Tag Archives: www.chaputfootprints.com

South Central Serengeti

October 9, 2023 chaput@live.com

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

October 6, 2023 chaput@live.com

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

Lions and some Wildebeest in the distance.

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.

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.

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

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!

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

October 3, 2023 chaput@live.com

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.

A small herd of zebras in Tarangire National Park

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Here is a short video of some of the highlights of the day.

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

September 30, 2023 chaput@live.com

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.

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.

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

Switzerland

A day in Lucerne Switzerland

September 25, 2023 chaput@live.com

We went to explore Lucerne which is a beautiful city on the shore of Lake Lucerne. It is located in central Switzerland and has a population of approximately 82,000 people. We arrived at the main train station which is located in the heart of the city. From there we were able to easily walk and explore the city.

Lucerne Train Station in central Lucerne.

The Reuss River flows through the city and provides for beautiful views along the shoreline.

Buildings along the Reuss River in Lucerne

View of the Reuss River along the pathway in Lucerne

One of the unique features in Lucerne is the Kapellbrücke which literally means “Chapel Bridge”. It is a covered wooden footbridge that spans 204 meters across the Reuss River. Originally built in 1365 and later rebuilt after a fire in 1993.

The Reuss river with. the wooden footbridge in the distance.

Shelley and Ray at the base of the wooden footbridge in Lucerne

We walked the entire footbridge and noticed the many unique paintings that are painted on the interior triangular frames.

The Kapellbrücke wooden footbridge in Lucerne

The paintings, dating back to the 17th century created by local painter Hans Heinrich Wägmann, depict events from Lucerne’s history.

It was interesting to note that no other wooden footbridges in Europe has this feature. After walking the bridge we headed into the old town area. The narrow streets and interesting architectural features were impressive.

One of the plaza areas in the old town centre of Lucerne

Shelley in front unique building in Lucerne

Shelley in front of a water fountain in the old centre of Lucerne

We explored the area for a while then decided to stop and have lunch. We sat down at an outside table in a local restaurant called Fritschi.

Shelley at our table in Fritschi Restaurant.

We sat enjoying our meal but noticed that people would stop and take pictures of the building. After our meal we looked up and noticed the front of the building which was not visible because of the umbrellas.

Front facade of Fritschi Restaurant building.

The inside of Fritschi restaurant had a great ambiance with rustic charm.

After our lunch we continued walking around the city. Along the way we came across some interesting stores. Some were selling Swiss Army Knives and one particular store was selling mantle and cuckoo clocks. Some of the clocks were pieces of art in itself.

Store selling Mantel clocks with cuckoo clocks in background. The Cinderela Lladro porcelain piece is selling for 39,900 Swiss Francs.

Marilyn Munroe mantle piece was for sale for 1,535 Swiss Francs.

We had a great day in Lucerne. The city is full on interesting architecture and beautiful scenery. There are lots of great restaurants and things to do. We are glad we took the time to visit this city.

“Jeder Tag sollte ein guter Tag sein. Die Leute machen sich selbst vor, dass sie für immer hier sein werden.“ -Stephen A. Schwarzman

Ray and Shelley's Retirement Adventures