Lake Manyara

Rhonda and I are both sorry to say goodbye to the Tarangire River Camp. It's a wonderful camp which faces the Tarangire river. Both days we saw elephants or impalas crossing this river.  The hospitality at this place was wonderful. We had Masai warriors walk us to dinner each night and fun talks at the fire pit but we had to move on.  I hope we find similar places like this in the future. 

Our day started with us moving to Lake Manyara which is one of the oldest parks in Tanzania.  Before I came I read a book by Ian Thompson called "Among the Elephants" which is about his study of elephants. It is still one of the most noted studies on elephant behaviors.  Ian wrote this book in 1975 and still lives in Africa today.  He runs Save the Elephants foundation.  If you know me, I was hoping to site an elephant here after reading this book.  I want to know they are still here. 

What an interesting park.  It's small but so diverse since it includes a lake, dense forest and savannah areas.  We saw everything from hippos to giraffes, Ibis, baboons, flamingos, impalas and Elephants!  The day was perfect especially when we ended with a small cow herd of elephants that I caught on video. Several male calves were mimicking fighting.  This is how they learn before joining a male herd. 

But by the end of the day we made are way up to the top of the escarpment that overlooks Lake Manyara where we were staying.  It's a Serena hotel like our first lodge in Arusha. Another wonderful place to stay.  The only unfortunate thing is not many people are here either. We had a great dinner of South African wine with dinner. 

Tomorrow should be a lazy day since we are visiting a market in the afternoon and then driving to Nogorongoro Crater. I can't wait to see this incredible site.  

Good night!