Report by: Jack Brittingham
Location: Tanzania
Date: 05 July 2006
Greetings from Tanzania!
After arriving in late June I’ve been on a whirlwind tour of several of Tanzania Wildlife Company Concessions, as well as meeting with architects and general contractors who will be designing and constructing the headquarters complex beginning later this year.
After taking care of the serious business, I headed to the Ngorongoro Crater with my friend Dick Idol and his son Cody where I assisted him in gathering reference material for some of his upcoming painting ideas. The crater is one of the most amazing self-contained ecosystems in the world, and is also the home to Africa’s Big Five, the lion, leopard, black rhino, cape buffalo and elephant. It is also one of the few places on the African continent where you have a realistic chance at seeing these species all in one day. For these reasons, the crater was chosen as the location to start our trip which will end in the Selous Game Reserve where Cody will experience his first African Safari.
Our luck in the crater was good, with both of us obtaining some excellent still photos of a variety of big game. While we captured still photos, Amy Martin, Videographer and Producer of our upcoming TV show featuring hunting on the African continent, captured some outstanding video. Of particular interest was some outstanding interaction between lions and hyenas, as they jockeyed for control of the kill obviously made by the pride of lions during the night. Even though there were more than 10 hyenas, the small pride of lions had no trouble maintaining possession of their kill.
After two days at the Crater, we shifted locations to Lake Manyara National Park where more excellent footage and still photos were captured. Elephants provided some of the most exciting entertainment at Manyara as we spent quite some time photographing a large herd of bulls at no more than 20 yards. It is an amazing experience, even though you are required to stay in your vehicle when in the National Park, to be so close to these incredible pachyderms that you can clearly hear their stomachs rumbling. If you are ever planning a Safari to Tanzania, and intend on bringing any family members along, these are both “must see” locations, with World Class facilities, and only require a few days to experience.
From this point forward, with our appetites well whetted, the excitement of the excursion will continue to increase as we travel tomorrow via one of Northern Air Charters Cessna Caravans, to the Selous Game Reserve. Our first stop will be LU4 Concession, operated by Tanzania Wildlife Company. Both Cody Idol and I will begin our hunt…Cody with his .375 H&H Magnum, and me with my BowTech Tribute. We will both be chasing Cape Buffalo, as well as a variety of other big game, including elephant, hippo, leopard, crocodile, and possibly lion.
I invite you to check back regularly for updates on the first days of hunting on what promises to be one of the most exciting safaris of my life.
Cheers and Good Night from the wilds of Tanzania.