Lush slopes of the mighty Usambara and Pare eastern arc mountain ranges

I have been to this park a number of times now. 4 to be exact. I just love everything about this beautiful park. Placed under the lush slopes of the mighty Usambara and Pare Eastern Arc Mountain ranges and overseen by highest peak of Africa – the Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi a astounding beauty exhibiting unique natural treasures and spectacular landscapes of hilly semi – arid savannah. I have before hand witnessed many stunning & picturesque sightings, which include – a stripped sand snake feeding on a green-winged Pitilia, An ECG feeding on a red-billed Hornbill, 2 different cheetah sighting’s (one with mother & cub), plenty of oryx, elands and gerenuks, other browsers and not to forget to mention more than 170 different species of birds. It is a fantastic destination for birders, with more than 450 avian species recorded, among them dry – country endemics such as the cobalt – chested vulturine guineafowl, other large ground birds such as ostrich, kori bustard, secretary bird, ground hornbill and some migratory species including Eurasian Roller and the Northern Carmine & European Bee-eaters.

I attached herewith photos from my latest trip in February ’14 accompanied by a good friend and guide Lorenzo Rossi.

All photos copyright @ Akil Halai - All rights reserved

Rubondo Island – Lake Victoria - Treasure Island

God has kept this secret sanctuary only for special people. From the landing to takeoff everything about this unique place is mystic. Landing on the grass runway with a champagne welcome – classy.

A deep forest covers most of the park, providing a diversity of wildlife habitats ranging from savannah, open woodland, swamps to dense forest. These habitats form a home for various wild creatures such as sitatunga (also endemic to the Gombe ecosystem), bushbucks, velvet monkeys, genet cats, spotted necked otters, hippopotamus and crocodiles which share the ecological niches with introduced species such as chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, black & white colobus monkeys, suni and African grey parrots. The Island holds a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the planet. This is the best time to sight them. It truly is a birder’s paradise!

The chimps are yet again to be rehabilitated. Between 1966 and 1969, 17 chimpanzees had been captured in the wild and then spent various amounts of time in European zoos. Later on they were released in Rubondo. Now there is a healthy population of chimpanzees (we don’t have the exact numbers), and it is likely that there now is a second generation of Rubondo-born primates. Asilia, through many projects are helping out with this enormous task.

The Rubondo Island Lodge (Asilia), is a place camouflaged perfectly for such a habitat. It has all you possibly need. From friendly staff to good food, you wont go wrong with this choice. The activities are plenty to choose from. Sport fishing (catch and release), walking trails & hikes, guided game drives, boating safaris, canoe safaris, bird-watching, forest walks, chimps trekking or relaxing by the lake – this beautifully set-up lodge has everything to offer. Henk & Janine are very experienced and wonderful company to be with. Henk with his fishing expertise & Janine with her broad wildlife knowledge will keep you busy throughout. There is so much to see here. Days will fly by without realizing its time to leave. After wonderful bird sightings & walks assisted by Habibu, our very knowledgeable guide and fellow bird-watcher, it wasn’t easy to bid farewell to this small & un-spoilt paradise.

I will surely be back.

For more info: Contact: www.asiliaafrica.com

Akil Halai – 26.01.14

All photos copyright. All rights reserved.

Migration or no migration – Serengeti Shall Not Die

January is the time of the year when the great migration is scattered on the plains of Ndutu. Millions of wildebeests and Zebras are grazing in the plains and woodlands here, quenching their thirst from the saline lakes of Ndutu and Masek. It is breeding season now.  They get to rest for a few months before they move again. Whilst many predators surround them, it is not as terrorizing, reminiscing the moments when they had to dare and cross the Mara River in the North of Serengeti. The crocs still have their bellies full.

No doubt both these spectacles, the crossing of the Mara & the breeding in Ndutu are moments of incredible sightings and memories, but there is lots of action still taking place in the Mara River even after the wildebeests have stormed through. Incredible numbers of antelopes (Topis, Elands, Gazelles, Oribis, Hartebeests, Impalas, Dikdiks etc.) are still carrying on with their normal lives. Territorial cats are still adapting to the habitats, always on the hunt for opportunistic meals. The elusive and aloof rhinoceroses still roam the savannah plains eating the leafy material it beholds. The social weaverbirds are still working harmonically in groups building their nests. The dung beetles are still busy rolling the dung balls for miles to be used as food sources or brooding chambers. The beautiful sunset still lights up the acacia trees in the horizon as if lit up like Christmas trees. Bernhard Grzimek very rightly said, ”Serengeti Shall Not Die” as it still is installed with magnanimous spectacles and beauty before & after the great migration every year.

During my recent visit to Northern Serengeti and my extremely pleasant visit at the Sayari Camp (Asilia), I firsthand witnessed “an action packed Serengeti”. Apart from the breathtaking game, the coffee was “sweet” and the wine “plenty”. This combination of brilliant game merged with a comfortable stay and excellent food would be anybody’s dream safari. You could always choose to have a nature walk with a chance to see elephants grazing, or hippos lazing around on the riverbanks, or choose to relax and unwind with a book or a cocktail by the pool, prepared by one of the friendly staff. Trust me, you will definitely want to get some recipes or two from the chef there!

You do not need to be a honeymooner or a frequent safari goer to enjoy it. There is a magical set-up altogether. You need to be there to feel it.

I need not say much more. These few pictures will speak the thousand words, which aren’t yet enough to brag about my unforgettable time in the Serengeti. What a start to 2014!

For more information on the camp please visit www.asiliaafrica.com

Akil Halai – 23.01.14

All Photos copyright @ Akil Halai