Travel Month – End of July, August
We traveled to Tanzania, a country in East Africa, that boasts some of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, giraffe, hippopotamus, rhinoceros) and the annual Great Migration, we decided to go in July to see the animals migrate from Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. Organizing our trip seamlessly, we entrusted Duma Explorer as our tour operator. Upon arrival in Arusha, every detail was expertly managed by our dedicated tour operator.
Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
Today marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey through Tanzania’s most iconic national parks. Our expedition kicks off with a 9 am pickup in Arusha by our tour guide, the vibrant city nestled at the foothills of Mount Meru. From there, we embark on a thrilling drive towards the mesmerizing Tarangire National Park. After 2 hours, we reached Tarangire’s sprawling savannahs and acacia-dotted plains. A herd of zebras welcomed us. Throughout the day, we kept our eyes peeled for sightings of majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, elusive leopards, and an array of exotic bird species. In the afternoon, we had a delightful picnic lunch amidst the untamed beauty of the park, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush.
At around 4:00 pm, we made our way to the enchanting Mada Balloon Camp, our luxurious haven nestled in the heart of Tarangire. As we reached our camp, we were welcomed warmly by the hosts. They kindly informed us that power would be available until 7:00 pm, after which the generators would be switched off. Additionally, if we wished to venture outside our tents after sunset, we were instructed to signal the hosts with our torches, who would then accompany us for our safety. The canvas tents had all the facilities, including hot water in the bathrooms.
At 8:00 pm, we went to the restaurant which was also a big tent. They served us with a delicious three-course meal and then we accompanied them back to our tents. As the power was out, we fell asleep quite tired from the day trip. In the midst of the night, I caught the faint sound of animal footsteps outside our tent, but fatigue quickly overtook me, and I drifted back to sleep. Come morning, we discovered that elephants had been near our camp during the night.
Day 2: Game drive in Tarangire National Park
We started our day early as that was the prime time for animal sightings. We had our breakfast in the camp, packed our lunch boxes and snacks and set out. And what luck we had! Our very first encounter was with a magnificent lioness gracefully crossing the road right before our eyes. Throughout the day, we spotted various animals: giraffes, zebras, hyenas, wildebeests, and elephants. One thrilling moment was when we patiently observed a lion poised to pounce on a zebra at a lakeside watering hole, though it eventually abandoned its hunt. Later on, we witnessed another lion feasting on its freshly caught wildebeest, providing us with an unforgettable close-up experience.
Day 3: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
After spending half a day in the Tarangire National Park, we headed out to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ngorongoro Crater itself is a natural wonder, formed by the collapse of a large volcano millions of years ago. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and rhinoceroses, among others. The crater’s unique geography and abundant water sources support a high concentration of animals year-round, making it one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Beyond its rich biodiversity, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also significant for its cultural heritage. It is inhabited by the Maasai people, who have coexisted with the wildlife in the region for centuries. Their traditional way of life and pastoralist practices are integral to the conservation efforts in the area.
We spent a single night at this location, where the camps offered all amenities, including hot water in the showers. As anticipated, the temperature notably decreased at night. After dinner, our hosts surprised us with an impromptu dance performance, using kitchen utensils as makeshift musical instruments. To cap off the evening, the Masai people graciously escorted us back to our camps.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Conservation Area
We set out early, enjoyed breakfast at the camp, and embarked on our game drive in the crater. We encountered a plethora of animals, yet the elusive rhinoceros remained the only member of the big five we hadn’t spotted. After a picnic lunch in the crater, we visited a Masai village. Welcoming us with their traditional dance, the Masai people invited us to join in. My son enthusiastically participated, holding a stick and leaping along. Following the welcome dance, a village member who spoke English, guided us on a tour, showcasing their way of life. Among their daily activities, they emphasized outdoor animal herding, while their children receive education in a village school. They shared insights into their diet, comprising rice, potatoes, and meat, reflecting their minimalist lifestyle. Interestingly, some are opting for a more urban lifestyle as they reach adulthood.
After lunch, we headed out on our 3-hour drive to Serengeti National Park. The road proved consistently rough throughout the drive. By afternoon, we arrived at our destination, Ole Serai Camp. Most of the camps here are built only for a year. I am just in awe of how they put up these luxurious tents with all the facilities. As evening fell, the distant roars of two lions echoed nearby, despite assurances from our guides that they were not in immediate proximity to the camp. The following morning, to our amazement, we discovered lion footprints right outside our camp, near where our jeeps had been parked.
Day 5: Central Serengeti National Park
After our surprise Indian breakfast prepared by the chef in the camp, we went for the game drive. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Serengeti National Park is internationally recognized for its efforts in preserving Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. We saw some more hippos, elephants, and lions. Our guides for the trip Msuyia and MSanghi were very knowledgeable and were trained to spot animals and birds far away with their naked eyes. It made our safari so interesting! We covered the central part of the park today and tomorrow we head out to the Northern Part to watch the migration.
Day 6-7: Northern Serengeti National Park
Over the following two days, we were treated to the sight of elephants, zebras, and wildebeests making their dramatic crossing of the Mara River into the Masai Mara. During one unforgettable moment, we witnessed a crocodile attacking a wildebeest during this river crossing.
Wrapping up our adventure, we embarked on a game drive on the final day before heading to Kogatende Airstrip, where we caught our Regional Air flight to Kilimanjaro Airport.
Some Travel Tips:
- Check if you need a visa or any other documentation to enter the country.
- Check if you need any vaccinations.
- Carry some cash with you.
- We took the anti-malarial medicine before going there.
- Wear light-colored clothes. Avoid the blue color as it attracts Tsetse flies.
- Not many facilities and the drives are long. So, carry toilet rolls for nature calls.
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