Discoveries…Africa—Tanzania: Tarangire National Park

The latest entry in Jim and Kelly Watt's high-def filmed Discoveries…Africa—Tanzania series takes viewers inside the Tarangire National Park for picaresque up-close views of lush scenery and abundant wildlife. Safari guide Stanford Milenga shares insightful observations on a number of topics, including cattle conflicts (the Maasai are said to believe all cattle belong to them and may graze on any land…although local farmers understandably disagree), long-lasting baobob trees (believed to live for thousands of years), elephant life (from bachelor groups training each other, to a look at the powerful muscles in their trunks), and the effects of increased human settlement on migration patterns. Colorful footage of animals—including cheetahs, “honeymooning” lions, the Hamerkop bird, the crown crane, ostriches, and buffalo—is combined with visits to various sites such as the Kikoti Lodge (a vacation spot with cabins on stilts so animals can wander underneath), and a private school for tour guide training (which Milenga attended). A solid addition to a fine armchair travelogue series, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)