Werribee Zoo - Rhythm's of Africa Sat 10th March

While the sun is still shining here in Melbourne a few of decided to head to the Werribee open range zoo. I had never been there before so i was delighted to hear that it was the last weekend of the season for the 'Rhythm's of Africa' show. Mel, Jeremy, Bryce, Shayne and I packed up a picnic and set out for the afternoon/evening in the sun.

(A massive giraffe)

Once we arrived we got to go on the safari style tour around the zoo. We came across many animals that wouldn't usually inhabit Australia. It was very cool indeed! Although with the way Melbourne is going at the moment with the lack of rain i am sure the animals feel very comfortable with the climate!!

(Mel & Jeremy on the safari bus)

(Me, Bryce & Shayne on the safari bus)

(Rhino!!!)

(Zebra!!)

I would have to say my favourite animal to watch was the camel!! He just kept looking at us with his droopy lip! Very cool!

(Droopy Lip camel!)

I also love watchng the meercats - they are very curious creatures.

(The curious Meercats)

(Shayne & Bryce copying the meercats)

After we finished the bus tour we collected our picnic from the car and made our way to the African village. There were so many people spread out over the grass, however, we managed a good spot towards the front where the stage was to sit and have our picnic.

(Having our picnic dinner)

It was very cool to arrive and hear the beats of the drum and see the awesome dancing of the African Royal Drummers a group from Ghana. Typically I couldn't keep still and with the help of a little red wine I was up moving and grooving to the music!! At one point the woman in the group had pulled me into the centre of the drumming circle to dance! hehe very cool! It wasn't too long before Bryce, Shayne and Mel were up with me.

(Oscar - one of the group members doing his thing!)

(The African Royal Drummers)

(The lady in the group was AWESOME!)

(Me having a dance!)

Surrounding the stage were a few huts where they were serving African food and drinks, doing hair braids, providing a drumming workshop and even a kids activity of learning how to carry pots on your head. (Shayne sitting on the pots at one of the African huts)

(The drumming workshop hut)

(Bryce, Mel, Me & Shayne enjoying the afternoon)

(Me outside one of the huts)

At the end of the evening Bryce brought a CD cause he loved the music so much and we sat around chatting to one of the group members - Oscar. He invited us to join him at another African party that night however we were exhausted and declined but Oscar has now become a friend to us and even came along to Bryce's birthday party too. I am so happy to have found some African culture in Melbourne as i really do miss being with my boy Aaron and his mates.

It was such a wonderful evening and fun was had by all of us. I know where i plan to go next summer when the 'Rhythm's of Africa' season kicks in again!!