First Africa trip

In 2009 I made my first Africa trip and my destination was Tanzania. For so long I dreamed about going on safari and I remember still the moment I stepped out of the plane, I took a deep breath and filled my lungs with 'the scent of Africa'. About Africa is said in general : you love it or you hate it. Well I can say that on that moment I left the plane and smelled Africa I knew for sure that it was love at first sight and it was my first but not my last Africa trip.

After a night in Arusha I can start for the real safari-adventure and we head for Lake Manyara NP; situated between the lake and the Great Rift Valley. The park provides diverse landscapes as the alkaline lake, open grasslands, dense woodlands and stunning mountainsides. The lake is habitat to hundreds of bird species and the grasslands attract bigger wildlife. During the gamedrives I meet elephants, giraffes, baboons, hippos and lots more.

I continue my safari to Serengeti NP; to reach the tented camp where I stay my driver has to show his skills on a 300km bumpsy road. Landcapes are changing continuous. In the first part of the ride we pass the Karitu highlands and the road crosses some rainforest. We also drive through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where I will come again later on this trip. Further on the landscapes change into vast and dry plains as I travel in dry season. 

When we pass a Masai village we make a stop for a visit. I can learn about the culture and the daily life. I take a look in a class where children are learning mathematics and I get a performance of traditional dance and songs to say goodbye. Than we must continue our journey. At Naabi Hill gate we enter the park. On our way to the camp I see already Grantgazelle, cheetah, spotted hyena, Blackbacked hyena, herds of buffalos, elephants and lots more. In the late afternoon we reach Mbalageti tented camp and I feel like Meryl Streep in a decor of Out of Africa.       

Next morning my guide Joshua takes me for an early morning game drive to enjoy the awakening of nature. We drive to Grumeti Game Reserve to spot some crocodiles at Grumeti River. Further on I see hippos, warthogs, elephants, zebras and also a group of lazy lions. How wonderful is it to watch all in real, it feels like I am live in National Geographic Channel. On the way back to the camp Joshua is returning again to the riverbanks and we witness a scene with bathing elephants who share the water with some hippos as well.

Next day means end of the Serengeti part and up to Ngorongoro Crater for new adventures. Again we have to take the 300km bumpsy road to reach the park. Thanks to Joshua who keeps looking for wildlife during the ride I still spot in a few hours topis, giraffes, buffalos, dikdik, a secretary bird, a Kori Bustard, Thomsongazelles and a male lion. In the late afternoon we reach Ngorongoro Crater where I stay at Serena Crater Lodge with a magnificent view as it is located on the rim of the crater.

The crater was formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed some 3 miljon years ago. It is 600m deep and the floor which has a surface of 260 square km is the best place to spot 'the big 5'. On gamedrive I can spot wildebeest, topi, buffalo, zebra and much more. At Mandusi Swamp I see a group of hippos. Lake Magadi, a salt lake on the craterfloor, is habitat to a large population of flamingos. Further I see again the Kori Bustard, the Secretarybird and a Crowned Crane. But the biggest surprise of the day is a beautiful and elegant serval that crosses the road just few meters in front of our vehicle.  

By this my safari adventure is coming to and end. Now time for some relax at the beach and I take the plane to Zanzibar. Under the tropical sun I wash the dust of the bush away and when I'm lying in my hammock, a cocktail within reach, staring at the sunset, I feel like I went from Out of Africa to Robinson in a few hours. To complete the tropical holiday feeling I enjoy dinner at the beach. Far away I see the lights of Dar Es Salaam and in my ears the sound of the rushing waves.

The main city of the island Zanzibar is Stone Town, since 2000 UNESCO World Heritage. The architecture reflects the diverse influences and is a mix of Arab, Persian, Indian and European style. Unfortunately many buildings are in poor conditions and a maintenance is urgent but there is no money for restoration.

A visit to the market hall is a must do to get a look on real life. A mix of scents, noises and colors is hitting me. In this heat fish and meat are presented without any form of cooling and swarms of flies settle on the carcasses. I see types of unknown exotic fruits and a little further I notice baskets with live chickens. Fresh herbs and spices spread a mix of scents. 

Once Stone Town was one of the main slave markets in Africa. The guide shows me the slave monument and also a building where the slaves were locked up until the moment of their sale. For me some touching moments.

On my last day I enjoy beach life. With a book I relax at the swimming pool and I make a beach walk. A nice end of my first Africa trip !!