We saw Elephants, giraffes, zebra, impala, water buck, wart hogs, baboons and a ton of different birds. There are so many elephants in this National Park. We're still all a little bit overwhelmed.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
February 20 - TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA
Wow, had a great first day in the Tarangire National Park.
We saw Elephants, giraffes, zebra, impala, water buck, wart hogs, baboons and a ton of different birds. There are so many elephants in this National Park. We're still all a little bit overwhelmed.
we're all having a great time.... going to get some dinner now and then head back to our rooms.
We saw Elephants, giraffes, zebra, impala, water buck, wart hogs, baboons and a ton of different birds. There are so many elephants in this National Park. We're still all a little bit overwhelmed.
February 19 - ARUSHA TANZANIA
FEBRUARY 19, 2012
We are in Africa!!
Another long flight and and a connection from Amsterdam to Nairobi and then on to Arusha... we are finally here! We have only seen a little bit but it is already as good or better than I expected.
The drive from the airport to the Arusha Coffee Lodge took about an hour. First we drove through a region that was bone dry... nothing but the occasional dried up blade of grass. We saw several wind witches churning up into the sky. Kilimanjaro with its snow covered peak was only visible for a short time before it was covered in cloud.
We saw many children herding flocks of goats or cattle... some children were leading donkeys loaded with containers of water. Its a stark contrast coming from Amsterdam where there was water around every corner... to Africa where water is obviously very precious.
As we drove further the landscape became much greener... there are trees in bloom everywhere. Its Sunday here so the roads are filled with people dressed in their Sunday morning finest. We passed by thousands of people! I was surprised to see how many people you can jam into a VW type van here... their public transit is just these little vans but there are probably 15 or 20 people in each... one even had two calves in it. I'll try to get a picture of this tomorrow.
The Arusha Coffee Lodge is absolutely beautiful! Sandi and Tom have the adjoining cabin to mine. I have a seating area with a crystal chandelier and a fireplace. The 4 poster bed is up one level and draped with mosquito netting. The screened windows are open to let a gentle breeze cool the room and to let in the sounds of the many birds in the trees. Outside I have a verandah overlooking coffee plants.
There is a short trail to the main buildings.. we're going to go there at 7pm to have dinner and then hopefully get some much needed sleep!
Tomorrow we meet with our driver Harry to go to our next stop and start our first game drive!! I can't wait!!
We are in Africa!!
Another long flight and and a connection from Amsterdam to Nairobi and then on to Arusha... we are finally here! We have only seen a little bit but it is already as good or better than I expected.
The drive from the airport to the Arusha Coffee Lodge took about an hour. First we drove through a region that was bone dry... nothing but the occasional dried up blade of grass. We saw several wind witches churning up into the sky. Kilimanjaro with its snow covered peak was only visible for a short time before it was covered in cloud.
We saw many children herding flocks of goats or cattle... some children were leading donkeys loaded with containers of water. Its a stark contrast coming from Amsterdam where there was water around every corner... to Africa where water is obviously very precious.
As we drove further the landscape became much greener... there are trees in bloom everywhere. Its Sunday here so the roads are filled with people dressed in their Sunday morning finest. We passed by thousands of people! I was surprised to see how many people you can jam into a VW type van here... their public transit is just these little vans but there are probably 15 or 20 people in each... one even had two calves in it. I'll try to get a picture of this tomorrow.
The Arusha Coffee Lodge is absolutely beautiful! Sandi and Tom have the adjoining cabin to mine. I have a seating area with a crystal chandelier and a fireplace. The 4 poster bed is up one level and draped with mosquito netting. The screened windows are open to let a gentle breeze cool the room and to let in the sounds of the many birds in the trees. Outside I have a verandah overlooking coffee plants.
There is a short trail to the main buildings.. we're going to go there at 7pm to have dinner and then hopefully get some much needed sleep!
Tomorrow we meet with our driver Harry to go to our next stop and start our first game drive!! I can't wait!!
Amsterdam: Feb 15 - 18, 2012
FEBRUARY 15, 2012
Arrived in Amsterdam at 8:30am.... we saw an amazing display of the Northern Lights almost the entire time that it was dark. It was a curtain of green and red lights dancing outside the airplane window.
After we got to our hotel we all had a two hour nap and then got on the trolley car and had a drive through town. We stopped and had dinner at a nice little restaurant and watched the goings on at the 'cafe' on the other side of the walkway. Cafes here aren't exactly the same as cafes back home..... here they don't sell coffee, they only sell marijuana and sodas.
We took the tram back to our hotel and we're going to go to bed early. Tomorrow we'll go to a museum and then a canal cruise.... most of the canals are still frozen.
FEBRUARY 16, 2012
I didn't sleep hardly at all last night.... but I still feel pretty good. I'm sure I won't have any trouble falling asleep tonight.
The weather was good today (no rain).. so we decided to delay our visit to the Museum and wander around Amsterdam instead. We saw so much and probably still only scratched the surface of what one can see here. I love the old buildings lining the many canals. We stopped at the floating flower market... they've got hundreds of different varieties of tulips that look ready to plant outside.
If the weather is good again tomorrow we're going to go to Zaanse Schans outside the town of Zaandam too visit some working windmills.
we're all having a lot of fun
FEBRUARY 17, 2012
Had a very full day today... after getting lost and going all around the central train/bus/tram station several times... we finally found our bus and drove out into the countryside to Zaanse Schans... a little historical village with all sorts of shops and quaint old houses. They have also rebuilt several old windmills one of which is a working saw mill. We watched how they cut huge logs into planks and beams which they sell to people who are looking for an authentic type of wood for the renovations of their historical houses. We had lunch at a nice restaurant at Zaanse Schans.... the "Amsterdam Croquettes" sounded interesting. A mixture of meat that was breaded and deep fried... served on rye bread with mustard. STAY AWAY FROM AMSTERDAM CROQUETTES!! Yuck... I can't really say if it tasted good because I couldn't get beyond the slimy texture inside the nicely breaded shell.
We came back into Amsterdam and took a cruise through the many canals. We didn't know which way to look... there were so many beautiful old buildings.
Finally we stopped at Heineken restaurant and endured the worst service I have ever seen in my life. Oh well... the food was good... we followed my own advice and stayed away from the Amsterdam Croquettes!
Tomorrow we're going to the museum to see some Rembrant's and then late in the day we board our plane and fly to Tanzania!!
FEBRUARY 18, 2012
Went to the Rijksmuseum and saw a bunch of paintings by the masters, Rembrandt's Night Watch was probably the most impressive one there... but I enjoyed looking at many of the others as well. I feel so cultured now! We wandered around a bit... had lunch at the Corner Pancake House, kind of a Dutch Denny's/sports bar with a 'cafe' out front. Back to the Hotel Zandbergen to collect our luggage and wait for our taxi..... next stop AFRICA!!
Arrived in Amsterdam at 8:30am.... we saw an amazing display of the Northern Lights almost the entire time that it was dark. It was a curtain of green and red lights dancing outside the airplane window.
After we got to our hotel we all had a two hour nap and then got on the trolley car and had a drive through town. We stopped and had dinner at a nice little restaurant and watched the goings on at the 'cafe' on the other side of the walkway. Cafes here aren't exactly the same as cafes back home..... here they don't sell coffee, they only sell marijuana and sodas.
We took the tram back to our hotel and we're going to go to bed early. Tomorrow we'll go to a museum and then a canal cruise.... most of the canals are still frozen.
FEBRUARY 16, 2012
I didn't sleep hardly at all last night.... but I still feel pretty good. I'm sure I won't have any trouble falling asleep tonight.
The weather was good today (no rain).. so we decided to delay our visit to the Museum and wander around Amsterdam instead. We saw so much and probably still only scratched the surface of what one can see here. I love the old buildings lining the many canals. We stopped at the floating flower market... they've got hundreds of different varieties of tulips that look ready to plant outside.
If the weather is good again tomorrow we're going to go to Zaanse Schans outside the town of Zaandam too visit some working windmills.
we're all having a lot of fun
FEBRUARY 17, 2012
Had a very full day today... after getting lost and going all around the central train/bus/tram station several times... we finally found our bus and drove out into the countryside to Zaanse Schans... a little historical village with all sorts of shops and quaint old houses. They have also rebuilt several old windmills one of which is a working saw mill. We watched how they cut huge logs into planks and beams which they sell to people who are looking for an authentic type of wood for the renovations of their historical houses. We had lunch at a nice restaurant at Zaanse Schans.... the "Amsterdam Croquettes" sounded interesting. A mixture of meat that was breaded and deep fried... served on rye bread with mustard. STAY AWAY FROM AMSTERDAM CROQUETTES!! Yuck... I can't really say if it tasted good because I couldn't get beyond the slimy texture inside the nicely breaded shell.
We came back into Amsterdam and took a cruise through the many canals. We didn't know which way to look... there were so many beautiful old buildings.
Finally we stopped at Heineken restaurant and endured the worst service I have ever seen in my life. Oh well... the food was good... we followed my own advice and stayed away from the Amsterdam Croquettes!
Tomorrow we're going to the museum to see some Rembrant's and then late in the day we board our plane and fly to Tanzania!!
FEBRUARY 18, 2012
Went to the Rijksmuseum and saw a bunch of paintings by the masters, Rembrandt's Night Watch was probably the most impressive one there... but I enjoyed looking at many of the others as well. I feel so cultured now! We wandered around a bit... had lunch at the Corner Pancake House, kind of a Dutch Denny's/sports bar with a 'cafe' out front. Back to the Hotel Zandbergen to collect our luggage and wait for our taxi..... next stop AFRICA!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Upcoming Safari in Tanzania
Feb 19 - Arrival Arusha
Overnight Arusha Coffee Lodge (1nt)
Arusha Coffee Lodge lies cradled in the endless acres of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation. This exclusive, boutique hotel lodge has been designed around the farms’ original plantation homes, radiating the warmth and invitation of the old colonial plantation homes historically distinctive to the coffee plantations. Luxurious accommodation, fine cuisine, and roaring fires, beckon to the most seasoned traveler. The Arusha Coffee Lodge accommodation consists of 18 plantation houses lavishly furnished, featuring split-level living room area and a private deck patio. Offering every guest amenity and fancy, the Arusha Coffee Lodge is the place to relax and rejuvenate before or after a Tanzanian Safari. Laze around the swimming pool, enjoy a sundowner at the Safari Bar, unwind after a delectable meal in the lounge with a good liqueur and a fireside chat.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626373839755/
Tarangire National Park
Named after the Tarangire River which runs through it, is an arid haven, peppered with ancient baobab trees, towering termite mounts, and home to huge herds of elephant.
Feb 20 & 21 - Tarangire Park
Maramboi Tented Camp (2nts)
Drive to Tarangire Park. 3 game drives and a bush walk. (BLD)
Maramboi Tented Camp is situated in a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Manyara, just 18 km from Tarangire National Park. It is set in a 25,000 hectare concession area run by the local Masai community. The spacious tents are on raised decks spaced out each side of the main lounge area, each with en-suite facilities and a private verandah. There are either twin or king size beds with lighting provided by solar power. The bar and dining area has views across to the Manyara shore and the bush beyond. There is a swimming pool at the end of a viewing deck overlooking the plains.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626373947815/
Serengeti National Park
The name comes from the Masai word “siringet” meaning ‘endless plain’. This 14,763sq. kms. park encompasses lakes, savannah grassland, wooded hills, rivers, swamps, and volcanic massifs. Due to this diverse ecosystem it is undoubtedly one of the world’s last great wildlife refuges. Serengeti is home to over 2 million wildebeest, half a million Thomson’s gazelle, and a quarter of a million zebra, giraffe, eland, topi, kongoni, impala and other antelope. The predators are also well represented by lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. In total, there are nearly 35 species of savannah animals and almost 500 species of birds including lilac-breasted rollers, barbets, and ring-necked doves living in this animal kingdom.
Feb 22 & 23 - Central Serengeti
Mbuzi Mawa Camp (2nts)
Game viewing on drive to the Central Serengeti.
Optional Balloon Safari. 3 game drives. (BLD)
Scenically located in a glade, known as ‘the place of the klipspringer' (mbuzi mawe), and guarded by three million year-old granite towers, this luxury tented-camp is unique. Cleverly located on one of the main annual migration corridors for over one million wildebeest, half a million zebras and gazelles, and their accompanying cast of predators it is also located at the very epicenter of one of the world's most famous national parks. The sixteen large custom-made canvas tents are widely spaced throughout the rocky glades of the camp. Reached by winding stone paths, each tent stands on a stone platform and has its own thatched roof. Opening off the spacious bedroom, is a tented bathroom, which features twin basins, shower and flushed WC. The main bedroom area features two queen-sized four-poster beds, each with all encompassing mosquito nets. There is also a seating area with stylish lamps and easy chairs. On the spacious private terrace are both safari chairs and sun loungers.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626374126541/
Feb 24 & 25 - Western Serengeti
Mbalageti Tented Camp (2nts)
Game drive to Camp and 3 additional game drives. (BLD)
Mbalageti Serengeti is located in the western corridor of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The Lodge offers a breathtaking 360-dgree panorama view of the Serengeti Plain lands and the Mbalageti River, where one of the main attractions is the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. Mbalageti is actually the word from old Maa language. It means wildebeest, but the word is no longer in use; today Mbalageti refers to the seasonal river. All rooms are beautifully decorated in a modern design for a feeling of comfort and have en suite bathrooms and a small veranda. View images at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626498963476/
Feb 26 & 27 - Ndutu
Ndutu Safari Lodge (2nts)
Game drive to Lodge and 3 additional game drives. (BLD)
Ndutu Safari Lodge is situated in the Southeastern part of the Serengeti ecosystem. Shaded by majestic acacia trees, each of the thirty-four cottages, which are built of local materials, has a private verandah facing Lake Ndutu. The Lodge is surrounded by indigenous trees and shrubs, which encourage a host of birds and mammals to come right to your front door. Tucked well away from the busy tourist circuit, Ndutu offers peace and tranquility far from the crowds. Relax to the rhythm of an African day as a myriad bird calls herald the rising sun. Stay close to the Lodge and enjoy our resident wildlife, or go for a drive and explore the range of habitats that lie within easy reach. After sunset return to the warmth and hospitality of Ndutu Safari Lodge. Ndutu still has the informal, intimate feeling of the original bush camp, built by legendary hunter George Dove
in the 60's. Now, comfortable cottages have replaced tents, but our main buildings place no barriers between you and nature.
View images at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626374365655/
Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area
Often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world' the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa's best-known wildlife arenas. A World Heritage Site, it is also one of the largest volcanic craters in the world (almost 20 kilometres wide, 610-760 metres deep and covering a total area of 264 square kilometres). An utterly unique biosphere, the Crater harbours grasslands, swamps, forests, saltpans, a fresh water lake and a glorious variety of birdlife, all enclosed within its towering walls. Due to its high concentration of wildlife, close-range viewing opportunities and striking scenery it is also Tanzania's most visited destination.
Feb 28, 29 Mar 01 - Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Wilderness Camp (3nts)
Game drive to Camp and afternoon game drive. 2 half day game drives in Ngorongoro Crater.
Afternoon walks and game drives.
Masai Village visit. (BLD)
Ngorongoro Wilderness Camp is a ‘seasonal’ camp located inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Seasonal camps have the benefit of being able to move to some of the best game viewing areas of the park and every three to six months we move to a new location. Ngorongoro Wilderness Camp comprises of ten tents, with en suite facilities, solar lighting and eco-friendly toilets. Chilly nights are taken care of with warm duvets, hot water bottles and gas heaters in the communal areas. Our professional staff will be on hand to look after your every need, and our safari chef will prepare wholesome and varied meals during your stay at the camp. Meals are served in a large mess tent and the communal lounge and bar area is a great place to relax in the cool evenings. Maasai warriors provide security for the camp and this in turn provides them with much needed employment. Ngorongoro Wilderness Camp is an exclusive, but simple tented camp for those not keen on large lodges and hotels. View images at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626374429279/
Lake Manyara National Park
Stretching for 50km along the base of the rusty-gold 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, with a setting extolled by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”. The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. Contrasting with the intimacy of the forest is the grassy floodplain and its expansive views eastward, across the alkaline lake, to the jagged blue volcanic peaks that rise from the endless Maasai Steppes. Large buffalo, wildebeest and zebra herds congregate on these grassy plains, as do giraffes – some so dark in coloration that they appear to be black from a distance. Inland of the floodplain, a narrow belt of acacia woodland is
The favoured haunt of Manyara’s legendary tree-climbing lions and impressively tusked elephants.
Mar 02 - Lake Manyara
Kirurumu Tented Camp (1nt)
Olduvai Gorge Paleolithic site and Afternoon Game Drive. (BLD)
Kirurumu Tented Lodge is set high on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, enjoying a marvelous, uplifting and panoramic view eastward over Lake Manyara, the Rift floor and Mt. Losimingori. Behind Kirurumu, the Ngorongoro Highlands rise in green and fertile splendour and form the gateway to Ngorongoro Crater and, finally, Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti. Kirurumu has 22 luxury tents with ensuite facilities and all the modern comforts. There is a bar complete with sundeck with panoramic views of the Rift Valley. On option are Maasai guided botanical walks.
View images at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traveltimeinc/sets/72157626499263866/
Mar 03 - Arusha
Drive to Arusha, Lunch at Arusha Coffee Lodge (BL)
Transfer to Airport for the trip home
Monday, May 9, 2011
Winter Trip to Kalispell
My friends Kay and David Jones joined me on a trip to Triple D Game Farm in Kalispell Montana this past January for a photography workshop with nature photographer Paul Burwell. We spent 4 days photographing a variety of animals in subzero temperatures.
The morning that we shot the mountain lion, the viewfinder on my camera was almost completely frozen over... if I pressed my eye right up to the camera, I could see a faint outline of the cat and as shot off burst after burst of photos, I hoped that at least a few would turn out. Here is my favourite one.. of Jewel the Cougar
Jay and Logan of Triple D brought lots of amazing animals for us to photograph. Here is a small sample of what we experienced
.
The morning that we shot the mountain lion, the viewfinder on my camera was almost completely frozen over... if I pressed my eye right up to the camera, I could see a faint outline of the cat and as shot off burst after burst of photos, I hoped that at least a few would turn out. Here is my favourite one.. of Jewel the Cougar
Jay and Logan of Triple D brought lots of amazing animals for us to photograph. Here is a small sample of what we experienced
.
Palouse Photography Tour
I just booked a photography workshop with Jack Lien in the Palouse region of Washington and Idaho. Here is his link..
https://fourseasonsphototours.com/Palouse_Photo_Tours.php
We'll be taking photos from sunrise to sunset between June 19 - 23rd. Located just south of Spokane, in Washington state, The Palouse is a fertile farming region of some 3,000 square miles. Its rolling hills are somewhat similar to Tuscany, in Italy, except instead of vineyards the main crop here is wheat and Canola.
Check back in 7 weeks and I'll hopefully have lots of new photos to share.
https://fourseasonsphototours.com/Palouse_Photo_Tours.php
We'll be taking photos from sunrise to sunset between June 19 - 23rd. Located just south of Spokane, in Washington state, The Palouse is a fertile farming region of some 3,000 square miles. Its rolling hills are somewhat similar to Tuscany, in Italy, except instead of vineyards the main crop here is wheat and Canola.
Check back in 7 weeks and I'll hopefully have lots of new photos to share.
My Yellowstone Photo in the 2012 Nature Conservancy Calendar
Time for a little brag..... 
My photo of the Solitary Tree was chosen out of over 20,000 entries as one of the finalists for the 2010 Nature Conservancy Photo Contest. As a result of this, it will also be featured in their 2012 calendar of which they're printing 2 million copies.
My photo of the Solitary Tree was chosen out of over 20,000 entries as one of the finalists for the 2010 Nature Conservancy Photo Contest. As a result of this, it will also be featured in their 2012 calendar of which they're printing 2 million copies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)