My Journey to Africa started with me asking myself a question, why haven't I visited the continent of Africa as yet, I had no valuable explanation, once i decided to visit Africa, the hardest part was to choose what part of Africa to visit first. After days of extensively researching of most of the countries in Africa, I decided to make my first visit to Africa in Tanzania. I departed Los Angles bound for Tanzania, after a 14hrs flight from L.A. and a 12hrs Lay over in Dubai, and another five plus hrs flight, I finally landed in Dar es Salaam International Airport in Tanzania, My final destination on this trip was to Arusha, Tanzanian's gateway to its wildlife national parks, vast lakes and its indigenous people/tribes. Since Dar es Salaam is the main City in Tanzania, it is an industrial city bustling with trades, vehicles and foreigners transiting to and from other parts of Tanzania or other neighboring . Here is my first picture taken in Africa, Tanzania! Given that I had a few hours layover before my final flight,I decided to go explore Dar es Salaam. Here are a few pictures taken of that city and other places in and around Tanzania!
Palm trees swaying on the beach in Dar es Saleem, Tanzania! #Tranquility
After a bit of Fresh air, we went to check out the local food market, Needless to say; I was impressed by the wide variety of fresh fruits readily available, take a look!
After driving around Dar Es Salaam for a few hrs, it was time to head back to the airport for my onward journey further inland to Arusha. Flying within views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, is a experience that words can't possible describe, A few minutes later we arrives in Arusha, after cleaning the airport, I found my driver then immediately, we drove off. We drove for almost two hours then we finally arrived at safari lodge, now I officially feel like I am in Africa!!!
The very next day, I woke up and pinched myself and said yes; I am really in Africa. A few hours after breakfast, I found a local guide and negotiated a safari tour for less than half the price of what a Safari normally cost. I had a Land Rover, safari Modified and a driver for 3 days !!! The first park we went to explore was Ngorongoro Park, in search of what is call the big Five of Africa, (Elephant, Giraffe/Leopard, Rhino, Lion and Cape Buffalo). We did indeed saw a few of this among others, here are a few photos.
Besides the obvious reason to visit Africa which is for its wild life safari, I wanted to meet some of its infamous tribes, the Masai Mara tribe to be exact. The very next day my guide came to my lodge and said he heard of a Masai Warrior chief that lives in a massive compound with more than Seven wives and has over 18 children, however; to get to them it would be a half a days trek up the eastern side of Mt. Meru, As tired I was from the previous day's safari, I was beyond overjoyed. We set off very early in the morning on the long journey to meet this chief. We made quiet a few stops and took a few photos along the way, take a look!
View of Mt. Meru
Journey to Mt. Meru
Merchants in the market trading Shuka - Masai clothes
Sheep grazing on the open plains
We walked for what seems like forever until finally, in the middle of nowhere, there stood a massive complex we a few thatched huts, one grand and six smaller ones. My guide entered the compound and spoke the native tongue (Swahili) to two little girls sweeping the compound. After a few minutes we were introduce to the chief of the compound who happens to be the chief of all the Masai in that region of Tanzania. Take a look and how majestic this chief looks.
Masai Chief along with his first wife and her child.
As per my guide, he was happy to learn that I am for Jamaica and wanted to show me his compound and the rest of his family.
Wife Number 2
Wives Number 4 and 5 along with two other children of his
The Chief eldest son tending to a herd of the family cows
Designated home/hut of one of his wives!
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In total we spent 2hrs on the Masai Chief's compound observing their way of life, listening to stories of days long gone, he even had his daughter prepared for us, fresh cows milk and roasted corn; probably the best corn on the cob I've ever had. Given the little or rather scarce resources they have, The generosity of the Masai people is second to none. We said our farewell then hurried down the mountain before nightfall. I made it back to my lodge with a happy soul and a very grateful heart.
The very next day we decided to visit one of the most important source of fresh water in Tanzania. Our journey took us across farmlands, small communities and bustling little towns. Here are a few photos of our journey!
Modern house under construction
Fields of Bananas
Fresh organic vegetables
Students on thir way home from school
Finally we reached the water falls!!!!
After 3 hrs hike up the mountains, it was a refreshing and very welcoming site to reach the infamous water falls that has being a vital source of life for this region of Tanzania for decades.
Two weeks went by traversing mainland Tanzania now it was time to visit a other part of Tanzania... Zanzibar! Words will never be able to describe the beauty of this island called Zanzibar. Look at these photos!!
Arriving to My hotel Park Hyatt
A traditional boat (Dhow) sailing in the sunset
Pure white and beach almost empty (8am) before tourist arrives
Unbelievable view from Prison Island
When visiting Tanzania, I highly recommend exploring mainland Tanzania first, then take at least two to three days out of your vacation to unwind and relax in Zanzibar. If you do, you wont regret it and you will thank me later!!!
Did you know:
- Zanzibar is an Island that belongs to Tanzania?
- Zanzibar is an archipelago that is or was considered the spice islands?
- The most expensive timber in the worlds is from Tanzania?
- The river Nile actually originates from Lake Victoria n Tanzania?
- Mt. Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania?
- The oldest human remains was found in Tanzania?
- The second largest population of Masai tribes currently lives in Tanzania?
- A Masai's net-worth is determined primarily by how many cattle he has and secondly how many children he has?
I would gladly appreciate your feed back on this brief story of my journey across Tanzania. If you've also been to Tanzania please do share; comments and questions please leave me a few lines. If you like my story, how about thumbs up (smile)! See you next time, Ciao!!
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