We hadn’t yet reached the entrance to Lake Manyara when our safari driver pumped the brakes. An elephant stepped from the trees into the road, and another followed. It wasn’t our first safari, but it was our first trip in Northern Tanzania and elephants were a pleasant welcome to the region.
Africa’s savannas, mountains and game parks tempt even the most widely traveled adventurers, but the endless possible itineraries often make coordinating the trip overwhelming.
Tanzania alone is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, various National Parks and game reserves. Planning a quick trip from the UAE without being overwhelmed is possible with a little help. We selected Wild At Heart Safaris as our guide for their reputation of professionalism, well-maintained vehicles (specifically tires, which are essential for these trips), and price.
Our week-long adventure began at Lake Manyara, a park brimming with water, trees, birds and hippos. It was the first stop on a multi-legged journey, which included Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Zanzibar.
That night we watched the sunset over Ngorongoro Crater from Sopa Lodge, our crateredge refuge. The following morning I plucked a rose from the vase in the room, tucked it into my braid and we headed into the crater at dawn where herd animals greeted us and predators appeared shortly after. Midday we ascended the crater and bounced along the road toward the Serengeti.
Along the way we observed elephants grazing near a village, giraffes passing Maasai bomas, and an ostrich taking a stroll.
Arrival in the Serengeti is hard to explain, emptiness is the first feeling, followed by the awe of a place so vast it’s difficult to comprehend. Within its borders are regions that couldn’t be more different from one another providing travelers with a visual delight even when animals are not present. The drive to our tented hotel felt remote in the way that only something expansive, like the Arabian desert, can provide. In the evening we sipped juice by the fire and were served a multi-course dinner under the stars. Hyena calls lulled us to the sleep and herds wandering by woke us before dawn. We spent two nights in the Serengeti, which is sufficientafter a day in Lake Manyara and a day in Ngorongoro Crater.
We departed the Serengeti via air and traveled to the Spice Island of Zanzibar where we spent three days. The Rock restaurant situated in the Indian Ocean, Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park highlighting colobus monkeys, and Stone Town deserve a spot on the itinerary.
A direct flight from Dubai (DXB) to Dar Es Salaam (DAR) is about six hours and costs approximately 1,500 AED*. Alternatively, Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) is closer to the game parks in the north and the eight-hour flight between DXB and JRO costs around 1,600 AED. Safaris are entirely customizable, and prices vary based on choice.
September to January is the best time to visit. Karibu (welcome to) Tanzania. ■
*Prices are provided as examples and will change according to dates and seasons.
Written + Photos by: Nicole Hansen, conversationsabroad.com
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this article was published in OutdoorUAE printed magazine issue #92 December 2018 – January 2019
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