Steppes In Africa; A Disney-inspired Safari-S is for: Split Day of Game Drives at Lemala Ewanjan Luxury Tent Lodge

[Steppesister]

Yes, I would like a redo, and probably would have chosen Tanzania and Zanzibar!

We heard good things about the Okavango Delta too. We probably sold ourselves short by just staying in one place for 5 nights, but we had already travelled around so much (had already spent 10 days travelling around Vietnam and then a few days in Hong Kong), we were definitely in need of some 'downtime' by that point.

I get that too. If you'd already done a lot of moving around, resting in one place seems reasonable. Plus, you weren't feeling all that well, so it's probably a good thing you did.

My daughter is headed to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia next month and she's so excited. It'll be fun to see her pix!

Next time I head to Africa (not if... when) I think I will do another area just for variety sake.

 

[Steppesister]

Wow!
What a day you had!
Amazing from sunrise to sunset.
And what a stunning sunset it was!

It was spectacular!! Some really chance encounters to and some new species to boot!

 

[Steppesister]

Animals? In Africa?

I don't know what she was thinking. Like did she do ANY research at all about where she was going and the circumstances? Fences are forbidden in the National Parks, sooooo....

Appropriate. I'd never heard of them.

Nor had I! I thought that there were some on the Disney Safari, but I looked it up and apparently not

I can imagine. I mean... how often do you see lions in the wild????

Like...only in Africa!

Well, sure. Typical male. He made the cubs... rest is up to her.

Except she "made it" for hmmm <looks up lion gestation>... 4 months.

Tag, you're it!

Spider lizard, spider lizard. Does whatever a spider lizard does.*


*To the tune of spider pig... which is to the tune of Spiderman song from the cartoon series.

I know exactly that reference!

Hiya, Hyrax!

Cute little thing.

They'd make a cute stuffed animal for a kid. I mean, not a real one, but like a build-a-bear deal.

Fancy schmancy! You guys are really not roughing it!

No, indeed! I mean, sure the dusty, bumpy truck was about the extent of "roughing it", but that wasn't bad at all!

Whoops!
Yeah, you don't want to be the main course.

No...

<stomp>

I can see why. I think Africa, I don't think of tortoises.

Not just sheer numbers of animals but a wonderful variety too.

At first glance, I thought they were monkeys!

HA! I can see that. I loved how they are all in a row.

OMG... Cuteness overload. I want one.

See?! So stinking cute!

Great shot!

Thanks. I'd seen a zillion zebras but this one was in the right light and gave a nice pose.

I've actually heard the term, but just assumed it was spelled "Must". Now I know.

It was fun to do more research on the phenomenon. I learned a lot about what I was seeing even after the fact.

Like this shot. Not one you usually see. Which makes it more interesting.

I liked it too because it really "tells a story".

Holy crap!!!!

One of my better shots.

You've been very lucky. Seeing cheetahs in the wild has been a bucket-list item of mine since I was a little kid.

Then I'd say it's definitely worth a trip for you.

I bet! How could you contain yourselves after all you'd seen that day!

It was definitely adventure-filled! So much to see there, and all so interesting!

I get that you don't want a mouse in your house, but... sheesh. Not really worthy of much of a fuss in a tent.

Correct!

I'm finding this out. Your TR sure has changed my mind about what Africa is like!

My work here is done!

 

[pkondz]

Nor had I! I thought that there were some on the Disney Safari, but I looked it up and apparently not

Vindicated!!

Like...only in Africa!

Except she "made it" for hmmm <looks up lion gestation>... 4 months.

Tag, you're it!

His work was done after a minute or so.


Probably less.

They'd make a cute stuffed animal for a kid. I mean, not a real one, but like a build-a-bear deal.

Yes!
I wonder how friendly they are? Or vicious?

No, indeed! I mean, sure the dusty, bumpy truck was about the extent of "roughing it", but that wasn't bad at all!

Was wondering about that.

No...

<stomp>

HA! I can see that. I loved how they are all in a row.

Yes!

I liked it too because it really "tells a story".

One of my better shots.

Frame worthy

 

[missjackiemcg]

I had to stop myself from multi-quoting SOOOO many pictures from this update! The elephants interrupting/sharing your lunch were some of my favorites, along with all the little elephants in the other pictures. The close up of the sleepish lion--just wow--how awesome to be so incredibly close.

I had to chuckle at the pair who were upset about a mouse on their bed! Just be glad it wasn't a giant snake or something bigger; ha!

What a truly spectacular day. You captured so many incredible moments.

 

[Steppesister]

Vindicated!!

I think I may have been thinking of the Okapi.

His work was done after a minute or so.


Probably less.

And hers went on, and on, and on.....

Yes!
I wonder how friendly they are? Or vicious?

Good question! Like the Rabbit of Caerbannog?

Frame worthy

I very well may.

 

[Steppesister]

I had to stop myself from multi-quoting SOOOO many pictures from this update! The elephants interrupting/sharing your lunch were some of my favorites, along with all the little elephants in the other pictures. The close up of the sleepish lion--just wow--how awesome to be so incredibly close.

I had to chuckle at the pair who were upset about a mouse on their bed! Just be glad it wasn't a giant snake or something bigger; ha!

What a truly spectacular day. You captured so many incredible moments.

All of the days were amazing, but this one really seemed to stand out as the winner for photography and up close encounters.

Exactly. A tiny little mouse easily re-located or whatever. Sheesh!

 

[pkondz]

I think I may have been thinking of the Okapi.

Now that one I’ve seen (at AK.)

And hers went on, and on, and on.....

Dude knows a good deal when he sees one.

Good question! Like the Rabbit of Caerbannog?

Run away!!

 

[dalmatian7]

I am loooooving this trip report. One maybe stupid question, how do they handle bathroom breaks when you are out viewing animals. All that bouncing, my bladder couldn't handle it.
I had never thought a trip like this would interest me, but so far this had been spectacular.

 

[Steppesister]

I am loooooving this trip report. One maybe stupid question, how do they handle bathroom breaks when you are out viewing animals. All that bouncing, my bladder couldn't handle it.
I had never thought a trip like this would interest me, but so far this had been spectacular.

Ok…. Thus brings Steppe to the Potty Chapter….

Verily, the weekend is here and I may find myself with some time to address this intriguing issue!

More soon…!

 

[Steppesister]

Now that one I’ve seen (at AK.)

Related to the giraffe!

Dude knows a good deal when he sees one.

Run away!!

 

[pkondz]

Related to the giraffe!

 

[Steppesister]

S is for: Split Day of Game Drives at Lemala Ewanjan Luxury Tent Lodge
May 10, 2025, Central Serengeti, Tanzania​

I did not order coffee on this morning as Hassan and I had planned a very early start for our split game drive day. It was my last day at Lemala Ewanjan and the plan was to set out right at dawn, drive a ways and have breakfast al fresco, drive a bit more, then head back to the camp for lunch. Then we'd have another drive after lunch and a rest. Let’s see how all those best laid plans pan out…

(Things were busy at camp during the night!)​

The truck drove off at 6:20, loaded with all manner of goodies we’d feast on a bit later. The blankets and layers of clothes kept me warm, but the chill in the morning air didn’t seem to keep the birds from enjoying the beautiful savannah dawn.

(Rufous-tailed Weavers)



(Grey-backed Fiscal)



(Hildebrandt's Starling)



(Zitting's Cisticola)​

While Hassan and I trucked along, others chose to take in the morning sunrise from the air. I had contemplated adding this experience to my package, but a 3-hour tour which includes brunch and cocktails and an hour or two up in the air was out of my budget at $600pp. I’m sure it was fantastic and something I’d consider for next time, it just wasn’t something I could do this trip.

​

We came across a small herd of elephants where some drama began to unfold. This was another instance of a bull attempting to mate with a far too young female. I am not sure if the roaring is the male or the young female, but it was rather unnerving, nonetheless. I found it fascinating that, not one but two, older matriarchs positioned themselves between the aggressive bull and the little one. He gave up, but yikes! **Warning, this may be distressing.**

(I took a still before starting to video.)


​

Driving on further, we saw several more bird species and a lone hyena looking for some breakfast as well as another black-backed jackal (no photo of jackal).

(Secretary Birds)


(D'Arnaud's Barbet)


​

Continued in next post...

​

 

[Steppesister]

Continued from last post...


Speaking of breakfast, Hassan had found a nice spot near a tree to stop and spread out a nice table setting for our breakfast. As always, it was absolutely lovely!! And as always there were a few curious guests nearby!

Why, yes. Yes, I did have breakfast with the giraffes!!!



(You aren't allowed out of the truck except during meals and for potty; I took advantage of the breakfast time to find a flower to admire!)​

And just when I thought I had at least one bird species memorized, Hassan had to inform me that this was not the “Superb Starling” but rather the Ruppel’s Starling. So, another new one in the bag for me. Oh heck, let’s throw in another new one too- The Grey-capped Social Weaver.

(Ruppel's Starling)


(Grey-capped Social Weaver)​

We didn’t linger too terribly long over breakfast, but long enough to definitely not feel rushed or antsy. The air was fresh, and nature was active all around us. A safari is for exploring and yet there are plenty of times for rest and refreshment along the way.

Story time with Steppe (if you’ve followed my TRs for very long, you know that there will be interludes of interjection. And since a brand new (to me) reader has asked… I shall expound! (Thank you, @dalmatian7 ) Because there are times I have the sense of humor of a 4th grader.

Just how does one potty in the wide open spaces where the grass grows low and trucks and tourists abound? Well… luckily for me I was there during the low season, so the number of tourists and trucks was generally not an issue. But… as you guessed, there are zero facilities while on these game drives. Like none, other than the backside of a truck. Here’s the routine: “I have to make a stop.” or “I need to use the restroom.” generally suffices. Your driver looks for a place and checks for any “company” nearby. Trucks always carry a stack of brown paper bags and they'll hand you one as you jump out of the truck with a roll of TP in hand. TP is one thing that the driver stocks and keeps generally within your reach. When done doing your thang, you simply put the used TP in the provided brown bag and then put this little "goodie bag" in the seat pouch in front of you for disposal back at camp. There is always hand sanitizer within reach as well, and just like that you’re off again. Ok, ok, to be honest I never had a doody emergency. And trust me if I had to doo #2, it would definitely be classified as an emergency because I’d have a… well, I’d have to go pretty badly to need a truck stop for that. I’m sure the leftovers would be “taken care of”, there are plenty of dung eaters. Shockingly, though, even with ridiculous amounts of dung beetle hunting over 10 days, I never did see a single one. I’m fairly certain that they are like unicorns and mermaids and only found in the world of fairy tales.

You’d think it’d be easier to find a dung beetle than say, a leopard, right?!

Wrong! Because not long after breakfast, we came across this magnificent apex creature!! I’d say that 99% of safari-goers want to see the Big 5: Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhino. I’d seen 4 up to now and knew going in the chances of seeing a leopard were pretty slim. They hide well.

​

But this one could not hide from Hassan today!! Words cannot describe how absolutely regal and beautiful this animal was. Just stunning. From its perch high in the tree, it watched for prey, groomed itself, then got bored and went off to do whatever leopards do in the morning. We probably stayed there a good 30 minutes just shooting photos, admiring how lovely it was, and observing its behavior.

(Kitty cat blur)​

After he sauntered off, we drove on and went from predator to prey. This little dik-dik was busy foraging and munching on his morning meal. While the leopard was elegant and massive, this little guy was just as tiny and cute as they come. Really only about the size of a medium-sized dog. A perfect little miniature antelope- the smallest species in Africa. At the shoulders, they are only 12-15” tall!!!

​

Here is the Wiki Link should you be interested in learning more about them including that they are monogamous, that their survival rate is only 50%, and that they have the highest metabolic rate of all ruminants.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dik-dik​

Before we found our next carnivore, I enjoyed spying a few more of the lovely, lovely Tanzanian bird species; some I’d seen already, some I had not.

(Lilac-breasted Roller)


(Red-billed buffalo Weaver, black with red bill)


(Little Bee-eaters)​

The savannah is dotted with many of these little watering holes where a variety of animals can be found, predators and prey alike. This was one especially exciting though as we found ourselves a few of these fine specimens of croc. One was a wee little snickerdoodle and another was a Hulk Hogan Wannabe. They look so calm and lazy. Wonder if they’re very fast.

​

If memory serves we didn’t tarry too long and moving on we came across another lone dik-dik. It simply does not get any cuter that that, my friends.

(I need one of these! Please start a GoFund Me for my new pet!)​

What if I told you there was McDonalds in the bush? Yep, loads of them in fact.

I present to you the "McDonalds of the Savannah"… the IMPALA!!

(Do they come with fries?)​

Lots of double arches out there!

(Why do I have an urge to sing Let It Be?)


(The males are certainly impressive!)

​

Now, for the sake of storytelling, I’m going to stash a lunch break here, although, we saw loads more animals before we actually did that. The problem was… the weather did not cooperate after lunch, and we only saw a very few animals until we had to return due to rain. This seems like a more logical halfway whether the weather agrees!

So, pretend with me now that what we’ve seen up to this point happened before lunch (it did), and that the animals in the next chapter were after lunch… which would have been better for my Trip Reporting. I’ll pick it up next time with a nice lunch and nap and the other half of our game drive.

I'll end with a few more birds... because there were A LOT of them!!!!

(Grey Kestrel)



(Pin-tailed Whydah, seen before)



(Fischer's Lovebirds)



(Another D'Arnauds' Barbet)


(Southern White Crowned Shrike with a nice, fat, juice breakfast!)​

 

[Wood Nymph]

It was my last day at Lemala Ewanjan and the plan was to set out right at dawn, drive a ways and have breakfast al fresco, drive a bit more, then head back to the camp for lunch. Then we'd have another drive after lunch and a rest.

The sunrise is beautiful. I can see why you preferred the safari to the balloon ride. It also looks like this was a personal tour.

I found it fascinating that, not one but two, older matriarchs positioned themselves between the aggressive bull and the little one.

I didn't look because it would have distressed me. I'm glad that there were older elephants to protect her. I'm sure that there are other times when the young ones are vulnerable.

Just how does one potty in the wide open spaces where the grass grows low and trucks and tourists abound?

I like to know the answer to those questions, too.

Words cannot describe how absolutely regal and beautiful this animal was. Just stunning.

Regal is the right word to describe the leopold.

This little dik-dik was busy foraging and munching on his morning meal.

The dik-dik is adorable. They have a Kirk's dik-dik at the Brookfield Zoo, near where we live in the Chicago suburbs.

(Little Bee-eaters)

The colors of these birds almost glow.