The very first time I visited Africa, I flew straight into Nairobi, Kenya. I had booked myself on an all inclusive safari adventure with a big adventure company. Here I was alone flying solo across the globe for the very reason I booked this adventure in the first place – to spot the incredible lion that i’ve longed to see for years and to be somewhere far away from normal life, from worklife and from my everyday routine.
We drove in a small mini-bus from our hotel in Nairobi across the border to Arusha in Tanzania. I will say Tanzania is a much prettier place than the bustling city of Nairobi. Visiting Tanzania for the first time was welcoming and exciting, for we had a jam-packed itinerary of many Tanzania excursions and destinations to look forward to.
On our very first day we bundled into the safari van and set on our journey. We were ecstatic to see zebras and giraffes for the first time. Little did we know by the end of the trip Zebra and Giraffe were an everyday occurrence as by then we had seen the most beautifully exotic wild animals and were yearning to see more lions, more leopards, more elephants. We spent every day spending numerous hours sitting, sleeping and looking out for that ever elusive animal. Everytime we saw lions, it was truly breathtaking. We definitely heard their roars at night. They seemed so near but are yet so far, thankfully! We camped three nights in the Serengeti, in what seemed like the middle of nowhere. Nothing surrounding us apart from wide stretched savannahs and more importantly, nothing protecting us from the wild animals. I couldn’t sleep. Our guide told stories of encounters with lions that filled us with excitement and dread at the same time. Hyena’s loved our campsite, more so they loved the outside kitchen area that was made out of steel and situated right near our camps. They spent nearly all night scavenging for food LOUDLY. I didn’t manage to get an hour’s sleep or a minute’s peace but our Tanzania excursions were incredible! From exploring the Ngorongoro Crater to riding through the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration. Lake Manyara was fascinating too, especially as we got to see the flock of flamingos. Hot air ballooning across the Serengeti was unbelievable – memories that I shall never forget.
Visiting Tanzania has always been special to me, the place, the feeling. You cannot replica it anywhere else in Africa. Tanzania is filled with good souls, friendly acquaintances, peaceful ways, incredible views, stunning landscapes and memories of wild animals running wild and free will stay with me forever.
