Travel stories

Close to local life at Amini

What was the moment when you thought, “Wow, I’m never going to forget this”?

Our children: seeing a leopard chasing a cheetah on the ground. That’s something I’ll never forget.

For us adults: our lunch in the village of Ngarenanyuki near Amini. The friendliness of the local people and the delicious lunch out on the open plains, at a restaurant near the school we also visited. And then there was the buffalo and giraffe right beside our tent, as well as the sound of lions roaring nearby during the night.

What surprised or moved you about Tanzania? Perhaps something you hadn’t expected beforehand?

Our children: how friendly the people were. Everywhere we went, people were incredibly kind and always willing to help.

For us adults: visiting the classroom at the school near Amini, and seeing the respect and joy the children showed at school.

How did you experience meeting the people and experiencing the culture? Think about conversations with your guide, local customs and hospitality.

Everyone was genuinely interested and eager to help. People shared so much with us about the culture and the surroundings. Our guide Edmund in particular told us a great deal and always took his time when spotting wildlife on safari.

What would you recommend future travellers definitely shouldn’t miss?

We would highly recommend staying a little longer at Amini Hillside Retreat. Spending one day experiencing the local culture and another on a walking safari is absolutely worthwhile. We did both in a single day, which in hindsight felt a little too rushed. Here, you really get immersed in the culture and gain an insight into everyday life. The people at the retreat itself were incredibly warm and welcoming.

We would also definitely recommend visiting Tarangire National Park for its wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

What are you taking home from this journey, in your head, your heart and/or your suitcase? Something that has changed the way you do or see things, or that will simply stay with you forever.

Hakuna matata… From the moment we were collected at the airport: hakuna matata, pole pole. Everything in its own time. And we’ll always remember the openness and incredible friendliness of the people we met, always willing to help, wherever we went.