Okay, so I’ve been dreaming of visiting Tanzania for, like, forever. And guess what? I finally did it! It was even more incredible than I imagined. I’m gonna spill all the details, so grab a coffee (or maybe some Tanzanian tea!) and let’s dive in.
First things first, I booked everything way in advance. Flights, accommodations, tours – the whole shebang. Tanzania is popular, so you gotta be on top of it. I spent hours, seriously hours, researching different safari companies. I wanted something ethical and sustainable, you know? Not just some big company churning through tourists.
The Safari Adventure
The safari was, obviously, the highlight. I mean, who goes to Tanzania and doesn’t go on safari? We opted for a 5-day trip that took us through Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Tarangire was up first. Picture this: giant baobab trees everywhere, like something out of a storybook. And the elephants! Herds of them, just roaming around. We even saw a family of lions chilling under a tree, trying to escape the midday sun. Smart lions.
Next up was the Serengeti. This place is HUGE. Like, endless plains stretching out as far as you can see. We saw the “Great Migration,” which was insane. Thousands of wildebeest and zebras, all moving together. It was a total sensory overload – the sounds, the smells, the sheer scale of it all.
The Ngorongoro Crater was the final stop. Imagine a giant, extinct volcano, now filled with animals. It’s like a natural zoo. We saw rhinos (so cool!), flamingos, hippos, and tons of other creatures. The scenery was breathtaking, seriously, postcard-perfect.
- Woke up before sunrise most days. Safari life!
- Spent hours bouncing around in a jeep. My butt was definitely sore.
- Used Binoculars and Long Camera Lens.
- Saw so many animals, I lost count.
- Ate some questionable bush lunches. But hey, it’s part of the experience!
- Took hundreds of photos. My phone is basically full now.
- Slept in some pretty cool lodges and camps. Some were fancy, some were basic, but all had amazing views.
Beyond the Safari
But Tanzania isn’t just about safaris. I also spent a few days in Zanzibar, which is an island off the coast. Totally different vibe. Think white sand beaches, turquoise water, and spice markets.
I wandered around Stone Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a maze of narrow streets, old buildings, and bustling markets. I got lost, like, five times, but it was fun. I bought some spices (because, Zanzibar) and tried some street food. So good!
I also spent a day just chilling on the beach. I mean, you gotta, right? I read a book, swam in the ocean, and worked on my tan (which is still pretty nonexistent, but whatever).
I even snorkeled and saw a bunch of colorful fish.
Final Thoughts
Tanzania was a dream come true. It was adventurous, relaxing, and eye-opening, all rolled into one. It’s not the cheapest trip, but it’s worth every penny. If you’re thinking about going, just do it! You won’t regret it. Seriously, start planning now. And maybe brush up on your Swahili – “Jambo!” (That’s “hello!”).
