Travel stories

Our dream trip!

Years ago, a safari in Africa was at the top of our bucket list. We thought it would be something for later, after we retired. But no, in the summer of 2024, we knew for sure. We’re going to do it now! After some research, the decision was quickly made: Tanzania was the one. Having Explore Tanzania organize the trip was also a logical choice for us. Marjolijn’s years of experience and core values—personal, involved, and conscious—really appealed to us. After a meeting in Apeldoorn where we were carefully listened to, a great trip proposal followed. And after more than a year of anticipation, the time finally came last September.

We chose a safari in the two southern parks Nyerere National Park en Ruaha National Park and conclude with a few days at the idyllicMafia Island. After reading other travel stories, our expectations were already quite high. It was going to be a fantastic trip! It undoubtedly even exceeded our high expectations. So close to the animals in their natural habitat. And indeed, the people are super friendly and genuinely hospitable! It’s true, it will change you. For good!!

A nice variety of accommodations, from safari tents with outdoor showers to intimate lodges. Everything was excellent. We also enjoyed every meal.
And the safaris… what an intense experience! We saw so many different animals, and the expertise of the guides was truly amazing. So much respect for the animals, and they always gave us the opportunity to experience everything intensely at our own pace.

After arriving in Tanzania, we started with an extra day in Dar es Salaam. We stayed at the boutique hotel Mediterraneo, located outside the city center. Right on the beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. It was a great start.

The next morning at 8:00 a.m., the Jeep was ready to take us to Nyerere National Park.

It took us over an hour to get out of town. Even though it was rush hour and traffic was teeming with cyclists, tuk-tuks, and truck drivers, no one was in a hurry. Pole, pole.

Slowly, we saw the landscape change. It became less and less populated. From small villages to a single house, and finally, just plain countryside. Around lunchtime, we arrived in the village of Mloka, which was close to our accommodation at Selous Wilderness Camp. Of course, we ate the local specialty. We did this the Tanzanian way: with our hands.
It took some practice, but once we got the hang of it, we could knead a ball of rice with just our right hand and dip it in the vegetables and sauce. After washing our hands again, carefully pouring some water over a small bowl, we were on our way again. The road narrowed and finally we reached the river. On the other side lies the Selous Wilderness Camp, so for the crossing, we board a boat. In the distance, we see a large pod of hippos. We’ll also hear their characteristic sound often in the coming days. We’re given a safari tent with a beautiful view of the river. We take a wonderfully warm shower, and before heading to dinner, a large baboon walks past our tent.

The next day, we go on a full-day safari. We drive to the entrance gate of Nyerere National Park. Our guide, Samuel, thoroughly enjoys sharing his knowledge with the students. Several are waiting at the gate. Samuel asks us if we mind if one of them comes along. Yes, of course, it’s fun and educational for us too. It’s not long before we see the first giraffes walking among the trees along the road. A beautiful sight. Samuel calls it “the majestic walk.” Many more animals follow, and Samuel quickly notices that we’re interested in all of them. The variety of birds in the green and watery Nyerere National Park is enormous, from the small, bright blue species to large eagles. During a boat safari, we see hippos and crocodiles, as well as many other special birds along the water’s edge.

We also go on a walking safari here. Instead of Samuel, this safari is led by a local guide. For our own safety, we are also accompanied by a ranger with a rifle. We don’t see many animals, but the guide tells us a lot about the trees and plants. In his unusual outfit and barefoot, he occasionally puts on quite a show. He drinks sap from a tree branch, climbs a baobab tree, and smokes a cigarette made from leaves and elephant dung.

After a few days, we leave Nyerere National Park and are taken to the airstrip for the domestic flight to Ruaha National Park. The flight was completely full, and we were assigned the last two seats. One in the back of the plane, and one of us next to the pilot.

When we arrive by jeep at our first accommodation, Hodi Hodi Bush Camp,we are met by the entire staff. A very warm welcome! The location is truly fantastic. Hodi Hodi Ruaha Bush Camp is perched high on a hill in the Western Rift Valley. From the veranda of your tented cabin, you can gaze across the valley for hours with binoculars. Before dinner, we enjoy a Kilimanjaro beer while watching the beautiful sunset. And after dinner, when it’s completely dark, we’re once again thrilled when the elephants come to drink from the specially created watering hole.

Besides jeep safaris, we also take a short walking safari here. We visit a Maasai village and a secondary school. One of the teachers and the principal gives us an extensive tour. They are happy and incredibly proud of what we consider simple resources.

We clearly see that the landscape in Ruaha National Park is very different from that in Nyerere National Park. We also clearly notice that this park has the largest population of elephants in all of Africa. It’s so wonderful to see them bring water to the surface to drink from the dried-up river.

Time to head to our last safari accommodation: Mdonya Old River Camp. This tented camp is located in the heart of the animals’ natural habitat. It’s absolutely essential that you’re accompanied by a Maasai every time you want to go from your safari tent to the communal dining area. The animals roam freely here. You might just encounter an elephant, lion, or baboon.

We arrive at the camp around lunchtime. The table is already set for us, and we can sit down immediately. We’ve barely settled in when a huge elephant walks past just a few meters away. Wow!

A few more fantastic safari days follow. We see many animals here again and learn a lot from the expert guide. As a lovely farewell gift, on the last day, as we’re already on our way to the airstrip for our flight to Mafia Island, we see a magnificent male lion. Even the guide and driver are speechless.

After the impressive safaris, we relax a bit on Mafia Island. Here, too, we’re pleasantly surprised by the friendliness and genuine hospitality of the staff at Butiama Beach. A comfortable lodge, excellent restaurant, lovely pool, and a stunningly beautiful beach. The ocean is wonderful for swimming. We took lovely walks on the beach. We headed towards the mangroves where we saw turtle tracks and also to the fishing village of Kilindoni, where the beach was always bustling with fishing boats. The snorkeling activity organized by Butiama Beach was also excellent. No rushing from one spot to the next, just pole, pole.

It was an unforgettable trip. We’ll cherish it for a long time to come!