Tarangire Untamed
the story of eight expats and their unforgettable safari
During the summer of 2019, I spent four months working as an intern with a solar R&D institute in Arusha, Tanzania. Across these months I had the chance to explore the area, learn about Tanzanian culture, and contribute to some meaningful projects. During this time I met fellow Canadians working abroad and we soon organized an incredible safari adventure.
If I could summarize the African safari experience in one word: addicting. The rush of the early morning hustle combined with the never-ending thrill of spotting animals throughout the day has you sitting – and standing – on the edge of your seat the entire time. These safaris also really made me reflect on the diverse ecosystems and range of wildlife that exist on our planet.
Enjoy our story, and I hope it inspires you to explore our world with renewed passion.
Always set off early in the morning for the best experience; lesson one. Our group of 8 began our two-day safari at 6am one early morning in July. In the chilly air while the city slept, we set off from Arusha on a journey 140km south-west towards Tarangire National Park. After three hours we arrived at the gate where we had our papers processed. Now the real adventure begins.
A few minutes in and a herd of zebra trotted across the gravel path in front of us. One had a large gash on its side as our feelings went out to the wounded zebra.
Moving along in our land cruiser, we approached a pool of water surrounded by zebras and ostriches.
Four Grant’s gazelles walk by in the grass
Keep an eye out and keep it moving; lesson two. I spotted a white-headed buffalo weaver perched on a branch; its name derived from its tendency to feed on insects that swarm on buffalo.
Though sticking with the herd is preferred, you may see a wildebeest separated from their family.
In the distance I spotted a figure moving under the cover of tall grass. Pleasantly surprised through my camera lens, a black-backed jackal came into view, drooling under the heat of the mid-day sun.
Our group approached a small pool of water surrounded by Grant’s gazelles where two young males were testing each other’s strength.
Suddenly, a family of elephants came rushing in towards the water as the gazelles scattered. Two baby elephants played in and drank the water.
We headed up a hill for lunch late-noon and ate our meals over a beautiful view of the park. Birds above and below were eagerly waiting for a chance to snatch the crumbs left behind.
Atop a branch perches a lilac-breasted roller
Get to eye-level for intimate shots; lesson three. Several elephants were peacefully eating grass as I prepared my camera to capture the moment when an elephant’s ears would fold out.
As we moved along the gravel terrain, a male impala darted out from a group of female impala, relentlessly chasing one of them in circles.
Three wildebeest walk across the tall grass as a Maasai giraffe watches in the background.
Out of nowhere, herds of wildebeest and zebra raced out from the distance then disappeared in one direction. It was not until later that we found the animals settled by a stream of water.
Though Tarangire is known for its abundant elephant population – the most in Tanzania – we did not spot any large herds this day.
One of our group members takes a picture of an elephant walking across the dirt path
As the sun started to set, we rounded the last stretch of the park to find a herd of waterbuck grazing and resting by a patch of elevated land.
An olive baboon munches on a piece of flowering plant from a Kigelia “sausage” tree.
With smiles on our faces, day one of our safari came to a close as we headed toward our campsite to rest for the night. What the next day brought cannot be described as anything other than breathtaking: Ngorongoro Crater.
- For more of my work and to get in touch -
Instagram: jordan.jlin | Email: zjordanlin@gmail.com
