Finally, my bags were packed and I was holding electronic air tickets to fly to a land I dreamed of visiting for a very long time!
Flying from Cape Town, I flew into the gateway city for most safari expeditions (Johannesburg) and spent a night at a lovely little guesthouse. Outlook Lodge was a welcoming overnight stop after leaving the comforts of my own home. On the following day, a quick transfer to Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport where I met the rest of the group.
Unfortunately after a 3 hour delay we finally arrived at 22:45 at Kilimanjaro Airport. It was interesting to discover the journey took us from Johannesburg to Dar Es Salaam (4 hours), then from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar (a whole 10 minutes airborne!!) and lastly a flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro (40 minutes) – Jambo!
We found ourselves crashing into bed on the first night, ready for a bright an early start to our trip. Our first two nights were spent at an ‘Authentic’ campsite in Lake Manyara National Park. What is authentic camping ? It’s the adventure of camping, but with the comforts of convenience e.g. all cooking and camp chores done by staff, no pitching of tents, bucket showers and chemical toilets. Lake Manyara truly found a special place in my heart! This park has a great diversity in eco-zones, corresponding to a similar diversity of animal and birdlife.
Early to rise once again on Day 4 and we set out for destination Ngorongoro Crater. En route we visited a delightful retreat 5km from the park entrance. It is a working farm, offering very comfortable accommodation for guests in beautiful surroundings.
As we entered the Ngorongoro Conservancy, we encountered a tropical rain forest in low-lying mist. This vegetation is very typical of the crater rim and was provides a home to buffalo, waterbuck, bush pig and local Maasai warriors herding their goats or cattle to the water source in the crater. Be prepared to pull out USD1 to take a photo of one of these fine-featured locals! After a tricky 600m drop along narrow road we ventured for a game drive in the 2 million year old crater. Three distinct eco-zones: flat grasslands, forest thicket and a small attracted all types of birds and wildlife.
We sneaked a peek at a 5 star property before heading for our private campsite set up once again inside the conservancy area. A steaming bowl of popcorn and nuts was waiting our arrival – we take some things too much for granted! After wishing upon a few falling stars we settled in for the night.
Next day we set out for Serengeti National Park. En route we stopped at Oluvai (aka Oldupai) Gorge. If you don’t catch the local’s 20 minute talk on Olduvai Gorge, wander through the information centre. As for the next stretch of road, be warned, corrugated gravel road is quite wearying after two hours. Fortunately we had a pit stop at a local Maasai village and visited their little grass/mud homes. A very interesting insight to the life they lead with simple necessities. Beware ladies with long black hair, the local chief may try to barter for your hand in marriage!
At long last, Karibu Serengeti National Park!!! Upon first entry, I was pleased that we were in Landcruisers with open tops as the grass was very long. You have to try spot lion at Simba koppies, or deeper in the park, look out for crocs at a place only your guide will be able to pronounce.
After this long day we finally arrived at Serengeti Wilderness Camp and were looking forward to our showers and sundowners.
Our flight back to Arusha certainly proved more comfortable than the drive out.
Before I knew it, I was back on the flight back to Cape Town with wonderful memories and inspirations to return again one day! Highlights of this trip certainly included Lake Manyara!
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