Saturday, June 23, 2007

Mikumi National Park

What a wonderful experience Jenny, Ger and I had in Mikumi! It was about a 5 hour drive there and it was beautiful the whole way. We saw the Uluguru mountains which were beautiful. Once arriving, we we began our safari. We stood through the roof and were able to see beautiful landscapes. We saw zebra, baboons, elephants, giraffes, impalas, buffalo, jackal, wildebeest, warthogs, hippos and crocodiles. It was majestic to say the least. I kept thinking about what a creative God we have! He has made so many interesting animals and gorgeous scenery on this continent. Africa is truly a beautiful place- for so many reasons.

This morning, we made a wonderful memory. We were eating breakfast on a deck overlooking the park. We were watching impala running by and just taking in such breathtaking scenery that we didn't notice a little visitor to our table. Finally, I looked over and saw that a Vervet monkey was sitting on the armrests between Jenny and me! He was quite calm and even let us take a few pictures of his visit with us. He went on to eat some of the papaya that was on Jenny's plate and then take it with him up a tree. It was priceless!

It was a wonderful trip and I become more and more convinced that Africa might just be the most beautifully rich continent on the planet. The culture, landscapes, animals, people and history hold such interesting tales. I love being here.

A bit of the Uluguru mountains. A lot of people come here to climb this range. It is about half the height of Kilimanjaro and is said to be a really difficult climb.

At the entrance of Mikumi.

The impala were beautiful and run gracefully.

The buffalo before it charged our car. It started to run toward us. Thankfully Julius, our driver, hit the accelerator and we got away! He was not a happy camper!

Jenny and me enjoying our ride and the beautiful weather.

A Mikumi sunset.

Jenny, Ger and me last night after returning from our ride. This is how we stood throughout our whole safari. It was a great way to spot the animals and get an incredible view.

Our room. We had wonderful service and being on the premises of the park was incredible. We got up this morning to see over a hundred impala right behind our cabin!

The zebra were not shy, they were glad to let us take their picture.

Jenny pretending to "pet" a buffalo.
The elephants were beautiful.

Jenny loves this picture. She thinks it looks like the Zebra turned its head to pose with me!

The monkey still deciding whether it would be OK to take Jenny's fruit...

Digging right in!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Lauren,
We've enjoyed following your blogs and seeing what all you've been doing. Spoke to your Dad today and he said we should let you know. We're very impressed with all that you've accomplished and the people you've helped. Have a safe trip home.
With love, Jenny & Chuck Hereford

Anonymous said...

The photos are great and you gotta give that monkey a lot of credit for getting what he was after, even if it meant that he had to pose for a couple of shots!
Glad you were able to take advantage of this opportunity.ss

Anonymous said...

Lauren - the safari sounds wonderful and pix prove it...so glad you could see that part of the continent...and not just the poor villages...have great final week...can't wait to see pix of the kids getting the clothes and supplies..xoxo, AMH

aunt elizabeth said...

so glad julius knew how to "get out of dodge"! the scenery is just priceless as are the photographs. it's a wonderful adventure and i'm glad to hear of fun mixed in with all the hard work even though, i know how meaningful it is to you, those you touch including me. you all deserve THE VERY BEST! YOU ARE THE VERY BEST! can't wait see my new favorite soap opera "as africa turns". glad you had such a great safarri, and a safe one.!!! love, aunt elizabeth

Courtney said...

Love the "As Africa Turns" reference that your aunt made...hilarious. I call it "Real World: Tanzania." The safari experience is once in a lifetime! So glad you got up close and personal with a little monkey...don't make Ricky jealous, though.

See you in nine days! Los Pilares here we come!