Arusha National Park

Last weekend we visited Arusha National Park. It is the closest National Park to where we are currently living. It is uncrowded and unspoiled with tremendous natural beauty. It surrounds the base of Mount Meru and is known for its families of Giraffe that roam freely. There are no large game such as lions and rhino but there are elephants who inhabit the lower slopes of Meru. We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the elephants on our morning hike but they are quite far into the jungle at present due to the abundant rains. There is no need for them to venture out to find water holes out in the open. There are plenty of Africa Cape water buffalo and Zebra as well as hyena, large families of wart hogs (with babies) and plenty of wonderful birds. We also came across some families of blue monkey and babooons as we passed through the forested areas. They put on quite a show. We shared a magical night with our travel companions, our fellow caravaners: Tom Kaul (Kingston ER resident), Carene Davey (HIV drug rep from Toronto), Patrick Faloon (Chiropractor from Ottawa), Carolyn Showler (HIV nurse from Victoria BC). We sayed at Momella Lodge known historically for the filming of John Wayne's 'Hatari'. The lodge was built in the 1940's and consists of quaint cottages that sit at the base of Mount Meru. We sat out on our porch after dinner and watched the water buffalo graze on the lawn right in front. The sound of their chomping was quite incredible. It was a full moon that night and the moon lit up Mount Kilimanjaro like a parking lot. We could even see the flashing light of hikers summiting and camping near its peak. It was lit up until the wee hours of the morning. Quite a magical night and a great way to relax after a crazy week. I have to say that this group of people were quite an amazing bunch of human beings. I think the bonding process was helped by the fact that all 9 of us were living in our little house for the 2 weeks during the 2nd caravan but I really must say that they were each incredible people who had a lot to offer. They were especially good to my kids...who I think are now missing them terribly. The next morning the giraffes were grazing just outside the lodge fence line. Mount Meru looked beautiful in the morning mist (see picture of the kids and I).
While hiking on Mount Meru we got really close to the giraffes but, I think Jack found the game warden's rifle more interesting. Kili was clear that morning and the view was spectacular. It really looks huge when you are not living at the base of it as we are in Kilema. I can't believe Roman has convinced me to try to climb it with him at the end of our stay....he says that if I can get him to move to Africa for 4 months then the least I can do is climb the mountain with him...fair trade? I'm not so sure!