Choose Your Adventure -- by James Dunning

Today our safari continued leaving Tarangire Park bound for Lake Manyara. Our unofficial motto has become “choose your adventure” inspired by the children’s story many of us enjoyed as youths. Shortly after our departure our guide quickly pulled off the road. His keen eye had spotted a tiny creature. Directly in our path was the iconic imagine from countless Africa documentaries. A dung beetle was slowing making its way with a fresh collection. Once everyone had check off their imaginary wildlife bingo cards our journey resumed. 

The terrain quickly changed from a mostly dry grassy plain to temperate agricultural farms. Along the way we learned about the incredible transformation taking place across the country. Half of all Tanzanians are employed in agriculture. Farmers were happy to show us the abundance of their harvest. Rice and millet field rolled by us for mile after mile. 

Tanzania is experiencing an immense boom in infrastructure as it develops hydroelectric and natural gas resources. Tanzanians access to electric supply has more than doubled in the past decade. 

Despite increases in economic prosperity, there is still a significant amount of observable poverty. Deep on a rural road we were unexpectedly greeted by a family of acrobatic performers. Our whole group cheered on the impressive demonstration of creativity and skill. 

Our main activity for the day was traveling through Lake Manyara National Park. Much of the land had been overtaken by significantly high rains from the previous season. Raising water pushed the shoreline out by nearly a kilometer making it extremely difficult to pass many of the roads. Shortly after getting on the move following lunch, we were confronted by the king of the jungle. A lioness stood square in our path. It’s difficult to know who was more startled. Without question none of us had come this close to such a magnificent beast. 

We could hardly catch our breath before coming across a family of elephants. The baby was very curious about our presence. Both adults tossed dirt over themselves while the little one rolled about frequently paused to give us suspicious glances. 

Nearing the exit of the park, a small herd of buffalo was seen lazing about the bank of a river. Knowing their propensity for aggressive behavior, we kept our distance. 

The town of Karatu was the holdover for the evening. As it happened, the timing of our visit coincided with a local bimonthly market. Vendors sell handicrafts, livestock, food, spices, clothing, household goods, pottery, and other items.

Upon arrival at our accommodations for the night, we were received by a pair of jackals. Taking in the view from our balcony of what was to come the next day (Ngorongoro Crater National Park), their presence felt like a good omen.