Brunch With A Friend – Giraffe

Description

On the outer flank of the Ngorongoro Crater, where the twisting road begins to lure you into the Serengeti, you can feel the irresistible pull like a powerful magnet long before your eyes ever behold its vast expanse.  Slowed by the herds of cattle crossing with their shuka-clad Maasai guardians, the melodious sound of the bells around their necks is broken by the sharp, whistled commands of the men pushing them onward.

Sprinkling the flanks of the road are stands of Whistling Thorn Acacia trees, inviting Towers of Maasai Giraffe to a banquet.  Much too tempting to resist, they must nibble the tender blossoms quickly before defending ants rush out of protective boles to attack.  Dipping their noses into the prickly feast and then striding forward, it becomes a ballet of bobbing heads and long necks beside us. All the while, they are  accompanied by the Red-Billed Oxpeckers along for the ride while enjoying their own buffet.