My safari in Tanzania

Michelle G
May 5, 2020
5 min read

HAKUNA MATATA- "no worries", "no trouble"

In hopes of someday becoming a wildlife vet, this journey was a privilege I shared with my family. One that fulfilled many of my dreams.

Day 1: Arusha, Tanzania

After a propeller plane took us from the capital to Arusha, we arrived at the hotel lodge. We were surrounded by people of all walks of life, with different agendas and hopes. Many seeking the perils of climbing the highest peak in Africa (Kilimanjaro), visible from our outdoor dining room. Others, chasing the photographer's dream of visiting the plains of Africa, documenting the wilderness in action. Others, to embark on a journey of altruism, returning visitors hoping to make a mark on the less fortunate in Arusha.

Day 2: Lake Manyara

This is the 7th largest lake in Tanzania, a wildlife reserve full of colour and greens despite arriving in the dry season. Immediately we were greeted by Yellow baboons, Common warthogs, Flamingos, Hippos etc. A diverse gathering of species seeking the security of a plentiful water supply (sparse in the Serengeti). My favourite sighting being the African buffalo bathing in the lakes, cooling off from the blazing sun engulfing the reserve.

A hippo demonstrating dominance in the lake

Despite the stereotype that Africa has scorching temperatures, it was surprisingly cool in our open cars. I was able to wear a jumper.

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater

A vast landscape born of an erupted volcano. The vantage point at the entrance of the park was unparalleled, a view so breathtaking, unlike anything I had ever experienced.

This was the vantage point, the vast, green landscape housing all the big five

We were so fortunate to have experienced such a rare occurrence of finding the African black rhino in this crater. So elusive, rare and endangered it was a miracle to have seen a pair of these animals before they might disappear forever. It is very unfortunate for them as poaching remains an imminent hindrance to their survival. Due to increased demand in rhino horn in Asia and other parts of the world, these animal's numbers have dwindled dramatically. It is up to us to stop the trade and stop the demand.

We had also witnessed a Tanzanian storm whilst eating our lunch by a small lake, watching crocodile's lurking just above the surface. The downpour was surprisingly heavy for the amount of clouds I remembered seeing. However watching the wildlife helplessly endure the storm was an memorable experience.

The zebras enduring torrential rains of the Ngorongoro crater

We had also witnessed elephants bathing in the rivers, with tusks almost as long as their snout. Living to the age of having big tusks is an achievement in itself, poachers seek the largest tusk as it yields the most reward. Our guide had told us it is not uncommon for poachers to still lurk in these protected parks.

Day 4, 5: Serengeti National Park

After a long ride, we arrived at the "gate" of the Serengeti National Park. Miles and miles of barren land surround the entrance, however a young Maasai boy (about 8 years old) shows up by our window begging for money. Strangely, their civilisations are in the middle of nowhere however money is still what they seek. Abu, our guide had told us before he would give them food, so instead of money we handed him a bottle of water. Giving these people food is a gamble, they do not have dentists or toothbrushes (if giving them sweets, sugary foods for example). So it was best we gave him clean water instead of money.

Cheetah mother surveying the land for danger after a kill

The park is endless, quite barren, with an odd fallen tree or river. It was peaceful, you felt far away from civilisation. Many times it was a nuisance, the car got stuck in muddy terrains and lifting the car out of the mud often required another car to pull us out. This had happened many times, when we were told to leave the car and walk in the open grassland after seeing many hyenas not more than 200 meters from our car. A thrill not many know, feeling like a Thomson's gazelle watched by many eyes, not forgetting deadly snakes slithering in the tall grass.

Lion cubs drinking from a puddle created by tyre marks

It was here when we achieved seeing all the big 5 species, a rare achievement on a safari. A gamble, yet we were blessed with another very rare sight; a family of cheetah chasing prey. The mother had been teaching her cubs how to hunt, a Thompson's gazelle (probably a few hours old) had been the target. The cheetah's had narrowed in and killed the gazelle in no time.

The cheetah cubs feasting on their fresh kill. A bittersweet end to such a young life.

The lodges we stayed at were very unique, a sturdy tent in the middle of nowhere. A bucket of water outside the tent, for the entire family (refillable of course). Walking to the dining room required a staff member to escort you safely with a torch. These staff members have trained years to spot animals moving in every corner of their eye, tiny movements in the bushes easily acknowledged. Drinking under the open skies was one of my favourite moments of the entire trip.

Casual drinks out in the open, in the middle of nowhere

The tents at the lodge, walking to the tent with the potential of seeing dangerous animals

By far the most memorable time spent in Tanzania was in a Maasai village in the Serengeti. Huts and houses plastered and shaped using excrements of cows. Cows are their monetary possession, the assets they use for barter or wealth status. We paid $50 to take unlimited pictures of their tiny settlement of around 80 people, included a small wooden hut which was their classroom. Entering these huts (had to bend over as the ceiling was very narrow and low) and seeing how these cultures live, I believe is essential knowledge in today's world.

Westernised cultures are eroding these ancient civilisations, we should protect their heritage and encourage others to not lose their cultural background.

Maasai leader

Funnily enough, I had been approached twice in Tanzania by a Maasai. They had asked me to be their wife, their exchange: cows. This man had asked my Dad to hand over me and to receive his cows as payment for marrying his daughter. He had asked my dad how many cows he paid to marry my Mom.

Day 7: Tarangire National Park

A park named after the river that passes through the "Tarangire." Visited by animals during the dry season due to the abundance of fresh water. Here is where the landscape bares stark contrast from season to season. There were some elephant skulls on display to scale the enormity of these gentle giants.

Many, many other animals were spotted in these few days.