Travel stories

A love story in the bush

What was the moment you thought: “Wow, I will never forget this”?

There were many moments on our camping safari that felt unforgettable. Watching wildlife at sunrise, sitting around the fire at night, waking up to the sounds of the bush. But the moment that changed everything happened unexpectedly.

One morning, in the middle of our safari, Jarryd decided to propose. It wasn’t planned in advance. He simply woke up and knew it was the right day. That evening, under the vast Tanzanian sky, surrounded by wilderness, we got engaged.

What made it even more special was how our guide, Sam, and our cook, Juma, responded. Even though they had no prior notice, they transformed the evening. Roses appeared on the dinner table. Juma decorated a cake for dessert. The atmosphere felt intimate, thoughtful and full of joy. It was spontaneous, beautiful and deeply personal — a memory we will carry for the rest of our lives.

What surprised or touched you most about Tanzania?

We chose a camping safari because we wanted something real and immersive. What touched us most was how connected everything felt — the people, the animals, the landscape.

Sam and Juma treated the environment with deep respect. The safari felt environmentally conscious in a way that truly mattered: reusable cutlery and crockery, large refillable water containers instead of plastic bottles, thoughtful waste management. Nothing felt excessive or wasteful. It felt responsible.

Even when our vehicle broke down at the Mara River, the situation was handled so calmly and professionally that it didn’t dampen the experience at all. If anything, it added to the adventure. It reminded us that this is nature: unscripted, unpredictable and beautifully real.

How did you experience the encounters with people and culture?

The kindness of Sam and Juma is something we will never forget.

They were organised, knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about what they do. Sam’s respect for the wildlife and landscape was evident in every decision he made. He wasn’t just guiding us; he was protecting something he deeply cares about. And then there was Juma’s cooking. We’ve both been on safaris before, but this was on another level. Fresh lunches every day, not just sandwiches, but proper meals. The food was sensational. It added so much comfort to the adventure of camping.

But more than anything, it was their warmth. Nothing was too much effort. Any request was met with a smile. They treated us, other travellers and the environment with equal respect. That kind of hospitality cannot be staged. It is genuine.

What would you recommend future travellers not to miss?

Choose the camping safari experience if you want to feel truly immersed. Sleeping in a tent, hearing the sounds of the bush at night, sitting around a simple but beautifully set dinner table under the stars: it brings you closer to everything.

And allow space for spontaneity. Some of the most meaningful moments are the ones you don’t plan. Whether it’s a river crossing, a mechanical hiccup that turns into a story, or a proposal that changes your life. Tanzania has a way of creating space for unforgettable moments.

What do you take home from this journey, in your head, heart or suitcase?

We came home engaged. That alone says everything.

But beyond the proposal, we take home a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the hospitality, for the beauty of the landscapes, for the professionalism and kindness of the people who supported us, and for the way everything felt both adventurous and perfectly taken care of.

This safari wasn’t just a holiday. It became part of our story. In fact, we’ve even talked about whether we might return to Tanzania one day to get married — perhaps even at Migombani, where this chapter began.