TANZANIA | TARANGIRE
The final leg took us to Tarangire Park, a park famed for its huge elephant populations and baobab trees. We were met by Raj, our guide at Kuro airstrip and headed off for the camp. Nomad’s Kuro Tarangire camp is home from home with simple but elegant furnishings and beautiful African décor. It was a lovely place to end the trip at.
Having had the Serengeti’s big game viewing, we had low expectations but in fact, we had some of the best experiences at this camp. Raj had spotted a kill earlier so we drove there where we found two lionesses resting by it. Unexpectedly, she got up and her ears started to prick, having smelt another predator close by. We followed her and she was right, a leopard popped its head up before quickly hiding in the tall grass.
She was now on the prowl. We kept our eyes fixed on her as she headed towards the leopard but her scent took her elsewhere. Shouts then came from the staff quarters about 100m away. She and a couple of other lions had followed the scent into their camp. They were petrified. We were told never to run if we came across a predator but with the fear in their eyes, they sprinted to safety.
It all went quiet – the leopard was still hiding but a pack of hyenas had picked up on the kill’ and were now stalking it. Suddenly, the lioness reemerged, running through the thicket towards the leopard who jumped up and and quickly pegged it. She then turned her attention to the hyenas, who speedily made a run for it, before reuniting with the other lioness who had remained by the kill. It was an incredible to spectacle to see three predators competing for the kill, only for the lioness to rightly take her victory.
Tarangire is a beautiful park and reminiscent of Okavango Delta with palm trees on the river banks, hundreds of acacia trees dotted throughout and the occasional baobab tree. It’s a hidden gem and not being quite on the tourist trail, you don’t come across other vehicles.
Our final drive was our first and only night drive. We left at dusk and were welcomed by the biggest herd of buffalo I’ve ever seen. A good sign for the guides that the predators would follow as they entered the park’s high season. After sun downers and a glorious sunset, darkness engulfed the park and we drove off in excitement.
The little girl in our jeep announced she needed a loo break; we waited and surveyed the surroundings with our torches. Thankfully, all went smoothly and we drove off. However, within minutes, two huge male lions walked towards; knowing that they had been that close by only added to the thrill. We watched them slowly stride by the car, coming within touching distance of us. It was an unbelievable end to the safari and with pure elation and excitement, we headed back to the camp for our final night’s sleep in the African bush.
And with 40 lions, 3 leopards, 2 black rhinos, 11 cheetahs and countless elephants and buffalos sightings, we left Tanzania pinching ourselves and plotting our return soon.
