Buffalos
This week was truly incredible, highlighted by our visit to Ngorongoro Crater. However, we discovered it’s not just a crater; it’s a caldera formed when a volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself. The most thrilling part of the trip was the close encounter with a pride of lions. We approached a lioness resting on an incline surrounded by rocks. As she rose and moved to the shade, another lioness casually sat behind the wheel of our truck. Suddenly, everyone turned their heads, and I, seated, assumed they spotted another distant lion. To my surprise, it walked right up beside me, settling behind the wheel of the truck in front.
Upon reaching our next lodge, I was greeted by an unexpected sight on my balcony – a massive buffalo relaxing against the rails. Shortly after, two more buffalo joined, creating a surreal experience with three cape buffalo leisurely hanging out just outside my room. This unexpected wildlife encounter was undeniably the highlight of my day, perhaps my favorite part of the entire week.
Our Final Hoorah
Our last week here was truly bittersweet, and we kicked it off with an incredible spectacle – the wildebeest migration, a mesmerizing sight of approximately 1.8 million of these majestic creatures. Following this, we witnessed three cheetahs enjoying a feast, displaying their teamwork in taking down a young wildebeest. Each one took turns keeping a lookout for potential predators lingering nearby.
We took our last off-road game drive the next morning and were lucky enough to see these two big-bellied lions who seemed to have a great night. Later on, we then saw a huge pod of hippos which I am not really a fan of, however, this experience made me realize that I had never heard one before and boy were they noisy. So, I found that super cool, I even saw some bulls get aggressive towards each other. We came back for lunch then headed out again for our last and final game drive. It was a beautiful sunset, the animals were starting to act differently, the sounds were new, the weather was nice and the people in my car were amazing. It was a great final hoorah, and I can’t say that I have had a bad day thus far. (Submitted February 1, 2024)