The first day of real safari

We went to Tarangire Park for our first day of safari. As it was the start of our adventure every thing was new and we had a lot to learn. The highlights of the day include the black face or vervet monkey known by most viewers as the blueballed monkey for its stunningly sky blue testicles. The vervet is also known by picnickers as a pesky food thief. We quickly learned to trust our guide (Humphrey) when he suggested we eat by him and guard our food.

We chose our table for its scenic view of the river. As soon as we set the lunch boxes on the table one of the monkeys screamed at us and took a sandwich. Though we were able to chase it away there were more coming. Unable to eat our lunches in peace, we made a hasty retreat to Humphrey and then were able to eat in peace. Since this encounter mom has not been able to forgive the monkeys and views every vervet with enmity.

Not long after lunch we aggravated some elephants and heard the warning trumpet of an elephant. Fortunately, we did not witness the charge that occasionally follows. Even in a large safari vehicle the elephant was intimidating. It is easy to imagine the elephant knocking the vehicle over, and after seeing the toppled and torn trees I would be surprised to find that a window offers significant protection from an elephant's tusk (see picture). We spent the night in some nice cabins and enjoyed a little of my banana wine.