We have decided to keep camp at Ndutu along the edge of Serengeti and Ngorongoro regions as the migration is traveling further south than was originally thought. This allows us to keep a base camp and head off to do game drives in a variety of directions. These are off-road safari excursions now.
So, today we went off in an effort to find cheetahs. We saw hyenas, ostrich, jackals, bat-eared foxes, a lioness, giraffe, zebra, elephants, a python, many birds - vultures, eagles, storks, and so on....but no cheetah. We came upon a friend of our driver who is doing research on cheetahs - a girl all on her own in the middle of the Serengeti. I'm sure it would be a very interesting job!
Then, we saw 'her' - not the researcher, but rather a female cheetah with three cubs. Beautiful! She had just finished killing a gazelle and she was allowing her cubs to feed. We must have sat and watched the feed and natural process that followed for 90 minutes.
As she and her cubs were eating the carcass, vultures began to circle and land in close proximity. There must have been a hundred vultures or more and one stork also showed up. Our guide said that while the stork's beak would not allow it to tear meat off the bones, they would steal meat away from the vultures who had some success getting some scraps.
We expected the spotted hyenas to show up after seeing so many vultures circle and land...but they never did. The vultures would get a bit brazen and try to get closer, but we laughed when two of the cubs chased the vultures back.
When there was not much left, the cheetah and her cubs got up and walked away...and then the frenzy began...and it was all over in a couple of minutes. Nothing was left. This truly was an 'up close and personal' education for us.
More to follow.
5 comments:
Tammy, your writings are so vivid...it is like being there watching with you. Thanks for taking the time to blog and allow us all to experience the Serengeti with you! I am sure these writings will be something to treasure years from now, and will always keep these adventures close to your heart.
Love,
Catherine
Glad you are still seeing so much and having a great time.
Hi Tammy and Mark
Glad to here from you we checked this morning and nothing so thouoght we would check and there it was an amazing decription of a kill and banquet. Its amazing how fast the animal was cleaned up. It would appear to us you could write a book when you done. Aunt Phyllis and Grama was asking how yous were doing and said to say hi. How is Walt and Marissa making out? Are they enjoying the trip as much as you two? It sure is going to be a trip to remember the rest of yourlife. Everything is good here, and look forward to you getting home. Love you both Mom and Dad
It is so interesting and exciting to follow your safari from day to day. Thank-you for sharing your experiences on this blog. What wonderful experiences and adventures you have had and as you said, education in the natural way of life for the wild animals in their natural habitat. That is the way God meant it to be when he created the world. These experiences will never be forgotten. Looking forward to seeing any pictures you have taken.
Love Janice and Phil and family.
I know you both must be so happy you planned this holiday. What a wonderful dream realization. You must be really satified with everything and that is so good to know that every day is so fulfilling. It's certainly great for all of us to learn what is happening when you are so far away. Wishing you all the best in the remaining part of the trip. Love, Mom.
I'd like you to sign our copy of your coming book.
Enjoying your blog immensely!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love, Dan and Marianne
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