Safari: Tarangire National Park
Plan of the Day: Travel to the Tarangire Nat’l Park, game drive and spend two nights at the Kikoti Camp
Our Itinerary: February 2012
14th: Depart Naples, Italy
15th: Arrive Kilimanjaro, Africa *Transport to Arumeru River Lodge, Arusha (adjust for jet lag)
16th-17th: Tarangire National Park
Stay two nights at the Kikoti Camp
18th: Lake Manyara National Park
Stay one night Ngorongoro Farm House
19th-21st: Ngorongora Crater
Stay one night Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Stay two nights (20th-21st) Ndutu Camp
22nd-23rd: Serengeti National Park
Stay two nights the Soroi Serengeti Lodge
24th: Depart Serengeti National Park for flight back to Seronera Airstrip and transfer to Kilimanjaro airport
25th: Arrive Naples, Italy
Tarangire Nat’l Park - Kikoti Camp (Day 1)
Leaving the town of Arusha, we embarked on an exciting four-hour journey to our first destination: Tarangire National Park. As we drove, I couldn't help but draw a vivid parallel to that iconic scene in Jurassic Park when they first laid eyes on the dinosaurs. Our anticipation soared as we climbed to the top of a hill, where we were greeted by the breathtaking sight of hundreds of elephants gracefully meandering along the river and sprawling plains. It was a moment we'll never forget! However, our joy quickly turned to bewilderment when we returned to the jeep, only to find that all of our snacks had mysteriously vanished. Despite having locked the doors and rolled up all the windows, those clever monkeys somehow broke in. The incident remains an unsolved mystery to this day!
After that stop, we continued our game drive, excitement bubbling as Anthony led us to another stunning overlook. The view stretched for miles, a canvas of sweeping landscapes, where the horizon met the sky in a perfect blend of colors. We perched ourselves on top of a large boulder and enjoyed a delightful lunch, savoring the flavors as the sounds of the wild enveloped us. Refreshed and invigorated, we climbed back into the vehicle, continuing our journey to our lodging. By evening, we checked in, the day’s adventures etched in our minds, eager for what tomorrow would bring. Our first full day in Kikoti Camp had been nothing short of magical, and we couldn't wait to see what other wonders awaited us in this enchanting corner of the world.
Lodging
We were number nine of ten treehouses lining the right side of the main lodge, which sat like the hinge between two fingers of cabins stretching into the forest. Every room sat on 6- to 8-foot stilts, so stepping out onto the deck felt like floating above the treetops, and locks on the doors—insisted upon by staff—reminded us that curious monkeys liked to drop by after dark. The view from our front deck was spectacular, a layered green panorama that made mornings linger and sunsets glow, and while we were free to wander back to the lodge during daylight, once night fell we needed an escort to guide back to the lodge for dinner and not to become something else’s dinner.
Walkabout
At the end of today's game drive, we were treated to a walkabout that led us to a massive boulder. Our cabin was just one away from the end of the path, and a few feet beyond the last cabin, we were shown fresh lion tracks made just last night—definitely a little scary! One of the rules here is that after sunset, no one walks back to the bar or restaurant without an armed guard. To signal that we wanted to eat or head to the bar, we'd flash our flashlights as a call for an escort. We continued on our walking game drive enjoying the animals and a thrilling walk in the bush.
We eventually came upon this huge boulder. To reach the top, we had to use a rope for assistance, adding a thrilling challenge to the climb. Once we made it, the stunning panoramic views made every effort worthwhile. When it was time to head back, our guide called for a jeep to pick us up. I asked if I could ride on the front, and they grinned, chuckled, and said yes. Climbing aboard, I looked for the seat belt and was met with smiles—there wasn’t one. “Hold on tight,” they said. So I did, gripping firmly as the jeep bumped along, feeling every bit part of the adventure. Just another unforgettable moment in Tanzania.
Tarangire Nat’l Park -
Kikoti Camp (Day 2)
Day 2 brought more spectacular experiences as Anthony transformed into Crocodile Dundee. While driving at about 20 mph, he suddenly stopped to point out a lion's track, stating it had been made just a few hours earlier. How he spotted it at that speed remains a mystery. We stumbled upon what Anthony enthusiastically called the rare red elephant. We were all in awe, thinking we’d hit the jackpot with this extraordinary sighting. Cameras at the ready, we couldn't believe our luck! However, the joke was on us when Anthony later revealed that the “rare red elephant” was nothing more than a regular elephant that had frolicked in some vibrant red clay. Our excitement turned into laughter as we realized that sometimes, the most remarkable moments are simply a matter of perspective—and a bit of mud! Next he demonstrated his caring side by assisting a turtle across the road, cleverly explaining how to determine its sex. We felt incredibly fortunate to have a biology teacher as our guide. With two books in the front seat (one mammals and the other birds), he could identify an animal's age and sex at a glance, sharing fascinating details about their characteristics. He was equally knowledgeable about birds, guiding us through a world with only around 30 mammals but over 1100 species of birds!
And Then There Are Always The Birds
Tanzania is a wildlife treasure trove, boasting approximately 430 mammal species and over 1,100 bird species. Around 20% of Africa's large mammal population calls Tanzania home, including iconic animals such as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, wildebeest, and zebras. The birdlife is equally impressive, with over 1,100 species recorded, making Tanzania one of Africa’s premier birding destinations. Among the diverse avian population are albatrosses, black eagles, bustards, cranes, flamingoes, jacanas, and ostriches. Notably, Tanzania harbors over 30 bird species found nowhere else in the world, highlighting its unique biodiversity and importance for conservation.
So, while you concentrate on finding the big 5, don’t forget about the many different birds..!
