Luxury safari in Tanzania

After arriving at Arusha Airport, we were picked up and warmly greeted. Our guide accompanied us throughout the trip. He was there when we needed him. And he gave us time whenever we wanted to be undisturbed. Just like on a real private safari. We moved into our beautiful room at the Arusha Coffee Lodge.

After a hearty breakfast, we drove to the golf course in Arusha. It is only a 9-hole course, but we would be able to play the Kilimanjaro Wildlife Golf Course on the last day. The vastness of the landscape and the different pace of life were impressive.

Just outside Arusha, we visited the Meserani Snake Park. For the first time in my life, I dared to hold a snake in my hands, albeit with some trepidation. The Masai Cultural Museum in the same place was also exciting. In two days’ time, I would have a direct encounter with some Masais.

After breakfast in Arusha, we boarded the small plane to our next destination, Lamai Serengeti Camp. The view of the endless steppes and the Kilimanjaro snow peaks in the distance was breathtaking. From time to time we observed migrating herds of wildebeest. Paul was in his element because he could sit next to the pilot. I can’t wait to see how he will edit all the footage back home.

Yesterday, after landing at Seronera Airstrip, we drove to the camp. I had already felt my bladder on the plane. We quickly jumped into the waiting safari jeep. But on the way I had to ask the driver for a stop. I walked not far from the car. When I turned around again, I saw a rhino about 50 meters away. It was moving towards me! Our guide seemed worried. He slowly steered the car in my direction so that I could get in. He put the car in reverse so as not to irritate the animal any further and drove back carefully. Then the rhino turned off and trotted away. What a relief! We were able to watch our highlight of today from a safe distance: two leopards hunting a herd of antelope

We spent this day in peace and quiet at the lodge and camp. From the terrace, I was able to spot several prides of lions and herds of elephants with my binoculars. A short drive took us to a place where many bird species can be observed in the evening. Afterwards, an unforgettable sunset awaited us at the camp, which we enjoyed together.

Today we had to get up at 4.30 am. The drive to the balloon launch in Seronera takes an hour. Our descent in the dark was adventurous: the sounds of the animals, the changing light. The ascent with the balloon at dawn and the flight under a radiant sky were simply breathtaking. Hovering silently over the Serengeti for a good hour and watching zebras, giraffes, antelopes and wildebeests: You can’t get enough of that. And finally, the great breakfast buffet in the middle of nature after landing: absolutely fantastic.

We also went to bed soon after dusk yesterday in order to drive towards the Ngorongoro Crater this morning. Before that, however, we explored the Olduvai Gorge area. Countless bones of our first ancestors were once found here. Afterwards we visited a Maasai village: about twelve mud huts standing inside a protective fence against wild animals. I swapped my jewelry with an old Maasai woman. I still remember her vividly today.

Today we took a long drive to Ngorongoro. When we arrived at the crater rim and saw the vast plain, we almost felt reverent. Afterwards we went on a game drive through the crater. Unfortunately, we only saw a few predators, but lots of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo etc.

In the morning, we headed east, where a small lodge called “Kambi ya Tembo” was reserved for us at the foot of the mountain near Kilimanjaro Airport. After the somewhat strenuous but varied drive, it was a pleasure to enjoy the peace and quiet and the view of the majestic peak. A guide then led us on foot through the surrounding area. We marveled at the lush vegetation.

We set off early the next morning to stroll around the market in Arusha. Then we went back to the Kilimanjaro Golf Wildlife Estate, a really wonderfully laid out course. Paul was in great form and played two over par, actually managing a birdie. After that, the plane was already waiting for our journey home. With another fantastic sunset that lasted even longer from the air, we looked back on a country that will remain unforgettable for us.