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.

Lappet-faced

It’s almost noble.

When it comes to clothing, a lappet is a fancy fold. It's often seen as a drape in a scarf or head covering.

Check out the folds of skin on the head of this large scavenger. Now you know why it is called a Lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos). Fancy-schmancy!

This is Africa's largest vulture. The wingspan of a fully-grown individual can reach 8 or 9 feet!

Unfortunately, this member of the clean up crew is also endangered. Habitat destruction, nest destruction, and pesticide ingestion are problematic. One estimate suggests only 6,500 of these (almost) noble birds survive today. That's a problem.

See a Lappet-faced vulture for yourself. Safari with us in 2026.

Sneaky Drongo

Kleptoparasite.

That's a word you don't hear everyday. It is used to describe a creature that steals food from another. It appropriately describes the behavior of the Fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), an African bird that mimics the calls of predators. This false alarm is startling and makes it possible for the drongo to steal dropped food.

We used to do the same sort of thing in Junior High.

(See a sneaky drongo for yourself next year on an African safari!)

Red-faced

Have you ever wondered why some birds have featherless skin around their faces? This feature serves several purposes. First it is hygienic (and easier to keep clean). This is useful for carrion-eaters (like vultures) or wader-hunters like this yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis). Second, it communicates. When it is ready to breed, the facial skin of this stork turns deeper red, the color of the yellow bill intensifies, the legs turn bright pink, and even the feathers gain a pinkish tinge. Third, and finally, featherless skin helps dissipate heat. I'm not sure that's a big deal with stork faces (!), but it has been noted as a factor with their legs.

All in all, it's a brilliant design.

The yellow-billed stork is commonly found in East Africa. I photographed this one in Tanzania.

If you want to see a yellow-billed stork for yourself, join us next year on safari!

Stuck in the Mud

Yes, that is us stuck in the mud. And yes, the wildebeests in the distance are a part of "the Great Migration."

Fortunately, we found one friend to pull us out and another to celebrate our predicament with a photograph. Our driver, Emmanuel, suffered a few chuckles.

I helped by providing keen analysis from the side window.

Our Knobby Tyres

The success of our African safaris rests on knobby tires and good wheelmen.

Safari Food

Discover fabulous eats on an African safari!

What is Glamping Anyway?

Glamping should never be confused with camping. We glamp on safari in the Serengeti.

Hunting Lions

An New Old Game

The young men in the camp teach us a new old game.

Come to Africa!

The Great Migration is the largest seasonal movement of land animals on the planet. Pursuing this odyssey is our goal in 2024.

Quite the Welcome Party

We arrive in the Serengeti and are greeted by a pride of lions.

Is it a Pilgrimage or a Safari?

What's the difference between a pilgrimage and a safari?

The Crew Arrives

We meet our crew, pack the gear, and head out of the city.