As our safari trip was about to begin our guide Malaki Samuel asked each person in our group what we were really hoping to see. What would make the safari extra special for us?
My friend Shannon who is with me here sticking her head out of our safari jeep wanted to see cats- lions, cheetahs and leopards. I wanted to get a close up look at giraffes.
Our friend Les in front here on the beautiful patio of the Tarangire Safari Lodge wanted to see a chase in the wild- a predator chasing its prey.
Deb on the left was looking to get her eyes on some zebras and Sue the woman beside her wanted to witness a migration scenario with large herds of animals.
My husband Dave, the official photographer for the safari, hoped to view a rhino in the wild.
On the second day of the safari we thought both Les and Shannon’s dreams would come true. Shannon was delighted when we came upon some cheetahs. She could check off one of cats on her wish list.
Shortly after spying the cheetahs we saw a little dik- dik nearby. It was standing perfectly still. It obviously knew the cheetahs were close. The dik- dik looked very scared. Les was hoping the chase would soon be on and that he’d see the cheetahs go after the dik-dik.
But the cheetahs didn’t seem to notice the dik- dik at all and eventually the little thing ran off fleeing at top speed. Les was disappointed.
But no sooner had the dik- dik left then Les was encouraged by spotting an impala nearby. Perhaps the cheetahs would chase it. The impala too was quite obviously aware of the cheetahs.
But the cheetahs remained steadfast. Why didn’t they look at the impala? Malaki our guide had told us that cheetahs had excellent eyesight.
Eventually the impala too sprinted off and Les’ hopes to see a predatory chase were once again denied.
Just when Les thought all was lost a warthog waddled into view. Surely this animal would attract the cheetahs’ attention.
But no ! One cheetah actually had wandered off by this time and the other stood still apparently oblivious to the warthog which happily trotted on its way. Could the cheetahs be full from a recent hunt and weren’t in need of a meal?
Despite the fact we sat and waited for almost two hours watching the cheetahs in hopes of Les seeing his dramatic dream unfold before him it was not to be.
All the rest of us however would have our dreams come true on the safari as you will discover in future blog posts.
Other posts………..
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Great pictures Dave!
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