East Africa - one of my favorite places!
In November 2011, I returned to East Africa on safari. I always thought if I made it to Africa it would be a once in a lifetime trip. After I returned in 2008 from East Africa, I knew I would return. Africa touched a special place in my heart. It is just not about the animals and the safari experience, but also about the warm, generous people of Africa. The experience is somewhat inexplicable, but once you experience it for yourself you will understand why people fall in love with Africa and return time and again.
On my recent trip, I started in Tanzania with an overnight at the Arusha Coffee Lodge. The trip continued to Ngorongoro Crater via Lake Manyara by safari vehicle. Some people prefer to fly between every point, but I find driving has some perks. You get to see more of the local culture, and stops along the way bring it all to life. I had lunch at the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge, and a walk around the property before continuing the drive to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Upon arrival at Ngorongoro Crater, we were taken to our lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for a 2 night stay. The lodge is an experience in and of itself. On our game drive in “Africa’s Eden”, we saw it all… it was an amazing day, and we experienced a different animal around every corner.
After my time in Tanzania, I continued on to Kenya with an overnight at the Ole Sereni Hotel Nairobi before heading out to Larsen’s Tented Camp in Samburu for 2 nights. It is a beautiful property situated along the Uaso Nyiro River. Animals such as the Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Oryx, Gerenuk, and Grevy’s Zebra can only be found north of the equator in Kenya. My next stop was the Mount Kenya Safari Club for 2 nights, including a trip to their Animal Orphanage and Sweetwater Game Reserve. The last stop on this itinerary was the Masai Mara with a 2 night stay at the Mara Safari Club which included a visit to a local Masai Village and an unforgettable dinner in the bush.
In June of 2008, I went on an amazing East African Safari with Micato Safaris. In Kenya, we were 3 nights at the Fairmont Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi, 2 nights at Tortilis Tented Camp in Amboseli National Park, 2 nights at Lewa Wilderness Trails in Lewa Downs Conservancy, 2 nights in Bateleur Camp in Masai Mara, and 2 nights at Sabora Tented Camp in the Grumeti Reserve of the Serengeti. We also visited Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania which was truly special. In addition to staying at Sabora Tented camp we had a chance to see the other Singita properties in the Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania. Singita Saskwa Lodge is completely over the top. It is for the client who wants to go to Africa, but has no desire to be in the bush. It is a completely inclusive lodge perched up on the hills.
Their other property is Faru Faru Lodge. It is a perfect mix of Sabora Tented Camp and Sasakwa Lodge. It has the more modern look to the rooms, but you still feel like you’re in the bush.
I found Micato to be exceptional:
- They have been operating in Kenya since 1966
- Staff is local to Kenya, so they can get you in and out of local places easier
- A concierge is available to you 24 hours day while on safari for all your needs
- Having a Safari Director throughout is priceless