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

The moments in the Serengeti: the ‘golden hour safari’, three nights in a tented camp, with the sounds of a roaring lion, hippos, zebras and hyenas all around us at night. Lunch beneath a tree in the middle of the Serengeti, where we first had to chase away two hyenas before we could sit down ourselves. Everything was prepared with such care and attention.

It was a place where the sense of peace was almost overwhelming, and the staff were exceptionally friendly and warm. That combination of beauty, silence and genuine hospitality made this part of the journey particularly unforgettable.

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

The diversity of the landscapes. Each of the three parks we visited had its own distinct character and atmosphere. And Mo, our guide, was absolutely brilliant! Experiencing all that nature and wildlife in real life is also completely different from watching it on National Geographic.

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

We had a brilliant guide who knew an incredible amount and was determined to make our journey an extraordinary experience. Our cycling guides were just as friendly. The level of service was excellent.

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

The combination of everything made the journey fantastic. We’re very glad we chose to spend another three days unwinding at the wonderful Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge, with Kilimanjaro in the distance. What a lovely place! We didn’t miss the coast or Zanzibar for a moment. Zanzibar may be the classic way to end a safari, but there are wonderful alternatives too :-)

If you really want to experience Tanzania, staying in tented camps is an absolute must. They may offer a little less luxury, but the experience is incredible. And even more importantly: don’t cut corners when choosing your tour operator and guide. They really do make all the difference.

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.

You step into a completely different world and a different pace of life, and that puts things into perspective. Hakuna Matata! And the sheer vastness of the landscapes. Absolutely beautiful.