Tarangire National Park

August 11, 2024 - Day 9

David and I woke up around 0630, with the morning sunlight filtering through our window. After a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs with cheese, coffee, beef links, chicken sauté, a flaky Danish, and slices of fresh pineapple that burst with sweetness, we felt energized and ready for the day ahead.

We dropped our laundry off at the front desk, exchanging smiles with the friendly staff, and checked out, excitement bubbling within us. After 8 days of hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro, we all had some "ripe" clothes that needed some TLC. At 0800, our Safari guide, Ruben, arrived, his warm smile and enthusiasm instantly setting the tone for the day.

After a scenic 2.5-hour drive filled with lush landscapes and the distant silhouettes of mountains, we finally arrived at Tarangire National Park. The air was thick with anticipation as we registered quickly and pondered the thought of the wildlife awaiting us.

Once inside the park, we spent about four hours bouncing along the dusty, rugged roads, the sun shining down as we embarked on our adventure. Each turn revealed breathtaking sights and sounds of nature. We marveled at the vast herds of zebras grazing peacefully, their stripes a mesmerizing contrast against the golden grass. Graceful giraffes stretched their long necks toward the treetops, their gentle movements captivating us.

Among the highlights was a rare sighting of a silverback jackal, its sleek fur glistening in the sunlight, and the comical warthogs trotting around, their tails held high like little flags. We stopped to admire the Baobab, the "tree of life," its massive trunk standing stoically in the landscape, a true testament to resilience. The park was alive with vibrant birds flitting about—each splash of color a reminder of nature's artistry.

Albeit from a distance but we spotted a pride of seven lionesses lounging in the shade, their golden coats blending seamlessly with the dry grass. Later, we spotted a tree python coiled lazily in the branches of a massive tree. Its camouflage was so effective that we had to really focus to catch a glimpse of its sleek form nestled among the branches.

We couldn’t help but smile as we watched numerous elephants, majestic and gentle, ambling alongside their playful babies. The impalas leapt gracefully across our path, while a few curious cape buffalo eyed us warily from a distance.

As we continued our exploration, we spotted some wildebeest grazing peacefully, and then, there it was—a sleepy yet regal leopard, draped over a branch like a king surveying its kingdom. Its presence was breathtaking, a moment we’ll cherish forever.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, Ruben dropped us off at the Karatu Simba Lodge around 1905. The cool evening air was a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the day. After a much-needed shower, we made our way to the lodge’s restaurant for a fantastic buffet-style dinner. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafted through the air, tempting us to indulge. As we settled in for dinner, we savored a glass of Blanton's whiskey (courtesy of David's fine choice in Amsterdam). The rich flavors warming us as I relaxed and reflected on the day's adventures. The smooth finish perfectly complemented the delicious buffet spread, making for an ideal end to a thrilling day in the wild.

Ruben instructed us he'd be back in the morning at 0800 for day two of our safari at Lake Manyara. We couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead for tomorrow.

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