Wry Smile

The eland smiles. Does he know a secret?

The eland is the largest member of the antelope family. It is also the slowest. Because of its size and nature, it can be domesticated by humans (just remember, it is still an antelope, a fence jumping specialist!).

Under spiral horns are the eland's "liquid eyes." These are adorned with long lashes. Such observations flow into the whispered conversation as we sit in our jeep and watch these docile creatures munch Serengeti grasses.

(Note the oxpecker on his back.)

Our safari work continues to attract special travelers. Because of this we have scheduled another return to Tanzania. This one is scheduled for late February, 2027. Reserve your seats now. They too will disappear.

Impala with Oxpeckers

This stately antelope (Aepyceros melampus) is a crowd-favorite. Impalas have a glossy coat of cinnamon and cream and a white belly. Black hairs ring the eyes, tip the ears, head, and feet, and form a distinctive "M"-shape on the buttocks ("Mmmmmm," says the carnivores! "Mmm-pala.").

Running down an impala is no easy task. They can sprint upwards of 55 mph, cut sharply, and leap 10 feet high and 30 feet forward.

Two oxpeckers rest on this female. These birds pick at parasites and wounds on her skin.