Finally! My Trip Report Begins...Tanzania, March
Jun 19th, 2006, 05:04 AM
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africnow....Two months and counting? I think it was about this time I stopped counting in months and switched to weeks, soon you will be countingdown(this my name) the days! What is your itinerary, how many in your group? Do tell more about your upcoming adventure! Thank you so much for following along, I loved all of your comments!
Wildebeestus...Great to have you come along on my journey as well. Again..itinerary, details? Please let us know. You will understand once you are on the post-safari end of this how very valuable it is for those of us already there, as was stated earlier it keeps us out of the therapists office!
Wildebeestus...Great to have you come along on my journey as well. Again..itinerary, details? Please let us know. You will understand once you are on the post-safari end of this how very valuable it is for those of us already there, as was stated earlier it keeps us out of the therapists office!
Jun 19th, 2006, 09:42 AM
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Teri - all I can say is thank you! You shared your trip and touched me deeply. You answered a lot of questions but now I have many more - I will be in touch but again thank you...your report was beautiful.
Start planning your next safari!
Start planning your next safari!
Jun 19th, 2006, 10:34 AM
#46
Teri, can't you think of more to tell use? I loved your trip report and I'm happy for you and your sister that you got to share this amazing experience together. My sister doesn't have the travel bug and wouldn't spend the money to go to Africa. She can't imagine how wrong she is!
I wish I could translate what I feel into words like you have. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Cindy
I wish I could translate what I feel into words like you have. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Cindy
Jun 19th, 2006, 11:06 AM
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A beautiful report, you have given us all so much pleasure, its almost as though we have been there with you. I'm off in August and with so much happening at home had almost forgotten about it, I feel re-inspired, Yvonne
Jun 19th, 2006, 12:31 PM
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Teri,
Here comes another "lurker" thanking you for a beautiful and inspirational report. I leave with my family of four in exactly a week, going to more or less the same areas as you (plus southern Tanz). This was a great peek into what awaits us.
I just copied your entire report and mailed it to my wife and teenage daughters.
Here comes another "lurker" thanking you for a beautiful and inspirational report. I leave with my family of four in exactly a week, going to more or less the same areas as you (plus southern Tanz). This was a great peek into what awaits us.
I just copied your entire report and mailed it to my wife and teenage daughters.
Jun 19th, 2006, 12:39 PM
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Forgot to comment on your mention of the shot fired to discourage the elephant. That must have been quite an experience indeed, worthy of bonding and a photo by those involved.
No shot has ever been fired on any safari I've been on, whether in a vehicle or on foot. Once while walking a guide raised the rifle and uttered an expletive, but no trigger pulled. Once in the middle of the night a ranger stationed in a nearby village fired his machine gun to scare away elephants (and scare me half to death.) But that was 1/2 a mile away.
I have not known others to have experienced a gunshot fired during a safari activity either. Glad it worked out ok. Did the ranger mention his actions were a rarity?
No shot has ever been fired on any safari I've been on, whether in a vehicle or on foot. Once while walking a guide raised the rifle and uttered an expletive, but no trigger pulled. Once in the middle of the night a ranger stationed in a nearby village fired his machine gun to scare away elephants (and scare me half to death.) But that was 1/2 a mile away.
I have not known others to have experienced a gunshot fired during a safari activity either. Glad it worked out ok. Did the ranger mention his actions were a rarity?
Jun 19th, 2006, 01:06 PM
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atravelynn,
A little background about the park ranger. When we first arrived at camp we were told they were having problems in the area with a very agressive elephant, named John. We were given a brief description of John (missing a tusk) and told he had come into this camp as well as others often and recently.At first I thought they were kidding...you know, a story to enhance the whole safari/adventure. Just as we "our" elephant was approaching I heard one of them say.."We'd better call the park ranger"..all the while I am thinking, man I hope he lives nearby, and can't imagine he does, seeing as we are in the middle of nowhere!!!!! Seconds later we see him approach with gun in hand. I wasn't paying attention earlier, apparently they told us he was stationed in our camp.I think I missed that part due to the fact I was having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that a grumpy elephant could come a calling. This was our very day in camp, and I wasn't expecting this sort of news upon arrival. After the elephant incident, I asked..."was that John'?...nope, not John.
And, yes indeed the sound of that gun being fired was hair-raising, at the time I didn't know if he had fired into the air or into the elephant and I also didn't know for a few seconds if it had worked. I was huddled in the drivers seat of our land rover and flashing back to telling my sister...oh, not to worry, these safaris are perfectly safe! She agrees wholeheartedly, what a thrill. Nothing like a huge elephant thundering into your first camp to get your safari underway!
A little background about the park ranger. When we first arrived at camp we were told they were having problems in the area with a very agressive elephant, named John. We were given a brief description of John (missing a tusk) and told he had come into this camp as well as others often and recently.At first I thought they were kidding...you know, a story to enhance the whole safari/adventure. Just as we "our" elephant was approaching I heard one of them say.."We'd better call the park ranger"..all the while I am thinking, man I hope he lives nearby, and can't imagine he does, seeing as we are in the middle of nowhere!!!!! Seconds later we see him approach with gun in hand. I wasn't paying attention earlier, apparently they told us he was stationed in our camp.I think I missed that part due to the fact I was having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that a grumpy elephant could come a calling. This was our very day in camp, and I wasn't expecting this sort of news upon arrival. After the elephant incident, I asked..."was that John'?...nope, not John.
And, yes indeed the sound of that gun being fired was hair-raising, at the time I didn't know if he had fired into the air or into the elephant and I also didn't know for a few seconds if it had worked. I was huddled in the drivers seat of our land rover and flashing back to telling my sister...oh, not to worry, these safaris are perfectly safe! She agrees wholeheartedly, what a thrill. Nothing like a huge elephant thundering into your first camp to get your safari underway!
Jun 19th, 2006, 01:09 PM
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nhulberg,
One week to go??? How were you able to write in complete sentences? At that point I wasn't even able to complete a thought. I am so excited for you! Is this a family safari, where are you headed?
Thanks so much for the kind remarks. I am proud to have brought out a "lurker", being one myself for many many months.
Teri
One week to go??? How were you able to write in complete sentences? At that point I wasn't even able to complete a thought. I am so excited for you! Is this a family safari, where are you headed?
Thanks so much for the kind remarks. I am proud to have brought out a "lurker", being one myself for many many months.
Teri
Jun 19th, 2006, 05:55 PM
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Teri, what a wonderful trip report! I too am going on safari with my sister (we are in our 30's), in just over a month, so reading this has given me an insight into what a magical time we are going to have. You really seem to have got alot out of your experience, not just great memories but something deeper. I grew up on the same movies and have felt the draw of Africa also, and what you descibed in your report made the whole thing come alive. Thanks so much for sharing.
Jun 20th, 2006, 06:22 AM
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Sundowner,
Actually, there is more to the story, but it has nothing to do with game viewing, camping, stars, beautiful scenery or enriching cultural exchanges. After leaving Mountain Village Lodge and heading out for the beginning of our safari I simply state in my report…”we drove through Arusha.” When I wrote those words I hesitated, wondering if I dare describe it, or if it was best to just get on with the story. Obviously, I decided to move on. I don’t wish to offend, and am sure I will encounter some opposing views, and even as I type wonder if I will push the magic “send” button.
I had many misconceptions about Africa, and most often I was pleasantly surprised. However, and that is a big however, the drive through Arusha was something entirely different. The Lodge was tucked away neatly behind lush vegetation, and thus far the only sights we have seen were under the cloak of darkness. It doesn’t take long before we enter the city, well, I thought we were going to enter a city. I am not an extremely well traveled being. I have been to England, Scotland, and Hawaii, nothing ever as remote or exotic as some of you. I honestly don’t know what I expected, I just knew I wasn’t expecting this. At first, I though perhaps we were just on the outskirts of town, and down the road somewhere we would enter the real city of Arusha, you know…the nice one. Remember, I’m here to go on safari…see animals, have fun, laugh with my sister..happy, happy, happy. I remember, as we drove on and on feeling myself push against the back of the seat, almost as if trying to keep the greatest distance possible between me and what I was seeing. Here were the real Africans, the ones who live their whole lives and never see a giraffe, elephant or lion, the ones who never get that first glimpse of Ngorongoro crater. Having just met our guide the night before I find myself unable, or perhaps unwilling to question or comment on what is unfolding before me. I ride in silence, all the while searching the sights we are passing, trying to take it all in. I look across the seat to my sister, our eyes meet with expressions of disbelief, sorrow, and shame. What privilidged lives we lead, how much we take for granted. I also remember feeling embarrassed to be seen, driving along in our nice land rover adorned with safari logos. The drive goes on for a very long time, all the while the scenery changes, nothing is consistant, nothing looks planned or finished, yet collectively it is all the same. If I close my eyes some of the images that pop into my head are: people everywhere, walking, school children in sweaters, women with banana plants on top of their heads, women hoeing nothing more than a patch of dust by the side of the road, pick up trucks filled with young men and large speakers blasting information about an upcoming political event, a shack with a crudely cut window and “ Butcher” printed in primitive letters above the door, dust and dirt, little to no cement, very young children in various degrees of dress, some in just a nightshirt, others in Gap t-shirts, something or someone fills every inch of space visible, and this goes on an on and on. Once through town I begin to relax, yet remain silent while trying to pack these visions away somewhere neatly in my brain. And, that is just what I did, I couldn’t let those images linger, not for now anyway. Once back in Arusha, at the end of our trip I was once again faced with the reality of Africa. It took some time and much thought, but as I type I wonder who really struggles more? These people, at such a basic level, or us with all our self-imposed stresses? These visions pop into my head daily, a thought provoking ride, to say the least.
Actually, there is more to the story, but it has nothing to do with game viewing, camping, stars, beautiful scenery or enriching cultural exchanges. After leaving Mountain Village Lodge and heading out for the beginning of our safari I simply state in my report…”we drove through Arusha.” When I wrote those words I hesitated, wondering if I dare describe it, or if it was best to just get on with the story. Obviously, I decided to move on. I don’t wish to offend, and am sure I will encounter some opposing views, and even as I type wonder if I will push the magic “send” button.
I had many misconceptions about Africa, and most often I was pleasantly surprised. However, and that is a big however, the drive through Arusha was something entirely different. The Lodge was tucked away neatly behind lush vegetation, and thus far the only sights we have seen were under the cloak of darkness. It doesn’t take long before we enter the city, well, I thought we were going to enter a city. I am not an extremely well traveled being. I have been to England, Scotland, and Hawaii, nothing ever as remote or exotic as some of you. I honestly don’t know what I expected, I just knew I wasn’t expecting this. At first, I though perhaps we were just on the outskirts of town, and down the road somewhere we would enter the real city of Arusha, you know…the nice one. Remember, I’m here to go on safari…see animals, have fun, laugh with my sister..happy, happy, happy. I remember, as we drove on and on feeling myself push against the back of the seat, almost as if trying to keep the greatest distance possible between me and what I was seeing. Here were the real Africans, the ones who live their whole lives and never see a giraffe, elephant or lion, the ones who never get that first glimpse of Ngorongoro crater. Having just met our guide the night before I find myself unable, or perhaps unwilling to question or comment on what is unfolding before me. I ride in silence, all the while searching the sights we are passing, trying to take it all in. I look across the seat to my sister, our eyes meet with expressions of disbelief, sorrow, and shame. What privilidged lives we lead, how much we take for granted. I also remember feeling embarrassed to be seen, driving along in our nice land rover adorned with safari logos. The drive goes on for a very long time, all the while the scenery changes, nothing is consistant, nothing looks planned or finished, yet collectively it is all the same. If I close my eyes some of the images that pop into my head are: people everywhere, walking, school children in sweaters, women with banana plants on top of their heads, women hoeing nothing more than a patch of dust by the side of the road, pick up trucks filled with young men and large speakers blasting information about an upcoming political event, a shack with a crudely cut window and “ Butcher” printed in primitive letters above the door, dust and dirt, little to no cement, very young children in various degrees of dress, some in just a nightshirt, others in Gap t-shirts, something or someone fills every inch of space visible, and this goes on an on and on. Once through town I begin to relax, yet remain silent while trying to pack these visions away somewhere neatly in my brain. And, that is just what I did, I couldn’t let those images linger, not for now anyway. Once back in Arusha, at the end of our trip I was once again faced with the reality of Africa. It took some time and much thought, but as I type I wonder who really struggles more? These people, at such a basic level, or us with all our self-imposed stresses? These visions pop into my head daily, a thought provoking ride, to say the least.
Jun 20th, 2006, 03:04 PM
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Thanks for the great reading!! You have a true gift for writing. I am about to make a very similiar trip with my sister-- Hope our experiences are as wonderful as you explained (except for the plane delay-- we too are on KLM) Thanks for sharing!
Jun 20th, 2006, 04:50 PM
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Countingdown, thank you for the great report. I can almost visualize you and sister giggling (like teenages at the malt shop)on the way to the bathroom with the dreaded hyena nearby. And, the nostalgic reference to the movie Hatari was superb! As others have said, you have a great knack for writing. Thanks again for making my evening. Dick
Jul 23rd, 2006, 10:37 AM
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Teri,
I just read this entire post, which I think needs to be revived and reread again and again. I didn't have time in June to read much, so I had missed your wonderful report, but was curious about your safari with Willie, naturally. You captured better than anyone ever can, the sensitivity and dignity of this man and the African people. I was alone with him and my husband on a private safari. Thomson rarely takes such a request as they need to fill their tours. Anyway, I learned a lot from Willie too, but as this was by no means my first trip to Africa or Tanzania, I come from a different perspective. I was able to talk in-depth about deeper issues that concern me with him. I'm a talker, so was always asking questions and thus getting Willie to talk too even though he's really a quiet man. I'm not a good writer like you are, so I have difficulty expressing my feelings, but believe me tears are streaming down my face reading your post and recalling my own experiences. Willie is such a gentle, knowledgeable and sensitive man and with the greatest sense of humor too. As you said, we also had him laughing into his napkin constantly. We would drink wine toghether into the wee hours every night by the fire and talk Africa and laugh at jokes. Thanks for reminding me, Kristina
I just read this entire post, which I think needs to be revived and reread again and again. I didn't have time in June to read much, so I had missed your wonderful report, but was curious about your safari with Willie, naturally. You captured better than anyone ever can, the sensitivity and dignity of this man and the African people. I was alone with him and my husband on a private safari. Thomson rarely takes such a request as they need to fill their tours. Anyway, I learned a lot from Willie too, but as this was by no means my first trip to Africa or Tanzania, I come from a different perspective. I was able to talk in-depth about deeper issues that concern me with him. I'm a talker, so was always asking questions and thus getting Willie to talk too even though he's really a quiet man. I'm not a good writer like you are, so I have difficulty expressing my feelings, but believe me tears are streaming down my face reading your post and recalling my own experiences. Willie is such a gentle, knowledgeable and sensitive man and with the greatest sense of humor too. As you said, we also had him laughing into his napkin constantly. We would drink wine toghether into the wee hours every night by the fire and talk Africa and laugh at jokes. Thanks for reminding me, Kristina
