Showing posts with label tanzania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tanzania. Show all posts

Tanzania. The never ending grasslands




Africa is the ultimate destination for anyone interested in Nature in its purest form. We had never looked to plan one as the whole process felt daunting. But when two of our close relatives suggested an Africa trip around the same time which worked for us also, it all fell into place for one of our wildest and most adventurous trips.

We finished planning our logistics in a flurry within a few weeks about 5 to 6 months before our agreed-upon vacation dates. After some back and forth we settled on  Easy travels on recommendation from friends who had used their services. It was a good choice as they were very professional and patient in helping us customize the trip to our satisfaction. Finally, it was 6 days of safari mostly in Serengeti, and 1 final day on the beaches in Zanzibar.

Tanzania, the safaris, people, food, grasslands, and nature were all as wonderful as advertised. Our group was 11 people from 9 to 56 yrs. Serengeti, on which we roamed for 3 full days exemplified our expectations of African nature. The other 2 major parks Tarangire with its Boabab trees, and Ngorongoro crater with its unique isolated wildlife were the perfect complements and bookmarked Serengeti. We did a good balance of cottages (Sopa lodge), safari tents (Tortillis, Sametu), luxury stays (Farmhouse), and a final beach resort(Zanziblue) to experience the wide range of stay options. 

From day 1, we learned to expect the unexpected on a Safari. It could be any of the Ungulates like Zebra, Giraffe, or Antelopes which are grazing peacefully or crossing our path but also the famed carnivores like Cheetah, Leopard, or a resting Lion pride of which there were many. The habitat and views ranged from shrub forests to rivers, to the wide expansive grasslands. One of the days was earmarked to witness the great migration of Wildebeests which were on the move. After driving for several hours, our guides found them. We watched enthralled as the huge herds of thousands of Wildebeests moved steadily to their northern grazing fields.

On our final day in Arusha, we chose to have a quieter day with a local plantation visit and enjoyed some locally prepared food. Zanzibar with its beautiful beaches provided the perfect ending to our African adventure as we reluctantly bid goodbye and headed back. 

Images from the trip:

Day 1: Tarangire

Day 2,3,4: Serengeti

Day 5: Ngorongoro

People shots: Tanzania and Zanzibar