With Aleah on the cusp of completing her final semester of college at Northeastern University, and Sierra working a real job in New York City, it was wonderful to spend quality time together as a family in the Serengeti and Zanzibar.
In large part due to our amazing guide, Douglas, with Meru Slopes Tours, we were able to see the Big 5 - elephants, water buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, a rare black rhino, and leopards in addition to a ton of other wildlife. We also fully embraced the spirit of The Lion King with sayings like Hakuna Matata, Jambo, Mambo, and Pole-Pole (which means slowly-slowly). The people of Tanzania reminded us of the importance of slowing down, enjoying the moments, and not needing to accomplish endless tasks as we pride ourselves on in the States.
Beach time before and after the Safari worked well with our itinerary and allowed for time to relax, swim, and enjoy the beautiful weather.
On the Safari, we scouted animals from dusk to dawn from the rooftop of our Land Rover. We were fortunate to stay in an amazing camp in the middle of the Serengeti and drive through the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest intact volcanic crater in the world and home to wildlife- from the Big 5 to rare species of birds like flamingos.
Following our time on the Safari, we headed back to Zanzibar, exploring the northern region of Ningwi for two days (a bit too party scene for mom), then south to Metnwe (stayed at Zoi Retreat). This place was a gem. Total zen vibe. Felt like we were walking on air there, clean beaches, some of the best food we've ever eaten, and a warmth about the people that stays with you. Mike and the girls also had quite the boating adventure in hurricane winds and rain- more stories to tell and adventures to share, including swimming with the dolphins.
From our coastal retreat, we headed into the buzz of Stone Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site. We learned more about the Masai people, visited the childhood home of Freddie Mercury, and had an informative and sobering visit to the slave museum, while also visiting a spice farm where we learned about all the botanical elements and history of specific spices. Did you know cloves are their 2nd highest source of economic income in Tanzania?
While it is a long way to get there, Tanzania is one of those transformative trips. Being amidst the grazing elephants, seeing the migration patterns of the zebras and wildebeests, takes you back to the circle of life and the interconnected web of nature. We were visitors on their turf, and we felt honored and humbled to be able to take it all in. It's definitely worth the trip - we feel very fortunate to have spent Christmas in the middle of the Serengeti and spend quality time together as a family.
