Tanzania

Here is my video of my Tanzania trip where I witnessed the "Greatest Show on Earth", the main reason why I chose Tanzania as my safari destination:

Putting his best face forward!

Yellow-breasted barbet in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

"Rose" among the thorns!

Rose the lovebird (don't know why she calls herself that) searched for her other half while standing on a thorn-filled tree in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014).

The Baobab Congress

Wildebeest gathering under the baobab tree for a meeting to discuss how to evade the lions, leopards, cheetahs. =D

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

Joseph the bird and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! =D

Joseph is a lilac-breasted roller. Haha suddenly after my safari trip I know the names of many types of birds that I have never seen before in my life. =)

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

Standing tall!

Marabou Stork standing to his full height, which is approximately 150 cm.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

"Who is this bald, ugly guy?"

Marabou Stork dismissed "the other guy" as no threat for his lady love after assessing his looks.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

Walk like an Egyptian!

Egyptian Goose demonstrating the fine intricacies of walking like Cleopatra! =D

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

All it takes is a little kick from behind..

"I'll lend you a hoof and send you straight to heaven if you smack my face just ONE more time!". This is what I think the evil zebra was plotting in his heart as his brother smacked his tail right across his face for the umpteenth time when he was about to jump.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

At crossroads...

Zebras were at a loss whether to go right or left. Perhaps they were looking for a zebra crossing? =D

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014)

3 + 3 zebras quenching their thirst from a river in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (10 August 2014) in the late afternoon.

"Stop eating and smell the flowers!"

A sweet giraffe stopped eating for a moment to smell her breakfast before continuing.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)  

Out of Africa...

Mama Cheetah and son were relaxing on their cosy "sunbed" (i.e. termite mound) while watching the daily "Bush TV" drama of us humans making a fool of ourselves! =D

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Scaredy cat!

This cheetah somehow has the look of a scaredy cat! =D But we know that that is not the case in reality.

The 2 black tear lines down a cheetah's face is meant to aid its vision by preventing the sun glare from shining into its eyes.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

"AAAAHHHHH... Just get out of my face!"

Mama Cheetah showed her irritation by snarling at the hordes of "paparazzi" who were taking her photos.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

"What's up?"

Mr Leopard's visitors, Mrs Cheetah and Cheetah Jr, checking to see whether he is home. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Monkey business!

An expressive vervet monkey in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

A day at the barber shop!

Mr Barber the vervet monkey, removing lice and everything yummy from the other vervet monkey. =D

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

The Lice Picker!

"You have a really serious case of lice! Your entire head is infested with them! I need a few days to totally get rid of them. Now be still!". This is what I imagined the vervet monkey saying to another.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Having a picnic...

Olive baboon inspecting the quality of his picnic lunch packed by his wife. "Not dried flowers and dried leaves again?!"

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

"Who left her toy leopard sleeping on the tree?"

Of all wildlife, leopards are the hardest to spot in my opinion. They are usually sleeping high above on the tall Acacia trees and extremely well-camouflaged by the leaves and branches.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Training to be a circus performer? =D

Little Jumbo demonstrates how to blow your trumpet while lifting up your right leg at the same time. =)

In the home of the elephants, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

What to do when feeling hot...

On such a hot day, nothing beats showering and powdering!

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Apple of his eye...

White-headed vulture standing on the top branch of a tree.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Here, there and everywhere...

I like the 2 white butterflies flying ahead one of the female ostriches' head... it looks like a scene out of the Japanese anime where prominent beads of sweat can be seen whenever the character is feeling anxious.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania (11 August 2014)

Artistry in Pink...

Greater and Lesser Flamingos sweeping the lake clean of fish. =)

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

The 100-metre dash!

Flamingoes at Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014), on the "runway" preparing for take-off. This photo was taken free-hand, without tripod.

Walking on water...

Looks like the flamingo is in a rush to be the "early bird". In the far background are thousands of flamingos.

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

Pretty in pink!

Baboon looking pretty on a pink flowering tree (that is full of thorns!) in Lake Manyara, Tanzania (12 August 2014).

Yellow-billed storks on a tree...

You know what they say about birds of the same feather? That's right... they flock together! =D

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

"121 Squadron, get ready for take-off!" =D

A squadron of Great White Pelicans at Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014).

Pelicans' favourite stomping ground!

Even the wildebeest (in the background) know when to keep a wide berth from the Great White Pelicans. It is clear that they are greatly outnumbered. =)

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

Sea of Pink...

Traffic congestion in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014), caused by the Greater and Lesser Flamingoes.

Beauty in chaos...

Flamingoes in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

The Davids and the Goliaths!

It feels like we have stepped into a David and Goliath world... the "little people" (ostriches) vs the giants (giraffes). Although ostriches are pretty tall in height, suddenly it seems like they are dwarfs when standing next to the giraffes. Shows that there is always someone bigger than the big. =)

Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

Soaring over Africa...

Great White Pelicans in flight simulation mode. =D

Lake Manyara, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

"Gotta pack this leaf for my recess time in school later."

Baby olive baboon at Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania (12 August 2014)

It was hard to take a clear shot of this baby through the branches cos my camera kept focusing on the tree branches and defocusing on the baboon until finally I got this!

Jacko the Jackal...

In the savanna, one can never be too careful where predators are concerned. It's always good to look over your shoulders every now and then.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Darn... The lions got in the way! Grrr...

"Hey Miss Lion and Mrs Lion, that's not very polite of you. I'm trying to take a photo of that nice family in the vehicle but you are in the way!" =D

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Don't look back in anger...

Lioness took a backward glance at the "paparazzi" to assess how much distance was needed to shake them off. Lion cub seems to be screaming at the top of his lungs, "Stop following us!". He kind of reminds me of Scooby-Doo's nephew, Scrappy-Doo.  =D

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Looking at the dinner menu, literally!

Rare, Medium Rare, Well-done? =D Family of lions and cubs staring into the distance of cape buffaloes while mommy kept watch.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Keeping watch on their dinner!

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Introducing the new valet, Simba!

"Owner of vehicle number T727ATX, please move your vehicle right now! You are blocking my view of my main course tonight. And Leopard Tours... Get out of here! I am a lion." =D

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Doing the catwalk...

A day in the life of a lion... wake up, eat breakfast, being followed and photographed by paparazzi from dawn to dusk.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

It's breakfast time!

This young spotted hyena seems to be smiling at me while waiting for his brother to finish his breakfast. =D

Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Rocks with eyes!

Lazy hippos in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014). Hippo's skin is very sensitive to sunlight. When it gets too hot, its sweat secretes a red "suntan lotion" to protect itself from getting sunburnt, like what you see here.

"All by myself... "

Lone wildebeest doing a little pondering and reflecting in front of a salt lake in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

ROTFL!

This is the classic example of "rolling on the floor laughing" or "ROTFL" as kindly demonstrated by Mr Zebra from Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania (13 August 2014)

Walking into the light...

Maasai shepherd herding his cattle to a watering hole in this arid desert region. This photo was taken from a moving car on a bumpy road as we headed from Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti plains, Tanzania (14 August 2014).

Spiderman! =D

Even though I am pretty scared of scaly reptiles, this Agama Lizard is just too eye-catching not to snap. It eyed me for a moment when I crouched down nearby, but resumed its sunbathing pose when it determined that I was not going to step on it. I think I would be the one fleeing if it even takes one step closer to me. Best to keep it at arm's length, literally.

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

Shiny like a star!

With its shiny and flamboyant coat of feathers, I think there cannot be a more appropriate name than Superb Starling! Sounds like a superstar, doesn't it? =D

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

Portrait of a Giraffe

"Just me, the sky and a little oxpecker..."

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

Rare 5-legged elephant!

Ever seen a 5-legged elephant? I did or so I thought when my guide told me there was a 5-legged elephant. Only later did I realise he was pulling my leg. Let's just say that some elephants are better endowed than others. =D

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

The conspiring giraffes =D

Our vehicle was climbing up a steep, bumpy slope on one section of the road, and suddenly I saw the silhouettes of 3 giraffes on the top of the slope. They looked like they were in discussion, whispering to one another, like conspiring how to scare the next vehicle that comes up that slope. =D

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

Zebra is crossing...

As you can see in the animal world, the designated "pedestrian" crossing is anywhere, anytime. Even if the animals have not started crossing when your vehicle is approaching, they would haphazardly run across the road when they see a vehicle approaching, without first looking right, left, right! =D However for this zebra, he saw the vehicle coming and took his own sweet time strolling across the road. =D

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

Keeping AN eye on Me!

Leopard was keeping a steely eye on me through the leaves while resting on this high acacia tree with his friend, err..I mean his half-eaten friend. That is actually a baby zebra, judging from the brown strips. Somehow leopards love to stay high on the trees... the 3 times I spotted leopards, they were resting on the tree branches! Very well-camouflaged. They certainly know where to look for a shady place to rest in the savanna. However, photographing them was difficult due to poor lighting. =P

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014)

Toys "R" Us giraffe! =)

Young Maasai Giraffes at Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (14 August 2014).

The Great Wildebeest Migration

A big implausibility of wildebeest migrating across the plains of Serengeti, Tanzania (14 August 2014), in search of water and grass.

Mother and baby black rhinos walking in the midst of the long golden grass of the savanna in Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (15 August 2014)

Run like the wind!

Wildebeest furiously running away from their predators, the lions in Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (15 August 2014).

Kicking up a storm!

Wildebeest kicking up dirt and dust as they made their escape from their predators, the lions in Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (15 August 2014).

Moving like a raging inferno...

The greatest show on earth, the wildebeest river crossing, was abandoned when three lions suddenly appeared (not pictured)! Our 10-hour wait by the Mara River for the river crossing that day was in vain. Instead we were treated to a show of a different kind, which is called "The Chase". I think that is just as spectacular as the river crossing itself. When one wildebeest runs, it is nothing. But when an implausibility of wildebeest run, THAT is something!

Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (15 August 2014)

Two Lions vs thousands of Wildebeest!

Treading the invisible line... Wildebeest were running as fast as they could past the 2 lions! It just take one look from the lions to keep them from crossing the invisible line.

Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (15 August 2014)

Going for the kill!

The wildebeest crossing of the Mara River was forgotten when the lions appeared!

Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (15 August 2014)

The African sunset experience

This is how I expected the African sunset to be... pinkish skies, a single acacia tree and zebras. Northern Serengeti, Tanzania (15 August 2014).

"We are Africa!"

After waiting 15 hours, including 10 hours the previous day, the wildebeest finally decided to cross the Mara River from Kenya back to Tanzania. As it was getting too sunny and hot, they could not take the heat anymore and decided to take the plunge.

Northern Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (16 August 2014)

How a hierarchical organisation is perceived...

To lift a funny quote that I once saw:
"When top level guys look down, they see only shitheads; When bottom level guys look up, they see only assholes." =D

White-backed vultures in Northern Serengeti, Tanzania (16 August 2014)

The harsh realities of daily life...

Many children in this part of the world do not have the luxury of an education. From an early age, they have to plow the fields with their oxen in the early mornings, and bring them to watering holes to drink and graze in the afternoons. Games to them are jumping down from the top of old termite mounds. Even basic things that we take for granted like a pair of slippers are luxuries to them... not everyone owns a pair... literally feeling the earth beneath their feet.

Taken from a moving vehicle in Northern Serengeti, Tanzania (17 August 2014)

Tall, taller, tallest! =)

The 3 Maasai Giraffes here demonstrate how one should eat according to one's height! =)

Central Serengeti National Park ,Tanzania (17 August 2014)

Elephant crossing!

Mama elephant's advice to baby elephant, "When crossing the road, just look straight ahead.". There was a herd of seven elephants including these two that crossed right in front of our vehicle. It was a bit scary when all seven headed in the direction of our vehicle, as if confronting us. But all they wanted to do was to get to the other side of the road. =)

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (17 August 2014)

Lilac-breasted rollers like to perch on treetops, so there is not much variation on the background besides the sky and a little detail of the trees they are standing on. Here is one ruffling his feathers a little under the overcast sky.

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (17 August 2014)

Red alert!

Impala on high alert mode in Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (17 August 2014)

Under the wide African skies...

This is early morning at the vast plains of the Central Serengeti, Tanzania (18 August 2014), with the sunlight streaming through the breaks in the clouds. No tall buildings or whatsoever to block my view of the wide wonderful sky! This photo was taken with my Samsung handphone Galaxy S5.

Courtesy Lion!

Ever seen a smiling lion? I don't mean those showing teeth kind of grin/laugh, but a bashful close-lipped smile. I was definitely surprised when I saw the lion smiling at me like that. =D

Central Serengeti, Tanzania (18 August 2014)

Infested with Tse Tse flies!

If I am a lion, my greatest enemy on earth would be the irritating, pesky, blood-sucking Tse Tse flies!! Look at this poor lioness.. she is being eaten alive by them!

Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (18 August 2014)

Heated look!

 "You watch me, I watch you!" king of the ant hill cheetah in Central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania (18 August 2014).