2008DaresSalaam
2008.06.25

My personal idea of the perfect way to relax is sitting under a tree in Africa enjoy the sunset, watch animals, drink a glass of beer or wine.
After a hectic start of the season it was time to enjoy a week holiday.
The plan was made long time ago, to go to Tanzania. Together with a pilot friend we booked a safari in Selous park in Tanzania. Selous itself has the size of the country Ireland. !!! 
A lovely flight from AMS to DAR in the cokpit of the KLM MD-11, a short stop in Kilimanjaro (yes we saw the vulcano by night) we continued to DAR. The first Tusker beer in the crew hotel tasted very (very) well. :-)
One day to acclimatize and visit the Mwenge market Coastal airlines took is to the bush.
A couple of ours after arrival and checking in in our tent we left for the first game drive. Game is the word for wild animals.
The camp is situated at the Rufiji river and very well placed. Pictures enough on this site.
It has been my 26th safari and again the feeling strikes me that less than 4 hrs after landing in Africa and going to the Bush, you completely unwind. Time is no longer important.
"This is Africa"
The camp offers 3 types of safaries. Boat safri, game drives by car and walking safari. The last one is without any doubt the most spectacular. Just by foot, leaving the camp, listening to the guides explanation en relying on the ranger. (Yes, he has a loaded rifle).

Our Masai friends woke us up at 04:00 because a Hippo came into the camp. A very exiting view to see this huge animal grazing at a location where you had dinner a couple of hrs before. These Masai warriors garded the camp every night. Also Hyena\'s came to the camp at night.
BTW these Masai are very original Masai, but, adapted to the new age. (I am one of the few Dutchmen who has a Masai mobile phone number in his phone list :-))
The Masai on my right shoulder (Metele) told us how he killed a Lion with his spear. Exiting stories.
Safari in Selous camp means that you will see hundreds of Hippo\'s and crocodiles. Swimming in the river is no option. "Snack time" is the proper word for it. You will survive less than 60 seconds before you end up as dish for a croc.
Temperatures in June are very nice. Day time around 25 degrees celcius and night time between 16 and 20. 

This is what is called the "African television", a much better program to watch than the avarage other stuff you see on TV ;-)
The next safari is already under construction. Now it is time to prepare for the air race in my home country The Netherlands. Rotterdam July 19 and 20.