The Explorer
June 2009

Mountain Gorillas

Having just returned from yet another amazing adventure in Rwanda I am almost tempted to include this 4 night extension on every safari itinerary!

The Rwandan Parc des Volcans management does an amazing job of combining the protection of these gentle giants with community conservation and exhilarating game viewing, amidst the beautiful volcanoes of this land that is so rightly described as the ‘Switzerland of Africa’. The thousands of hills, mountains and vistas that are beyond the imagination.

The two groups of Mountain Gorillas we were privileged enough to trek to were Group 13 and Umubano. Umubano lead by Silverback Charles and Group 13 by Agashya.

The relatively small size of the Umubano group (8 individuals) lacked nothing in excitement as we tottered on slippery vegetation whilst the Gorillas went about their daily routines seemingly oblivious to our intrusion.
Charles remained aloof the whole time allowing us a brief glimpse of his regal self in the shade of a magnificent ‘den’, however, the rest of the family strode around purposefully intent on breaking the 7 metre rule that we homosapiens are instructed to abide by!

Group 13 by comparison, numbering 26 individuals, seemed as though they not only were intent on getting us into trouble but actively construed strategies to thwart any and all attempts to keep us out of range! At one point, the guide looked mournfully towards the Chief Park Warden who graciously formed part of our troop, for some sort of assistance combating the dozen or so individuals that surrounded our small party!

The experience of trekking for Mountain Gorillas, numbering only 700 or so left on this planet, remains for most the experience of a lifetime, and for me one of the most intensely satisfying guiding experiences I am privileged to be able to repetitively enjoy. 

Please e.mail us for the next Rwanda departure or to arrange a private Eastern or Southern Africa safari. info@wildlife-explorer.com

255Uncharted

For a while now, several of my very good friends have been chuntering about an alternative safari experience, incorporating a number of the more exclusive wilderness camps and some of the more ‘edgey’ experiences to be found in this part of the world.

255 has been created to pamper to those of our friends and colleagues that would like to see our own private reserves combined with other like minded/managed properties, creating what amounts to an alternative safari portfolio.

Probably not for the first time safari goers, but certainly for our many repeat guests that are in search of something just a little different. The 255 safari itinerary heaps on the elegance and charm of the ‘known’ quality of a Wildlife Explorer ‘Safari za Mwituni’ with the remoteness of Babu’s Camp in Mkomazi, Fly camping with the Hadza on Lake Eyasi plus a host of other selected, like minded possibilities.

Similar to our own wilderness approach to safari, each of the selected properties has its own unique blend of style and exclusivity with individual ‘hooks’ that will sometimes raise an eyebrow but always create an experience to be remembered!

In contrast to the above that guarantees some form of comfort, myself (Gary Strand) and brother in law Richard (Dickie) Beatty have put together the first bookeable safari that include truly unique experiences not for the faint hearted!

Aimed at some of our more lunatic friends and acquaintances, ‘Rip Roarin’ Adventures’ includes itineraries that not only guarantee a degree of hardship, but revel in time experiencing areas of Tanzania that no sane person would even contemplate spending time trying to get to! Foot, motorbike, dhow, horse and plane are all part of one itinerary or another!

Spring and Autumn 2010 are the first of many (perhaps if we survive!) Rip Roarin’ Adventures. Click on the link below to request the next itinerary.

gary@wildlife-explorer.com

Osunyai-Secret Sands of Tarangire

With last minute rains, Osunyai is looking gorgeous with green grass to start the season and long-term residents-Kudu, Lion, Heayena and Impala still coursing backwards and forwards through the concession. The occasional Zebra herd are also seen in front of camp.

Our out of season safaris, utlilising Osunyai as a short stop (2 nghts) location for Elephant interaction during the green season, have been particularly well supported this year. Tarangire being so close and the lushness of Osunyai during the wet season makes for wonderful photographic opportunities for the Elephant population found at Osunyai and the park itself.

The Alamana Reserve

This season has been an interesting time for the reserve, with increased Masai population being forced to remain alongside the wildebeest herds waiting for the rains to come.

And come they finally did! All be it rather late, we now have green grass around the kopje, and stunningly brilliant views west from the lounge tent.

The walking this season has been of great quality, and for those that accompanied me on the ridge and plains walks this season, some of the most breathtakingly beautiful-at least for me!

As we speak, the lounge platform is being dismantled, tents dropped down and the move to Osunyai for the dry season underway!

Having the Alamana Reserve as part of our exclusive portfolio is not only a marketing advantage, but also a real privilege. 

News from Olerai

Not much to brag about this time around!

Kids all happy, Jo and I still enjoying life and Wildlife Explorer still regarded as one of Tanzania’s premier safari outfitters-what could be better??

A better economy of course! But lets all keep fingers crossed that 2010 will bring with it renewed prosperity for all.

Hunter competed yesterday in the local motorcross races, hassling his way with the other competitors in 3 heats in the Junior category which he (and us) enjoyed immensely. Having said that, I am not sure that Jo enjoyed seeing Hunter airborne over the jumps, but Dad was certainly thrilled! An early tumble dented his confidence somewhat, however the last race saw him rally and slip through riding his Honda on the last bend, to the cheers of the crowd and pass the finishing line in front of his archrival from Mwanza!
Jamie graduates with her class tomorrow morning-well done!!!!! A momentous milestone completed and a time of excitement ahead at Taunton fin the UK for her 6th form years.

Hannah and Zack left for the USA at the end of May exhausted and thrilled at the same time to have completed the season out on the western boundaries of Tarangire and looking forward to some well earned down time over the summer months.

With the summer about to start, we are looking forward to some great family time at Kellybeare, where we hope that as many of our numerous friends will pass by and spend a bit of time!

With warm wishes,

Gary & Jo