Nyumba ya Mungu: Trip XVI

Some Masaai kids fishing. 

This past weekend we took two of our friends to Nyumba ya Mungu ((Trip I, II, III, IV, V & VI, VII, Trip VIII, Trip IX, Trip X, Trip XI, Trip XII, Trip XIII, Trip IV, Trip XV). We were especially looking forward to this trip because we had introduced them to the world of birding a little over a year ago and they were hooked. Unfortunately, they then moved to the south of Tanzania and we haven't been able to see them since. So we were happy to have them come for a visit so we could show them Nyumba ya Mungu and do a little birding as well.

We left around 7:15am and we were slightly worried that we would get rained on. The rains had started two days ago and since Nyumba ya Mungu is actually a reservoir, we knew all the water would be flowing down into it. The road itself is kinda of a flash flood river basin and the sand can quickly turn to a sticky mud. However, I was pretty confident that we wouldn't get stuck, or if we did, then one of the big trucks hauling sand would pull us out.

The ride to Nyumba ya Mungu was great as the clouds provided some relief from the sun and kept the temperatures cool. The rain had settled the dust but didn't quite make it muddy and thus it was actually ideal driving conditions. There were a few big dips in the road that had accumulated water but we knew from years past that the bottom was solid so it was quite fun to plow through massive puddles.

When we reached Nyumba ya Mungu we were slightly disappointed to see the water had made it difficult to pass where most of the bird life was. Our friends weren't disappointed though since it was their first time and it really is a beautiful place. The rains had cleared the air and the Pare Mountains were visible in the distance while the lake teemed with birdlife and reflected the sky above, though the water was muddy from the recent rains.

Because our friends had to get back to Moshi by 2pm we had to leave a bit early. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as Ana and I typically push it a bit more than we should and are usually exhausted by the end of the day. All in all it was a totally successful Nyumba ya Mungu day, rich with good company, lots of birds, and not too much heat!

Ana with the telescope. 

These Black Herons create shade that attracts the fish and then hunts them. Very cool to watch. 

Birding!