Day 12 (July 15) – Dolphins, Dhows & Kendwa Beach
In the morning, Michelle and Tristan set out with Captain Barnaba to snorkel and chase dolphins, laughing as the pods surfaced and darted around the boat. The rest of us walked toward Kendwa Beach, when a sudden tropical downpour swept through—here one moment, gone the next.
At Kendwa, Kaitlin had her hair braided while we browsed beachside stalls run by women selling colorful beaded bracelets and necklaces. Later, we returned to Kilindi, where the afternoon slowed into lazy hours by the pool.
As the sun began to sink, we boarded a traditional wooden dhow and sailed into the horizon, the sky melting into shades of gold and rose. Dinner was on the beach—fresh lobster, toes in the sand, waves rolling in the dark. At midnight, our private transfer arrived to take us to Zanzibar Airport, the journey’s end quietly unfolding under the island stars.
Day 4 (July 8) – From Tarangire to the Crater’s Edge
We left Tarangire behind this morning, trading the elephant herds and baobab forests for a new stretch of Tanzanian landscape—and a glimpse into daily life along the way.
As we drove through “Mosquito City”, we passed small villages where Maasai children herded goats and sheep along the roadside. Sheep ruled the road, and the donkeys, goats, and the occasional bold rooster followed behind. Fences were made of tall shrubs, and everything felt purposeful, rugged, and alive.
We cruised past Lake Manyara—famous for its pink flamingos and tilapia—and through the outer edge of Manyara National Park, catching views of shimmering water and dense greenery. Along the road: stands of papaya, sugar cane, rice, and more varieties of bananas than we ever knew existed (red bananas, green bananas… even banana wine!).
Salim, our guide pointed out a Maasai boma (village), where families still live traditionally—circular homes, shared space with their animals, and a rhythm that hasn’t changed much in generations.
By late afternoon, we arrived at the Ngorongoro Rim Lodge, perched high above the crater floor. The air was thinner, cooler, and smelled of earth and woodsmoke. As we stepped off the vehicle, the staff welcomed us with a joyful song—a warm, unexpected moment that felt like being embraced by the mountain itself.
We’ll sleep tonight on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s great natural wonders—and tomorrow, we go in.
Day 3 (July 7) – Tarangire National Park, The Language of Nature
A cloudy morning gave way to clearer skies as we set off from Tarangire Treetops, heading straight toward the swamps in search of the elusive leopard. The bush was alive with movement—elephants marching slowly to water, zebras flicking their tails as they grazed, giraffes stretching impossibly high for tender leaves, and wildebeest pushing across the plains like restless wanderers.
Then came the thrill: with sharp eyes and a bit of luck, some of us spotted a lion (simba) crouched low near a zebra herd. Our very first big cat sighting—silent, tense, and unforgettable.
On the way to lunch, flocks of birds skimmed the water, while elephants in their massive herds dominated the landscape—calves splashing playfully in the mud as the older giants moved with quiet, deliberate grace.
By midday, we unwrapped our packed lunches at the Silale Swamp picnic site, swapping stories while the wild unfolded all around us.
The afternoon brought us back to Treetops, where lounging by the pool felt surreal as elephants wandered to the nearby sinkhole for a drink. But the real surprise came after dark: as we gathered for dinner around a crackling bonfire, a leopard finally appeared—slipping quietly to the watering hole, a shadow brought to life by moonlight.
The night closed with a vibrant Maasai performance, their chants and yodels echoing under a sky that had cleared into a tapestry of stars.
It was a day written in the language of nature—unpredictable, humbling, unforgettable.
Day 2 (July 6)– Into the Wild
Our safari officially kicked off with a 9:40 AM flight from Arusha’s tiny domestic airport- a short, scenic hop that felt more like stepping into a nature documentary than a travel day.
By the time we touched down on the dusty strip at Kuro airstrip in Tarangire National Park, our local guide from Arusha was already waiting—grinning, ready, and holding a sign that read: “Karibu” (Welcome!).
And just like that, the wild rolled out the welcome wagon: elephants (tembo), zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and buffalo, all casually crossing our path like it was just another day.
Massive baobab trees towered like ancient sentinels over the plains- and everywhere we looked, life was in motion.
We stopped for lunch at Tarangire Sopa Lodge, where the food came with a side of sweeping views and the silhouettes of grazing animals on the horizon.
By late afternoon, we reached Treetops Lodge, where we were greeted with refreshing baobab juice and warm smiles. Perched high among the trees, the lodge gave us front-row seats to the bush below.
We sipped ice-cold beer as the sun dipped behind the acacias. And just when we thought the day had peaked…
Water buffalo wandered in to drink from the nearby watering hole as we dined outdoors beneath a wide, cloud-covered sky- completely unscripted, totally surreal.
Then came the perfect surprise: the kitchen staff circled the tables, singing “Hakuna Matata” with heart, harmony, and joy.
No stars that night—but truly, the day had already sparkled in all the right ways.
Day 1 (July 5) - Landed in Kilimanjaro!
After months of planning, we finally landed in Tanzania. As we stepped off the plane at Kilimanjaro International Airport, we were greeted with warm smiles and a hand-painted sign that read our names. “Karibu Tanzania!” — Welcome to Tanzania!
We were whisked away to the Arusha Coffee Lodge, nestled in the heart of a lush coffee plantation. The earthy scent of roasted beans filled the air, and for a moment, time slowed down.
We spent the rest of the day unwinding, sipping coffee on the veranda. A calm, perfect beginning.
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