Close call but we’re in Tanzania.

The migration is coming together but not yet there. A long line of wildebeest crossing the river. We could not see the end.

Surprise today - we arrived at the Entebbe airport for our fight to Kilimanjaro. It is tiny. Our flight left at 1:15 and we arrived at 12:30, boarding at 12:45. The airline attendant told us to hurry because we were late - not very African. I don’t recall ever hearing the words “hurry up” or “ late”  while anywhere in Africa.  This is a first.
It was a great afternoon, arriving in Tanzania just felt great! It’s beautiful, warm and Donatus was there to greet us with his big warm self and his soft spoken voice. He imparted lots of knowledge along our route.
For example, wildebeest typically gestate for 9 months but if the rains are late they can wait up to 11 months. As soon as the calves are born
they begin their migration. One and something million migrate every year. The newborns can stand immediately and run as fast as their mothers just 6 minutes after being born. Zebras are incredibly smart and run with the wildebeest for a couple of reasons. First, they eat the tall grasses and the wildebeest eat the short grasses so the zebras graze first on order to mow the grass for the wildebeest to eat their share. Zebras are keen at sensing danger and they can run faster than the wildebeest so when there is a predator the hunter will go after the wildebeest first because they are easier to catch. That goes for crossing the rivers as well. The zebras wait for the wildebeests to go first so the crocodiles will catch them and then it is safe for the zebras to cross. Because there are so many more wildebeest it is the balance of nature that they are easy prey or they would take over the grasslands and there would not be food for the rest of the animals.
We are staying just outside of Karatu in a beautiful hotel and it feels very luxurious sitting here alone in a king size bed. Sorry Ev, it can be your turn next time. I know you are in the bed with all our beautiful boys and no doubt, Shlomo. OK maybe not Dante but none the less, I’m thinking about you all while sleeping like a starfish.
I really enjoy the Fischman’s company, all of them! I do believe they are enjoying Africa so far. Check out their blog for a second perspective on travel in Africa.

http://fischmansinafrica.blogspot.com/

Donatus, our fearless guide and friend, searching for the migration of the wildebeest.

Vultures feasting on a dead wildebeest. He most likely died of sickness or old age because there is no torn flesh seen. They are eating the insides out fro his anus because it is easier than pecking the flesh open. they have certain anti-bodies that prevent them from contracting most diseases that their prey may have.