An Austrian man, attempting to smuggle 74 protected chameleons from Africa's Usambara Mountains in Tanzania into Austria was intercepted at the airport and stopped. The 56-year-old man, whose identity has not been revealed to the public is believed to have the intention of selling the chameleons and lizards in the Czech Republic and other countries. Upon x-raying his luggage, they discovered that he had stuffed some of the chameleons in socks and empty ice cream boxes. The said man was caught by customs officials at Vienna Airport, coming from Tanzania via Ethiopia. The chameleons are now under the care of the Austrian capital's Schoenbrunn Zoo, which said that unfortunately three of the animals did not make it alive. The Chameleons and lizards were illegally acquired from the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania and ranged in age from one week old to adult animals. The black market value of the reptiles would fetch about 37,000 euros (£32,860), officials said. The Austrian man who smuggled the animals into Austria from Tanzania has now to settle a fine of up to 6,000 euros, the Austrian finance ministry said in a statement. The Tanzanian highlands are popular for being home to a rare and a newly discovered species of chameleons known as Kinyongia msuyae, a small, elongated chameleon (about 16 cm long), lacking distinctive colours or pattern.
An Austrian man, attempting to smuggle 74 protected chameleons from Africa’s Usambara Mountains in Tanzania into Austria was intercepted at the airport and stopped.
The 56-year-old man, whose identity has not been revealed to the public is believed to have the intention of selling the chameleons and lizards in the Czech Republic and other countries.
Upon x-raying his luggage, they discovered that he had stuffed some of the chameleons in socks and empty ice cream boxes.
The said man was caught by customs officials at Vienna Airport, coming from Tanzania via Ethiopia.
The chameleons are now under the care of the Austrian capital’s Schoenbrunn Zoo, which said that unfortunately three of the animals did not make it alive. The Chameleons and lizards were illegally acquired from the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania and ranged in age from one week old to adult animals.
The black market value of the reptiles would fetch about 37,000 euros (£32,860), officials said.
The Austrian man who smuggled the animals into Austria from Tanzania has now to settle a fine of up to 6,000 euros, the Austrian finance ministry said in a statement.
The Tanzanian highlands are popular for being home to a rare and a newly discovered species of chameleons known as Kinyongia msuyae, a small, elongated chameleon (about 16 cm long), lacking distinctive colours or pattern.
What you need to know if you're on a Tanzania Safari tour with the failed travel agent. The travel giant company, Thomas Cook collapses after last-minute bailout plans to save the failing firm which has been running for 178-years. The tour company based in the U.K has ceased to trade with immediate effect, this is according to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Thomas Cook has gone ahead to publish travel advice for tourists on holiday with the affected company at the following website thomascook.caa.co.uk. Apart from Tanzania Safari holiday goers that have booked with Thomas Cook, many tourists around the world have also been affected by this situation either while on holiday or with long term plans of coming to Tanzania for Tanzania Safari tours with Thomas Cook. Fortunately, we can advise you what to do next and to claim a refund on your tour to Kilimanjaro if Thomas Cook goes into administration. Atol protection for Kilimanjaro climbers The Atol travel plan protects people who buy Tanzania tour package holidays that are all-inclusive plus a flight, through UK tour operators and agents like in the case of Thomas Cook. If you have booked a Tanzania safari or just a flight to Tanzania through the Thomas cook, Atol protection ensures you do not lose your money or be left stranded in Tanzania as Atol protection means they will be flown back home free of charge. Clients who have already booked and actually paid for an upcoming Tanzania safari with Thomas Cook should a right to a refund as part of the Atol scheme. Unfortunately, if you didn’t book your tour as part of a package you might not be Atol protected, but you may still be able to claim a refund of some sort through your travel insurance or credit
What you need to know if you’re on a Tanzania Safari tour with the failed travel agent.
The travel giant company, Thomas Cook collapses after last-minute bailout plans to save the failing firm which has been running for 178-years. The tour company based in the U.K has ceased to trade with immediate effect, this is according to the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. Thomas Cook has gone ahead to publish travel advice for tourists on holiday with the affected company at the following website thomascook.caa.co.uk.
Apart from Tanzania Safari holiday goers that have booked with Thomas Cook, many tourists around the world have also been affected by this situation either while on holiday or with long term plans of coming to Tanzania for Tanzania Safari tours with Thomas Cook. Fortunately, we can advise you what to do next and to claim a refund on your tour to Kilimanjaro if Thomas Cook goes into administration.
Atol protection for Kilimanjaro climbers
The Atol travel plan protects people who buy Tanzania tour package holidays that are all-inclusive plus a flight, through UK tour operators and agents like in the case of Thomas Cook. If you have booked a Tanzania safari or just a flight to Tanzania through the Thomas cook, Atol protection ensures you do not lose your money or be left stranded in Tanzania as Atol protection means they will be flown back home free of charge.
Clients who have already booked and actually paid for an upcoming Tanzania safari with Thomas Cook should a right to a refund as part of the Atol scheme.
Unfortunately, if you didn’t book your tour as part of a package you might not be Atol protected, but you may still be able to claim a refund of some sort through your travel insurance or credit card issuer – as per your booking terms and agreements.’ For more information about the Atol scheme and protection, read here.
What to do if you’re already in Tanzania for your safari
Now that, unfortunately, Thomas Cook has gone into administration, this is what you should do:
Continue your Tanzania safari as normal.
Arrive for your return flight as normal unless something changes and you receive an official update. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will try their best to get you on a return flight as close to your original departure time as possible.
Your costs for returning home will be covered. Keep receipts of any additional costs you may be asked to pay as a result. Send a claim to The Civil Aviation Authority on your return home so that a refund can be arranged for all reasonable expenses.
Do I have to pay for my hotel/camp/lodge during and after a safari?
Since most Tanzania safari itineraries include your hotel accommodation in Tanzania (Arusha) before and after your climb it will not be necessary to pay but if you’re experiencing any difficulties with your Atol-protected hotel, or if your hotel is requesting payment from you, you can call the CAA call centre on the following line: +44 1753 330 330. NB: It may take the Civil Aviation Authority a few days to secure new payment arrangements for your accommodation. Do not proceed to pay your accommodation unless given the green-light by the CAA team. If your trip is not covered by the Atol scheme, you are not entitled to make a claim for your extra expenses and additional nights of hotel accommodation under the Atol protection, but you may be able to claim for a refund or payment from your travel insurer as per the booking terms and conditions, bank or your credit card issuer. Here’s more information on how to make an Atol claim if you’re currently abroad.
What to do if you’re planning to travel soon for a safari in Tanzania
If you’re due to travel with Thomas Cook in the near future, here is what you should do:
From 23 September 2019, all flights and Tanzania safari tours will be cancelled.
All Thomas Cook arline flights will not operate anymore, so if you have booked on a Thomas Cook Airlines flight, please do not go to your UK airport. Please double-check with your accommodation/flight provider to check if your booking is on record. Keep all your booking information and make a record of all emails and replies. If will not continue with your safari in Tanzania, make a claim under the Atol plan to get a refund.
The troubled tour company, Thomas Cook tried to secure a £750m cash injection to see it safe for low season of winter 2019-20 when the number of bookings goes down. Thomas Cook’s chief executive, Peter Fankhauser, said the company’s collapse was a ‘matter of profound regret’. Commenting as the company entered compulsory liquidation, Mr Fankhauser also had words of apology to Thomas Cook’s ‘millions of customers and thousands of employed staff’. If the company does go bust it would be the biggest-ever repatriation, with an estimated 150,000 tourists of British origin currently abroad on a variety Thomas Cook holidays that include Tanzania safari holidays. The government has 45 jets ready to bring clients back home and with 64 routes being flown today. The size of the fleet will make it UK’s fifth-largest airline. The collapse has put over 20,000 jobs at risk, including 9,000 in the United Kingdom alone.
Hollywood actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith are in Tanzania for the second time after touring Tanzania about 2 years ago. The actor was spotted in the Serengeti National Park as he posed pictures with park rangers. Mr. Smith then went on to enjoy his African Safari experience at the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is the most popular national park amongst 16 National Parks that Tanzania has, not counting the new national parks created just recently including the Burigi-Chato National Park. Tanzania is the best safari country in Africa as voted by travellers and writers around the world according to a survey conducted by a popular safari portal called safaribookings.com. This beautiful country offers a splendid vacation for anyone seeking to create lifetime memories and those kodak moments. Will Smith's show "Welcome to Earth" features an episode Tanzania's Serengeti National Park "Welcome to Earth," Will Smith's crazy new nature series, follows the actor as he travels the outer reaches of the globe with his characteristic zeal. In the most recent episode, for example, the Hollywood legend uses never-before-seen equipment to follow wildebeest herd movements in the Serengeti at night. The series (now available on Disney+) follows the 53-year-old as he ventures into isolated parts of the natural world with his signature jokes, excitement, and adventurous spirit to uncover and explore hidden locations that the normal person can't access. Smith travels to the Serengeti in Tanzania's neighboring country to observe lions and wildebeest herd movements in the dead of night in the episode "Mind of the Swarm." Executive producer Jane Root informed media that the show employed military-grade drones that had never been deployed in "civilian conditions" previously to acquire clear photos of them. "I borrowed that from the army in order to photograph those things in complete darkness."
Hollywood actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett Smith are in Tanzania for the second time after touring Tanzania about 2 years ago. The actor was spotted in the Serengeti National Park as he posed pictures with park rangers. Mr. Smith then went on to enjoy his African Safari experience at the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti is the most popular national park amongst 16 National Parks that Tanzania has, not counting the new national parks created just recently including the Burigi-Chato National Park. Tanzania is the best safari country in Africa as voted by travellers and writers around the world according to a survey conducted by a popular safari portal called safaribookings.com. This beautiful country offers a splendid vacation for anyone seeking to create lifetime memories and those kodak moments.
Will Smith’s show “Welcome to Earth” features an episode Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park
“Welcome to Earth,” Will Smith’s crazy new nature series, follows the actor as he travels the outer reaches of the globe with his characteristic zeal.
In the most recent episode, for example, the Hollywood legend uses never-before-seen equipment to follow wildebeest herd movements in the Serengeti at night.
The series (now available on Disney+) follows the 53-year-old as he ventures into isolated parts of the natural world with his signature jokes, excitement, and adventurous spirit to uncover and explore hidden locations that the normal person can’t access.
Smith travels to the Serengeti in Tanzania’s neighboring country to observe lions and wildebeest herd movements in the dead of night in the episode “Mind of the Swarm.”
Executive producer Jane Root informed media that the show employed military-grade drones that had never been deployed in “civilian conditions” previously to acquire clear photos of them.
“I borrowed that from the army in order to photograph those things in complete darkness.” As a result, a great deal of innovation is required.
“Sometimes you’re taking technology from another location and applying it to this reality, and that’s what gets you the outcomes you want,” Root explained.
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most popular national park, one of 16 in the country.
A few days ago, Will Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith posted a picture on Instagram showing the two at an airport probably headed for Tanzania.
It is evident Mr Smith the “Fresh Prince of Bel-air” star was accompanied by his wife Jada Pinkett Smith on a safari holiday to Tanzania as she shared a post on her Instagram page while on safari.Will Smith in Tanzania
The Smith family seems to have a special liking for Tanzania as two years ago, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith toured the country together.
During their previous trip, the Hollywood couple was seen at a luxury tropical island off the shores of Zanzibar islands in Tanzania bordering the Indian Ocean.
During their visit, Will also interacted with excited fans after his arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
Below is our list of the seven most dangerous animals in Africa, based on the estimated number of human fatalities they have caused. With some of these examples, exact numbers were hard to obtain since most of the attacks and resultant fatalities happen in remote parts of Africa. 7. The Desert Locusts It may surprise you to know that insects are also considered to be animals! The definition of an animal, in several dictionaries, is as follows: “a living organism characterized by voluntary movement”, so the Locust definitely fits the bill! Although they do not kill humans directly, the devastation they cause to crops has a direct effect on humans and therefore they warrant a slot in Africa’s top 7 most dangerous animals. The Desert Locust is one of about a dozen species of short-horned grasshoppers that are known to change their behaviour when prevailing conditions are good, such as after particularly good rains when larger than average crops are expected. They form enormous swarms of adults, or bands of hoppers (wingless nymphs) which spread over a vast area. The last major Locust plague occurred in the summer of 2004 in West and North Africa, when swarms migrated over the continent causing mass devastation. Large parts of Mali, Niger, Sudan and Mauritania were affected, as well as Morocco and Algeria, once the swarms reached North Africa. It was also the first time in over 50 years that Egypt, Jordan and Israel were affected. The sheer magnitude of the swarms is staggering – one swarm in Morocco, between Tarfaya and Tan-Tan was 230km long and at least 150m wide and it is estimated that it was made up of over 69 billion individual locusts. Although they form a major food resource for over 30 bird species, you need a lot
Below is our list of the seven most dangerous animals in Africa, based on the estimated number of human fatalities they have caused. With some of these examples, exact numbers were hard to obtain since most of the attacks and resultant fatalities happen in remote parts of Africa.
7. The Desert Locusts
It may surprise you to know that insects are also considered to be animals! The definition of an animal, in several dictionaries, is as follows: “a living organism characterized by voluntary movement”, so the Locust definitely fits the bill! Although they do not kill humans directly, the devastation they cause to crops has a direct effect on humans and therefore they warrant a slot in Africa’s top 7 most dangerous animals.
The Desert Locust is one of about a dozen species of short-horned grasshoppers that are known to change their behaviour when prevailing conditions are good, such as after particularly good rains when larger than average crops are expected. They form enormous swarms of adults, or bands of hoppers (wingless nymphs) which spread over a vast area.
The last major Locust plague occurred in the summer of 2004 in West and North Africa, when swarms migrated over the continent causing mass devastation. Large parts of Mali, Niger, Sudan and Mauritania were affected, as well as Morocco and Algeria, once the swarms reached North Africa. It was also the first time in over 50 years that Egypt, Jordan and Israel were affected.
The sheer magnitude of the swarms is staggering – one swarm in Morocco, between Tarfaya and Tan-Tan was 230km long and at least 150m wide and it is estimated that it was made up of over 69 billion individual locusts. Although they form a major food resource for over 30 bird species, you need a lot of birds to make any in-roads on such a huge swarm and all crops as well as other vegetation (tree foliage, grass, reeds and more) in their path were totally destroyed, causing enormous challenges to food security in West Africa, and to a lesser extent in North Africa.
It is estimated that the costs of fighting this scourge could have exceeded US $400 million, and harvest losses were estimated at US $2,5 billion. Without international Aid many Africans would have died of starvation, as well as thousands of animals which were left without grazing.
Below is a short video showing swarms of locusts out on the rampage destroying vegetation in their paths
6. Lions
The most famous incident of man-eating Lions occurred during the construction of the Kenya-Uganda railroad in 1898. For reasons that have never been fully understood or explained, a pair of mane-less male Lions known as the Tsavo Man-Eaters started attacking the railway workers and killed several over a nine-month period, until they were both shot. Lion do not normally attack humans, but occasionally something causes some animals (usually males) to start seeking out human prey.
Several studies have been conducted into this behaviour, but the causes are still under debate! One suggestion is that old Lions who are no longer part of a hunting pack will turn to human prey when they can no longer chase faster animals; another suggestion is that a Rinderpest epidemic (cattle plague) wiped out many of the Lion’s usual prey and they were then forced to seek alternative food. However it came about, human flesh then became an integral part of the Lions’ regular diet and was actively sought-out.
This could explain the Tanzanian incident, where over 563 people in a large village were attacked, and many were eaten by Lions over a 15 year period; a number far exceeding the earlier Tsavo incidents.
5. Crocodiles
African Crocodiles have extremely powerful jaws that clamp shut with an incredible force of 3,700 pounds per square inch, which is about 4 times the strength a Hyena can muster! So it comes as no surprise that humans stand very little chance of surviving a crocodile attack. The two species that are responsible for most Crocodile attacks in Africa are the Nile Crocodile and the Saltwater Crocodile, and hundreds of attacks are reported each year. Many more probably go unreported because they occur in very remote regions, and it is difficult to get accurate data of the actual number of people killed by Crocs on an annual basis.
In 2004 a legendary 5mt Croc named Gustave terrorised villagers in Barundi, where he killed so many humans that it was feared that he was doing the killing for fun, not food… It is now thought that he developed a taste for human flesh from the many bodies that found their way into the waterways in the strife-torn country, but Crocodile attacks on humans are common not only in Africa but also in many other countries such as India and Australia. Crocodile attacks are fiercely vicious and very quick – generally over in a few seconds, as the prey is clamped between those incredible jaws and then dragged under water and drowned.
4. Elephants
As Africa’s largest land animal, Elephants are among the Continent’s most potentially dangerous animals. Their huge size makes them capable of crushing and killing any other land animal, including Lions, and humans are also at risk.
Adult male Elephants go through a period of being “on musth”, which means they are sexually aroused and very aggressive – an elephant on musth is an elephant to avoid at all costs, as they can react completely out of character. A tell-tale sign to look out for is a discharge from the temporal ducts on the side of the Elephants head.
Elephant have been known to suddenly attack cars and nonchalantly roll them over or toss them aside inside game reserves; however, these are isolated incidents and usually occur because thoughtless tourists try and get too close to a bull in musth, causing the Elephant to defend his territory. It is also extremely unwise to get too close to a herd with babies – just like Humans, Elephants will protect their young at all costs!
The saying goes that an elephant never forgets, and this may explain an incident that occurred in Africa where some young elephants attacked specific villages in what is believed to have been a revenge mission for the massive culling that took place on their herds in the 1970 -80’s.
3. Buffalo
The African or Cape Buffalo, one of the Big Five, is one of the few animals on the continent that will actively stalk and kill humans if they have been wounded. This huge animal demands respect from nearly all the other animals in Africa, including Lion, and their only real predator is man.
Buffalo are still widely pursued by trophy hunters in many parts of Africa, and many hunters are killed or injured if they do not bring this majestic animal down with one shot; the hunter becomes the hunted, and things can get messy. There are few statistics to show how many people get killed each year by Buffalo, but there have also been incidents where people have been injured or killed when they surprise a Buffalo in the bush, and this is no-doubt a common and unreported occurrence in remote parts of Africa.
2. Hippo
These docile-looking creatures appear to be sloppy, slow and sluggish, but do not be fooled by their appearance, as they are at number 2 on the Most Dangerous list! Hippo can easily outrun humans and their enormous incisors are capable of biting a human in half. Usually humans are attacked if they are perceived to be a threat to either the Hippos territory or young, but there have been occasions where Hippo have gone on the rampage and attacked people when invading farmland in remote parts of Africa.
1. Mosquito
Coming in at number one, the Mosquito is the most dangerous animal in Africa and is responsible for nearly 50% of deaths in children under the age of 5. This miniscule insect carries the virus that causes Malaria, one of the world’s deadliest diseases.
Some stunning Facts about Malaria::
Malaria kills more than 2,800 children a day in Africa. According to Third World Network Features, direct and indirect costs of Malaria amounted to US $800 million in 1987 and were expected to reach US $1.8 billion annually in Africa by 1995.
80 -90% of Malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa where 90% of the infected people live.
Malaria is not confined to Africa; in Brazil the disease kills over 8,000 people a year, more than deaths from AIDS and Cholera combined!
Some good news! There is a Malaria vaccine on the horizon which should be able to reduce deaths from this disease by up to 75% in future generations – it is hoped that the vaccine will be ready to be launched in 2015.
An African safari - it sounds so romantic! The mind conjures up images of wonderful African sunsets, nights around the campfire and, of course, exciting close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. You may have it all pictured in your mind, but until you have actually been on Safari for the first time you will probably be wondering how you will be spending your time each day. Before we go any further, I must just say that there is actually no such thing as a “typical” day on Safari, so our heading is a little misleading. Every time you step out of your tent or suite you will be embarking on a brand new adventure; every single excursion into the wilds holds the promise of a new and unique magical moment in Nature; every Lodge or Campsite has a different atmosphere and stunning location, making each and every Safari day different and special. Having said all that, there is a certain comforting routine to your days on safari, so for the benefit of all the first-timers, I will try to give you an idea of what to expect from your Game Drives and your Camps or Lodges. Game Drives - What Exactly Is a Game Drive For the uninitiated, I should perhaps explain what a “game drive” is! You will be taken out into the bush in a 4X4 game-viewing vehicle. Depending on whether you are on a group or private safari, this could be a large “truck” with 3 or 4 rows of seats, accommodating up to 10 people or you could be in a much smaller van for up to 6 people. (On some specialized photographic safaris the number of people per vehicle is limited to 1 person per row of seats, to provide optimum photographic opportunities). A “typical” game
An African safari – it sounds so romantic! The mind conjures up images of wonderful African sunsets, nights around the campfire and, of course, exciting close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. You may have it all pictured in your mind, but until you have actually been on Safari for the first time you will probably be wondering how you will be spending your time each day.
Before we go any further, I must just say that there is actually no such thing as a “typical” day on Safari, so our heading is a little misleading. Every time you step out of your tent or suite you will be embarking on a brand new adventure; every single excursion into the wilds holds the promise of a new and unique magical moment in Nature; every Lodge or Campsite has a different atmosphere and stunning location, making each and every Safari day different and special. Having said all that, there is a certain comforting routine to your days on safari, so for the benefit of all the first-timers, I will try to give you an idea of what to expect from your Game Drives and your Camps or Lodges.
Game Drives – What Exactly Is a Game Drive
For the uninitiated, I should perhaps explain what a “game drive” is! You will be taken out into the bush in a 4X4 game-viewing vehicle. Depending on whether you are on a group or private safari, this could be a large “truck” with 3 or 4 rows of seats, accommodating up to 10 people or you could be in a much smaller van for up to 6 people. (On some specialized photographic safaris the number of people per vehicle is limited to 1 person per row of seats, to provide optimum photographic opportunities).
A “typical” game drive will last about 2-3 hours, depending on what you come across along the way. At some destinations, you may be offered a full day game drive, which can take up to 8 hours. Your driver will be an experienced game ranger who knows the area exceptionally well and has a good idea of the best places to take you for good sightings.
Your open-sided or “pop-up” game viewing vehicle is not air-conditioned and there can be considerable differences in temperature during your drive, so dressing in layers is recommended. Don’t forget to bring your camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Drinking water will be available on the game drive, but you can bring some munchies if you like.
An African Safari is all about the wildlife; every aspect of your safari is geared towards giving you the very best experience possible, and that means that your regular schedule will have to adjust to the rhythms of Africa and her creatures. Your Safari day will be divided into roughly four segments:
Sunrise – Early Morning Game Drive
As the first tendrils of red start to appear on the horizon, you will get your wake-up call. In summer this could be as early as 5 am; in winter it will be around 6 am – the morning game drive gets underway as soon as the Park gates open at 6 or 6.30 am. This is a wonderful time of the day; you can listen to the dawn chorus of birds as you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack before leaving. The sun will just be crawling over the horizon and many animals are on the move! It could be quite cool at this time of day and you need to bring a warm jacket with you.
Mid-Morning – Mid Afternoon
When it starts warming up around 10.00 – 10.30 am you will generally return to your camp for a hearty breakfast, brunch or lunch. (This varies from Camp to Camp, and some of the luxury camps will offer to serve your lunch on your private deck if you prefer.) This is the best time for you to relax and enjoy the amenities offered by your Camp or Lodge – lounge around the pool, review your photos, read a book or enjoy a Spa treatment (if your Lodge offers this facility), or have a nap.
Many Camps offer bush walks with an armed guide – in Kenya your guide will usually be one of the local Masai tribesmen who knows the region like the back of his hand! This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the local culture from your guide, who will be happy to share his extensive knowledge of the flora of the region with you. You can also do some bird watching and see some interesting insects and smaller animals that you would miss on a game drive. At around 3pm everyone assembles again to enjoy tea or coffee and cake or biscuits before the highlight of the day – the evening game drive.
Late Afternoon and Evening Game Drive
The evening game drive is everyone’s favourite! Anticipation runs high – this is the time that the predators will be setting off to hunt, and you never know what lies around the next bend in the road! After an hour or two, you will usually stop for sun-downers; your ranger will choose a great vantage point for you to stretch your legs and watch the sun paint the sky a myriad of colours as it drops below the horizon. Raise your glasses and drink a toast to Africa the Beautiful!
Once the sun has set you will either head back to Camp or be treated to a Night Drive. Many of the government-run National Parks have strict rules about getting back to your camp before dark, but if you are on a private concession you will continue driving through the bush for another hour or two, using a strong spotlight to glimpse some of the shy nocturnal animals. It is also probably the best time to come upon a Lion or Leopard on the hunt, so choosing a Safari which includes Night Game Drives is an important consideration. If you do come upon a hunt or kill, supper may be delayed!
Campfire Time
Depending on what you see along the way there will usually be time for a refreshing shower before pre-dinner drinks, followed by a sumptuous dinner and excellent wine. In some instances, your Camp may surprise you by arranging a Bush Dinner in a location under the stars…very romantic! Then it is time to gather around the campfire to share stories of your days’ sightings with fellow guests before retiring. Most people are pretty tired by this time and go to bed early, mindful of that dawn wake-up call, which will herald the start of another “not so typical” African safari day.
Demystifying Some Common Safari Jargon
National Parks versus Game Reserves
National Parks are Government-run and controlled conservation areas which are open to the public for game viewing. There are strict rules and regulations in these National Parks aimed at protection of the environment and the animals who live there, and no off-road driving or night drives are allowed. Visitor numbers are usually not restricted here and there can be many vehicles lining up to view a good sighting. There will generally be both budget and more up-market accommodation.
Game Reserves
Game Reserves are usually run and maintained by local authorities and are also established for the conservation of animals and plants. Some Game Reserves allow a limited amount of hunting (culling) to benefit the local communities that live around the reserves.
Conservancies
Conservancies are private, non-profit community programs to conserve land, wildlife and habitats for the benefit of all. Many of these are also open to the public for game viewing, and offer various types of accommodation.
Private Concessions
Private Concessions are privately owned conservation areas which usually border the larger National Parks; often fences have been removed to allow free movement of game across the boundaries from the National Parks into the private concessions and vice versa. These Private Concessions often offer a markedly superior safari experience because they can relax the regulations that are in place in the National Parks. For example, off-road driving, Night Drives, and walking safaris are common in all the Private Concessions, but often not allowed in National Parks or Game Reserves. Private Lodges are generally very luxurious.
Tented Camps
No need to worry, your accommodation will be a lot more comfortable than it sounds! Tented Camps feature individual spacious and comfortable en-suite rooms with canvas sides, usually erected on a raised platform – your own private deck. You have real beds, elegant Safari-style furniture and great decor. Some have blissful private outdoor showers or baths.
Luxury Lodges
These game lodges often feature in the “best African Hotels” lists and are the last word in luxury, African-style. Your accommodation may be under canvas at some of these establishments, but it will be the smartest “tent” you can imagine! The Luxury Lodges are all situated in outstandingly beautiful settings, often with views over a river or water hole that is regularly frequented by wildlife. Many offer private plunge pools or Jacuzzi’s, impeccable service and food and many other little luxuries.
Wet Safari
If you are visiting the Okavango Delta you may be a little confused to read about “wet safaris”. This is simply a term to describe game watching activities from the water; instead of using a safari vehicle which would get stuck in the wet conditions, you will travel along the rivers and waterways by boat – a unique game viewing experience. Depending on the season, regular game drives are also available in the Okavango.
Moving Camp
This is a great chance to see something different each day! You pack up and set off on a game drive or hike each day, and your campsite is moved and set up in a new spot every evening. In some instances, you will simply be moving to a new “permanent” campsite each night. This type of moving-camp safari is very popular in the Serengeti during the Great Migration.
Boma
Many of the safari camps you visit will have a Boma (pronounced bow-ma), which is an enclosure in the bush where you can dine alfresco under the brilliant African starlit skies. There is usually a big campfire in the center to keep you warm on chilly nights and to add atmosphere!
Night Drives
A night drive is usually an extended late-afternoon game drive which returns to camp after dark. A strong spotlight allows you to see many nocturnal animals that sleep during the day, in particular, the fabulous Leopard who likes to hunt after dark. Some Private Lodges offer after-dinner game drives to dedicated night owls or serious photographers.
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has been alerted after an increase of cases where of hyenas have a new overgrown appetite for buffalo testicles at the Aberdare National Park in Kenya. The hyenas, known more for their scavenger habits than hunting efforts are believed to be taking advantage of the hanging parts of the Buffaloes leading to lifetime castration or in some cases deformities of the Buffaloes at the Kenyan National Park. According to Aberdare National Park KWS Senior Warden Lilian Ajuoga, the first reported incident was recorded in 2008 but it has become a common occurrence recently. “The incidences of hyenas biting of testicles and tails of buffaloes are everyday occurrences in the National Park. Tens of buffaloes are partly deformed after hyenas chewed off some parts,” Ms Ajuoga said. She linked the incidents to lack of lions in the park, a scenario that has hampered the food chain which places hyenas in their scavenger category. A balanced food chain is vital, the officer revealed adding that it helps animals in the ecosystem balance roles. “In this case, hyenas are forced to hunt instead of scavenging on leftovers that have been left by other predators. This forces them to hunt on easily available things and since they lack the power to strangle, they depend on biting off hanging parts for survival,” she said. She noted that owing to the fact that hyenas cannot hunt, they target loose hanging parts of the animals like testicles and tails. “Hyenas literally feast on a prey when they are still alive because they cannot kill. In the National Park, hyenas target young buffalo bulls so they can strip off the ‘loose-hanging’ parts,” she says. Although hyenas are known to target other small animals in the park, the officer also linked the increasing cases to
Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) has been alerted after an increase of cases where of hyenas have a new overgrown appetite for buffalo testicles at the Aberdare National Park in Kenya.
The hyenas, known more for their scavenger habits than hunting efforts are believed to be taking advantage of the hanging parts of the Buffaloes leading to lifetime castration or in some cases deformities of the Buffaloes at the Kenyan National Park.
According to Aberdare National Park KWS Senior Warden Lilian Ajuoga, the first reported incident was recorded in 2008 but it has become a common occurrence recently.
“The incidences of hyenas biting of testicles and tails of buffaloes are everyday occurrences in the National Park. Tens of buffaloes are partly deformed after hyenas chewed off some parts,”
Ms Ajuoga said.
She linked the incidents to lack of lions in the park, a scenario that has hampered the food chain which places hyenas in their scavenger category.
A balanced food chain is vital, the officer revealed adding that it helps animals in the ecosystem balance roles.
“In this case, hyenas are forced to hunt instead of scavenging on leftovers that have been left by other predators. This forces them to hunt on easily available things and since they lack the power to strangle, they depend on biting off hanging parts for survival,”
she said.
She noted that owing to the fact that hyenas cannot hunt, they target loose hanging parts of the animals like testicles and tails.
“Hyenas literally feast on a prey when they are still alive because they cannot kill. In the National Park, hyenas target young buffalo bulls so they can strip off the ‘loose-hanging’ parts,”
she says.
Although hyenas are known to target other small animals in the park, the officer also linked the increasing cases to lack of speed by the scavengers who sometimes lack something to feed on.
To save the buffaloes from the jaws of hyenas, Ajuoga said KWS is considering counting the number of hyenas within the National Park for purposes of management and sustainability.
“We are planning on a doing an animal count so as to establish the number of hyenas for purposes of management to avoid cases of unsustainability. This will also help in boosting survival for both hyenas and buffaloes,”
she adds.Trend
According to Ajuoga, Introduction of predators in the park will also place the scavengers at their rightful position.
“We are trying to avoid the scenario where buffaloes might not be able to sire in future with their vital organs bitten off,”
she said.
Kenya Wildlife Service Assistant Director in charge of Mountain Areas Simon Gitau said the service has also considered involving researchers to shed light on what might have prompted the hyenas to bite off testicles and tails.
“This thing has been on-going for a while but that does not mean the population of buffaloes is going down. One healthy buffalo with intact organs can still mate with 50 females and successfully sire,”
The black leopard is an animal full of mystery. Many people have reported a few and unconfirmed short glimpses of this shadowy cat, until recently when researches from the San Diego Zoo confirmed that indeed it has been spotted and photographed. Although a handful can be found in zoo cages dotted around the world, no photographs of black leopards in their natural and wild habitat actually existed. Although there have been reports of sightings in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and another sighting by a journalist in Kenya in 2013 by the name of Phoebe Okall Kinya, who apparently took this image below at the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya. “Your chances of seeing a black leopard are less than one in a hundred, and bearing in mind how difficult it is to see the always elusive normal leopards, it really is always mere coincidence. But that does not mean it doesn’t exist,” The black leopard, the quite opposite of albinism is called melanism and it is the result of a gene that causes a very small supply or lack of pigment in the skin or fur of an animal so that it appears black. Melanistic leopards have been reported in and around Kenya for decades, but scientific confirmation and documentation of their existence remains quite rare. Black leopard sightings go way back to the year 1952 when nature conservationist Bryan Jones, founder of the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre near Hoedspruit in South Africa, recorded a sighting made by a child in Pilgrim’s Rest. Some individuals like in the case of Burrard Lucas and as accounted for in his blog here have dedicated the majority of their working lives trying to capture evidence of the ghostly cat. The only documented evidence which was discovered in 2017 from a 1909 photograph
The black leopard is an animal full of mystery. Many people have reported a few and unconfirmed short glimpses of this shadowy cat, until recently when researches from the San Diego Zoo confirmed that indeed it has been spotted and photographed. Although a handful can be found in zoo cages dotted around the world, no photographs of black leopards in their natural and wild habitat actually existed.
Although there have been reports of sightings in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and another sighting by a journalist in Kenya in 2013 by the name of Phoebe Okall Kinya, who apparently took this image below at the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya.
“Your chances of seeing a black leopard are less than one in a hundred, and bearing in mind how difficult it is to see the always elusive normal leopards, it really is always mere coincidence. But that does not mean it doesn’t exist,”
The black leopard, the quite opposite of albinism is called melanism and it is the result of a gene that causes a very small supply or lack of pigment in the skin or fur of an animal so that it appears black. Melanistic leopards have been reported in and around Kenya for decades, but scientific confirmation and documentation of their existence remains quite rare.
Black leopard sightings go way back to the year 1952 when nature conservationist Bryan Jones, founder of the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre near Hoedspruit in South Africa, recorded a sighting made by a child in Pilgrim’s Rest.
Some individuals like in the case of Burrard Lucas and as accounted for in his blog here have dedicated the majority of their working lives trying to capture evidence of the ghostly cat.
The only documented evidence which was discovered in 2017 from a 1909 photograph taken in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, and stored in the collections of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.Their population and distribution across the African continent have shrunk by at least 66 percent due to loss of habitat and decrease in prey population.
“Almost everyone has a story about seeing one, it’s such a mythical thing,”
“Even when you talk to the older guys that guided safaris in Kenya many years ago, back when hunting was legal [in the 1950s and ‘60s], there was a known thing that you didn’t hunt black leopards. If you saw them, you didn’t take it.”
Very Elusive and Rare
There are a few subspecies of the leopard, nine to be exact ranging from Africa all the way to eastern Russia as illustrated below.
And while 11 percent of leopards alive today are thought to be melanistic, says Pilfold, most are found in Southeast Asia, where tropical forests offer an abundance of shade.
Its thought that melanism provides additional camouflage in those habitats especially in the dark, giving the predators an advantage when it comes to hunting, says Vincent Naude, leopard genetic forensics project coordinator for the nonprofit Panthera, who was not involved with this research.
But in Kenya, black leopards sometimes referred to as “black panthers”—a collective term that refers to any big, black cat are sometimes seen to roam in semi-arid shrubland.
“Our leopards live in savannah-type environments, so having that extra melanism doesn’t give them an adaptive advantage,” says Naude. Even still, given their nocturnal lifestyle, a bit of additional pigmentation certainly doesn’t hurt.
The fact the young female was traveling with her mother also suggests that her unique coloration hasn’t had an impact on familial bonding, Pilfold notes.
Amazing how the fictional country of Wakanda which sounds a bit like “Waganda” or Ugandans in Swahili , home of the superhero Black Panther, is located in East Africa, fairly close to Kenya which incidentally is where the Award-winning actress, Lupita Nyongo comes from.
There are many cheap hotels in Tanzania for staying purpose . Most top-notch Tanzania hotels are known for their quality, design and horde of amenities; and offer excellent accommodation facilities and delicious delicacies as well as glorious hospitality that pampers tourists to enjoy their holidays in Tanzania in a pleasant way. Each and every Tanzania hotels prides in their own specialty and offer world class facilities, comforts and personalized services to meet the expectation of their visiting clients. There are many hotels which are categorized according to their services and standard such as luxury hotels, Budget hotels, Economy hotels, Business hotels, Beach hotels and standard hotels. However, if you don’t want to spend a good deal on lodging then the low cost budget hotels will be the ultimate choice for you. Top Hotels in Tanzania Top hotel accommodation available in Tanzania. Travel Hotels in Tanzania and Tanzania Luxury Hotels provide excellent stay; Hotel Reviews and Reservation in Tanzania Welcome to Tanzania, a fascinating country in East Africa globally acclaimed for its enigmatic natural treasures and diversity inspires you and the glorious past depicts the bravery. Tanzania is a country that showcases the perfect example of hospitality where every tourist is treated to a princely ambiance. Royal Mirage Hotel Situated about 15 minutes from Dar es Salaam International Airport, Royal Mirage Hotel is relatively new hotel with all the modern facilities and amenities. A short walk down the street will take you to shops, banks, restaurants and government offices. The hotel is a great place to stay- with professional staff and management who know what’s needed to run a good hotel. Contact Address: Kariakoo-Livingstone Amani street Dar es Salaam Phone: +255 (0)22 218 1462 Website: www.royalmiragetz.com Check-In: 11:00hrs Check-Out: 12:00hrs ——————————————————————————————————————————————————– Kibo Palace Hotel Kibo Palace Hotel lies in the heart of Arusha, 5 minutes away from the city centre. Facilities
There are many cheap hotels in Tanzania for staying purpose . Most top-notch Tanzania hotels are known for their quality, design and horde of amenities; and offer excellent accommodation facilities and delicious delicacies as well as glorious hospitality that pampers tourists to enjoy their holidays in Tanzania in a pleasant way.
Each and every Tanzania hotels prides in their own specialty and offer world class facilities, comforts and personalized services to meet the expectation of their visiting clients. There are many hotels which are categorized according to their services and standard such as luxury hotels, Budget hotels, Economy hotels, Business hotels, Beach hotels and standard hotels. However, if you don’t want to spend a good deal on lodging then the low cost budget hotels will be the ultimate choice for you.
Top Hotels in Tanzania
Top hotel accommodation available in Tanzania. Travel Hotels in Tanzania and Tanzania Luxury Hotels provide excellent stay; Hotel Reviews and Reservation in Tanzania
Welcome to Tanzania, a fascinating country in East Africa globally acclaimed for its enigmatic natural treasures and diversity inspires you and the glorious past depicts the bravery. Tanzania is a country that showcases the perfect example of hospitality where every tourist is treated to a princely ambiance.
Royal Mirage Hotel
Situated about 15 minutes from Dar es Salaam International Airport, Royal Mirage Hotel is relatively new hotel with all the modern facilities and amenities. A short walk down the street will take you to shops, banks, restaurants and government offices. The hotel is a great place to stay- with professional staff and management who know what’s needed to run a good hotel.
Contact Address: Kariakoo-Livingstone Amani street Dar es Salaam
Phone: +255 (0)22 218 1462
Website: www.royalmiragetz.com
Check-In: 11:00hrs
Check-Out: 12:00hrs
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Kibo Palace Hotel
Kibo Palace Hotel lies in the heart of Arusha, 5 minutes away from the city centre. Facilities include mini bars, satellite TV, telephone, wireless internet services, tea and coffee making facilities, 24 hour room service, safety deposit box and hairdryer. Executive and deluxe suites come with Jacuzzi. This 63-roomed grand hotel is the flagship of Dr. Macha’s hotel group in the area.
Contact Address: P. O. Box 372, Arusha
P.O. Box 2523, Arusha
Phone: +255 27 254 5800
Fax: +255 27 2548832
Email: info@kibopalacehotel.com
Website: www.kibopalacehotel.com
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Protea Hotel Courtyard
Protea Hotel Courtyard offers affordable accommodation in Dar es Salaam, the financial hub of Tanzania. All 52 en-suite rooms are tastefully decorated and are equipped with all modern amenities including 32 inch LCD TV offering satellite TV channels, mini bar, telephone, etc. It offers attractive rates for over night accommodation to safari travelers particularly visiting Selous Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Contact Address: P O Box 542 Dar es Salaam Sea-view Ocean Rd
Phone: +255 (0) 22 2130 130
Website: www.proteahotels.com/protea-hotel-courtyard
——————————————————————————————————————————————————– Palm Beach Hotel
The Palm Beach Hotel is situated near the sea front, on the main road leaving the Dar es Salaam city centre. It boasts a relaxing and gracious atmosphere which makes it an ideal choice to unwind after a stressful day in the city. Available facilities include swimming pool, en-suite bathrooms, mini-bar, fast internet access, telephone, 24 hours room service, etc. The room rates at the hotel are as follows: Executive Single – US$90 | Twin / Double – US$100 | Triple / Family – US$110 |Baby Cot – US$15
Contact Address: P.O. Box 1520, Dar es Salaam
Phone: +255 (0)22 2130985 / 2122931
Fax: +255 (0)22 2600151
Email: info@pbhtz.com
Website: www.pbhtz.com
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Paradise Express Hotel
Conveniently located a few minutes from Dar es Salaam International and domestic airports, Paradise Express Hotel is situated just before getting in the city centre of Dar es Salaam from International Airport.
Contact Address: P.O. Box 69074 Dar es Salaam
Phone: +255 (0)22 218 1810 / 2181812
Mob: 255 787955722
Fax: 255 022 – 2181814
Email: info@paradiseexpresshotel.com
Website: www.paradiseexpresshotel.com
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Rainbow Hotel
The hotel has 16 single rooms, 24 double rooms, 16 twin rooms, 16 deluxe rooms & 3 suites. The Hotel also incorporates an Indian Restaurant on the first floor and a Shisha lounge & Coffee bar on the eleventh floor with some of the most amazing sea views to experience.
Contact Address: P O Box 78467 Morogoro Rd, Dar es Salaam
Phone: +255 22 2120024 / 2120028
Fax: +255 22 2120030
Email: info@rainbow-hoteltz.com
Website: www.rainbow-hoteltz.com
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Springlands Hotel
Springlands Hotel near Moshi in Tanzania is a perfect base for mountain hiking tours and adventure safaris to Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru and other safaris in Northern Tanzania. Springlands Hotel boasts clean and spacious rooms, tastefully decorated and all with mosquito nets, fans and ensuite bathrooms. It offers excellent value and high quality at competitive prices. Available facilities include Internet Café,
Laundry, Manicure and Pedicure, Massage, Safe Deposit, Sauna, Shop, modern swimming pool, Telephone, Laundry service & boot cleaning, etc. Room charges: single-$72 | double-$72 | triple-$108 | day room-$36
Contact Address: Tembo Rd Pasua Area, Moshi
Phone: +255 (0) 27 27 53581
Website: www.springlandshotel.com
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The Arusha Hotel
4-star luxury Arusha hotel is the oldest and most stylish hotel in Arusha. It has 86 luxury rooms (4 suites, 20 executive and 62 standard). All guest rooms are stylishly furnished and decorated in relaxing hues perfect for both business travellers and guests on holiday. Its modern amenities, interiors studded with antiques and priceless art and classic architecture is just what connoisseurs of art and architecture needs around. Facilities include room service, restaurant, bar / lounge, air conditioned, non-smoking rooms, mini bar, cable / satellite TV, in room movies, hair dryer, shower, etc. Each room is fitted with satellite television and have direct dial phones.
Contact Address: P.O. Box 88 Arusha
Phone: +255 27 250 7777
Fax: +255 27 250 8889
Website: www.thearushahotel.com
A new online Tanzania VISA application and residence permit has been officially launched for foreign nationals wishing to visit or live in Tanzania. This swift and amazing step was taken in order to enhance efficiency, security as well as boost revenue collection for Tanzania. The move is aimed at enhancing efficiency, boost investment and security as well as revenue collection. Speaking at the launching event, Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa had lots of praise for the move, terming it: “Electronic visas and online applied residence permits are part of efforts made by the Government to ease access to the country with the aim of promoting investment especially in the industrial sector.” Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also added that the purpose of the new technology to enhance security in the country and boost government revenues as all related fees which will solely be paid by applicants online and electronically through government’s special e-payment system. The launched VISA application for Tanzania and other e-immigration related services begin immediately, meaning all foreigners wishing to visit or reside in Tanzania can make applications online though the following link below. https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa Tanzania Visas In order for a foreigner to be granted permission to enter and remain or stay in the United Republic of Tanzania for a specific period of time a visa is required from the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. This visa must be issued to a visitor who intends to enter the country for a specific duration and or reason of visit which may include, tourism, leisure, holiday, attending conferences, volunteering, business meetings, education, research, health treatment or any other related activities recognised by Laws of the country. Tanzania provides:- Single Entry Visa (Ordinary Visa) Multiple Entry Visa Transit Visa Business Visa Read more about VISA for Tanzania and how
A new online Tanzania VISA application and residence permit has been officially launched for foreign nationals wishing to visit or live in Tanzania. This swift and amazing step was taken in order to enhance efficiency, security as well as boost revenue collection for Tanzania. The move is aimed at enhancing efficiency, boost investment and security as well as revenue collection. Speaking at the launching event, Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa had lots of praise for the move, terming it: “Electronic visas and online applied residence permits are part of efforts made by the Government to ease access to the country with the aim of promoting investment especially in the industrial sector.” Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa also added that the purpose of the new technology to enhance security in the country and boost government revenues as all related fees which will solely be paid by applicants online and electronically through government’s special e-payment system. The launched VISA application for Tanzania and other e-immigration related services begin immediately, meaning all foreigners wishing to visit or reside in Tanzania can make applications online though the following link below.
In order for a foreigner to be granted permission to enter and remain or stay in the United Republic of Tanzania for a specific period of time a visa is required from the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. This visa must be issued to a visitor who intends to enter the country for a specific duration and or reason of visit which may include, tourism, leisure, holiday, attending conferences, volunteering, business meetings, education, research, health treatment or any other related activities recognised by Laws of the country. Tanzania provides:-
Residence permits are issued to foreigners who intend to reside in Tanzania for investment, business, employment or any related legal activity. if someone has the desire to stay longer, they will be required to get a Residence Permit or Pass. These residence permits can be categorised as
Residence Permit Class ‘A’, to engage in trade, Business, Profession, Agriculture, Animal husbandry, dealers in mining of Minerals or manufacturing;
Residence Permit Class ‘B’for foreigners who have obtained specified employment in Tanzania and has been issued with a Work Permit from the Ministry of Labour and Employment
Residence Permit Class ‘C’ for students, researchers, volunteers, persons attending cases in Courts of Law, and persons attending medical treatment in hospitals and persons who have formerly been residents and are about to leave the country (also known as persons who are winding up affairs).
This baby rhinoceros at the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area was about to be mauled by a pride of hungry lions that were on a hunting mission. They spotted a calf with the mother rhinoceros at they started to chase the baby rhino. After a brief attempt to try and rescue the calf, the mother ran away for safety after being overpowered. Now, this is where the story gets even more interesting, the tour guides nearby formed a barricade to protect the baby rhino. Bearing in mind that it is not allowed to do off-roading in the National parks, the driver guides made an exception by breaking the precious rules in a bid to rescue the life of this precious and endangered black rhino. They chased away some of the lions that were not ready to give up on their meal while they were waiting for the Park Rangers. This incident happened at the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area in Northern Tanzania. Watch the video of the Lion attack here and the heroic save by the tour guides and tourists.
This baby rhinoceros at the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area was about to be mauled by a pride of hungry lions that were on a hunting mission. They spotted a calf with the mother rhinoceros at they started to chase the baby rhino.
After a brief attempt to try and rescue the calf, the mother ran away for safety after being overpowered.
Now, this is where the story gets even more interesting, the tour guides nearby formed a barricade to protect the baby rhino. Bearing in mind that it is not allowed to do off-roading in the National parks, the driver guides made an exception by breaking the precious rules in a bid to rescue the life of this precious and endangered black rhino.
They chased away some of the lions that were not ready to give up on their meal while they were waiting for the Park Rangers.
This incident happened at the Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area in Northern Tanzania.
Watch the video of the Lion attack here and the heroic save by the tour guides and tourists.
Serengeti is the most popular national park amongst 16 National Parks that Tanzania has, not counting the new national parks created just recently including the Burigi-Chato National Park. Tanzania is the best safari country in Africa as voted by travellers and writers around the world according to a survey conducted by a popular safari portal called safaribookings.com. This beautiful country offers a splendid vacation for anyone seeking to create lifetime memories and those kodak moments.
