We near the river just before sunset and here we see several elephants out enjoying a drink. To the left of us we see about 5 or 6 and then over the crest of a hill we see a herd of 20 or more in the distance. We can’t believe how close they come to us and at one point we’re actually surrounded. No need to use my camera zoom here. It was a heart stopping experience but for some reason I didn’t feel panic, which is amazing considering I’ve battled a life long phobia of horses! (My phobia of horses is another story.)


The river is a happening place, and we see lots of hippos semi-submerged in the fresh water. The hippopotamus is semi-aquatic inhabiting rivers and lakes where territorial bulls preside over a stretch of the river and groups of 5 to 30 females and with their young. During the day they remain cool by staying in the water or mud; reproduction and childbirth both occur in the water. They emerge at dusk to graze on grass. I was surprised to learn they are quite ferocious and when they come out of the water they have been known to attack. To me they looked so harmless. However they are truly huge and can weigh in at over 3 tons!

Before the day is done we see some Grant’s Gazelle. They look similar to the Thomson’s Gazelle but are considerably larger.

The last animal sighting we can add to our list today is the ultra fast Impala. They are able to leap distances of up to 33 feet. They use this technique to escape predators. Typically, a running impala will simply jump over anything in its path

Evening comes early in the Serengeti and by 6 PM the sun is setting as we end our long but wonderful day.

Yes ..you should add it to your list Jason.
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Looks like a wonderful experience, very jealous!
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just mind blowing. thanks or sharing!
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Thanks Andy.
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That is so awesome!
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It is quite an adventure.
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What a wonderful experience getting so close to the elephants! And yes, I have read that for us humans the hippo is the most dangerous mammal in Africa, not the lion as some might assume. But not the most dangerous animal – that accolade goes to the mosquito of course!
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Yes..mosquitoes are deadly…I donated to Red Cross to protect women living at Mosquito River with babies to provide mosquito nets ..
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Beautiful photo’s of these amazing animals! Tanzania is definitely on our list … whenever it’s possible again.
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Yes..it is a great place to visit..and perfect place to go on safari.
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You take such beautiful photos 🙂 This looks like it was an incredible trip 🙂
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I have twelve relatives who live in Tanzania – they love it.
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Have you been to Tanzania? It is an amazing place to see.
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The Thompson’s Gazelle is beautiful!
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Yes defiantly an amazing animal to see,
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Is this Serengeti? I love those animals. Glad that there are no lions around.
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Yes it is Serengeti.
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