We were picked up and warmly welcomed. Our guide accompanied us during the whole trip. He was there when we needed him. And he gave us time to be left alone anytime we wished. We moved into our nice room in the Arusha Coffee Lodge.
After a hearty breakfast we drove to the Arusha golf course. Unfortunately, it’s only a 9-hole course, but we were able to play the Kilimanjaro Wildlife Golf Course on the last day. The expansive landscape and the different rhythm of life are impressive.
A little outside Arusha we visited the Meserani Snake Park. For the first time in my life I dared take a snake in my hands. It gave me a bit of the shivers. Afterwards Paul was very proud of me. But more interesting was the “Maasai Cultural Museum” at the same place. In two days we would have a direct encounter with some Maasai.
After breakfast in Arusha we got aboard the small plane to our next destination, the Lamai Serengeti Camp. From the air we saw breathtakingly endless plains and, in the distance, the Kilimanjaro snow cap. Now and then we saw wandering herds of wildebeest. Paul was completely in his element, because he was allowed to sit up front next to the pilot. I wonder how he will put all the film material together at home.
Yesterday, after landing at the Seronera airstrip for the Serengeti Camp. My bladder was already giving me trouble on the plane. Then we jumped into the awaiting safari jeep rather quickly. But on the road I had to ask the driver to make a pit stop. I went to a bush on the roadside. When I turned around to the jeep, I saw a rhino about 50 metres away. And it was moving towards me.
Our guide looked concerned, steered the jeep slowly in my direction and I was able to get in. So as not to agitate the animal any more, he put the jeep into reverse and carefully drove backwards. Then the rhino turned away and trotted off. In the afternoon – this time at a safe distance – we even saw two leopards on the hunt amongst a herd of antelope.
We spent this day resting in the lodge/camp. From the terrace I could make out several lion prides and elephant herds with my binoculars. In the evening we took a short, first drive to a place where it’s often possible to observe many bird species. And in the camp we experienced an unforgettable sunset – combined with a nice conversation with Paul.
We had to get up at 4:30 in the morning, because it took one hour of driving to get to the balloon launch in Seronera. Departing in the dark is also an adventure: the sounds of the animals, the changing light. But the ascent at daybreak and the ride under a brilliant sky were simply breathtaking. Floating silently over the Serengeti for an hour and watching zebras, giraffes, antelopes and wildebeest, you simply can’t get enough of that. And finally the magnificent breakfast buffet in the middle of nature after the landing. Absolutely stupendous.
Yesterday too we went to bed soon after dusk so we could drive in the direction of the Ngorongoro Crater this morning. But first we drove around the area of the Olduvai Gorge, where countless bones of our first ancestors have been found. Afterwards to a Maasai village, where there were a dozen mud huts surrounded by a protective fence to keep out wild animals. I will long remember the old Maasai woman with whom I traded my own jewellery for hers.
Today we took another extended drive to Ngorongoro. When we arrived at the crater rim and saw the vast plain, we suddenly became reverent. Afterwards we took a scouting drive through the crater. Unfortunately, we saw only relatively few predators, but lots of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo etc.
In the morning we drove on eastward, where a small lodge was booked for us directly at the foot of the mountain and close to the Kilimanjaro Airport: “Kambi ya Tembo.” After the somewhat exhausting but fascinating drive it was wonderful to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet with the view of the majestic peak. A guide then led us on foot through the surrounding area. We were amazed to find lush vegetation where we would have expected dry land.
The next morning, we left early so as to be able to take a stroll through the market in Arusha and afterwards we went back to the Kilimanjaro Golf Wildlife Estate. Paul was in great form and played 2 over par and actually managed a birdie. It’s a really wonderfully designed course. Then we caught our plane for the journey back home. We once again experienced a fantastic view of a beautiful, long sunset in the air and looked back at a country that will remain forever in our memories.
Kontakt
Godfrey Mosses Rodenhausen.
Your personal travel planner. For over ten years I have been showing individuals, couples, families and small groups the natural beauty of Tanzania.
Report travel experience
As a family of four, we travelled to Tanzania from July 7 to August 1. We had already travelled throughout Namibia four years earlier, at that time on our own with an all-terrain vehicle and tent. Then someone recommended that we visit Tanzania with the TWENDE TANZANIA travel specialists. After hesitating a while as to whether we should take a guided tour, we contacted Godfrey Mosses of TWENDE
After our first conversation, we knew we had made the right decision. Thanks to his keen eye for the essentials and expertise, we were able to put together a wonderful itinerary for our three and a half weeks
The first two weeks (Arusha NP, Lake Manyara NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti NP and Tarangire NP) we were accompanied by Vincent, an outstanding guide, who shared his inexhaustible knowledge of botany, zoology, geography and social aspects with us. He was a wonderful, considerate guide who taught us a great deal about the country. Without exception, we spent our nights in elegant safari lodges or tented camps.
We took a plane to the Selous Game Reserve, in the south of the country, and spent five days there. At the Rufiji River Camp, we had a choice of exploring on foot, by boat or by car.
Afterwards we spent five relaxing days on the island of Zanzibar and got to know a completely different part of Tanzania. Self-organised excursions on a dhow, a visit to a spice plantation and an outing to Stone Town rounded out the trip.
We can recommend TWENDE without reservation …
…and can imagine taking another trip in about four years, when our son is 16 years old, including climbing Kilimanjaro and visiting the Gombe Stream national park…
In touch with African culture
“I will always have fond memories of my safari with my friend Fridolin Diener (to the right in photo). The Tanzania tour was simply breathtaking. Thanks to Twende Tanzania we got in touch with the “African Spirit” despite the relatively short duration of the trip, and we were delighted with what we experienced.
Our skilled and entertaining driver kept us well informed during the journey, allowing us to experience the fantastic geography and wildlife, as well as life in the modern city, with even more understanding. Getting in contact with the natives made it possible for us to feel, for a few moments, like more than just visitors from a completely different world.”
Southeast Tanzania far away from other tourists
“Dar Es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve – Mafia Island – Kilwa World Heritage. We experienced the southeast of Tanzania far away from most other tourists. After some very interesting days in Dar, sightseeing on bicycles, the fish market and many other markets, we spent four days in the Rufiji River Camp. The boat safaris with lots of hippos, crocodiles and birds were indescribably beautiful. Ras Mbisi Lodge on Mafia Island is an insider’s tip for those who like it a bit secluded. There you can go kayaking, snorkelling on a coral reef, sailing and hiking through the mangrove forest to see the flying foxes, the largest bat species. The grand finale was two days in Kilwa (Kimbilio Lodge), where the many impressive ruins of former rulers presented an occasion to explain the long history of the east coast of Africa. Godfrey Mosses had selected and arranged for all domestic flights, transport and lodges for us. Everything went very smoothly. Asante sana Godfrey! Kwaheri Tanzania! Tutaonana!”
True wonders of nature
“In the autumn of 2009, I was in Tanzania along with my then-girlfriend, now my wife. Godfrey Mosses organised the trip absolutely perfectly via his Twende Tanzania. We not only got to experience true wonders of nature, but also some extraordinary contacts with several native tribes.
It was a journey the likes of which Evelyne and I will never forget. It’s very possible that we’ll go on a safari like this again.”
Completely satisfied
“I was on an extended journey through Uganda to Dar Es Salaam with my wife. We were completely satisfied. Twende Tanzania organised everything perfectly.
Our memories of the safaris in the Serengeti, at Ngorongoro and in the Tarangire National Park will last a lifetime. Simply wonderful
An unforgettable honeymoon safari
It was our first time with my husband in Tanzania and we were so well taken care of by Twende. This holiday was such an amazing experience for us in terms of nature and coming so close to the animals in their natural environment. We learnt so much about the animals and the culture thanks to Vincent our guide at Twende. We still talk about this holiday all the time today and would highly recommend anyone booking a Safari to organise it with Twende! 5. März 2018
An unforgettable vacation!
We’re still exhilarated from so many emotions experienced during this fantastic vacation.
You and your team perfectly organised and planned the journey. We can’t complain of a single thing.
Moses, our driver, was also perfect. We felt comfortable and safe at all times.
His knowledge is vast and he was sensitive to all our needs with the children.
The accommodations were all absolutely perfect and fabulous in terms of location and facilities. Everyone was very friendly and pleasant. The service was very good in all the lodges.
Thank you very much for the dinner on the last evening as well, another special moment.
So, overall, it was an unforgettable vacation for all of us. Twende made all the difference. April 16, 2018
Many thanks from all of us
