First Time in Tanzania Beach, bush and more beach
Planning
The plan, if one can call it that, was to indulge in a week of leisure on the sun-drenched shores of Zanzibar. I had come across mentions of wildlife safaris—those exotic adventures brimming with lions, elephants, and other assorted fauna—and the idea lodged itself in my mind with the tenacity of a burr on a wool sock. Naturally, I began my research.
As it turns out, the crown jewel of Zanzibar’s beaches is a place called Pongwe, a safe distance from the tourist rap of Nungwi, and the undisputed king of accommodations there is the Pongwe Beach Hotel. The catch? Booking a stay in February required booking with Africa Travel Resource, an English travel agency that boasts a singular expertise in East Africa.
Enter Tracey, a beacon of helpfulness in the often murky world of travel planning. Tracey had an uncanny knack for assembling travel itineraries with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. She curated an itinerary that promised a trifecta of delights: beach, bush, and more beach. Yes, it was pricey, but let’s not dwell on that.
Two weeks and a bucket of emails and phone calls later, Tracey delivered a schedule that was nothing short of a masterpiece. The trip unfolded like a well-written novel, full of unexpected joys and breathtaking moments. If I were to do it again I’d spend more time exploring the boundless wonders of the Serengeti and less time lounging on Zanzibar’s beaches. The safari, you see, proved to be a transformative experience, awakening a profound love for Africa and its wildlife. This trip didn’t just scratch an itch; it inspired an enduring passion for travel and a renewed commitment to photography. In short, it was the trip that changed everything.
days
country
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Itinerary
Our journey began in Athens, with a flight to Dar es Salaam. From there, we took a small Cessna propeller plane to the idyllic Zanzibar Island. After three blissful days relaxing on Pongwe Beach, we flew to Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s safaris. A scenic drive took us to Lake Manyara, where we spent the night in Karuru. The next day, we explored the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our safari continued to Ndutu, where we enjoyed unforgettable wildlife encounters for two whole days. Bidding farewell to Ndutu, we flew back to Zanzibar via Arusha. This time, we settled into Matemwe for another four days of relaxation before our return flight to Athens.
