Published on Feb, 2025
Booked a 7 day safari as motivation for summitting Kilimanjaro, and it did not disappoint.
I was a bit overwhelmed with the number of companies offering a safari experience, and the sheer volume of messages received from them, but found Petro @ Safari360 to be of great help when choosing the Safari experience I wanted, after doing my research on timing, national parks etc. Petro very kindly came out to my hotel to go trough the plan and confirm all the details, face to face, ahead of my Trek, reassuring me all was good.
My guide, Godlove, was waiting for me in reception on the morning of day 1, and we set off for what I hoped would be a good safari. My only hope was to see one of the big 5 in particular. I saw all 5!! and had multiple encounters with the one I hoped for. Yes there are a couple of long drives during the week, but the scenery and landscape itself is amazing, and when entering the NP's or Conservation Area, the animal sightings just add to the wonder. Even on the rainiest day we had some extremely touching moments with the wildlife including a rare and private encounter with big elephant who allowed us to sit quietly, and very closely, in her company whilst she enjoyed breakfast. From morning encounters with hyenas to lazy afternoons with the lions I was humbled by all my sightings, both big and small. Even the dik-dik's stole my heart. The Ngorongoro Crater was stunning with its landscape, and all its wildlife, including the Rhino's.
The accommodations during the trip were great, with the tented camps far exceeding my expectations, and they feed you well. The packed lunches could feed 3 of me.
Heading back to Moshi on the last day was a long drive but Godlove stopped at a few places for me to pick up some souvenirs etc and see some of Arusha, adding to the experience.