Safari and Zanzibar Tour Diaries – First Week Recap

Our first week on tour has been wonderful. We visited a total of four national parks. Starting out in Tarangire, then on to Serengeti via Ngorongoro Crater, down the crater and ending in Lake Manayara National park. We also got to visit a Masai village close to Ngorongoro Crater – we almost passed this up but I’m so glad we went on with it as it was such an wonderful experience.

We’ve been without constant internet connection for most part of the tour so I’ve decided to do a recap post each week, rather than a daily post as I usually do – (I think I like this better). Anyway, I’ll be writing more about all the places we’ve been to and how you can plan your own trip here soon but for now, here’s an overview of week 1.

Day One: Arusha – Tarangire National Park

Tarangire

We started off with a three-hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park and this was after getting only 4 hours of sleep in two days! Because of multiple delays in our flights, we arrived our hotel in Arusha by 4am (2am Nigerian time) and we were to set out at 8:30am. Rather than starting off later, we dragged ourselves out of bed and hit the road with Patrick (our driver and guide).

He got us to Tarangire and we began our first game drive. We saw lots of zebras and wildebeests – they were almost at every turn! There were also lots of elephants, impalas, giraffes, baboons and monkeys…

Tarangire Zebras

Just as we were heading out, we saw a lioness scouting a giraffe in the distance. We left the park and headed to our lodge for the night in Karatu, arriving to cold welcome drinks, hot towels and a very nice three-course dinner.

lionness giraffe

Day Two: Karatu – Serengeti National Park

Serengeti

After breakfast, we headed towards Serengeti, passing by Ngorogoro Crater – that road is not for the faint-hearted! It’s a snaky road riddled with lots of sharp corners and steep views of the forest and crater floor. Thankfully, we were in very good hands.

As I mentioned earlier, we made a quick stop at a Masai village and had a brief tour there. We were welcomed by the men and women below and later taken into their village to see their homes and school. We also got a chance to dance with them. It was really lovely to experience a part of their culture.

masai village

We arrived Serengeti later in the day and began our game drive after lunch. Again, there were several impalas and gazelles. I was really hoping to see more predators and all of the Big 5. To be honest, I was expecting a lot from Serengeti. It’s safe to say that the park did not disappoint one bit!

Our first lion sighting was a pair of honeymooners in the distance. We continued to see so many lions throughout the trip (at very close range) and a large pride on day three. We also saw one of the most elusive of the Big 5 – the leopard and we saw this four times! Three from a distance and one walked right in front of our SUV.

leopard

We spent the two nights in a tented Eco-friendly camp in the middle of the park – my mum must never hear of this! It was safe though – as long as our tents were properly closed and as long as we didn’t walk outside at night on our own. We were always escorted to and from our tents at dinner and early in the morning.

Day Three: Full day in Serengeti + Hot Air Balloon Ride

hotair balloon 1

We began day 3 as early as 4:30am, got picked up at 5:00am by a guide from the hot air balloon company and set off just as the sun was rising. This was such an amazing experience. A ride on a hot air balloon is worthy of a spot on anyone’s bucket list. The view was beautiful and our pilot made the ride so interesting.

The safari lasted about an hour; from up above, we saw lions, a leopard, so many hippos, impalas, hyenas and much more. We ended the ride with a celebratory glass of champagne and a mini game drive to where breakfast was served. (We saw a lion feasting on its prey during the drive).

After breakfast, we continued with a game drive viewing more animals and birds. We returned to the camp after a successful expedition and prepared to head back to Karatu the next day.

lions elephant

Day Four: Serengeti – Ngorongoro – Karatu

DSC 0194

We headed back to Karatu passing through Ngorongoro Crater again. This time we descended the conservation area in search for rhinos – the only member of the Big 5 we hadn’t seen yet. We saw more zebras, lions and elephants but no rhino. It wasn’t a bad drive though but serengeti was better – obviously.

ngorongoro%2Bcrater

Day Five: Lake Manyara National Park – Arusha

DSC 0053

We got off to a very late start to Lake Manyara National Park. Did a game drive within the park. It was ‘same same but different’. More elephants, buffaloes, a lot of baboons -eeek! and a lot of pelicans. There was really no pressure to see anything different although I was hoping to see some flamingos. We headed back to Arusha after the safari and ended our tour there.

I have been on two other safaris in the past – one in Ranthambore, India and another in Kruger, South Africa. They keep on getting better. I am also happy that I got to share this experience with my younger sister and I think it’s safe to say that she’s had an amazing time so far.

Our next week will be spent in Zanzibar. We’re looking forward to having a great time there as well. (See Week 2 here)

Have you ever been on any wildlife safari trips? Would you consider one? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below ?

2 comments

  1. Thank you for sharing your journies. I have never been on a wildlife Safari but it’s on my bucket list for 2017. Thinking of mirroring your adventure n going to Zanzibar afterwards. Any more tips? And contact of the good guide you referred too would be appreciated :)!

    1. Hi Cee, thanks for your comment. I certainly recommend combining a trip to Zanzibar with something within the mainland or maybe a neighboring country like Kenya. The safari is a great idea, I hope you get to go for it, would love to hear about how it went for you…

      The company we used was called ‘Safari Big 5’. You can find them on TripAdvisor. They were great and extremely professional. Perhaps, you can ask specifically for Patrick, if you choose to go with them 🙂

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Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
Aesthetically pleasing spaces in Kenya 🍂🦒
16 hours ago
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Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉

And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary!

Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
Kenya had dropped the paid ETA requirement for most Africans, including Nigerians. 💃🏾🎉 And in celebration of that, I'm sharing some of my favourite places to include in your Kenyan holiday itinerary! Will you be visiting or have you been to any of these places?
1 day ago
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This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me!
___________________

I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area.

When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement!

I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
This lodge in Taita-Taveta was such a great last-minute find for me! ___________________ I needed a quick break from Nairobi and thought to visit Diani and Tsavo. While finding accommodation in Diani was fairly easy, I struggled to find a place that fit my schedule, budget, and preference in the Voi/Tsavo area. When I stumbled upon The Hildana Lodge, I couldn't be happier. Luckily, they had availability for the exact dates I wanted, a resident's rate, and no single supplement! I stayed here for 2 nights but could have easily stayed longer! This place is magical, and I can't wait to return! ✨️
2 days ago
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3/9
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️

You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️

Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month.

It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊

Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
As someone who enjoys travelling and pursuing a fulfilling career, I don't believe that you have to give up one for the other. ✈️🍂✨️ You can maintain a healthy travel life without forfeiting a career you love, and here's one of the best ways to do so ⤵️ Taking advantage of public holidays, combined with your vacation days. For example, there's a public holiday coming up next month. It'll be a 2-day holiday, and if you take only 2 days off work, you'll get 6 vacation days! - perfect for this "Beach and Bush" holiday in Kenya! 🐚🐘🌊 Work-life balance is key, so find ways to do the things that are important to you now that you can!💙
4 days ago
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Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒

How wonderful!
Weekends in Kenya that look like this! 🐘💙🦒 How wonderful!
4 days ago
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Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅

It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️

PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats)

But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa)

Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹.

The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋

Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬

Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
Here's what you can expect when you ride the premium class train from Nairobi to Mombasa and vice versa 🚅 It's a slow but scenic ride to the coast, but I love it and rather prefer it to flying. ✨️ PS: If you want great views of Tsavo National Park as you pass through (Nairobi > Mombasa), sit on the left side of the train (i.e., even numbered seats) But be aware that some seats have partial window views. Seats 26, 21, 25, 15, and 6 are great!(Nairobi > Mombasa) Seat on the opposite side on the Mombasa > Nairobi train. I couldn't keep track of all the good seats on this train 🥹. The train also has a first and economy class coach, which are significantly cheaper than premium class. And once you're back in Nairobi, all "premium services end" 🤭😋 Have you gone on this train before? What was your experience like? 💬 Are team train 🚆 or flight ✈️?
5 days ago
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6/9
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘

This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊

On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time!

Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
The most relaxing staycation ever! Coastal vibes in Diani Beach and a wonderful safari in Taita-Taveta county! 🐚🐘 This trip was so easy to plan and embark upon from Nairobi. I travelled by rail from Nairobi to Mombasa and then to Diani. 🌊 On my return leg, I stopped in Voi and transferred to a super gorgeous lodge, where I spent the weekend enjoying massages, spotting elephants 🐘 and giraffes 🦒, and just having a swell and relaxing time! Sharing details on my blog and IG stories!✨️
6 days ago
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7/9
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰

Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience!

I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com -  what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani!

#diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
The Best of Both Worlds! 🥰 Just took the SGR again, and I got to try out the Premium Class coach - I loved the experience! I'll be sharing all about this experience in my next blog post on www.travelwithapen.com - what to expect from this train ride, the best seats for unobstructed views and elephant sightings in Tsavo National Park, and notable changes in the journey from Nairobi to Mombasa and Diani! #diani #dianibeachkenya #sgr #railtravel #tsavo #tembeakenya
2 weeks ago
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8/9
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
Bougainvillea in full bloom in Nairobi 🌸, always a highlight of our strolls!
2 weeks ago
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