Tarangire NP is comprised of 1,000 square miles of proctected land. Many lodges sit outside the park; the Tarangire Safari Lodge is in the park, and overlooks the plains. There are two rows of tents, each has a sleeping and a bathroom area. The dining and sitting lodge are in between.
Because mid day is so hot, we have done game drives early from 6am-noon and late 4-6pm. The park closes at 6:00pm and all vehicles need to be back by 6:30 to avoid fines. The park is not crowded this week and the mist we have seen is 3-4 vehicles at a lion sighting. Some drivers communicate and share sighting locations but our driver or safari company operates independently. He seems highly skilled in identifying birds and knowing where to go to spot animals.
This morning we see sausage trees (long seed pods) and baboons grabbing them and racing to the river bed to feed on them in the morning. Ostriches walk across the road-they stay together and can lay up to 70 eggs in a pile. The lions are the kings of the park, with no predators- we see two on the cliff above the beach, waiting for prey to appear. The lioness from last night sleeps with her cubs, guarding her kill which is mostly consumed and dragged to the bushes. Male lions and elephants stay apart from the females and babies and the male lion is absent today.
The morning excitement is a huge herd of wildebeest and zebras going down to the river for water. They return in the evening to sllep hidden in the grass and bushes. We have our lunch on a peak overlooking the Tarangire plains.
As the sun sets, we encounter an elephant family feeding on dry bushes, close enough to touch. Two lionesses and several cubs lounge near the beach. We cross paths with the zebras and wildebeests on their way back.
The herds of zebras and wildebeests are making their way northward this time of year, following their source of water. Naturally their predators move with them. Wildebeests mate in August and all calve in Feb. Only about half will survive as they are defenseless against lions. These animals only migrate within Tarangire.
Water is the lifeline for all, driving animal movement each day and through each season. It makes me think how drought and climate change will alter their lives and existence.