Tanzania - Gabriella's Ultimate African Safari Indulgence
A great way to start any expedition to Africa is to fly Emirates via Dubai into Nairobi to experience their superior service. I was lucky enough to experience their Business Class service from Melbourne through to Dubai. A highlight was Emirates' business class food - with a chef on board, and their impressive selection of in-flight entertainment. The journey was so comfortable and relaxing I arrived in Dubai as fresh as when I departed. Next, briefly back to economy class for my onward journey to Tanzania for my luxury 10 day, 4WD safari in Tanzania. (This is when I really love my job)
Starting in Arusha at the Karama Lodge I first visited a local orphanage and a Masai School which one of our operators conjointly built with the locals. The simple fact of going there on your safari contributes to the wellbeing of these children, and if you can stay longer, you can volunteer to work there. It truly is a humbling experience but great to see such positiveness from both the children & staff.
Next, I travelled to Ngorongoro which is located in the massive Serengeti National Park and features the Ngorongoro Crater - a spectacular bowl of about 265 sq km and is the home of some 20-30,000 wild animals at any one time. On some days, we travelled for 10 hours, but the game viewing is so exciting you are constantly entertained. I stayed at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge which has the wow factor of zebras and wildebeest grazing on the lodge lawn. This eclectic, luxury lodge is located on the rim of the crater with a view of the crater environs. A personal butler was always on hand to cater to your every whim.
After Ngorongoro I travelled on to the Tanzanian Singita Grumeti Reserves. Sasakwa Lodge is one of three Singita lodges in this enormous private concession (340 000 acres). Sasakwa Lodge is a modern reproduction of an Edwardian manor house and oozes style and luxury. There are three individual Singita properties which I stayed at (Sabora Tented camp -reminiscent of a bygone era, Faru Faru Tented Camp -contemporary African chic tented lodge with a pool overlooking a water hole where animals come to drink and Sasakwa Lodge has its own stables for horse riders). This is a private reserve so there are no other vehicles (except Singita vehicles) so we went on safari off road to get the best viewing of wildlife in the open 4wd and at sunset stopping for a well-deserved tipple (locally referred to as a "Sundowner") in the middle of the wilderness.
The Singita staff genuinely love being there and they are they dedicated to showing their guests the best of what Tanzania has to offer. Their luxury Tanzanian expedition certainly does has much to offer; incredible landscapes, wildlife roaming in a protected environment, impeccable accommodation, faultless service, and the lightest, freshest, most delicious food imaginable, all prepared by master Chefs.
Finally, what really set Singita apart from the other lodges was the balance of incredible luxury and unaffected hospitality. Its commitment to Conservation and the local community is also apparent, substantial and ongoing. I cannot recommend these properties highly enough - any stay will be a memorable one.
I have not been able to stop talking about my trip since I returned and I am already trying to book my return. Check out a few of my photos below and the itinerary similar to my trip. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in experiencing this luxury adventure or I will happily tailor-make an itinerary to suit your requirements.
