Travel report of a “Relax Safari”
Arrival in Dar es Salaam
The four colleagues are picked up at Dar es Salaam International Airport by the Twende Tanzania guide and taken to the hotel.
A dream world
The change couldn’t be that blatant. Of course, Andreas and Jörg made their “mafia” jokes at the drop of a hat. Until we arrived at the lodge. This beach, this sky, these drinks were sensational. Even Peter, not really a water rat, was persuaded to go on a well-organized snorkelling tour
What does relaxing mean? That was the crowning glory
Solid, well-kept and relaxed: exactly what we expected from a lodge or a beach hotel. We dozed, enjoyed the food, the drinks and the sea. Another boat trip around half the island was planned for the afternoon. Dieter actually managed to harpoon a fish, which we then simply roasted over a fire in a bay. We felt like we were in the Scouts.
Culture is part of it for us
We had already heard about Kilwa Masoko and the ruined city back home. We wanted to see it. So, as with island hopping, we first went from the island of Mafia to the smaller, more southerly island of Kilwa Kisiwani. But first, of course, we went to the lodge in Kilwa. And what a lodge it is: situated directly on a cliff, you can look out over the sea to the ruined city. We wanted to take a closer look at this UNESCO World Heritage Site the next day.
Feeding fish and exploring palaces
Jörg already had a strange day yesterday. Somehow pale. From eating, drinking or something else. In any case, when we crossed on the dhow, a small local sailing boat, Jörg held on to the railing for a long time – with his head as close to the water as possible and fed fish. By the afternoon, he was feeling better. And towards the evening, after the really impressive tour of the old fortresses – but above all after visiting the former Sultan’s Palace – he returned to the hotel with us with a fresh complexion.
But now pure nature
On the eighth and ninth day, we finally went on safari. Quietly, not in the midst of long lines of cars. We were well looked after at the excellent Rufiji River Camp. Even there, you can watch the animals from the veranda. Almost like the squirrels in our park. But these animals are a lot bigger. And more numerous. Incredibly impressive! The drive into the reserve was even more impressive. Even Andreas, who always has something to say, became very quiet.
We should have done this earlier
Another great breakfast outside on the veranda. Once again the calls of buffaloes, zebras, the trumpeting of elephants – very close. Then, unfortunately, the jeep to the airport was waiting. We headed home again via Dar es Salaam. While still on the plane, we swore that we would do such a perfectly organized trip again. Then with our partners and with the children.
This is how it goes on
