A2A Safaris - birdshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/birdsenRubondo Island National Park in pictureshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rubondo-island-national-park-pictures<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4 style="text-align:left;">By Ryan Green</h4>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3679-edit.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1887" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3679-edit.jpg?w=592&h=237" alt="IMG_3679-Edit" width="592" height="237" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;">Although this magical island in Lake Victoria doesn’t have the teeming herds and ravenous predators found just to the north on the fabled plains of the Serengeti, it has a wealth of biodiversity to discover. In the company of a remarkable guide like Habibu Kissio and his acolyte Elisante, the secrets of the water, forests and skies are revealed.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3556.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1883" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3556.jpg?w=611&h=462" alt="IMG_3556" width="611" height="462" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;">Taking a walk into the forest is like entering another world that lives in the verdant shadow of the canopy.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3539.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1880" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3539.jpg?w=469&h=620" alt="IMG_3539" width="469" height="620" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;">Giant trees fighting for sunlight in a slow-motion battle are forced to grow buttresses to support themselves in the shallow, loamy soil.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3541.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1881 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3541.jpg?w=483&h=640" alt="IMG_3541" width="483" height="640" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;">Strangler vines use their hosts to reach the sun, eventually smothering them.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3521.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1878 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3516.jpg?w=462&h=659" alt="IMG_3516" width="462" height="659" /><img class="alignnone wp-image-1879" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3521.jpg?w=329&h=218" alt="IMG_3521" width="329" height="218" /></a> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3495.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1876" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3495.jpg?w=300&h=215" alt="IMG_3495" width="300" height="215" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;">If you look closely enough, the forest is full of life and colour, from beetles to emperor moth caterpillars and millipedes.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3672.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1885 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3672.jpg?w=494&h=374" alt="IMG_3672" width="494" height="374" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3509.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-1877 aligncenter" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3509.jpg?w=499&h=725" alt="IMG_3509" width="499" height="725" /></a></p>
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</p><p style="text-align:center;">When cut correctly, the water vine releases pure, cool water.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3674.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1886" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3674.jpg?w=516&h=252" alt="IMG_3674" width="516" height="252" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Venturing out of the forest and onto the lake, another world of life is revealed.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8079.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1891" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8079.jpg?w=522&h=349" alt="LF6F8079" width="522" height="349" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A leviathan slips off Croc Island.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8092.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1892" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8092.jpg?w=526&h=349" alt="LF6F8092" width="526" height="349" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Cormorants below a moody sky.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8098.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1893" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8098.jpg?w=534&h=355" alt="LF6F8098" width="534" height="355" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">An Open-Billed Stork dries its wings, flanked by an egret and cormorants.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8110.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1894" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8110.jpg?w=482&h=534" alt="LF6F8110" width="482" height="534" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A tiny crocodile rests in the shoreline vegetation.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8134.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1895" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8134.jpg?w=495&h=688" alt="LF6F8134" width="495" height="688" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Small islands become heronries teeming with activity.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8160.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1896" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/lf6f8160.jpg?w=501&h=341" alt="LF6F8160" width="501" height="341" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A magnificent Palmnut Vulture.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3703.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1888" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3703.jpg?w=330&h=210" alt="IMG_3703" width="330" height="210" /></a> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3551.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1882" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3551.jpg?w=280&h=210" alt="IMG_3551" width="280" height="210" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Expert guide Habibu Kissio is equally comfortable on land and water.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3717.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1889" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3717.jpg?w=505&h=345" alt="IMG_3717" width="505" height="345" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The local bushbuck are unconcerned by human presence.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3611.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1884" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/img_3611.jpg?w=587&h=444" alt="IMG_3611" width="587" height="444" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">With its easy, laid-back charm and gentle atmosphere, Rubondo is a place that revitalises, while still retaining the spirit of discovery and adventure.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1874&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/photography" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Photography</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/africa" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Africa</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/fishing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fishing</a></div></div>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 08:13:54 +0000Anonymous1115 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rubondo-island-national-park-pictures#commentsA Magic spell on Rubondo Islandhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-magic-spell-rubondo-island<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h4>By Eric Frank</h4>
<p>Rubondo Island National Park is an example of the foresight and visionary genius of late President Julius Nyerere — the man who led Tanzania to independence and onwards to become one of Africa’s leading conservation economies. Nyerere’s commitment to preserving the nation’s natural heritage is evident in the splendour of the country’s national parks and also in the preservation of the enormous natural wealth that lies above and below the waters of Lake Victoria — Rubondo Island National Park. The flight between Mwanza and Rubondo Island is approximately 25 minutes and in that time one can only marvel at the vast expanse of water and many islands that pass below the aircraft’s wings.</p>
<p>Sitting in front with the pilot is a must when you come in to land on the island. The approach to the airstrip, which looks like an extended cricket pitch carved out of the jungle, is over the lake and the touchdown is an unexpected jolt that leaves you wondering if you have just had a near death experience. Isn’t this just what you would expect when setting off on an adventure into the unknown?</p>
<p>Habibu Kissio—the senior guide at Asilia’s Rubondo Island Camp is at the airstrip to meet my wife, Tertia and myself and after a glass of chilled bubbles we leave for the camp that is only a few minutes away. The rocky road winds through a dense, dark forest that is constantly cut back to prevent it from taking over the road. In a shaft of light that breaks through the forest canopy we see a bushbuck ewe lift her head to watch us pass. On arrival at the camp we are met by Henk and Janine the camp’s managers, and shown to our chalet.</p>
<p>The large bedroom looks out over what appears to be a well-manicured lawn and then onto the shimmering surface of Lake Victoria. A small dhow and motorboat sway gently at their moorings and the water lapping at the shore sounds like we’re at the seaside. The only difference is that each wave looks and sounds exactly the same as the previous one. As we are escorted back to the chalet after dinner that night we discover that the team that keep the lawn trimmed weigh in at about a ton each, grunt continuously and have a reputation for killing more humans than any other animal on the planet. Fortunately they ignore us and we slip into the room as quickly as we can.</p>
<p>A golden peach-coloured sunrise introduces the new day. And it’s magnificent. The lake is flat and glassy—perfect for a cruise to get a closer look at Rubondo’s famous birdlife and crocodiles. Habibu meets us at the beach after breakfast. He introduces us to Deus the skipper of the boat. Deus is a rehabilitated poacher and therefore knows the waters around Rubondo Island intimately. Habibu tells us we are heading off to a bay where many species of birds gather and en route we’ll stop off at Crocodile Island. As we approach this nondescript rocky outcrop, some distance from the shore, the mother of all crocs oozes itself into the water, heads towards us and then quietly disappears under the surface. Tertia immediately moves towards the middle of the boat and I imagine she is thinking that falling overboard at that moment would dramatically cut short any plans she had for the future. The thought of it makes me shiver and I squeeze her hand reassuringly. The crocodiles virtually lie on top of each other and I can find no rational reason why so many should gather on this barren pile of rocks so far from the shore. Judging by their leering looks and toothy smiles, I speculate that they come here to hang out, soak up the sun and look as disgustingly evil as they possibly can.</p>
<p>Some time later, as we slowly cruise along the shoreline, I am amazed at the diversity and amount of birds we see. Egrets are by far in the majority, but we also see African Darters, Open Billed Storks, Kingfishers, Fish Eagles and some migrating European Bee Eaters that have stopped over on the island to rest. Habibu is an excellent guide. Both Tertia and I only have a rudimentary knowledge of birds and he succeeds brilliantly in getting us interested in learning more about them. I am particularly fascinated to learn that the male fish eagle is smaller than the female and that his call is more hysterical and high-pitched. In no time I can able to identify which is which by ear.</p>
<p>Before coming to the island I was asked to photograph the Camp’s new tree house that was soon due to be launched in the media. The cherry on top was that Tertia and I would also be the first guests to spend a night there. Getting to the tree house is easy. You simply walk to the end of the beach and follow a path that takes you to a wooden walkway. The walkway leads you up a gentle slope along the side of a hill and onto a wooden deck with safety railings and a generous canvas canopy. A king-size bed draped with a silky mosquito net holds centre-stage and the surrounding views of the forest canopy and Lake Victoria are exquisite. A woven wooden screen, that also serves as a headboard, separates the en-suite bathroom and flush toilet from the sleeping area. The bathtub is a showstopper. Made entirely out of gleaming copper, it looks as if it could have been created for the likes of Lady Gaga. Set against a wall of hand-packed rocks, the bathroom area seamlessly merges with the surrounding hillside environment. Hot and cold water can be accessed via a showerhead as big as a soup plate or vintage brass taps. As the sun sets I manage to photograph as much of the tree house as I can. In doing so I realise that a photograph will never do justice to this fantastical out-of this-world place. Then dinner arrives, with chilled sparkling wine, a full moon and a symphony of night sounds. In the very early hours of the morning I wake up to the sounds of branches breaking nearby. Elephants? Before I know the answer I drift off to sleep again.</p>
<p>My father was a keen sport fisherman and his love for things piscatorial lives on in me. Therefore, it goes without saying, that the thought of catching one of Rubondo Island’s monster-sized Nile Perch was high on my agenda for this trip. Once again Habibu, Deus and I set off, this time for Rubondo’s renowned fishing grounds. The most common technique for catching Nile Perch is to troll large colourful lures, normally used to catch tuna, about 20 metres behind the boat as it cruises at a slow speed. In no time the rod next to me bucks and bends. As I strike and set the hook, Deus cuts the engine. Unfortunately, the action is short-lived and the fish throws the lure and joins the legions of other fish I have failed to land successfully. Some time passed before we caught two reasonably sized fish in quick succession and released them back into the water. Then things went quiet, very quiet. The rolling of the boat, the reassuring rumble of the motor and the sun on my back conspired to lull me into a state of semi-conscious slumber. Suddenly Habibu shouted “fish!” I snapped upright and grabbed the bending rod. This time there was real weight at the end of the line and it didn’t budge. I turned to Habibu and suggested we had snagged a rock or a submerged tree. He half-smiled and in his quiet, soft-spoken manner reassured me it was a fish. Then all hell happened at once, the rod nearly leapt out of my hands and line peeled off the reel at a blistering pace. “Fish my arse,” I yelped. “It’s a bloody battle tank!” Bringing the fish to the boat took time and when I eventually caught sight of it I gasped. It was monstrous! With a lot of effort we hauled it onto the boat where it was measured. I asked Deus and Habibu to hold it so that I could take a photograph. It is probably the best bad picture I have ever taken because I simply couldn’t get back far enough to fit all the stars of the show into the frame. (Habibu my friend, I sincerely apologise for cutting off the top of your head). We then released the fish back into the water and I did the first thing real men do under such circumstances —I had a beer!</p>
<p>Supplies destined for Rubondo Island Camp are delivered weekly in Muganza the nearest mainland town to the island. These are then fetched by boat and brought back to the camp. Asilia owns a vegetable garden in Muganza and a local gardener grows fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits for the camp’s kitchen. Tertia and I decide to join Michelle Attala on an excursion to the garden and, because Saturday is market day in the town, we’ll explore that too. The boat ride is relatively short and we’re there in no time. The vegetable garden is larger than I imagined and the soil is dark and rich. Despite the fact that most of the crops are not ripe and ready to be harvested we still manage to collect tomatoes, lettuce, parsley and rocket. The Saturday market however is an entirely different experience. It appears that few foreigners visit Muganza and Tertia, who shows more than a passing interest in purchasing some wax print fabrics, is a hit with the fabric stall owners. Shopping in an African market takes decisiveness. If you show uncertainty you will be bombarded with a host of new options to buy and your entire purchasing strategy falls apart. On occasions when this happens, Tertia suddenly (and very dramatically) asks me what I think. This draws the attention of the stall owners onto me. While I ponder, fuss and compare the merchandise she uses the time to make up her mind. Finally we leave the market with two lengths of fabric and head back to the boat. It is our last day on Rubondo Island and tomorrow Tertia flies home and I leave for Olakira Camp in the northern Serengeti.</p>
<p>We spent a magical week at Rubondo Island Camp. The location and accommodation is perfect for exploring the island and the management and staff are warm, welcoming and helpful. Rubondo Island National Park covers an area of 457 km² (including the main island, surrounding water and 11 small islets). 85% of the island is covered by dense forest and the balance comprises of savannah, papyrus swamps and open woodland. Wildlife includes elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, sitatunga, bushbuck, suni, wild chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys and over 200 species of birds.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/untitled.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1838" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/untitled.png?w=547&h=282" alt="Untitled" width="547" height="282" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">A one-ton lawnmower and manure spreader</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/darter.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1829" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/darter.png?w=544&h=323" alt="darter" width="544" height="323" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> The African Darter (a rare visitor to Rubondo Island)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"> <a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/sunrise.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1836" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/sunrise.png?w=546&h=204" alt="sunrise" width="546" height="204" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Early morning view of Lake Victoria from our bedroom</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/chalets.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1827" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/chalets.png?w=542&h=305" alt="chalets" width="542" height="305" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Rubondo Island Camp Accommodation</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bee-eaters.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1826" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bee-eaters.png?w=552&h=390" alt="Bee eaters" width="552" height="390" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">European Bee Eaters</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fisheagle.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1831" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fisheagle.png?w=552&h=298" alt="fisheagle" width="552" height="298" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Heroic Fish Eagle</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/stork.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1835" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/stork.png?w=554&h=436" alt="Stork" width="554" height="436" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The amazing Open Billed Stork (the gap in his beak helps him crush freshwater mussels)</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/croc.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1828" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/croc.png?w=557&h=256" alt="croc" width="557" height="256" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Butter couldn’t melt in that mouth</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/perch.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1834" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/perch.png?w=550&h=371" alt="Perch" width="550" height="371" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Habibu, Deus and the Battle Tank</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tree-house.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1837" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/tree-house.png?w=558&h=352" alt="tree house" width="558" height="352" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The Tree House bedroom</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bath.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1825" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/bath.png?w=399&h=494" alt="bath" width="399" height="494" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The Tree House en-suite bathroom and tub</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/muganza.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1833" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/muganza.png?w=402&h=491" alt="Muganza" width="402" height="491" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Muganza photographic studio</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fabric.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1830" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/fabric.png?w=416&h=307" alt="fabric" width="416" height="307" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">Fabric emporium</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/garden.png"><img class="alignnone wp-image-1842" src="https://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/garden.png?w=435&h=289" alt="Garden" width="435" height="289" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">The Asilia Vegetable garden</p>
<p><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1823&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/fishing" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fishing</a></div></div>Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:22:48 +0000Anonymous1012 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-magic-spell-rubondo-island#commentsImpressions of Namiri Plains and Rubondo Islandhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/impressions-namiri-plains-and-rubondo-island<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>By Judith Rosink, Asilia Sales Manager, East Africa</h3>
<p>Judith Rosink has just returned from a whirlwind tour of some of our Tanzanian camps, and here she shares her impressions of Namiri Plains and Rubondo Island with us.</p>
<p>On the 31<sup>st</sup> of July I left Arusha Airport with Coastal Aviation to Seronera Airstrip in Central Serengeti. Upon arrival, Hamza (my very experienced driver/guide) picked me up and my adventure began. After approximately 45 minutes we left the Seronera area and entered the Namiri Plains. Having visited almost every corner of Serengeti in the past couple of years, Namiri Plains is totally different — we saw no other safari vehicles and felt like we were the only 2 people on Earth! All of a sudden we saw three cheetahs close to the dirt road, relaxing after they had consumed their freshly caught prey! We could not really identify what they had killed but it looked like an impala. I was overwhelmed, since I had never encountered 3 cheetah at the same time on any safari I had been on before. It had been high on my wish list, so Hamza could do no wrong after this!</p>
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<p><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/cheetah.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1777" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/cheetah.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="cheetah" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/cheetah2.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1779 alignnone" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/cheetah2.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="cheetah2" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>We then proceeded to the camp, which was about another 5 kilometres away. The camp has a unique location and since I prefer the real “Out of Africa” feeling above being in a crowd, I felt absolutely at home. I only went to my tent for a couple of minutes because, for me it is a waste of time to be indoors when there is so much to see outside. So I went to sit at the outside lounge area and simply enjoyed the beautiful view. Not far from where I sat I saw buffalo, giraffe, impala and many different bird species.</p>
<p>Before dinner a nice, so-called “bush television,” was set up for us around a campfire. Two honeymoon couples, a family of four and I exchanged many entertaining stories and I hadn’t laughed as much in years. Both Epimak (camp manager) and Blessed (head guide) told us about the beautiful area we were sitting in and we marvelled at their vast knowledge of the environment and the wildlife.</p>
<p>Afterwards dinner was served at a shared table and, I must say, with each course the chef Emanuelle had our taste buds dancing with delight. In no time at all our plates were empty.</p>
<p>The next morning I woke up early to enjoy the sunrise and then Hamza and I had to leave because I needed to catch a plane and he still wanted to show me around. While driving around the <em>kopjes</em> we spotted a group of seven young male lions lounging about after their breakfast. We continued towards the airstrip and the last surprise we encountered was a big herd of elephants just roaming around and feeling completely comfortable with our presence!</p>
<p>At 14h00 it was time to say goodbye and to take off to my next adventure, Rubondo Island.</p>
<p>Well, what can I say about Rubondo Island? I didn’t know what to expect since the only islands I knew were the cold ones in the Netherlands. The flew over the amazing Lake Victoria and suddenly this little island popped up and on the edge of it there was an airstrip that turned out to be my destination. Once we landed and I had both feet on the ground I truly could not believe my eyes — normally I always know how to speak out loud (part of my job I guess!) but I was completely speechless, struck by the beauty I saw around me. After a very nice welcome at the airstrip by guides Habibu and Elisante, complete with snacks and sparkling wine, (there were two other couples who arrived at the same time) we stepped into the Land Rover for the ten-minute drive to Rubondo Island Camp. We drove through some thick forest and after not even two minutes we spotted our first animal — a sitatunga, a small fluffy antelope that I have never seen before.</p>
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<p><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-airstrip.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1782 alignleft" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-airstrip.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo airstrip" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-chalet.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1786 alignnone" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-chalet.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo chalet" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-pool.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1789 alignleft" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-pool.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo pool" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo1.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1790 alignnone" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo1.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo1" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>Upon arrival, Henk and Janine were waiting for us and we were warmly welcomed. We were brought to our rooms and again, as I do not have anything to do with rooms apart from sleeping in them, I went to explore the area. Vervet monkeys were jumping around all over the place, a lot of birds flew around the forest looming over a beautiful sandy beach. After that we went to have a drink together with the other guests at the fire, which was set up at the beach where we enjoyed refreshing drinks and delicious spicy bites. Dinner was served at a communal table and the food was excellent — I live in Arusha and believe me, there are maybe only one or two restaurants in town that serve the same high standard of food!</p>
<p>Since the weather is totally unpredictable on the island, activities offered can only be arranged on the moment. The next morning I did a guided forest walk together with Habibu and two other guests. Since there are elephants around, we had to be escorted by an armed guide of TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks). First we had to drive approximately 15 minutes until we reached the Mamba Track. The forest was thick, so it was difficult to clearly spot all the birds we heard singing, but on the ground we saw beautiful bushes and trees and the smell of the blossoming wild coffee plants stayed in my nose the rest of the day. After 1.5 hours of walking and exploring every leaf, seed, flower and bug we met on our way, we saw our first chimp nest. You could see it was a couple of days old but there were many of them, and a hundred meters further along there was a fresh (very green) one which must have been built just the day before. Habibu explained to us that it must have been a big male who had built this, as it was not very high up in the tree, and females tend to build at higher altitude to be able to protect their youngsters. The chimps normally used to be further away in the forest, Habibu explained, but in the last couple of weeks they had been in the area where we now were more often, so this is very promising. He thinks that the permanent water in the area is attracting them and that it should not be too difficult to habituate them to humans in due course.</p>
<p>After four hours, we sadly had to return to camp, as the other guests did not want to continue. I could have spent the whole day in the forest! However, later on I would have regretted it if I had stayed, because after lunch we went out fishing! Captain and Elisante took four of us out on the lake in the camp’s well-equipped speedboat and after only 10 minutes we already caught a massive Nile perch! We are not pros, so a 10 kg fish is pretty big! Within half an hour three more were caught and it was very special to hold one for the camera.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-birds.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1784 alignleft" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-birds.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo birds" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-beach.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1783 alignnone" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-beach.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo beach" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-fishing.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1788 alignleft" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-fishing.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo fishing" width="300" height="200" /></a> <a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-boat.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1785 alignnone" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/rubondo-boat.jpg?w=300&h=200" alt="rubondo boat" width="300" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>We also saw fish eagles, herons and many other aquatic bird species.</p>
<p>Refreshments and snacks were served on board, and it was a fantastic, fun-filled experience for all.</p>
<p>The next day I had to wake up early because there is only one flight per day from the island and it leaves at 07h30. As I said goodbye, I knew in my heart that I would have loved to stay on Rubondo Island longer.</p>
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<p><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1776&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags" rel="dc:subject"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div>Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:13:19 +0000Anonymous977 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/impressions-namiri-plains-and-rubondo-island#commentsBaobabs and other pachydermshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/baobabs-and-other-pachyderms<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>By Martyn Bowen</h3>
<p>Martyn Bowen, born and brought up in Tanzania, now visits Africa as regularly as possible – his job in Europe with a sports company encompasses Africa in his area of responsibility, and he always takes the opportunity to combine business with what he sees as his obligation to bring both the magic and the precariousness of Africa to the attention of his own small universe. With the aim of raising awareness in the developing world, it is the least he could do for a continent that has given him so much. Here he shares his recent experiences at Kwihala Camp with us.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/white-fronted-go-away-bird.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-406" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/white-fronted-go-away-bird.jpg?w=231&h=227" alt="white fronted go away bird" width="231" height="227" /></a> <a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/snorkel2.jpg"><img class="alignnone wp-image-404" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/snorkel2.jpg?w=378&h=226" alt="snorkel2" width="378" height="226" /></a></p>
<p>Lorenzinis Ampullae are sensors that sharks use to sense the presence of other animals in their vicinity – supplementing the other senses such as sight, sound and smell. The use of all senses other than the obvious one of sight is a huge advantage when looking for game in the wilds of Africa. When the haystack you are looking for a needle in is the size of Ruaha National Park, then you take all the help you can. Kwihala guides Festo and Pietro and indeed the eponymous Lorenzo possess these additional senses in abundance. It is no myth to relate that the leopard Festo found was sensed rather than seen. While driving in the early morning looking for a totally different species of cat, the alarm call of the baboons immediately set off the ampullae in Festo’s sensors. Baboons don’t bark like that at nothing, and as a professional guide, one is well advised to heed the call of the wild. Firstly locate the baboons (up in the trees clearly keeping something in sight) and then switch on the other senses. When the leopard did eventually come into sight, crossing the road at a trot, the sense of satisfaction was similar to solving a particularly difficult cryptic crossword clue. The cause of the noise was a slightly built young female leopard, clearly on the move, checking scent marks at every bush, possibly scouting for evidence of the territorial male.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/lady-leopard.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-402" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/lady-leopard.jpg?w=640&h=668" alt="lady leopard" width="640" height="668" /></a></p>
<p>Years of observation tell one that the vultures are not roosting, nor just resting but indeed waiting for the lions invisible from the road, to move on… the speed at which a vulture comes out of the sky will indicate whether he is looking for a roost or a snack. What is the instinct that tells us the buffalo may well be coming down to drink but are not alone – someone is watching them, even if we can’t see them? The behaviour of the buffaloes themselves is the best evidence.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to revisit this park with my two sons having first visited as a seven year old some time in the seventies. And I have to realise that much like language skills which get rusty if not used, so are the observational skills, but constant use and observing the guides brings the old skills back to life, as well as opening up new ones. It was just as exciting to analyse a hole in the riverbank and hear the two guides conclude it was a pangolin, not an aardvark, despite no sign of the animal in question. The birds are similar – if you can’t get a clear view, then maybe the way it is flying will tell you whether it is a Bateleur (balancing like the tightrope walker it is named after, as its tail is too short to add stability) or a Tawny eagle or even if you are lucky, a martial eagle. The latter has a favourite food, a tree hyrax, and their favourite mode of attack is to come straight out of the sun, where they can’t be seen. Fascinating however, is to learn that scientists have discovered a special lens in the Hyrax’s eye to be able to look directly into the sun.</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/martial-eagle-with-dassie.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-403" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/martial-eagle-with-dassie.jpg?w=640&h=417" alt="Martial eagle with dassie" width="640" height="417" /></a></p>
<p>And finally a word must be reserved for those great grey pachyderms which populate Ruaha seemingly everywhere – and under threat from those around them – I refer to the Great Baobab, majestically withstanding drought, elephants, and most importantly of all, time. How old a tree can get is a subject of some debate, but the myths of 10 000 year-old trees are probably just that – myths. They probably can live for up to 1500 years, and of all trees, are the only ones which can survive ringbarking by foraging animals – they survive the elephants who splinter off the pithy flesh using their tusks, and seemingly are never in leaf. For an untrained eye, the bare branches reaching up to the sky are dead. So many are the unique properties of this tree that some have contended it cannot be classified as a tree at all. But the memories as a kid of finding their fruit lying on the ground around the massive trunk, up to 30 40 metres in circumference, finding a stone to crack open the hard wooden shell covered in a soft fur, to reveal the white mint-humbug sized seeds inside – a treat for any kid to suck on and wince at the tart but sweet taste, full of ascorbic acid which also encourages the uptake of other nutrients in the bloodstream. And so it acts as a magnet for other species from fruit bats (who pollinate the blossoms which only bloom at night) through baboons all the way to elephants – and in Ruaha you will even find leopards in a baobab…</p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/sun-baobab.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-405" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/sun-baobab.jpg?w=640&h=561" alt="sun baobab" width="640" height="561" /></a></p>
<p>And the elephants of Ruaha? Worth a blog all of their own, but suffice it to say – when we talk of using extraordinary senses the elephant is the king – a dry river bed is for them simply a challenge – for they forget the evidence of the eyes and smell which says water has not been seen here for weeks. They sense it running underground, and possess the skill to dig perfectly formed sinkholes, lifting out the sand until they reach the water far below, and sucking it up with their trunks to squirt into their mouths. They too as a result act as a magnet for the other wildlife of Ruaha – without the elephant many other species would fail to find water, and so once more the extraordinary extra-sensory ability of one species to solve the puzzle benefits other lesser species – that is how the guides of Ruaha are to be judged – if you like Sherlock Holmes, you are just going to love Ruaha and its guides.</p>
<p><a href="https://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/elephant-drinking-sand.jpg"><img class="wp-image-401 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/elephant-drinking-sand.jpg?w=676&h=469" alt="elephant drinking sand" width="676" height="469" /></a></p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div></div>Tue, 26 Aug 2014 11:07:30 +0000Anonymous969 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/baobabs-and-other-pachyderms#commentsRubondo Island – Lake Victoria – Treasure Islandhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rubondo-island-%E2%80%93-lake-victoria-%E2%80%93-treasure-island<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>
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<h3>By Akil Halai, Field Operations Coordinator, Asilia Tanzania</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">Tanzanian-born bird enthusiast Akil Halai recently visited Rubondo Island on his eternal quest to the far-flung depths of East Africa to seek out and observe as many avian species as he can. Here he shares his experiences with us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">God has kept this secret sanctuary only for special people. From the landing to takeoff everything about this unique place is mystical</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">—</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">landing on the grass runway to a champagne welcome is stylish to say the least!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="font-family:Calibri;">A deep forest covers most of the park, which also provides a diversity of wildlife habitats ranging from savannah, open woodland, swamps and dense forest. These habitats are home to various wildlife species such as sitatunga (also endemic to the Gombe ecosystem), bushbuck, vervet monkeys, genet cats, spotted necked otters, hippos and crocodiles which share ecological niches with introduced species such as chimpanzee, elephant, giraffe, black & white colobus monkeys, suni and African grey parrots. During the summer, the island hosts a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the planet, making it truly a birder’s paradise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">The chimps are yet to be habituated to humans. Between 1966 and 1969, seventeen chimpanzees that had been captured in the wild and kept in European zoos and circuses were released on Rubondo with the help of Dr. Grizcmek and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. Now there is an estimated population of about 30 chimpanzees roaming the 60,000-acre island sanctuary. Rubondo is currently the only instance of domesticated chimpanzees being released back into the wild without any former rehabilitation successfully.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">Asilia are helping out with the enormous task of getting the chimpanzees habituated to humans with generous donations to Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), as well as supporting researchers to collect data on nesting and feeding habits and to observe their behaviour. TANAPA are in the preliminary stages of this project, which is expected to take a considerable length of time before results are achieved.</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">The Rubondo Island Lodge is meticulously camouflaged to integrate with the habitat. It has all you could possibly want. From friendly staff, good food and excellent accommodation. There are also plenty of activities to choose from</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">—</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">sport fishing for huge Nile Perch and Nile Tilapia (catch and release only), walking trails and hikes, guided game drives, boating safaris, canoe safaris, bird-watching, forest walks, chimp trekking or relaxing by the lake</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">Henk and Janine are highly experienced lodge managers and wonderful company to be with. Henk with his sport fishing expertise and Janine with her broad wildlife knowledge will keep you informed and entertained throughout your time at Rubondo Island Lodge<a name="_GoBack" id="_GoBack"></a>. There is so much to see here. Days will fly by without realising its time to leave. After wonderful bird sightings & walks assisted by Habibu, our very knowledgeable guide and fellow bird-watcher, it wasn’t easy to bid farewell to this small and unspoilt paradise.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">I will surely be back.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3069.jpg"><img class="wp-image-1685 aligncenter" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3069.jpg?w=558&h=372" alt="IMG_3069" width="558" height="372" /></a></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:Calibri;" xml:lang="EN-US">Many bushbuck are found on the island. Tending to be nocturnal near human habitations, this particular one was spotted at the lodge during the day and didn’t shy at all in front of the camera.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3101.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1686" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3101.jpg?w=566&h=377" alt="IMG_3101" width="566" height="377" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#1c1c1c;font-family:Calibri;">This paradise island has no rivers and the soil is volcanic. The habitat is mixed evergreen and semi deciduous forest, which covers about 80% of the island’s surface area with common species including </span><i style="color:#1c1c1c;font-family:Calibri;">Croton sylvaticus, Drypetes gerrardii</i><span style="color:#1c1c1c;font-family:Calibri;">, and </span><i style="color:#1c1c1c;font-family:Calibri;">Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3183.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1687" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3183.jpg?w=559&h=372" alt="IMG_3183" width="559" height="372" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#1c1c1c;font-family:Calibri;">Egyptian geese were considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians, and appeared in much of their artwork. They have been raised for food and extensively bred in parts of Africa since the ancient Egyptians domesticated them. This pair was however very much in the wild, enjoying some romance in the rain.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3278.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1688" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3278.jpg?w=563&h=375" alt="IMG_3278" width="563" height="375" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#1c1c1c;font-family:Calibri;">The Yellow-billed kite is an intra-African breeding migrant, visiting Rubondo Island from July–March and sometimes as late as May. It is generally common.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3284.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1689" src="http://rubondoislandcampproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/img_3284.jpg?w=554&h=369" alt="IMG_3284" width="554" height="369" /></a></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">The rare sitatunga antelope lives in thickly vegetated, muddy swamps and marshes, where its long and widely-splayed hooves aid it in moving easily. Sitatungas are found in fair numbers on Rubondo. The only other place they can be found in Tanzania is in the Selous Game Reserve, and then only rarely.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-family:Calibri;">You might miss spotting this very small kingfisher if you miss its </span><span style="color:#1c1c1c;">“tsip-tsip” call in flight. This particularly unobtrusive “African pygmy kingfisher” was busy hunting for small insects while we were admiring it. </span></p>
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<p><img alt="" border="0" src="http://pixel.wp.com/b.gif?host=rubondoislandcampproject.com&blog=41201705&post=1695&subd=rubondoislandcampproject&ref=&feed=1" width="1" height="1" /></p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/tanzania" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">tanzania</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div></div>Thu, 26 Jun 2014 12:49:58 +0000Anonymous923 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rubondo-island-%E2%80%93-lake-victoria-%E2%80%93-treasure-island#commentsBirds of Ruaha National Parkhttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/birds-ruaha-national-park<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><h3>By Ryan Green, Travel Writer</h3>
<h3>Images by Marius Swart & Lorenzo Rossi, Kwihala Camp Guides</h3>
<p>Ruaha National Park boasts over 500 species of birds, making it a hotspot for birding enthusiasts. During the summer months, migrant species arrive in the region, often to breed, and the skies are full of flocks on the move. Steppe eagles arrive in their multitudes after an epic journey form the steppes of Asia, and inter-African migrants such as woodland kingfishers fill the air with their trilling calls.</p>
<p>As the rainy season draws to a close in Ruaha, this beautiful selection of images by Marius Swart and Lorenzo Rossi exemplify the beauty and diversity of the birdlife in the park.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ms-tz-2927-1.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-277 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ms-tz-2927-1.jpg?w=478&h=317" alt="MS-TZ-2927-1" width="478" height="317" /></a></p>
<p>The summer skies are filled with huge flocks of birds.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_6711.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-278 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_6711.jpg?w=479&h=302" alt="_MG_6711" width="479" height="302" /></a></p>
<p>Diminutive red-cheeked cordon bleu finches take advantage of plentiful seeds and termites during the summer months in order to breed. These tiny birds engage in a frenzy of mating displays and nesting behaviour towards the end of the rainy season.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_3835-2.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-279 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_3835-2.jpg?w=472&h=313" alt="_MG_3835-2" width="472" height="313" /></a></p>
<p>Steppe eagles breed in Central Asia, and then migrate to Africa for the rainy season, where they feed on termites, small mammals, reptiles and birds.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_8606.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-280 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_8606.jpg?w=476&h=297" alt="_MG_8606" width="476" height="297" /></a></p>
<p>Unlike other barbets that nest in tree holes, D’Arnaud’s barbets excavate nesting holes in the ground, as this unusual image demonstrates.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/img_3264.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-281 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/img_3264.jpg?w=282&h=425" alt="IMG_3264" width="282" height="425" /></a></p>
<p>Beautifully coloured woodland kingfishers fill the air with their trilling calls. Interestingly, these kingfishers do not feed on fish at all, and are found in drier habitats, mainly hunting insects and small reptiles.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_0514.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-282 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_0514.jpg?w=475&h=288" alt="_MG_0514" width="475" height="288" /></a></p>
<p>The rains bring about the emergence of catfish, which in turn attract a multitude of predators like this marabou stork.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ms-tz-565-1.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-283 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ms-tz-565-1.jpg?w=467&h=319" alt="MS-TZ-565-1" width="467" height="319" /></a></p>
<p>A beautiful image of a spotted eagle owl, which is the smallest of the large owls.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ms-tz-3801-1.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-284 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/ms-tz-3801-1.jpg?w=301&h=430" alt="MS-TZ-3801-1" width="301" height="430" /></a></p>
<p>Weavers engage in a frenzy of mating and nest-building activity.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/img_3736.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-285 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/img_3736.jpg?w=464&h=308" alt="IMG_3736" width="464" height="308" /></a></p>
<p>The spectacular courtship dance of crowned cranes is a highlight of the summer season.</p>
<p><a href="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_4258.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-286 aligncenter" src="http://ruahaproject.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_4258.jpg?w=469&h=305" alt="_MG_4258" width="469" height="305" /></a></p>
<p>Yellow-collared lovebirds are endemic to the region, and these beautiful birds are often seen gathering in large flocks.</p>
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</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/safari" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Safari</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div></div>Wed, 28 May 2014 08:44:22 +0000Anonymous876 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/birds-ruaha-national-park#commentsParrots of Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islandshttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/parrots-africa-madagascar-and-the-mascarene-islands<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><img width="250" height="150" src="http://blog.africageographic.com/africa-geographic-blog/files/2013/12/Parrots-cover-250x150.jpg" class="attachment-sliderimg wp-post-image" alt="Parrots-cover" /></p>
<p>We review the book: Parrots of Africa, Madagascar and the Mascarene Islands by Mike Perrin with photos by Cyril Laubscher - a long overdue and proud addition to anyone's coffee table.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/book-reviews" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Book reviews</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/birds" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">birds</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/book" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">book</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/parrots" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">parrots</a></div></div>Mon, 23 Dec 2013 07:38:50 +0000Anonymous545 at https://us.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://us.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/parrots-africa-madagascar-and-the-mascarene-islands#comments