Tanzanian Trails: Embarking on an Unforgettable African Safari
- Globe-Trotting Addicts
- Feb 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 17
The terms once-in-a-lifetime and epic are overused, but it is undoubtedly the only way to describe an African safari.
I had the incredible opportunity to embark on an eight-day African safari in Tanzania. I used Lion World Travel and the local Tanzanian outfit Leopard Tours for the experience. Choosing a company for such an adventure is quite honestly daunting. How do you select a company that is honest, professional, and safe? How do you do that from 10,000 miles away? Eight days in the African bush means selecting the right company is the most crucial decision. When beginning to research the logistics of how to go on a safari in Africa, I discovered that Lion World Travel has a partnership with Costco Travel of all places. Costco vetting Lion World Travel was the assurance I needed to book the experience.
Even with that said, I was pretty nervous. As soon as my plane touched down in Arusha, Tanzania, the representatives from Leopard Tours were there to greet me. From the initial evening in Arusha, throughout all three national parks, the quality of service, accommodation, and food was perfect. What really made the experience was my guide, John. He was incredibly knowledgeable not just about the entire animal kingdom but the local culture and tribal communities as well. In addition, he is a highly patient man as he graciously waited while I took hundreds of photos of one scene in hopes of getting one good shot. I think for every 75 photos I took, only one was acceptable. Maybe.
Tarangire National Park - We spent two nights in Tarangire, the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania. It encompasses 2,600 square kilometers and is known for its large elephant herds. I quite possibly have more than 2,000 photos of just elephants.
My accommodation was within the national park. Wifi was available only in the hotel reception, and an escort was required to leave my room after dark as the buffalo, lions, and hyenas don't distinguish between the boundary of the hotel and the one of the park.
The Serengeti National Park - Three nights in the Serengeti provided an opportunity to be wholly immersed in the African bush. In the Masai language, Serengeti means endless. It is the perfect way to describe the vast savannah. It is home to four of the big five, and the harmony between so many different species was exceptional. Undoubtedly, being at the Serengeti during The Great Migration was incredible. The zebras lead the migration as they eat the soft grass at the top of the plains. Later, the wildebeest follow behind, eating the stalks. It is the perfect combination of partners in nature. Again, escorts were required as the wild animals were everywhere after dark.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area- The crater was the highlight of the entire safari, and I enjoyed two nights there. The crater formed when a giant volcano erupted and collapsed on itself several million years ago. The result is fertile soil that is perfect for animals to truly thrive. Ngorongoro Crater is known to have the highest concentration of mammals on Earth. It is home to the "big five," including the endangered black rhino. From lions hunting their prey to many animal species living in complete harmony, it is a stunning masterpiece of nature at work. Although an escort to dinner wasn't necessary, keeping the balcony door closed at all times certainly was to ensure the baboons didn't come into my room!
I knew I would enjoy a safari; however, I was surprised at how much I loved it. There is a peacefulness in watching animals live in their natural surrounding and listening to them communicate with one another. If you have been considering a safari or enjoy the great outdoors, go ahead and do it. It will indeed be a once-in-a-lifetime and epic experience.
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