Tanzania on the Trot

Blown away is how I would describe my first trip to Tanzania!

Arriving in the hustle and bustle of Arusha, a small African town from which you depart on safari, there is no indication of what’s to come. Tanzanians are warm, friendly and welcoming. I’ve yet to meet a sad Tanzanian – they are all smiles and humility, except perhaps the proud Masai people; who live up to the enigma that they have become – tall and colourfuly wrapped in their blankets, with a slightly haughty pose.

Masai tribe in Central Serengeti

We headed south to Tarangire National Park, situated at the base of the Great Rift Valley. It was quiet, no tourists to be seen – just perfect for all the game we spotted including a female leopard, just hanging out in a tree – all 4 limbs stretching down while she slept on a thick branch. My night in Tarangire Tree Tops Lodge was a real treat – woke up at about 4am to the sound of a herd of elephants down below! I was convinced they were in our bathroom it sounded so close, but being high up a tree brought a sense of safety.

Perched on the rim of the crater at almost 2500m above sea level is the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, and it leaves you breathless (not just from the altitude). It offers the ultimate view of the crater, with five-star luxury a bonus feature. What makes Ngorongoro so special though is the concentration of animals – estimated to be 30 000 in an area of 260 square kilometers. The Big 5 are all in attendance: We saw 4 different prides of lions, black rhino and loads of elephant and buffalo.

Herds of animals on the Ngorongoro crater floor

The Serengeti is a journey in itself – the vast sweeping plains and the distinct difference in the landscape makes it unique. From the dry and dusty cheetah country in the south, to lush green grasslands infested with elephants in the north. It is all so wild and beautiful, with abundant wildlife like I’ve never seen before. My highlight had to be the hot air balloon trip, watching the sunrise over the bush, while skimming the treetops and spotting so many animals below. The bubbly and bush breakfast completed our outstanding morning.

Bush breakfast after balloon safari Central Serengeti

The wildebeest migration; aptly called “The Greatest Show on Earth” is a spectacle to see. While difficult to predict, the herds generally move in a clockwise direction, following the lush grass after the rains. They usually cross the Mara river in the north during August/September so this would be a perfect time to witness this event.

Sundowners at Lemala Camp, Central Serengeti

Although there are a lot of places on this earth that I still want to visit, I cannot wait to go back to Tanzania. I have never felt so free, happy and so full of energy. Perhaps this had to do with the countless gin and tonics we were served, but then what’s a safari without a G&T?  ; )

My patio of the tented camp at Ngorongoro Crater

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