Skubies Blog 2019

 15/08/2019

Sorry for the delayed Blog, but life has been full over that last months. But we are back and flying is in full swing! The Southern Tanzanian Elephant (STEP) team has expanded, but just as enthusiastic, passionate and driven as before. Great to be working with them again. 

 Our mission has changed somewhat in that we are no longer operating in the National Park, or in the Rungwa Game reserve, but are based on the Eastern edge of the National park in the wildlife management area (WMA).  3 years ago hunting was permitted, but its value as a buffer zone, between the park and habitation, has been recognised, as has the need to protect it from any illegal activity, such as poaching, tree cutting, livestock grazing or honey poaching. The animals are not as plentiful as in the park itself, but our aerial surveys show that herds of  Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebras, Water Buck and Impala are using it regularly and even staying there for the long term.

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 We are working with STEP funded rangers from the nearby villages. ..Village Game Scouts. The  main task of these rangers  is to patrol the protected area and apprehend any poachers etc. which either they, or we,  have located. However, as our camp is just on the other side of the Ruaha river, there are still wild animals around, including Lions, Hyena and Hippo,  so we have a ranger protecting us with a loaded gun at all times, sitting up all night by the camp fire while we sleep.   

 Well that gets the serious stuff out of the way! Clearly there is more to life in camp than flying and catching the bad guys. The camp is fantastic. Our tent is right on the river with sunsets each day to die for and mosquitos who are trying to aid us in that purpose! We are thankful for the bats that come out each night, but they are just not taking the job seriously. Large red marks on arms and my legs prove that they are failing! Hey guys - eat more! 

 But the beauty of being on the river is that over time, you begin to recognise the same birds and animals with whom you share this part of the  planet. We have the Pied King fishers who go to work at the same time each day, diving into about 10 inches of water to catch the fish. Pretty good timing. Plus there are the Wattled Lapwing couple fossicking about in the reads and the Drongo flapping about trying to avoid the Fish Eagles who are also fishing.  Then there are the two troops of baboons who provide daily entertainment as they cross too and fro in front of the camp. The young ones try to leap and dance over the water trying to avoid getting wet at all costs, while the big males slowly stride across just to prove how tough they are.

However, the arrival of the Vervet monkeys has  changed our casual approach to living at the campsite. These little beggars, as cute as they are, are thieves! Now the food tent and the rubbish bin need a guard of their own. Seriously I can see them in the trees with pen and paper, working out diversion strategies and plans of attack, while they sneak around the camp. 

  On the food front, we are doing pretty well, even without a fridge. Our Ozzie Jaffle Iron (like a  camping waffle using the coals of the fire as demonstrated by Richard and Chuck))  has been embraced by the team, as can be shown by the look of sheer pleasure on Hamisi and Lapondo's faces! (Hamisi is a student, training to be a nature guide and Lapondo is our driver come camp aid)  Well maybe they weren't sold, but Frank, our main contact at STEP, has taken it on with full gusto, cooking up variations for the team, which are adventurous to  say the least. Anyone for peanut butter, onions tomato and egg jaffle? Well that gets the serious stuff out of the way! Clearly there is more to life in camp than flying and catching the bad guys. The camp is fantastic. Our tent is right on the river with sunsets each day to die for and mosquitos who are trying to aid us in that purpose! We are thankful for the bats that come out each night, but they are just not taking the job seriously. Large red marks on arms and my legs prove that they are failing! Hey guys - eat more!