“Who knows how often we will still be able to take a vacation as a complete family?” Susann and Ernst knew that their children, the 18-year old Kevin and the 16-year old Sabrina, would soon be going their own ways. So they wanted to take one more trip together that everyone would cherish later.
The family is picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport by the Twende Tanzania guide and driven to the hotel.
After a generous breakfast, it’s off to visit the market in Arusha. Sabrina absolutely wants to visit the Declaration Museum, but there’s a discussion, because Kevin and his father would rather see a real coffee plantation. Without further ado, the guide contacted a colleague, and the male and the female half of the family both got their wishes. In the afternoon they met at the hotel for a relaxing swim in the pool and a fine dinner. 
It’s the dry season. That means that many animals move to the banks of the Tarangire river to drink. It’s the best time to observe most sorts of animals. Kevin is excited to be able to sit at the steering wheel of the jeep for a short stretch. And they make bets as to whether they will be able to see the elusive “Big Five” game animals of Africa on this vacation. There were dozens of buffalos at the river. And on the return trip Ernst saw his first leopard. That didn’t count, however, because the others hadn’t seen it.
That was the longest but most exciting trip for the whole family. The trip through the practically endless savannahs put Susann to sleep—until the guide abruptly stepped on the brakes. Just a few meters in front of them an elephant family stepped out of the bush. They seemed agitated, with their ears extended forward. But they crossed the road proudly and disappeared again on the other side. The lake was then the highlight, with thousands of birds and a whole heard of rhinos. The family reached the Olduvai Camp in the evening, immersed in nature, almost as though they lived here like the Maasai—almost, of course….
Susann and Ernst stay in the camp, but Kevin and Sabrina, accompanied by the Twende guide, let two Maasai take them for a hike. Later, at home, whilst viewing the photos, the parents were sorry they had not come along. But the afternoon made up for everything. The trip to the Ngorongoro Crater with Lake Magadi was one of the highlights, even for the guide, because they saw two black rhinos which are extremely rare.
A side trip to the Serengeti brought another surprise. After a long drive during which they kept passing buffalos, zebras, and once a couple of ostriches and lots of empty grassland, the guide slowly brought the jeep to a stop. To the left they saw a large cloud of dust: a herd of wildebeest and a cheetah that had separated an older animal from the herd. From afar they saw that the hunt had apparently been successful. Later they also spotted a pair of lions on a cliff. They were sure to see their Big Five. And Susann had bet that they would be successful before the seventh day.
After a hearty breakfast they returned to Arusha, this time past the northern end of Lake Manyara. They wanted to spend another day in Arusha before flying to Zanzibar. Then something unexpected happened: Kevin discovered a poster for a music festival, which happened to be taking place in Arusha in September. With a lot of help from the guide, they were able to reschedule the flight and the hotel in Zanzibar.
They had selected a fine, quiet hotel for Zanzibar. “The Residence” left nothing to be desired. Beautiful beaches, a fascinating underwater world, diving, snorkelling, and a boat trip with a picnic in a secluded cove rounded out the safari-and-swimming dream holiday.
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
