Next up on our East African Adventure was a completely different landscape and experience. We would be staying at Legendary Expeditions’ Mwiba Tented Lodge which is located on a Wildlife Reserve. This meant we could enjoy our game viewing both on foot, walking among the more than thirty natural springs found on the reserve, and in open safari vehicles that are able to drive off-road to get up close to sightings. We took a walk to a game viewing blind overlooking a waterhole where the birdwatching was spectacular.
The beauty of Mwiba – different than Serengeti National Park – is more what we think of as a ‘bush’ look – acacia trees, open plains, rocky outcrops and natural springs). The pace was a bit more relaxed, and we found some incredible settings for sundowners. Again, the service, food, guiding and accommodations were top-notch.
Hard at work to protect and preserve wildlife and land in Tanzania is the Friedkin Conservation Fund. You can read more about their work here: http://www.friedkinfund.org/about
By far the highlight of our three days at Mwiba was our visit to meet some of the Mang’ati people who live nearby. I’ll let the pictures tell the story…
The view from campCandelabra tree in the African savanna. The branches are cactus-like and contain a white sap that is very poisonous.Our tent bedroom at the Mwiba camp in the southern Serengeti.
Game viewing blind
If I stand very still, do I look like an acacia tree?Sundowner time!When on safari, gin and tonics are a must!Lots of different landscape looks around MwibaThe savanna at Mwiba was beautifully rough and wild looking.The house of a Mang’ati witch doctor. One of the more expansive houses.Not exactly a Tempur-Pedic mattress.A rare glimpse at the elusive bare-legged tree-climbing homo sapien.
A young warrior from the Mang’ati tribe.This Mang’ati tribesman was very interested in Mark’s camera.These Mang’ati tribesmen giving archery lessons.Mang’ati musicians/dancers.Mang’ati women dancers.Mang’ati preteens jumping/dancing; notice their perpendicular feet and identical height off the ground. Try it – it’s not as easy as it looks.Our good friend, VerNeil, in a moment of joy with young Mang’ati men.Mang’ati women who sold us hand-made necklaces.Shauna makes a gift of her bracelet to an elder Mang’ati women.Modernity meets traditional.Our good friend, Reneé, connecting with Mang’ati children.Mama-baby sweetnessWhat a beautiful face!!Group picture with members of the local Mang’ati tribe.Sunset at the Mwiba camp.
