A trip I wanted to take

 On August 3rd, Nancy and I embarked on a 14 day trip I wanted to do for 12 years, ever since we visited it then. I wanted to go back to Africa, but a different region. I wanted to see the Serengeti and see the animals we did not see the last time. Not behind bars and fences, but in their natural environment, where they roamed free and wild. Tanzania. 

Nancy and I were always animal lovers. Yes, dogs and cats and birds but these are wild, untamed. The Serengeti is a mostly highland area with nearly flat and some places forest areas, but yet big grassy plains and distant mountains with flattop trees. 

After 28 hours in transit, 4 airplanes and 3 layovers,  and swollen ankles plus losing our luggage, we arrived at a gorgeous first lodge.

Our luggage came the next day and the trip was started. The great thing about Overseas Adventure Travels (O.A.T.) is they do everything for you. It cost a little more but it is worth it, and there are no more than 16 people on the tour. Plus you get immersed into the culture of the country you are visiting. First we visited a factory that makes a water filtration system for the locals. Then a basket weaving school trying to keep a traditional art going. Of course there were morning and evening drives out to look for animals. Everyday.

That did not take long to spot some. The Serengeti is a national park that no one can live or build in, but the animals know no boundaries or borders so they roam around, into villages and small towns. It is nothing to see animals walking through a village, but they try to stay away from humans, plus they eat their crops. Sometimes kill people too.

After a few nights in a couple nights in some luxurious lodges, we moved on the a VERY remote mobile camp in the midst of the heart of the Serengeti, where we were awoken by the rumbles of a lion's roar, and Leopard and the Hyenas' laugh. You would think they were right outside our canvas tent, but no, they were far away.

Walking around after dark was prohibited, because you never knew what was hiding in the tall grass or outside your zippered doorway. After dinner in a large tent you were escorted to your tent and did not come out until they escorted you back to the dining tent for breakfast. The animals never tried to get into your tents, but you had to keep it zipped all the time. We had an indoor shower, flushing toilet and sink for washing up. We had to laugh at some of the people who never camped in their life.

Four nights later we left for a unbelievable coffee\farm plantation and back to wi-fi  and being pampered in a beautiful lodge.

 I've just given you the highlights of our amazing trip, but there are too many photos and stories to share, but I will share a few more. August is the winter time and migration time for many of the animals. We saw herds of wildebeest, wart hogs, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, 3 baby lions in a tree, baby elephants, a baby cheetah, group of baboons, and some of the most friendly and welcoming locals ever. The people are very poor but would welcome you into their houses and share a meal with you, not matter how poor they are.

And if you are interested in taking a trip like this, contact Overseas Adventure Travels and experience an amazing trip. But don't be afraid of being dirty for a few days. We will always remember the two trips we took to Africa.  and stay safe. We are blessed. Take care and stay safe.