West Kilimanjaro Famstead: Trip IV

Fallow fields with a beautiful view looking west.

We always enjoy our trips to the farmstead on the west side of Mt. Kilimanjaro  (Trip I, Trip II, Trip III) and although it is very dry this time of the year, we thought it might be a good time of year to see birds of prey since many of the farmers till their fields now.

Of course we always enjoy the drive up, which provides excellent bird watching and although things were a bit quiet this time of the year, we still saw some interesting things. We also noticed that nearly all the farms had been tilling their land so we were hopeful that birds of prey would be out.

There were more visitors than we have ever seen at the farm (probably three groups for a total of about 10 people) though the property is designed in a way to not feel over crowded.

We did our usual circuit of the farm and enjoyed our wonderful dinner in the evening. The food is, what I think, the best food in Tanzania! Fresh and original with tastes that we often don't have. The next morning we had a very nice walk by the river and then set off back home. The ride back was notable as we saw two eagles that had killed a hare and we stumbled on them just as they were chasing off some interested vultures. We watched them from about 10m away as they devoured the hare. A very National Geographic moment!

Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. The peak is obscured by clouds.

Ana looking out as the sun sets.

Two Tawney Eagles perched with a delicious meal of a hare below.

Compare this same tree (slightly different angle) to this picture I took in the rainy season last April.