Exploring Tanzania

Vintage Charm Meets Modern Africa: Exploring the New Arusha Farm House

Vintage charm and modern comfort: Arriving at the Main House, where our safari adventure begins.

In just a few days, Vicki and I will be back in the air, heading to Tanzania to welcome a new group of safarists. We’ll be meeting them at a place that has quickly become a favorite: the Arusha Farm House.

A Blend of Heritage and Modern Comfort

Perched on the scenic shoulders of Mt Meru, this four-star lodge is perfectly situated off the main road between Moshi and Arusha. It offers a captivating atmosphere where vintage African charm meets contemporary luxury. Whether you’re arriving for the first time or returning, the Main House provides a warm and welcoming reception.

Poolside Serenity: Recharging at the pool house before heading out on safari.

Exceptional Facilities & Growth

The site has recently expanded (2025) to offer a wider range of accommodations and services:

  • Diverse Lodging: Guests will discover single, double, or triple rooms, as well as private standalone bungalows.

  • Modern Amenities: All rooms feature in-room Wi-Fi, laundry services, and seasonal climate control (heating or air conditioning) for ultimate comfort.

  • Wellness & Recreation: Guests can now enjoy a dedicated spa and exercise room, or relax at the pool house and bar located right in the yard.

Dining Amongst the Trees

One of our favorite highlights from last year was the newly opened dining hall. We were among the first few groups to experience this stunning space, which opens directly onto the surrounding forest and offers breathtaking views of the natural wonders of Mt Meru.

Forest Flavors: Savoring locally-sourced meals in a dining room that brings the outside in.

The Heart of the Lodge: The Staff

As with all the lodges we partner with, the excellent staff is what truly sets the experience apart. From the warm greetings at reception to the nightly bonfire prepared in the pit behind the dining hall, every detail is handled with care.

After the long flight from the US, there is no better place to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead. We can’t wait to repeat the experience with our new team!.

Stories Under the Stars: The nightly bonfire—the heart of our evenings at the Farm House.

Vervet Monkeys: Africa’s Clever Primates & Human Mirror

Perched in quiet anticipation, the Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) is more than just a common face across sub-Saharan Africa. These clever primates are a mirror for humanity, captivating behavioral scientists with their familiar struggles. From the physical strain of hypertension to the complex social sting of spite and peer pressure—and even a notorious penchant for alcohol—they navigate a world of drama that looks strikingly like our own.

See vervets for yourself! Join our African Safari scheduled for June 3 - 13, 2027. Stay tuned for details.

Sparring partners

Headed back toTanzania next week! We’re timing our arrival perfectly for the Great Migration birthing season—a time of incredible renewal on the "endless plains" of the Serengeti National Park.

The action never stops. Check out these two Thomson’s gazelles sparring below! This ritualized fighting behavior is how they establish territory.

Want to join us on safari next year? Save the dates: June 3 - 13, 2027 and watch for future announcements.

Above the Clouds: The Final Push on Mt. Kilimanjaro

The summit of Kilimanjaro consists of volcanic scree, glacial ice, and thin air (8/8/2017).

In light of the approaching snowpocalypse, I thought a couple of pictures from Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania might be appropriate.

Reaching Stella Point: The Hardest Part is Over

The shot above was taken from the trail above Stella Point. Once the climber has reached Stella (18,885’), the really tough push is over. From here, with good timing, the sun breaks over the horizon to warm the blue and reveal gently undulating ridges. It’s just a hour’s stroll to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kili (19,341’).

Surviving the Cold: Summit Temperatures on Kilimanjaro

If your water-bottle isn’t riding in a sock and deeply buried in your coat, it will freeze solid. Average temperatures along these ridges swing from 20 degrees F to -20 degrees F. On a cold morning, with wind chill, it can feel like -35 degrees F. That’s cold. Brain-numbing cold.

Thinking of tackling “the Roof of Africa”? Wear your woolies.

to read more on Kilimanjaro

If you want to read more about Kilimanjaro (we’ve summited twice), scroll down the sidebar on the Bible Land Explorer website to “Mountaineering” or “Mt Kilimanjaro.”

Three numb dudes who will never forget the sunrise of August 8, 2017 (Jason Wilcoxon, MZ, and Tommy Baker).

Mark Your Calendars: Our 2027 Tanzania Safari Dates are Set!

Small Footprint, Large Experience

We just received confirmation of our safari dates for next year! June 3-13, 2027 we will be back in Tanzania, camping the great parks including Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Exact details and budget are still in the works, but should be ready soon.

If full-on adventure in the African backcountry is on your wish list, you’ll need to mark your calendars. Know that we rent Land Cruisers with limited seating in order to keep our footprint small and our experiences large.

Follow Our 2026 Crew

We are leaving in less than a month with this year’s expedition! If you want to see the "backcountry" experience in action, be sure to track our journey on Facebook and YouTube.

Teamwork in the Wild: The Wattled Starling and the Wildebeest

A Wattled Starling perches on the back of a wildebeest in the African savanna, demonstrating mutualism.

In the vast landscapes of the African savanna, few sights are as charming as the Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea) hitching a ride on the back of a wildebeest.

The starling pictured here lacks the distinctive black and yellow facial markings of a breeding male, suggesting it may be a non-breeding male or a female. Regardless of its status, this bird is on a mission.

The Science of a Free Ride

Starlings hang out with their "big friends" for one primary reason: food. As a wildebeest moves through the grass, its massive weight stirs up clouds of insects. Additionally, the wildebeest’s tough hide is often home to ectoparasites—such as ticks, mites, or fly larvae—which are a prized delicacy for the bird.

In exchange for a mobile buffet, the starling provides a cleaning service, removing pests that would otherwise irritate or harm the host.

Mutualistic Symbiosis: Why We Work Better in Teams

This relationship is a textbook example of mutualistic symbiosis, where both species benefit from the interaction. It’s a natural "win-win."

Beyond the biology, there is a proverbial lesson here. Just like the bird and the beast, we often find our greatest success when we lean into our unique roles to help one another. It’s a reminder of why we work better in teams:

  • Shared Goals: Both parties get what they need.

  • Unique Strengths: The wildebeest provides the platform; the starling provides the precision.

  • Efficiency: They accomplish more together than they ever could alone.

Either way, this bird is hungry, ready to help, and proof that teamwork is wired into the system.

Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV): “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Scavengers of Ngorongoro: Lessons on Energy and Renewal

A black-backed jackal and hooded vulture scavenging in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

The 10 Percent Rule: Nature’s Energy Budget and Psalm 104

Most of us understand the idea of the food chain in the natural world (this one eats that one and so on and so forth), but are you aware of the 10 percent rule?

In ecology, the 10 percent rule suggests that as energy is passed from producers (plants) to consumers (animals), the bulk of that energy—roughly 90%—is lost to life processes such as movement, heat production, reproduction, or waste. Only about 10 percent of energy is successfully transferred from one trophic level to the next.

This biological reality is why food chains remain short (usually capped at five levels) and why a healthy ecosystem requires a massive base of producers to support just a few top predators.

The Clean-Up Crew of the Ngorongoro Crater

The clean-up crew pictured above is a critical last stop for energy transfer in the Tanzanian grasslands. Scavengers and decomposers break down the last scraps of carcasses (often inedible to others) and release it back into soil. Plants absorb the nutrients from the soil and the cycle begins again (cue the “Circle of Life” tune from Disney’s Lion King).

Ecological Wisdom in Psalm 104

This system of the food chain is hinted at in Psalm 104. Contemplate these edible bits from vss 27-31:

“All creatures look to you to give the food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. . . When you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of YHWH endure forever; may YHWH rejoice in his works.”

In the biblical view, the death of one creature and its "return to the dust" is not a glitch in the system, but the very mechanism by which the Creator renews the face of the ground. The jackal and the vulture are not just scavengers; they are ministers of this renewal, ensuring that nothing is wasted and that the glory of the natural world endures.

Standing Tip-Toe: The Nimble World of Kirk’s Dik-dik

If you are out exploring in the bush of East Africa, keep your eyes low. You might just spot Kirk’s dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii), one of the world’s smallest and most endearing antelopes. Standing only about 18 inches tall, this tiny creature is a marvel of design.

The Science of "Toe Walking"

If you look closely at a dik-dik, you’ll notice it seems to stand permanently on tip-toe. This is a defining feature of ungulates (hoofed animals).

In this specialized foot structure, only the tips of the toes touch the ground, while the "heel" is located much further up the leg. To protect these contact points, a hard layer of keratin caps each toe, providing both strength and durability for rugged terrain.

The "Even-Toed" Advantage

Kirk’s dik-dik belongs to the Artiodactyla group, or "even-toed" ungulates. They possess two weight-bearing digits on each foot. This specific anatomy isn't just for show; it provides a distinct survival advantage:

  • Speed: Despite their size, they can sprint up to 26 mph.

  • Agility: Their foot structure allows them to "turn on a dime," making them difficult for predators to pin down.

  • Stability: This is why you might see a tiny antelope perched high on a jagged rock or a steep cliff face. They are built for the heights!

Don’t worry if you spot one of these tiny antelopes in a seemingly precarious position. Between their keratin-capped toes and their nimble weight distribution, they are perfectly at home on the edge.

Spotted in the Grass: The Elusive Serval Cat of Ngorongoro Crater

While on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, we were treated to a rare sight: a serval cat slinking through the tall grass

The serval (Leptailurus serval) is a long, lanky feline native to sub-Saharan Africa. At a glance, it might look like a large house cat, but its oddly small head and exceptionally long legs—the longest of any cat relative to its body size—set it apart as a specialized hunter.

The "Delicate Cat" by Name and Nature

"Serval" comes from the Portuguese lobo-cerval, meaning "lynx" or literally "wolf-deer" in reference to its deer-like frame.

A Tense Encounter on the Crater Floor

Spotted on the floor of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, this particular serval was a master of camouflage. We were able to observe its movements for a short while, but the peace didn't last long. A group of lions approached. The serval beat a hasty exit.

Standing on the Edge: The Breathtaking Rim of Ngorongoro Crater

There is nothing quite like the first time you stand on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. Looking out across the vast expanse, you realize you are standing on the edge of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.

In the foreground of this shot, you’ll notice a striking member of the aloe family—likely the Krantz Aloe (Aloe arborescens). These resilient plants frame the dramatic view of the crater floor 2,000 feet below.

The Descent to Lake Magadi

Far in the distance, shimmering on the crater floor, you can make out the outline of Lake Magadi. This shallow, alkaline body of water is a focal point for wildlife, often attracting vast flocks of flamingos that tint the shoreline pink.

Getting from the rim to that water is an adventure in itself. The steep drop is navigated via a white-knuckle switchback road in a 4-wheel drive vehicle—a breathtaking (and bumpy!) experience that truly puts the scale of the caldera into perspective.

A Natural Wonder of Tanzania

I shot these images during my first visit to the region back in 2017, and the sense of awe hasn't faded. Whether you are interested in the geology of the caldera or the unique African flora clinging to the rim, Ngorongoro remains one of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet.

Spotted Hyena

Spotted Hyena calls in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

"Whoo-whoop, cackle-cackle" cries the Spotted Hyena.

These sounds are more than just noise; they are a part of a complex language. The “whoop” is a long distance call that can carry over three miles. Hyenas advertise territory or call to member of the clan.

The "cackle," often mistaken for laughter, is actually a signal of social excitement or submission.

With Christmas in the rearview mirror, our minds are drifting back to the savanna. While our February 2026 Serengeti excursion is officially full, the adventure doesn't stop there.

Why Plan for 2027 Now? The Serengeti is a world-class destination where the best lodges and most knowledgeable guides are often reserved 12–18 months in advance.

  • The Experience: Witness the Great Migration, track the "Big Five," and listen to the nighttime symphony of the African bush.

Isn’t it time for you to experience one of the last great wild places on earth? Email biblelandexplorer@gmail.com to be put on our interest/wait list.

Nomadic, sortof

A "facultative nomad" is a creature that lives a settled life when it can, but moves around when required. The phrase may be applied to birds, bugs, or even people.

The description fits the Yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis) of sub-Saharan Africa. This big bird is found around water, particularly in wetlands and mudflats. Because of their wading and feeding tactics, Yellowbills avoid deep water. As long as food is plentiful they hang out. Larger patterns of migration remain unstudied and unclear.

I spotted this gang lingering in some reeds in northwest Tanzania.

Wander over to Africa and safari with us. Our 2026 offerings are full, but we are angling for 2027.

Brain to Body Ratio? Hmmmm.

Brain to body ratio.

While not at the bottom of this category, the ostrich is close. Its 1.5 ounce brain steers a 250 pound bird.

What animal is at the bottom of this list? No one is sure, but answers swerve between the Bony-eared Assfish and the American politician. (I threw this detail in because I simply wanted to type the word assfish a second time).

As Job 39:17 reminds us "God did not endow her with wisdom or give her a share of good sense" (the ostrich, that is).

Here's a big male from the Tanzanian grasslands.

Safari with us and see a silly ostrich for yourself.

Tear Lines

Tear lines give the cheetah a distinctive and adorable face. These marks are dark (in contrast to the tawny fur of this fast feline) and connect the corner of the eye to the mouth. But they are not just for looks.

Specialists refer to these lines as malar stripes. Malar is Latin for "cheek." It is believed that these lines reduce glare (like the lines that football players put under their eyes) and help cheetahs and falcons and other tear-lined creatures spot and pursue prey.

We found this cheetah and (heard her) cubs in the central Serengeti.

If spotting a fast feline in the wild sounds fun to you, join us on an African safari.

The Welcoming Tree

The Boundary Hill Gate is the point of entrance for most safarists to the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. Growing by the gate is this remarkable baobab, an iconic specimen of the African landscape. It is at least a thousand years old.

Some call the baobab "upside down." If you squint your eyes, you can pretend its branches are its roots.

Others call the baobab the "tree of life," probably because of its longevity and the volume of water stored in its trunk. Elephants eat the spongy bark for moisture.

Tarangire Park is famous for its high density of baobobs and elephants. Join us on safari and see for yourself.

Bullet-proof

Stopping on the edge a hippo pool in the African savannah produces two responses. The first is amazement, especially if there is a group of fifty or more individuals (appropriately called a bloat). They splash, fuss, grunt, and poop. The second response > revulsion > is born of this last action. “Eww! What’s that smell?” someone gasps. We watch in horror as fecal matter is flung from hippo tails rotating like windshield wipers. I respond, “Serengeti perfume.”

Hippos are big. They eat a lot. They also poop a lot. And don’t mind wallering in it.

It is said that hippos don’t digest well. Maybe. But with all that bacteria in the water, their true super-power must be a bullet-proof immune system.