Safari in Ruaha

Safari

This is going to be a very hard article to write, because words may simply not capture the experience of Safari. I will try once again to upload some pictures, but as I said before, it is very difficult with the limited time and technology available. So here goes my best effort to describe the most incredible experience of my life!

On Thursday of last week (since today is Sunday), we boarded the bus for a 4 hour ride into Ruaha National Park and the Mwagusi Safari Camp. Mwagusi is a very small camp but has been on the banks of the Mwagusi River for a long time. It has a reputation as the best of the safari camps, which we found to be well deserved! The accommodations were VERY comfortable, the food was fabulous, the staff was most attentive to our needs and anticipated most of them, and the guides were well trained and knowledgeable.

Joyce and I were assigned to Banda #2. These were large living spaces made from native wood and reeds covered with dried grasses. There were three parts to each banda: The first was a spacious entrance which resembled a living room that was open to the river. There was a hammock, a small desk, and a recessed area with a sand floor and overstuffed lounging couches from which to observe any passing wild life. The second part which was the largest (about 20 x 20 feet) was where the tent was suspended. The tent was HUGE and housed a desk, chairs and a king-sized bed with lamp tables! The third section was the bathroom, which was circular, with a sink (running water), and a flush toilet and shower in privacy areas off to opposite sides. The tent was closed with zipper flaps at both ends to keep us well protected from insects and critters at night, but left open during the day. The banda was more comfortable than many hotel rooms that I’ve been in!

The staff helped us move in, carrying our bags and instructing us in the fine art of camping in Africa. We were told that it was OK to wander around the paths of the camp during daylight, but that as soon as the sun went down we were to wait until a staff member came to “collect” us and escort us to the main dining area and back. We soon found out that one could easily get lost and disoriented on the many paths in the camp. Lunch was a gourmet feast of vegetable dishes, rice, and meat that rivaled a fine restaurant back home! It was true of every meal!

During our stay we took four “game-drives”, each lasting 3-4 hours. We were carried in open air safari vehicles which afforded everyone with the best view and photo opportunities while still protecting us from the sun and rain (it rained once on the three days). Our drivers were very good and knew the park roads like the back of their hands, and our guide, Sampson, was just incredible! He could spot a bird from a hundred yards away and point out a black-eared fox simply because its ears were sticking up out of the grass. His “trophy find” was a Cheetah lying behind a bush, blending with the grasses, with only its nose showing behind the bush --- from a hundred yards away!!! With his guidance, we found and observed up close and personal almost all the animals for which Africa is noted, while he told us all of the things that made each unique. What an education!!

Thursday supper was served on the beach where we gathered around a roaring fire for wine and appetizers. For the main course, we were ushered to a long table nearby which was set with all the fine china and silver, and from there to a long trench of hot coals on which rested our food being kept piping hot in special dishes that could withstand the fire. Kerosene lanterns had been hung at various points on the cliff across the river. The stars were unbelievably bright, and candles lit the table. It was absolutely a romantic setting beyond compare.

We are here in the rainy season which begins in December and lasts through April. Tanzania is a land of lush green bushes, trees and grass during this time, and beautiful landscapes. The rivers contain some water, though we haven’t seen a lot, and often the animals can be seen as they travel to and from the rivers. The Baobab, the Acacia and the Mahogany trees are all around and add a unique character to the landscape.

I’m writing this post on Sunday, and this morning it was my privilege to preach again in another of the churches of the Iringa Diocese. All of the churches in Tanzania are bursting at the seams, and everywhere we go, they are building new and larger facilities to house the worshippers. Frankly, it puts our American churches to shame, not just by the numbers, but also by the enthusiasm as they gather to praise God and share in community. Often they say, “We have made it to this day only by the grace of God, and we want to thank him!” Services last two to two and one half hours routinely and no one gets restless. Sermons are expected to last 45-60 minutes. If not, they think you don’t have anything to say!

We are deeply grateful to have had this experience, but we are beginning to hear the call of home. Wednesday we will travel to Dar Es Salaam, spend the night and tour the city on Thursday. We fly out for home late Thursday.