An unforgettable experience

3 January 2025 | Gerda & Wim

Arrival in Tanzania

On January 3rd, our adventure to Tanzania began! In a full plane with many sporty travelers in zip-off pants and sneakers, we flew to Kilimanjaro, where we landed in the dark. When we got out, we immediately felt the warm African wind and smelled a scent that immediately reminded us: we are in Tanzania! Our driver took us through the night to our hotel, ready for the real adventure.

Tarangire: safari and glamping in the wilderness
The next morning we met our guide Gabriel, a man with humor and knowledge, who would accompany us for six days. In Tarangire National Park we got acquainted with the African “massage”—the bumpy roads—and immediately saw elephants and giraffes. Our camp was beautifully situated on a hill, with strict rules: after sunset you were not allowed to go to your tent alone! In the evening we enjoyed a campfire, without wifi but with the sound of the bush.

The next day we were escorted to our tent by the staff—safety first! We saw countless animals: impalas with their McDonald’s logo, pumbas (warthogs) and baby elephants. The starry sky was magical, but the hyenas sounded a little less soothing. Still, we became more and more one with nature and enjoyed the peace and simplicity of safari life.

Serengeti: the heart of the wilderness
After Tarangire we drove towards the Serengeti, via the Ngorongoro crater. A short wifi break at the park gate and then back into the wilderness! The endless savannahs welcomed us with open arms: a cheetah with her cub, herds of zebras and wildebeest, and the first lions! The absolute highlight was the migration—thousands of animals heading south. Not to be captured in images, but pure force of nature.

Every day brought new wonders: a wildebeest that was born and immediately got up, a leopard in a tree with a kill, and lion families lazing in the sun. Our guide Gab sensed exactly what we wanted to see and kept surprising us. The stay at Little Greencamp was special, completely in harmony with nature, and movable to follow the animals. The last morning we drove into the park before sunrise and saw the Serengeti awakening—an unforgettable experience!

Lake Manyara: Farewell to the Safari
The last day of safari took us to Lake Manyara, a beautiful area with hippos as a final treat. We said goodbye to the wonderful team who had pampered us for six days—from hot towels to bush dinners under the stars. The roads were muddy after a thunderstorm night, which made our “African massage” an extra challenge. Finally, we arrived at Manyara’s Secret, a luxury lodge on the lake. It was here that we realized how much we would miss Gabriel and the intensity of the safari.

The next day we visited a local market and a Maasai village. Beautiful to see, but also confronting: the poverty in Tanzania is undeniable. Fortunately, many lodges support the local population with basic facilities. Our stay at Manyara’s Secret was an oasis of peace—the perfect end to our time on the mainland.

Zanzibar: relaxing by the azure blue ocean
On Wim’s birthday we flew to Zanzibar, where we arrived at a tropical hotel on the beach. The contrast with the safari could not have been greater: white beaches, waving palms and the relaxed island atmosphere. The first days were windy, perfect for the many kite surfers in Paje. We explored the island and enjoyed delicious food, from lunch on a small island to cocktails at sunset.

In Stone Town we made a cultural dive: narrow alleys, Arabic influences and the birthplace of Freddy Mercury. We visited the bustling markets and learned how Zanzibar tries to stay plastic-free. Our guide told us about life on the island, where unemployment and housing shortages are still major challenges.

The last days and the return journey
The days in Zanzibar flew by. We walked along the ocean, saw women harvesting seaweed and met the Beach-Maasai, who offered excursions and souvenirs. Despite the resorts, the poverty was visible and touched us deeply. We realized how privileged we were to make this trip.

And then it was time to go home. We left Tanzania with a head full of memories and a heart full of gratitude. We saw nature in its purest form, met incredibly nice people and completely disconnected from the hustle and bustle of home.

Tanzania ❤️

 

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