Impressions of Tanzania

It is hard to describe what Africa does to you. It washes the soul. It centers you. It does all those things that sound like cliches which are very real to the western psyche, perhaps the African one as well. To me it seems as though the "modern" world can't begin to understand the African perspective. Empathize, perhaps but there is a woven connection to nature that Americans would be hard pressed to connect to. The weather, the animals, the spirit of the land is part of the everyday for those who live in the bush. Heading out after 12 days of bush we know we will head into a culture shock of sound and human activity. I understand why people go back to Safari (journey) again and again.
Perspectives of life and death become ingrained in the process of everyday living. Life is a challenge to rise up to, for both animals and humans, finding food, toting water, Doing what you need to survive and to make the most of the life you are given. Every animal life here, vultures, hyenas, elephants and birds seems to have a purpose in it's connection. Again the cliche- the Circle of Life is never more evident as Tanzania, and probably Africa in general.

We saw such a small part of this country but we have seen so much. So much. 50 kinds of animals, 135 kinds of birds. As you drive along in the Safari jeep you sometime crush against wild basil or lemon grass or other aromatic plant that releases it's scent. As a result the clear air is filled with smells, sometimes animal laid organic and sometimes aromatic. As the animals walk through the grasses they also release the natural smell. The very air is a wonder.

This time of year the grass in the Ruaha Park is relatively high. The plants are still green in June so they form small shady canopies for animals to take refuge from the midday heat. As a result it is often hard to see the animals but traveling down the game roads you see their prints- jackal, lion, giraffe, gazelles, kudus, snake, everyone leaves their trail. The Tanzanians call this the daily newspaper. In camp you can see who has come through the night before. The morning stroll becomes a fascinating read, both on the paths and on the rivers of who has come around in the night hours- civet, hyena, lizard, tortoise, jackals, and so many more.