Like many of the places I have been through since arriving in Africa, Nakuru is a place I had never heard about. By the way, that's a ridge of the Great Rift Valley, just behind the Rhino. These photos are once again the product of me listening to someone who said “you otta' go there.”
Since I did not know anything about Nakuru, I had no expectations. Thus, arriving within a few meters of a White Rhinoceros was, let's say, energizing. Things were good for awhile, as our little Toyota taxi idled– I had hired a taxi to do a tour of the park. In retrospect, a heavier vehicle would provide a tad more safety. But that was not an option when the Rhino got grumpy. I hope you will see in this series of photos how to tell when a Rhino is getting grumpy. It starts with a mild encounter with a herd of Rhinos. But the lead Rhino decided to graze close to the road. We pulled up right beside him that was good for awhile. I'm not sure, but if I was a rhino bull, I would also chase away a little Toyota that was idling beside me while I was trying to eat. So that's what he did. Not a big deal in the scheme of things. But great to see one of the most primitive animals strut his stuff. No question, he will kill you and not care a jot.
After a quick exit in the Toyota, the driver and I were glad to see an end to the episode.
A short time later we took a break at a view point over the lake. The view was something like this:
But while watching the view, local baboons took over my high tech taxi Toyota rental vehicle. Note the use of the side view mirror as a seat.
Sure they might seem cute, but all animals in Africa, or the world I suspect, are inside a battle for life or death. Thus, all animals will get nasty if you get too close.
But that's enough of the violence and anger that is part of Africa. There's also a culture, or at least a subculture of peace and harmony amongst the animals. Many do not prey on other animals, but rather eat grass and other bits. Rhinos are herbivores, but still carry an aggressive edge. If you get too close to a rhino, he will go at you. And sure, in some cases so will a giraffe or a zebra. But those two, most of the time will just walk away and say “whatever.”My two favorite animals out there are giraffes and zebras. They keep the peace and are of good behavior. This little Rock Hyrax is also of the same disposition of peace, so I put him in the loop.
These Impalas also prefer peace.
But let's take a look at our friends the giraffes and zebras.
4 profiles of a zebra:
