After reading the book, I Dreamt of Africa, I have always wanted to visit Central and Eastern Africa. So, when I was invited to attend an educational to Tanzania, I jumped at the opportunity!
Getting to Tanzania is really quick and easy! A 3 hour flight from Johannesburg has you landing in Dar es Salaam – a bustling African City. We stayed at the Sea Cliff hotel for the night! What a treat this hotel is! Fantastic views and cool breezes from the Indian Ocean!
The next morning we headed off to the airport for our flight to Selous. We flew with FlightLink in a charter aircraft. Our group went in 2 planes, .an 8 seater and a 4 seater! What an experience! The pilots were amazing and we got to see the landscape – luscious green bush and muddy deltas from the air.
We landed on a dirt runway, where the elephants had earlier left dung!
Selous is truly the World’s Best kept secret. Hidden in the South of Tanzania, this park is on the Rafiji River. The vegetation is dense and the whole park gives you a feeling of peacefulness! The resorts are world class high standard, and the staff are really amazing!
After a wonderful lunch, we climbed back into our little ‘toy’ planes, and headed off to Zanzibar. We stayed in Stone Town on the west coast, and really got a feel of the local life. I sat on the beach, in a local Beach Bar, enjoying Dava’s whilst listening to the sea!
The next morning we headed back in time, and went on a tour of Stone Town! The buildings and doors are all old and all have a story! It was wonderful to listen to the guide and imagine the history! The local market was full of fresh produce, and it was great to see the locals interacting, and then try my own luck at bargaining… I think I need more practice though!
It was then time to make our way to the Ngorongoro Crater! How wonderful to arrive at a lodge overlooking the entire crater. You feel like you are sitting on a cloud overlooking the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The crater sides are steep, and as such, the animals don’t often attempt to leave the crater. So, you have a huge bio-diversity of animals all contained in the crater, which is 19 kilometres by 16 kilometres.
The animals all seem so happy, relaxed and well fed! From Rhinos, to cheetahs, lions and flamingos, the list is endless!
After a wonderful day in the crater, we left and travelled through the Ngorongoro conservancy area which joins onto the Serengeti! I had high expectations of Serengeti, but realised very soon, that they were not high enough! It is hard to imagine how perfect nature can be until you experience the Serengeti!
The Endless Plains take your breath away, as you watch the Wildebeest migrating towards the Grumeti River.
Lion lie by the roadside, exhausted from the days hunt, and the cheetah “cries, as he can’t climb the tree”.
Right in front of our vehicle, the mother cheetah crosses the road with her 5 cubs.
After 2 lovely days in the Serengeti, including an afternoon in the Western Corridor, we headed to Lake Manyara! Lake Manyara, is known for its Blue Monkeys, tree climbing Lions and bird life, and was a treat at the end of our trip!
The park is situated around Lake Manyara, and, as with Selous, Ngorongoro and Serengeti, the animals are very calm, relaxed, and well fed!
I could have stayed in Nature from much longer. But, we needed to make our journey back to the “real world”.
We had an early morning start from Lake Manyara, and our wonderful driver and guide delivered us safely to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Through doing this trip, I have realised how affordable, accessible and important it is to visit Tanzania.
All itineraries are tailor made to each client’s needs, requirements, budgets and interests.
It was truly a dream holiday, and I will be heading back there very soon!
For more info give me a call
Regards
Lynde
