“the Big One”! World Cruise on Sojourn

[shark b8]

This gang had probably dined early in the day, by this point they were just flaked out in the heat.  Either 11 or 12, couldn’t quite get close enough to tell for sure (and didn't want to).

 

[shark b8]

Just after sunrise, thus the balloon.  This ol’ guy, well, you got the feeling that he has been around for a while, and has seen a few things.

 

 

 

[shark b8]

African buffalo at sunrise.

 

[shark b8]

Our accommodation was just….amazing.  Up until now, we always maintained that the best hotel room we’ve ever had was at the Four Seasons in Dubai.   Mrs Sharkbait maintains that this was even better, and I have no strong reasons to oppose.  The entire property is alongside the river, and hippos are most everywhere.  As you see, each room has a large balcony viewing area - we were (pleasantly) awakened early the next morning by hippo-grunting. 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

(The shower was about the same size as our garage)

[shark b8]

“Pooping Lion, Hidden Dragon”

 

 

 

[shark b8]

(more than a little…umm…”fragrant” by the way.  Possibly some wart hog on the menu last night) 

[shark b8]

Just now, shark b8 said:

(more than a little…umm…”fragrant” by the way.  Possibly some wart hog on the menu last night) 

 

Or maybe……beets?!    😱

Edited April 19, 2023 by shark b8

[PSahoy]

Just as long as you weren’t on the outdoor menu

[topkatz]

Sorry for interrupting the safari...

 

 

You can now return to your regular programming. 😉

Hope you enjoy.

[shark b8]

We’re currently sailing between Madagascar and Mozambique.  Had wished there were port calls in each country, but, can hardly complain, of course.

 

 

[shark b8]

This was pretty interesting -  we came across a group of kopis, who were all staring intently in exactly the same direction.  After watching for a while, they decided to relocate, and it was obvious why. 

 

 

Edited April 20, 2023 by shark b8

[shark b8]

It may well have been the same dozen or so that we saw yesterday, dozing in the shade of a tree.  Here they are again - they were females, if there were any males they were juveniles. 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

(Juveniles, for sure)

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

Just now, from the veranda.

 

 

 

[shark b8]

Just had a flashback, and…begging your pardon to indulge me this….I‘m quite sure I inherited the wanderlust gene from my parents.  (I lost my mother at 93 and my father at 96, so I’m kinda hoping that those genes included some longevity ones, too).  Anyway, when I was a kid, they went to Europe.  They “went to Europe”.  In the early-mid 60’s, that was a really big deal, at least in my circles.  It seemed just so exotic and sophisticated. So, I just realized that a few hours ago, I casually typed “we are sailing between Madagascar and Mozambique”.   Just….wow.   Those who think everything is so much worse now, everywhere you look.….I dunno.

Edited April 20, 2023 by shark b8

[shark b8]

 

[shark b8]

Forgot to add this one - when we disembarked in Zanzibar for the safari, this was the welcoming committee.  Wish I would have added a bit of video minutes later - Kyla, the wonderful Guest Services Manager, was dancing up a storm alongside.  Whenever/wherever there’s music and dance, we’ve found, Kyla is usually not far away. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

 

 

[shark b8]

Love the baboons. 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

(candid photo of The Spa onboard)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 20, 2023 by shark b8

[shark b8]

We came across this a little too late.  They had already feasted, and there were undoubtedly long naps to be had, under the trees.  And, about 20 feet and 180º from us, a hyena dozed and waited his turn. 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]

Again, this was right off our private balcony:

 

 

 

 

 

[shark b8]