We headed out early that morning. It was a 3 to 4 hours’ drive from Moshi to the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park and I couldn’t wait to get there and start this 4-day adventure. It was my first safari and I can’t remember the last time I was THIS excited about a trip.
I was the first to be picked up and was soon to discover it was going to be an all-girls trip. Five of us, to be exact, and all of them were amongst the coolest ladies I have ever met. I’d booked a group safari as there was no way on earth I could ever afford a private one traveling solo and because spending 4 days with nobody else but the guide didn’t sound like the best fun. I felt a liiiiiittle bit sorry for our guide and driver Rachid, as the poor guy was definitely going to have a headache after 4 days with these 5 crazy chicas, but we all knew it right from the start: this trip was going to be epic and we were about to have the time of our lives!
Ever-changing landscapes define the scenery. More than 10 different ecosystems are present in the park, and there’s animals literally everywhere. Depending on the season you’ll get to see more or less of certain species. During rainy season, for example, the shores of the lake are crowded with thousands of flamingos. During dry season they’re a lot more difficult to spot. Oh and have you ever heard of tree-climbing lions? Watch out for them, they’re very hard to see but we were lucky to find two!
PICTURE TIME
“Is that a zebra?!?”, one of the girls screams from inside the jeep.
“Nnnnnope, that’s 7 zebras.”
Rachid hits the break and we all jump up from our seats at the same time. We clearly still need to train our animal spotting radar a bit more, but for now we’ll just fall in love with these cuties.
Look how cute they are when they stand there in pairs, each in a different direction. They actually do this to have a better view of the surroundings and protect each other but I like to tell myself they’re cuddling… #JustTooCute
OK let’s be honest. While it might not be the ONLY thing that matters, size does help sometimes, and it’s definitely an asset when you want to try to impress a bunch of girls on safari. We’re definitely on a roll and are able to scratch number 2 – the Cape buffalo – off our big 5 list soon after seeing the elephants. Woooooop! They were very far from the car though, so stay tuned for buffalo pictures from the other parks.
After staring into our binoculars until our eyes ache – that’s what happens on day 1, even if the animal’s 2 km away and your guide keeps telling you you’ll see plenty more in the next few days, you’ll still want to stop and stare, because well, you never know – we hit the road again. Giraffes are next, and I can’t believe how elegant and beautiful they are.
We got to see both a male and female lion sitting in a tree. Big 5 – 3/5, and it’s only day one… #LuckyGirls
We skipped a whole part of the park to go see the lions, so we drive back for a while and never seize to be amazed. More elephants, more giraffes, more zebras, … we basically stop every few minutes and it never gets old.
A nice drive along the shores of the lake later it’s already time to head to our campsite – we’ve been in the park for several hours – and while it feels as if the day’s only just started, we realize we’ve been very lucky. Lions, buffalo’s, elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, birds, antelopes, … And it’s only day 1 of our safari!
The next day we headed to the Serengeti and it only kept getting better and better.
Want to live this experience yourself? I have my own tour business in Tanzania and can organize it for you!
Have a look at our website and get in touch with all your questions.
Any other thoughts or ideas? See you in the comment section!
Disclaimer: this article is about my first safari ever, long before I had my own tour company. The safari was fully paid for by yours truly and opinions are my own and straight from the heart, as always.
Good to hear that
I was at Arusha, Lake Manyara and the Serengeti in 2015. Totally awesome, enjoy!
ps: Thanks to your dad for sharing on FB. Now I know what you do, that’s awesome too 🙂
Hehe thanks for your comment! 🙂 Lake Manyara was awesome, but the Serengeti… I still get ‘kippenvel’ when I think about it 😀 I’ll thank my dad for sending me new visitors hahaha 🙂
Tanzania is the very famous for safari’s, there are many safari gardens in Tanzania, your post is awesome and thank you for sharing the best images.
Thanks for sharing such an informative post, it looks like an incredible place to visit – which I’ve added to my bucket list. Also loved your photos too.
Very nice
Great pictures! Always wanted to visit there but never have the courage! Thanks for the useful tips, wish I could be there some days.
Remarkable Africa. That is an awesome safari. Would love to visit Tanzania one of this fine days. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Very impressive tourist guide between the animal kingdom that everyone will inspire from.
Hey! I’ve just discovered your blog! I really love it, it’s very informative and inspiring
Great post and yes, AMAZING photos! 🙂
I went to Tanzania three years ago and wow, I still remember this beautiful place. I’m going again in December since I cannot get enough! hehe
I hope you travel the rest of Africa, I live in South Africa and I’m only starting to explore my home now!
Warmest Regards
awesomee
Amazing place & photos. This one is in my bucket list as well. I have safari experience in South Africa and it was an amazing experience indeed. Would love to visit soon. Thanks for re-igniting the desire.
Heya Lili
I m very glad to know that you have explored one of the deepest jungle on the world. Keep on exploring and on sharing.
Amazing place and photos. Would love to explore it soon!! Keep on sharing this kind of blogs.
Very Nice article . Keep up the good job.
Awesome pictures, tanzania is a beautiful country, this one will surely goes on my priority listing on 2020 visit thanks for the post by saishub
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Tanzania one of the best tourist places in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is a famous attraction. Wildlife tourism is growing in Tanzania. I am from Kerala India, Here we have many wildlife exploration places. I still remember the elephant safari in Munnar and the wildlife safari in Thekkady
That’s a lovely text you have written, it’s one of a kind online. I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of what you have written. A brilliantly though piece of writing it is. Overwhelmed to read it.
Encouraging words from you, felt great about it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
Enjoyed a lot reading this, and it makes a great write up one for all. Thanks for sharing this up.
Enjoyed alot reading this post, great write about African land
Heya Lili
I m exceptionally happy to realize that you have investigated one of the most profound wilderness on the world. Continue investigating and on sharing.
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Simply gorgeous!
That is a dazzling book you have composed, it’s stand-out on the web. I have completely appreciated all of what you have composed. A splendidly however bit of composing it is. Overpowered to understand it.
Lili, you are the Lily in the plains of Africa. Your articles are very helpful to first time travellers especially. Well done for sharing your experiences through Tanzania and the rest of the world. I love reading your blog. much love from https://steadysafaris.com
Very inspiring and informative piece. Lake Manyara is just Wow,I visited Tanzania in 2018 and it was one of my best destinations in 2018. I think i should visit the country again after this restricted period of Covid -19. Personally i love travelling. I have a great travel plan for the next 5 year. I will use the information here to perfect and readjust my travel plan.I am a bag expert and i like bags alot. I came up with a blog that discusses all types of bags that anyone may need for home and travel use. You may check it out on bagsnexus.com
Thank you.
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There is a lot of valuable information. Thank u for good blog.)
Great article thanks for share with us
It already feels like a trip to Tanzania while reading your article! Thank you for sharing!
I wish I could see the other article about your travels in Morocco one day.
Amazing place for wildlife watch and very interesting as well
Great post, we always travelled with our kids from the start and have so many wonderful memories of those trips!
there are a lot of places around the world for wildlife lovers you can check the link below for more:
https://travelingside.com/most-terrific-wildlife-destinations/
Really helpful Info! that’s all i can say about your Posts. Great tips! Such a really wonderful place. Thanks for sharing more information.
Great Website! Thank you for sharaing.
Beautiful! I love these gorgeous places and photos!
Thank you
very nice
Very beautiful blog, I think it’s one of my favorites so far! Thank you for sharing and we hope to see you in Morocco one day!
This is a very informative content. I see a blog that understands the value of providing a quality resource for free. Thank you for posting such a great article.
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, It’s a wonderful collection of pics and content, well categorized. I got a lot of help with your collection. I will definitely share your site with my friends. Thanks for sharing it, dude.
Eğlenceli bir yazı olmuş 🙂 Gezi rehberi ailesi olarak severek okuduk.
This is truly a great experience! I wish I could experience the wilderness like you once in my life
Great, Amazing Writings.
Lake Manyara looks stunning, especially the sight of the birds and elephants. I am yet to see Zebras in real. I am definitely adding Lake Manyara to my Tanzania Bucket List.
It’s nice natural place for holiday⛱ surface or tour.