Iringa

Day 11 - Iringa

I slept in then worked a little online, instead of taking the optional game drive in the Mikumi National Park that ranks as the fourth largest park in Tanzania and forms part of a 75 000 square kilometre wilderness that centres on Selous, Africa’s largest game reserve. I read online and watched a YouTube clip and determined it has similar animals as the Serengeti National Park, just bigger and greener. As confirmed by my group mates, I did not miss anything other than cribbing on a big tree.

The camp owner showed me where to see the wild hogs on site. Looking at the small tent he rented to a Nomad staff, I asked him if I could buy one from him so I don’t have to struggle with setting up and taking down the big and heavy military tent each day. He kindly sold me one at almost his cost of $30, and I am very happy to use this tent when it is not raining or windy. 

The group had a lunch, then we headed west along a valley. This afternoon we made a stop to see the bwi bwi trees, and finally reach our lodge in Iringa.  “The African baobab is remarkable not only because of its size, lifespan, fruit, and bark but also in the way it continually grows multiple fused stems. The bark regenerates in the space between these stems, called false cavities, which is unique to the baobab. Its bark can be turned into rope and clothing, the seeds can be used to make cosmetic oils, the leaves are edible. During the rainy season it absorbs and stores water in its vast trunk, enabling it to produce a nutrient-dense fruit in the dry season when all around is dry and arid. This is how it became known as "The Tree of Life".”

The town of Iringa sits on a cliff overlooking the Ruaha River Valley. The Great Ruaha River is a river in south-central Tanzania that flows through the Usangu wetlands and the Ruaha National Park east into the Rufiji River. The town centre offers the visitor a view into the past with its German colonial buildings and a popular market.