Baobab trees have been carbon dated at over 5,00 years! Our safari guide told us that elephants eat its fruits and get drunk. Amazing.
As usual, our day started bright and early, with a cup of coffee, of course. As we enjoyed our last delicious breakfast at Mama Christina's house, our safari driver Laurent, arrived and ready to hit the road. Seeing the safari jeep alone, allowed me to take a step back and reflect on the opportunity I was about to embark on. Since as long as I can remember, it has been a dream of mine to go on a safari in Africa. I was speechless. After a two hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, we arrived at a popular lunch spot for tourists. After a very special cup of coffee from Dr. Jez, we were introduced to our very first boxed lunch. It was the first of many meals that consisted of fried chicken, pastries, banana's and a hard-boiled egg.
After lunch, we hopped back into the safari jeep. The road was bumpy but the views allowed me to subside it. Laurent opened the roof and allowed us to pop our heads up as he drove through the national park. Despite the copious amounts of dirt that entered my eyes, I was startled at the numerous trees, bushes and the sent of the fresh air. It took only minutes until we saw a herd of zebras to the left and to the right. Many of us mentioned how we have seen many zebra in the United States, however, observing them in the wild, made the experience far more surreal. As we drove past more (many) zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, Laurent received a call over his radio and told us to hold on as he sped further into the park. He parked and directed our attention to a landscape of big, green trees with long branches. After minutes of looking through the binoculars, we saw yellow fur and black spots. In that moment, I remembered my fifth grade teacher sharing with me that the leopard is the strongest climber of all cats. Starstruck once again, I held the binoculars to my face and starred at the leopard as he napped, occasionally pacing his tail back and fourth. Many safari jeeps were parked and using what Dr. Jez called "safari voices" to ensure we wouldn't scare the leopard away.
After hours of driving through Tarangire National Park and observing the majestic elephants, Laurent drove us to Kudu Lodge. We were welcomed with warm eucalyptus towels and Africana mango juice. Denise and I opened the door to our two bed room and she proceeded to scream of excitement because we not only had two beds and couch but a fireplace (didn't need it because it was 30 degrees Celsius), a toilet, and running (warm) water. At this very moment, I was ecstatic but also realized the many privileges we take for granted in the United States, daily.
Overall, the first day of the three day safari experience was my favorite because it was the moment my dream came true. I am forever grateful.
Discovered many animals enjoying the waterhole.
Laurent told us that the reason zebras sleep like this is to "watch each others back." This way, they can rest without neglecting the possibility of a predator sneaking from behind.
This is a perfect picture of how I left. The entire time.
On our way to Kudu Lodge. Sitting in the safari jeep wasn't too bad. Nothing beats African sunsets.