Travel stories

We saw all the animals of the Big Five!

Hakuna Matata, no worries. We learned that moto from Sam, our guide from Explore Tanzania. But we had actually already learned this from Marloes in the run-up to the trip. During the planning, a lot had to be adjusted and rebooked because my youngest daughter’s internship in a hospital in Tanzania was cancelled at the last minute. Explore deserves a compliment for their communication and flexibility.

Hakuna Matata, safari njema.
On April 25, 2025, we landed at Kilimanjaro airport. Karibu, welcome, in Tanzania. For the first time on the continent of Africa. Our pace had to slow down immediately. The security check and the visa check were very slow and cumbersome. Then we had to withdraw money and go to Arusha. After a good night’s sleep, we met a friendly young man who was willing to guide us through Arusha. He gave us a wonderful insight into the local market, cafes, football stadium and brought us to beautiful places to have breakfast and lunch. We really ended up in another world. We were happy with him and he with the tip.

On the 27th we were picked up early by our guide, Sam and the cook, Benjamin. Sam with a big smile that remained on his face throughout the entire safari. We went on our way to Mto wa Mbu. There we were taken on an adventure by a local guide. He took us to rice fields, banana beer and local tribes that did woodworking or made beautiful art. In our living rooms hangs or stands a lasting memory of this day.

The next three nights we go camping. Benjamin is not only the cook but also sets up our tents. Hard work, we try to help a bit but he doesn’t really want that. The first campsite is luxurious. There is a swimming pool and a bar to have a drink. We get up early and enjoy the breakfast made by Benjamin. Then we drive to Serengeti National Park. The route there is beautiful. The rainforest in particular is impressive. The stop along the way to admire the Ngorongoro Crater from a height is unfortunately not clearly visible due to the mist, but this would be completely made up for later during the trip. We learned a lot about nature and animals from Sam. We also learned from him what African massage and African snow are. The drive was sometimes quite bouncy and dusty. It is unbelievable how many animals you encounter and we were lucky that there were many young animals and that it was quiet everywhere.

The weather was great, only the last day to the airport we had rain, the rainy season is easy to do this way. Just driving around the Serengeti with its endless plains is a feast for the eyes and brings you inner peace.

The camping is special because of the animal sounds around you and the simplicity of the sanitary facilities. The nights are beautiful because of the fantastic starry sky. What a difference with the Netherlands. After three nights of camping we stayed one night in a lodge to travel from here to the Ngorongoro Crater. Here we were able to spot the rhinoceros as the last of the big five. We were able to admire the elephant, the lion, the buffalo and the leopard from very close by in the Serengeti. The vegetation was special again and Sam knew a lot about it. Sam then drove us back to Arusha. From here, we went to the Kilimanjaro and made a day trip to an altitude of 2720 meters and walked to the first rest point. In our accommodation we were able to relax and we managed to see the local markets by bike and get very close to zebras, wildebeest and antelopes. Our adventure was over, an adventure to carry with us forever. I am grateful that I was able to experience this with my two daughters and a son-in-law.