March 25

My Trip | The Secret Life of Tanzania

1  comments

By Tamlin Wightman on March 25, 2014

Ever wondered what a trip to the Serengeti would be like? Maybe you watched Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman head out on a lion safari in Tanzania in “The Bucket List” and were struck by that pang to go in search of your own adventure. Films do that. It’s uncontrollable, the niggling urge to take off immediately, throw yourself into the deep end of new lands and cultures… Even the comically clichéd film about throwing off the bowlines, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, has me packing my bags and checking flights.

But I believe a blogger, Beckerman, said it aptly, “I’ve never been on a safari, but I imagine the experience to be like stepping through a movie screen and into the middle of a scene from Gladiator. It is one thing to experience the colors, speed, and ferocity of the leopard through the medium of technology — the quickening pace of the heart and rush of adrenaline can be exhilarating, but imagine the in-person intimacy … of a rapacious cat going after its prey.”

When it comes to showing you the real story, there is nothing better than peeking at other travellers’ photos.

The Bucket List

Today our clients, Ray and Nola Haigh from Australia, give us a glimpse into what an African safari looks like. Take a look at their photos from a recent trip to Northern Tanzania with Rhino Africa consultant, Sian Bester.

The couple stayed at four different hotels and lodges, including: Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, between the peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro; Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, in Lake Manyara National Park, on the escarpment ridge of the Great Rift Valley overlooking the soda lake; Lake Masek Tented Camp, by the shores of Lake Masek in Ndutu, between the vast plains of the Serengeti; and Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, a luxury lodge on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.

This is Tanzania…

1
“Tossing dirt looked threatening but Seba (our guide) assured us this bull elephant was feeding and happy. – Lake Manyara”
Serengeti
“Nola asked these Zebra to arrange themselves and pose for the camera. They did a good job! – Serengeti”
Mother to baby – “ How many times must you be told to stop suckling before you move”. - Lake Manyara
“Mother to baby: ‘How many times must you be told to stop suckling before you move’. – Lake Manyara”
We tried to stir a mass of flamingos into the air in order to capture the brilliant colours. Only two could be enticed. - Lake Ndutu
“We tried to stir a mass of flamingos into the air in order to capture the brilliant colours. Only two could be enticed. – Lake Ndutu”
Fancy a neck nibble?
“Fancy a neck nibble? – Ngorongoro”
Butter would not melt in this lion’s mouth (but a Wildebeest calf would) - Serengeti
“Butter would not melt in this lion’s mouth (but a wildebeest calf would) – Serengeti”
Early morning with hippos. - Lake Masek
“Early morning with hippos – Lake Masek”
A beautiful African sunrise at our tented camp. - Lake Masek.
“A beautiful African sunrise at our tented camp. – Lake Masek”
Just a few moments from our abundant (over 100) bird experiences, featuring: the Secretary bird, Woodpecker, Tawny Eagle, African Crane, Greater Flamingo
Above are “just a few moments from our abundant (over 100) bird experiences, including the Secretary bird, Woodpecker, Tawny Eagle, African Crane and…”
Flamingos
“…the Greater Flamingo”
Canoeing on Lake Momella - Arusha National Park
“Canoeing on Lake Momella – Arusha National Park”
Wildebeest migration crossing Lake Nudutu
“Wildebeest migration crossing Lake Nudutu”
Cheetah with one of two very young cubs. - Serengeti
“Cheetah with one of two very young cubs. – Serengeti”
Thanks to our guide Seba, for a totally memorable experience. - Farewell at Kilimanjaro Airport
“Thanks to our guide Seba, for a totally memorable experience. – Farewell at Kilimanjaro Airport”

Thank you to Ray and Nola for sharing their epic journey with us. It has been wonderful to share the ride with you.

For more information about going on a Tanzanian safari, or whatever African adventure your heart desires, contact one of our travel experts and start planning.


Tags


You May Also Like

When is the Best Time to Visit the Serengeti?

When is the Best Time to Visit the Serengeti?

About the author 

Tamlin Wightman

Tamlin has been exploring, writing about and photographing Africa ever since her first job as a photojournalist for Getaway Magazine. She's lived on an island, eaten with lions, sailed catamarans in the Indian Ocean, tracked wild dogs with Kinglsey Holgate, and white water rafted down the Zambezi and has kept just about every airplane ticket that has crossed her hands.

  • {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
    >