A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
Why do we journey to other worlds? This is a key question to ask yourself before you fly halfway around the world to go on safari in Africa, but it is not the key question. The key questions to ask before going to Africa should be “is every aspect of my trip arranged?”
It is imperative to have your logistics worked out beforehand. Careful planning will make or break your visit. Four of us at Adventures Africa and Alpine Adventures just returned from such a safari trip to Tanzania. I had short notice about the opportunity, and I confess I didn’t think “why” I was going so much as “Great! I get to go to Tanzania!” Beyond the vague notions of “seeing the animals” and “seeing the country,” I just knew I wanted to be there. As a recent first-timer to Africa, I can assure you of this: there is no real way to prepare for all that you will see and experience on such a journey. You will be overwhelmed by the beauty and the complexity of Nature. You will be touched by the warmth and the sincerity of the people. You should not have to worry about anything other than trying to absorb it all.
WORK WITH SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE AND DONE THAT BEFORE YOU GO
Who will meet you upon your arrival? Where will you spend your first night? What is the daily schedule once you leave your arrival city and head into the bush? Tanzania is not a backward country, but all of Africa has defied Time in so many ways. Our big city traffic tactics work fine in America, but these are not the skills that will serve you if you are driving around in the National Parks. Will you be safe? Yes. But where will you sleep each night and where will you find food to eat? What will you do all day? Where will you go to see those particular animals and birds that you’ve always wanted to see in the wild?
I WROTE DOWN EVERY ANIMAL AND EVERY BIRD WE SAW EACH DAY. IT WAS SEVERAL PAGES IN MY NOTEBOOK
The abundance of wildlife you will encounter each day is astounding. Wildlife is not hunted in the National Parks. If your safari truck stops next to a sleeping lion, he will most likely just roll over and continue to sleep. Birds stay on their branches for viewing for long periods of time. Patience and sharp attention are good virtues to have while riding through the bush and along the rivers. I will speak at length about the value of a good safari guide, but you will learn quickly how central this person is to your overall experiences. Our guide, Yusuf Juma, could name every bird, every creature we saw and give us fascinating characteristics of each. If we told him what we wanted to see, he always knew where in this great expanse of land and space to drive us. And trust me—there is no signage in these regions. No arrows pointing for “Lions This Way” or “Elephants Down This Road.” Your guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge can make or break every day you go out on game drives.
YOUR LODGING MATTERS. THE FOOD IS GOOD. THE TANZANIANS EMBODY TRUE HOSPITALITY
Leave nothing to chance when it comes to lodging. Study your possibilities. Read up on the management companies. Ask questions about food, clean water, and other amenities. There are no roadside diners, no fast-food restaurants. There are no last-minute Hampton Inns in the bush. If you have not pre-planned your entire visit, then you might have some very anxious moments. While everyday life in Tanzania is lived very much “in the moment,” you do not want any aspect of your plans to rely on last-minute-whatever-is-available (especially if it is your first time there.) We were so fortunate that our group leader, Gary Nicoll (he heads up Adventures Africa) was meticulous and thoughtful in his choices for our itinerary and all our amenities. He has been to many countries in Africa, and he really knows how to show newbies a great first time. Work with an expert before you go. I can’t say it enough.
CHECK BACK NEXT WEEK FOR MORE AMAZING PHOTOS AND FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LODGING
Our expert planner chose to work with one lodging company who could offer us a range of lodging as we progressed through the country, from our first days in the Tarangire National Park to our last nights in the north of the Serengeti National Park. Please check here next week for more photos from our remarkable Gary Nicoll. All photo credits go to him.
Barbara Clarke is a contributing writer to Adventures Africa and Alpine Adventures.
While she has been studying and writing about Africa for several years, she returned from her first trip humbled and struggling to learn new superlatives.
All images by Adventures Africa guide Gary Nicoll
CONTACT GARY:
mail: gary@adventuresafrica.com
cell: +1 203 241 6909
direct: +1 954 688 3107
toll-free: +1 888 281 5565 ext: 282
