All posts by chaput@live.com

Tanzania

Miracle Balloon ride over the Serengeti National Park

Day four of our safari began with another incredible adventure. We bought tickets to a hot air balloon ride with a company called Miracle Experience. It was an amazing adventure that started our day very early with a pick up at 4:30 am at our tent. It was still dark outside and we could hear lions in the distances. The driver then drove us to the launching area of the hot air balloon ride. Along the trail not very far from our camp in fact, we came across lions laying down in the middle of the trail. We had to stop and wait for them to slowly move out of our way. 

Lions laying on the road along the way to the balloon launch area.

We arrived at the launch area  and we were able to watch the crew set up the balloon for the launch. It was quite interesting to see how they work together to do it.

Balloon crew preparing the balloon for take off. They use a large fan to fill the balloon with air then add hot air to raise it up.
Balloon crew preparing the balloon for take off. They use a large fan to fill the balloon with air then add hot air to raise it up.

Our Pilot was Captain Rosa Parera a Spanish women who also flew hot air balloons in Calgary, Alberta for several years. She was very energetic with a pleasant personality and full of passion for the job. She explained to us  how the basket worked and how we would enter it. She did an overall briefing explaining the landing process and other facts about the balloon.

Captain Rosa explaining the balloon and how we were to enter into it.

The basket holds sixteen passengers and the pilot.  As the balloon was almost ready to raise up we entered the balloon and took our positions for takeoff. 

Our positions in the balloon for takeoff and landing.

The Balloon was filled with hot air and we were airborne and gently drifted upwards with only the sounds of the basket creaking and the roar of the flame when needed to raise us up higher.

Our group in the balloon as we drifted across the Serengeti.
The view of the balloon as we drifted through the air of the Serengeti

We could see the sun rising on the horizon as we quietly floated upwards and gained a larger view of just how magnificent the Serengeti truly is. The pictures do not give justice to the amazing views and sensations of floating slowly and quietly over the landscape of the Serengeti.

At one point Captain Rosa took us up to around 300 meters or 1000 feet to give us a 360 degree view of the Serengeti landscape.

After our spectacular 360º view Rosa provided us with a cup of coffee or tea. We relaxed enjoying a cup as we drifted quietly overhead of the different animals below. 

Ray and Shelley enjoying the coffee and views.
Ray with his cup of coffee floating over the Serengeti.

We drifted over a pride of lions which were watching us in curiosity. 

Pride of lions looking up at us as we drift overhead.

After an hour in the air we slowly drifted downwards until we landed in a flat clear area in the Serengeti. The landing was very smooth and the basket softly flipped onto the side as intended.

Once we landed the support crew arrived a few minutes later. We celebrated the landing with our Captain by having a toast with champaign. 

After everyone had champaign, we headed back to the camp area for a full english style breakfast. We arrived and were greeted with a welcome song and dance by the staff.

It was a very warming gesture and the custom here. It made us smile and feel welcomed.  The food was amazing and everything was done perfectly. We even had a local visitor, a small monkey come to checkout all the fuss.

A small monkey walking through the tent area at our breakfast.

They presented everyone with a certificate of the flight.  The breakfast lasted about an hour and everyone was able to chat and talk about their experience. There were people who were celebrating special occasions in the group. Miracle Experience even had several cakes made for them. It was so well organized and planned out.  

 When the breakfast was done and we were heading out we got a picture with our pilot, Captain Rosa Parera

Shelley, Captain Rosa and Ray

It was such a spectacular adventure and something that we will cherish and remember for years to come.

Our driver picked us up after our breakfast feast and we did a safari drive. We were fairly close to the Serengeti Visitor Centre, so we stopped there to check it out. 

Serengeti was the inspiration for Disney’s “Lion King” feature film. There is one scene where the baby lion is held up on a large rock.

Image from the Lion King Movie

The rock represented in the movie is believed to be the rock at the Serengeti Visitor centre.

Shelley in front of the rock portrait in the Lion King movie.

It was another fabulous day with amazing experiences. 

“Kuishi kwingi kuona mengi”

Tanzania

South Central Serengeti

Day three of our Safari was our first full day in the Serengeti which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was selected because of its important ecosystem, the dense population of animals and the annual Great Migration.

View of the Serengeti and a giraffe in the distance.

Our day started early and we left camp at 7a.m.  We began to explore the south central Serengeti eventually we would arrive at a different camp for the night.  We drove along the Nyabogati River which provides lush brush and drinking water for many animals. 

Shelley and Ray standing in the jeep with the pop up roof.

Our jeep has a pop up roof which gave us perfect unimpeded 360º view. It felt like we were standing outside near the animals. 

Nyabogati River in central Serengeti

As we drove along the river we came across quite a few hippopotamus. They are one of only two species in the Hippo family, the other is the pygmy hippopotamus. The name hippopotamus comes from the ancient Greek for “river horse”.

Hippopotamus in the river, avoiding the sun on their skin.
Another group of hippopotamus a little further down the river.

The hippos were quite boring to watch in the water. They simply stayed in the water as much as they could. However it was interesting to learn that the body of the Hippo is so dense that they can walk underwater. They can also hold their breath for up to five minutes. Hippos lose water rapidly through the skin and become dehydrated quickly. They must retreat in the water in order to hydrate and to keep cool, because they don’t sweat. They have an oil that releases from glands that serve as sunscreen. 

We left the river area and went more into the grasslands of Serengeti. It was not long until we came across some giraffes.   

Giraffe eating at a “Sausage tree”

Our guide informed us that  giraffes are the tallest of all land animals. That the Male giraffe can grow to a height of 5.5 metres (18 feet).  Their tongues are are very long and they use them to browse foliage high above the ground. 

We saw some elephants who were just walking along slowly enjoying the day. They decided to stop and have a drink in a puddle of water near our jeep.

A Herd of Elephants drinking water from a puddle of water.
We got a little closer and watched them drink. It was quite interesting and entertaining as well.

We then drove on and encountered some lions. They were relaxing in the shade of a large tree. At first we could only see one lion but as we moved the jeep we saw the second one relaxing.

Lion enjoying the shade of a tree
Second lion on the other side of the tree

We saw a leopard laying in the shade with her cubs. Although we were fairly close to them, they did not seem to take any notice of us. 

After a short drive we came across a cheetah laying in a tree. It was enjoying the shade and watching the area below.

Cheetah laying on a tree branch.
Cheetah in a tree looking down over the area.
Cheetah on rock looking over Serengeti flatlands

During the day we saw many zebras, giraffes and other animals all living in their natural habitat. We even saw some white-back vultures that were circling in the sky. 

A white-back Vulture on a tree branch
A white-back Vulture on a tree branch

It was getting late in the day and there were ominous clouds on the horizon. Our guide wanted to get us to the next camp before the rain started. So we headed to Sound of Silence. It is an eco friendly safari tented resort in the heart of Serengeti. We arrived at the new camp just as the sky opened up and torrential rains fell. 

We stayed in the common area and had our dinner while the rain poured. The meal was tasty and good. 

Meat and veggies with a gravy sauce

After the meal and the rain stopped we watched the sun set before heading to our tent for the night.

Sunset on the Serengeti.

It was another great day and we were happy to have seen cheetahs and leopards today. We were looking forward to our next adventure tomorrow which starts extra early. We are set to get up at 4 a.m. 

“Ishi maisha kwa ukamilifu, wakati ni mfupi”

Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania

Day two of our safari adventures began early and we were on the road at 7 a.m. The drive took us an hour or so to reach the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conservation area.

From here we could see the Ngorongoro crater however the fog made it slightly hard to see its full magnificences. 

Shelley and Ray at the top of the Ngorongoro Crater.

The Crater felt somewhat reminiscent of The Lost World by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We began our descent into the crater which took about half an hour. 

Lush trees and fog along the route down into the crater

The road passed through some beautiful, lush forests areas with great scenery.

View of the road down into the Ngorongoro crater

Along the road while we were descending into the crater, our driver and guide Omare  stopped the vehicle in front of a small stone monument.

Pyramid grave stone for Micheal Grzimek and his father Bernhard Grzimek both buried on the top of the Crater.

He explained that Micheal Grzimek was the first person to make comprehensive maps of the number of wild animals and their migration routes so that the borders of the Serengeti could be better established. He dedicated his life to the protection of African animals and the enlarging of the Serengeti National park.

On 10 January 1959, the plane piloted by Michael collided with a vulture and he lost control. He was killed in the crash. He was buried the same day on the top of the Ngorongoro Crater. Later the government of Tanzania erected a stone pyramid over his grave.

Different animals within the Ngorongoro Crater

We arrived at the base of the crater and immediately we could see many different animals in close proximity to each other.  It truly was like another world. There was a solitary elephant as we reached the base of the crater. Then as we looked a little further we saw a large herd of Wildebeest.

A solitary elephant in the Ngorongoro Crater
A large herd of Wildebeest.
Lions and some Wildebeest  in the distance.
Zebras in the Ngorongoro Crater

We saw thousands of wild animals living in the massive crater left by a huge ancient volcano. The actual crater is relatively small, when you consider that it is home to the most variety of animals per square meter than anywhere else in the world!

We saw a pride of lions that were on the hunt. They actually came very close to our safari jeep. Male lions proclaim their presence by urinating on bushes, trees, or simply on the ground, leaving a pungent scent behind.  The male lion walked right beside our jeep and actually marked our vehicle. 

A lioness stalking prey

We saw an array of animals including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, zebras and others. The Ngorongoro crater is one of the few places in Africa where rhinos are found, although we did not get to see any. They are an endangered species, so there are very few of them. Another animal not found in the crater are giraffes. They are unable to descend into the crater due to the build of their bodies. Their legs and long necks, hinder them from the steep walk down into the crater.

After our morning safari drive around the crater, we stoped at a picnic area next to Lake Magadi. This place was a  popular spot for the many different birds. Omare set up a nice shaded spot beside the jeep with a table cloth and everything for our picnic. 

Shelley and Ray in fore ground while Omare is setting up for lunch in the background.

We even had a few birds come over for a visit. There is no feeding of animals. It is strictly forbidden and against the law.  The birds were not troublesome, they just walked around and did not bother anyone.

A Crane in the Ngorongoro Crater
This Helmeted guineafowl which is often referred to as the Wild  African chicken

After our picnic lunch we headed over to see some pink flamencos and hippos before starting our ascend out of the crater.

Pink Flamencos in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Hippo in the water of the Ngorongoro Crater

We began our 30 minute drive up the crater side to reach the top. We reached the top of the crater rim and stopped to take one last look at this amazing place. 

View from the  rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.

We drove further west through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area towards the border of the Serengeti National Park.  We arrived at a cross road with a large monument that was quite interesting. We stopped to check it out and to take a break.

The Olduvai Gorge monument in Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Plaque on the base of the monument

The Olduvai Gorge monument consists of large-scale sculpted models of Paranthropus boisei and Homo habilis skulls resting on a stone platform. The monument is located only a few kilometres from the Olduvai Gorge and represents the discovery of the skulls which were dated to be about 1.75 million years ago. The discovery indicates that the first humans evolved in Africa. So in essence Olduvai Gorge is like the Biblical Garden of Eden where the first man in this planet is believed to have been created. It was hard to believe we were in the area of the origin of man!

We continued on our way towards the Serengeti National Park and eventually arrived at the park border. 

Shelley and Ray at the entrance to the Serengeti National Park

We then continued on our way. The roads in the conservation area and National Parks are not exactly smooth. 

We drove stopping along the way to see some of the wildlife until we reached our camp for the night. We arrived late in the evening and it was already dark. We were greeted by a Swahili welcome song and then we settled into our tent for the night.

Our tent camp which was called The Whisper Serengeti Tented Camp was quite comfortable. Out king size bed had mosquito nets and we even had an ensuite washroom!

Our bed with mosquito net covering

The night was quite interesting because we could hear animals close to the tent and even heard lions roaring in the distance. It was an amazing second day!!

“Hakuna njia panya ya kwenda mahali pa thamani”

Tanzania

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania

Today was our first day on safari and our driver and safari guide Omare picked us up at the hotel early. 

Shelley and Ray on day one getting picked up by safari guide..

Our safari began in Tarangire National Park which is considered one of the most interesting places in Tanzania. From there we would drive further and further into the depths of Tanzania and the Serengeti.

Ray and Shelley at the entrance to Tarangire National Park.

The Tarangire river flows through the park, many animals like Elephants,  zebras, buffaloes and antelopes come to drink.

Tarangire River in the Tarangire National Park

In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only source of drinking water for many kilometers around. Because of this, large herds of elephants come to Tarangire, making Tarangire the home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania for most of the year. 

Parade of Elephants
A small herd of zebras in Tarangire National Park
Zebra and Wildebeest

This of course also attracts predators, which is why there are a lot of lions in the Tarangire park.

Lion looking at prey in the distance
Lion looking at prey in the distance

Tarangire National Park is also known for its ancient baobab trees. These massive trees are larger and older than any other park in continental Africa. The scenery of the park along with these unique and majestic looking trees is simply stunning.

Two of the many Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.

The Baobab tree is quite fascinating, it has been carbon dated and is believed that it may live up to 3000 years old. The trunk of the tree can be very large. The largest circumference on record is 47 meters. 

A single Boabab Tree in the Tarangire National Park

We came across many Baobab trees throughout our time on the safari.  The trunk of the tree stores large amounts of water. Elephants chew the bark during the dry season for the water. 

A herd of elephants slowing walking through the Tarangire

Elephants are not at all intimidated by the safari vehicles and they often come quite close to the cars. Since elephants have no enemies in their natural habitat they are curious and unafraid.

Entrance to Safariland in the Tarangire National Park.

As we were driving through the park towards the Ngorongoro Crater.  We stopped part way along the way at a gift store called Safariland.

Ray at the base of the giant elephant near the entrance of safariland.

They had pieces of art and wood carvings for sale made from local Ebony.

Carvings in Ebony on display and sale

There was a local carver doing work while we were there.

A local carving an Ebony statue
Chess set made with local stone

After driving in the Tarangire Park for most of the day we reached our first stop for the night. The Ngorongoro Marera Mountain view Lodge was a surprise to us. We didnt expect it to be as nice as it was.

Boardwalk leading from the main common area to the individual rooms.
View of the lodge grounds

Our room was large and there was even a large ensuite washroom.

Our bedroom accommodations

We spent the evening enjoying the lodge common area.

Common room with bar and restaurant area

We had a great meal and while we were eating we could hear the nearby elephants as they walked pass our lodge.

It was a great first day and we were looking forward to tomorrows adventures.

“Maisha huanza mwishoni mwa eneo lako la faraja”

Switzerland

A Sweet day in Zurich

We went to experience the Lindt Home of Chocolate tour located in Kilchberg which is  just outside of Zurich.

We arrived and checked in for our self directed tours. The facility is impressive with a large foyer with a giant chocolate fountain. 

Chocolate fountain in the foyer of the Lindt home of chocolate.

After we checked in we were given individual audio guides which scanned areas along the tour. We then proceed along the tour at our own pace. The multimedia tour explained the history of Chocolate from the discovery to the cultivation and other interesting facts.

Display case of one area of the chocolate tour

Did you know that you used to be able to pay with cocoa beans? It was a currency at one point.

 

Spanish wooden whisk

After going through the early history of chocolate we came to the making of chocolate and how it has been enhanced over the years.

Lindt first system of chocolate making process

We came to the section of the tour where chocolate tasting was available.

The three chocolate fountains for sampling the different chocolates, Dark, Milk and white chocolates.

We could not resist trying the different chocolate flavours. It was a dangerous thing if you were a chocolate adict because you could sample as much as you wanted.

After trying the liquid chocolate we went to the next section which dispensed at your discretion, different types of chocolate chucks. 

Chocolate dispensing machines with different chocolates.

You simply put your hand under the machine and a piece of chocolate would pop out. Once again you could indulge as much as you wanted. It was interesting to watch some people as they binged on so much chocolate.

The section that followed had a large Lindt Chocolate wrap on display with a camera imbedded into it. People were able to take a selfie and email the photo to yourself. Of course we had to do it.

Giant Lindt candy wrap for selfies

The tour ended in an area where a large display table with all the flavours of Lindt chocolate could be seen.

People lined up to get free Lindt chocolate

Each person was given chocolates of each flavour.  After that we exited into the Lindt chocolate gift shop. It was huge (500 m2) and there were every imaginable type of chocolate available. They even had Lindt clothing and bags.

Shelley looking at all the flavours of chocolates
A chocolatier displaying different types of chocolate bars

We had immerse ourselves in the world of chocolate and the experience was fun and educational. Not to mention a little bit of an indulgence.

Shelley and Ray with some of their chocolate samples.

“Glück kommt manchmal durch Schokolade.” -Ibousto