A Safari in Africa

Gillian in Tanzania

A Safari in Africa

 

Well you know what they say about the best laid plans?
 This journey or “safari” is a good example of not believing what you have planned is actually going to happen, and to have an open mind ready for the unexpected!

The original plan:

  • Bus to Arusha in Northern Tanzania ( 12 hours as no direct route)
  • Organised safari to the Game Parks at Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and also Ngorongoro Crater (4 days)
  • Fly to Bukoba by Lake Victoria
  • Stay with friends for four days and see the town
  • Return flight to Arusha, stay over night and then take the bus back to Dodoma
Changes to the plan:
  • Daladala broke down on early morning run!
  • My safari companion was to be an Anerican woman but instead it turned out to be a family of three Czechs
  • Flight from Arusha to Bukoba: this should have been just one change at Mwanza. Wait for the story: we did a round trip of Tanzania with five take offs and landings in a day – Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Musoma, Mwanza, and finally Bukoba!
  • Stayed an extra day in Bukaba but messages about changes were not received by agent in Arusha so bus had to be rebooked.

Who I met:

  • The family of three Czechs with only the son being able to speak English so he spent a lot of time interpreting for them.
  • Leaders for Outreach Africa and Outreach Tanzania who are working in remote villages to bring access of food, health and education to the poorest people. They are very keen for me to be involved in their work and have invited me to the village of Nkungi where they are working.
  • At last I met the American woman called Gwen who should have been my companion in the safari! She had been delayed in her flights and therefore missed the safari. She is in Tanzania as a result of working with some Sisters in America to raise funds for orphanages. We travelled together to Buboka which is where she is spending her summer holidays working with Sisters from the same order.
  • I visited an orphanage in Bukoba, and met those who are caring for almost 50 orphans out of the kindness of their hearts. These orphanages operate with little or no support from the government, so it is vital that they get registered. This orphanage is being run by a woman of 78 years with little help. They rely totally on donations however small. The enormity of the problems faces you wherever you go, and you then have to reflect on how you can best make a difference, even in the short term.

Wildebeasts in Ngorongoro CraterWildebeasts in the Crater

What I learnt

Kindness
The start of the journey was at 5.30 a.m. in order to get the bus to Arusha. I left lots of time for the daladala to get to town, but, of course, for the first time ever, it broke down! They were all very kind and helpful, hailed a taxi for me and then the other five occupants of the daladala piled in as well! Every one told the driver to hurry as I had a bus to catch and as they got out they thanked me for the ride.
Similarly, on my return journey, I was well looked after in Arusha. A taxi was ordered and the driver looked after me until the bus arrived and was ready for departure.

Care
This is so clearly apparent in the work being done to support those in need. This includes the contributions by businesses who are giving a percentage of their takings to help poor and needy children, and also provision on a bigger scale, through NGOs from countries such as America.

Effects of tourism
Arriving in Arusha, there are noticeable differences: why has everyone got coats on? There are many more tourists and large shops or supermarkets. Also there are clouds and no sunshine! Yes this is the base for those arriving for safaris, and to climb Kilimanjaro. As a result, try fighting your way through the touts at the bus station who want to carry your bag, offer taxis and sell you all manner of things! Would you believe this? “The government of Tanzania has sent me to carry your bag in my trolley and it’s free!” Oh no, I don’t think so.

Lack of Communication
The next morning, ready for safari to Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, I go to meet the American lady who will be accompanying me. Now I find that I am to be in a group with a family of three Czech people. No explanation, but I expect all will be revealed later. No one seems to know, and there's no one to ask.
The problems regarding the flight to Bukoba might have been averted, or at least we might have known in advance, if the Tour Company had confirmed the flight as I had asked.


Giraffes with markings special to Tanzania

Don’t take anything for granted – Campsites!
First night at Safari Panorama camp site with set up tents and good food, even a bar for beers! Next night we were in Serengeti, at Pimbi site, not fenced off at all and minimum washing and toilet facilities. Food areas had netting to prevent baboons coming in the night to steal. Lastly, we stayed at Simba site right on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, over 2000 feet up, so it would have been good to know of the temperature drop at night. I was glad of my fleece jacket and my own sleeping bag. We were told not to leave any food in the tent as wild pigs roam at night and will endeavour to break in. I certainly heard them out in the field!
Yes this is Africa!

Early morning over Ngorongoro Crater

Lion Cub uses jeep for shade