"Reactions were Priceless"

When the Angela H. emailed to say she wanted her children [twins aged 12, 15 and 17 year old] to experience more than wildlife on their winter-holiday Family Safari to Tanzania, I knew where I wanted to take them - off-the-beaten-path area of Lake Eyasi where the Hadzabe tribe live off the land as well as my favorite organization, The Rift Valley Children's Village. As you will see, Sydney who is 17 year old is planning on going back here.

Grier's feedback is very honest about the sounds at night. I should suggest having a white noise app or device in my packing list. And the twin boys, well, Angela's bees and birds topic got taken care off by the wildlife on Safari. Nature at its' best. 

Planning the Hall Family Safari was great fun. 
Thank you for trusting me to show your beautiful family my Tanzania.

" We had an incredible time on Safari.
First, we must thank you for being so flexible & helpful on the trip delays and then with the delayed baggage. This greatly reduced the stress of 50+hrs of travel getting there, knowing that you and the team were handling everything. 

You are correct – John Bingo is an awesome guide, and that totally made our trip as special as it was. He sometimes got more excited than we did to find certain animals or see the animals do funny things (a female elephant itch her butt in a mud pile, or a zebra scratch it’s belly on a large rock). We came across the largest group of dung beetles John had ever seen so he slammed on the breaks of the truck & jumped out so fast!

Kids:

• Sydney was enthralled by the Rift Valley Children's Village. She has already asked to set up a savings account just to buy another plane ticket there so she can volunteer for a year after she turns 21!

• Grier was terrified of the night noises – so she didn’t get much sleep. My favorite Grier quote was “The days are neat, but the nights are so long.”

• The boys took so MANY pictures & go-pro videos. They also got some animal kingdom sex education – lol. Lions mating & a Thompson gazelle giving birth. Think both grossed them out, but we all thought their reactions were priceless.

We crammed the Night Safari & Walking Safari into the single evening/morning at Oliver’s Camp – it rushed us a bit but we understood why (due to the travel delays)."
[*Journey To Africa note - They were disappointed they would miss these activities when they realized they were going to miss a night at Oliver's Camp due to weather related flight delay leaving Boston but we made it happen.]

The Hall Family.
December 2015

Life worth Exploring!
What will your Family Safari Story be? We can help You find out. 

2016; Kwaheri.

As we bid another year good-bye, we are grateful we got to show You the beauty of Africa.
The range of wildlife, birds and other creatures in the amazing National Parks of Africa, the chimps of Mahale Mountains and gorillas of Rwanda, the warm people, the blue waters of the Indian Ocean or Lake Tanganyika,  the highest peak in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and much more.

There is just so much to love on an African Safari. Thank you for letting us share our love.
Cheers to 2017. We welcome you.

Safari Photography.

Before I Safari, I told myself ... do not use the automatic mode on your Canon 80D camera that I bought specifically for the Safari. Gulp! 

Yup, me the hobbyist photographer took a leap after hearing how I should learn to use the camera from uber-guide / friend Paul Oliver on my Natron Safari and Ruaha's hot chilly loving Italian guide Lorenzo. I practiced at home on my kids. I made them twirl and jump so I can figure out the F stop, ISO, Aperture, etc. Still learning.

And off I went on Safari and set my Canon camera on manual. I cheated a few times but stuck with manual most of the time. While shooting with my camera, I realized this is fun and not as intimidating as it sounds. I would try a few different setting until I liked what I saw.  I have upgraded myself to an amateur photographer, I think. 

Here's are some of the results of Journey To Africa Photography. Ahem! 

This leopard was lying on the tree in a distance. I had my Canon 70-300 mm L zoom with me and had the picture cropped so the leopard could be in focus. My pro friends would have likes the Canon 100-400 mm.

Okay, I love this picture. This march of the elephants was such a glorious moment for me. The golden hour light and the closeness of these giants was just magical. 

This is a Bateleur Eagle with it's eye lids closed. A bit different don't you think? During the day time I mostly kept with ISO 200-400 and played with F stop. Birds! Even trickier to capture. 

The details on the elephant truck just get me. The truck has around 40,000 muscles and has such an important function. And you can see the blade of grass. 

The jackal is my husband's favorite animal. They are so beautiful. On the food chain, they lurk around large predators and feed off their hunting work and compete with hyenas. 

I can see the whiskers. When I admire professional photographers work, I am always amazed at the details they capture. I was happy to see whiskers where clearly defined. The little things.

Here is my reason for nudging you - if I can do it, you can too - especially if you like photographs and like to play a little with your camera. Turn the dial and enjoy clicking away. 

Camera Tip:
Play with your camera before you head out on Safari. Practice at home, read the manual, learn the controls and then come back with amazing photographs to share. 

Not into photography and rather just enjoy the experience, good for you. You sound like Sally, my client-friend who lost her pictures in Ruaha [she accidentally formatted her memory card - oh my] but was so zen-like and got over the memory loss. 

Take your camera out for a spin on Safari. 

Wellness Safari.

I was recently interviewed by Travel Weekly about wellness travel trends for 2017.
Here is what I think wellness Safari means when I plan these Safaris for my clients. 

" When I think of wellness that my clients have been craving when on their Safari in Tanzania this year, I think of human connection wellness. We have definitely seen more request for cultural stops. And they are requesting not meeting them the touristy way or quick photo op, but rather to spend a few hours or days, interacting one-on-one, to get an insight into a different world. 

I think the shift is because we see more stories on social media, news and sometimes we make up our minds or we are given opinion that we accept without research but until we see, listen and experience the other side, we really can't judge until we see it for ourselves. Parents have told me they want to open their children's eyes, an investment in their future. 

We have had a few groups visit the Maasai tribe ladies with a local friend to see them make jewelry or making leather the natural way so they can support their families. Clients have come back saying these stops are eye-openers and the simplified questions 'why do they choose to live like that' answers are more complex because change takes a lot of time, investment and personal desire. 

I like to take kids [and adults of course] to see the one of the last hunter gather tribe, the Hadzabe tribe in remote Lake Eyasi region. These tribe members chose to keep their ancient ways of life in this modern world though wide cracks are forming in their lifestyle. One 16 year old client told me he wishes people would not force change on them as what we perceive as 'backward' is actually a happier earth based lifestyle and we could all learn from them. That is the type of response that is rewarding.

It's these mind changing / human connection wellness Safaris that I am excited to share more in the future. "

What do you think?
Wouldn't this be a life changing Safari. A peek into another culture and lifestyle. And combine that with amazing wildlife and maybe the traditional wellness - massage - and you have opened your eyes to a whole new world. 

Let's get you on Safari.

Everything we dreamed off and more.

When Vickie called me to say she and Neil wanted to go on a Journey To Africa Safari, I was super excited. See, Vickie and Neil are world travelers. They have been to every continent with famous large travel operators. I was up for the challenge to show them my Tanzania and provide them with the same quality service they had come to expect - and more - because we are into tiny personal details.

Safe to say, they had an amazing time and even after a few years, Vickie and Neil are still great supporters of Journey To Africa by constantly sending us referrals.

Asante Sana Vickie and Neil. 

"Amazing, incredible, life changing are just a few words I use to describe our  "Journey to Africa".

From the moment we arrived in Kilimanjaro, we were transported into one of our most magical vacations ever! (That's saying a lot! as we are veterans of world travel, seven continents with some of the top outfitters in the travel industry)

We picked Journey to Africa because Mefi could design a VIP tour package to fit our schedule, our personal Africa safari wish list:

• We wanted our own guide. 
• We wanted to experience five luxury camps at our leisure. We wanted to go on a minimum of three safaris per day. 
• We wanted to meet Maasai , Hadzabe, Datoga tribes and experience their cultures.
• We wanted a hot air ballon ride over the Serengeti.
• We wanted to see the "Big Five"

We received every single item on our personal wishlist, and much, much more!

Everyday was at our leisure, perfect for us, as we didn't want to share a vehicle or a "time line" set up by others. We saw lots of game on all our drives, we witnessed a couple hunts and kills - we were there during the migration.

While in Ngorongoro, two well known "five star" outfitters zoomed by us missing a beautiful leopard sleeping in a tree very close to the road. They were on a "scheduled tour" staying at the same lodge as us. Their guest informed us they have to stay on schedule so they couldn't stop for the leopard.

We stayed in the same world renowned lodges and camps as other outfitters but, we were offered something that they couldn't provide, a personalized experience.

We experienced everything we dreamed of and more!!!

-The Love's."

Life worth Exploring. ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Style on Safari.

Let's talk about how to look good and comfortable on Safari?
- Good because shouldn't we always pay attention to how we dress at anytime. And if we think we look good, we feel happy.
- Comfortable because that is just what you need on Safari. You will go from game driving in either a closed or open vehicle with dust flying in to enjoying dinner on arrival at the camp because you stayed out a bit too long enjoying the evening's golden hour. Nothing wrong with that by the way.

These two ladies should know a thing or two about style. They are after all Houston's leading fashion bloggers. Sheree and Natalie are both wearing Kuhl's Rekon Jacket. The jacket is versatile enough that you can wear back home. Sheree is wearing her Kuhl Pants and Natalie is wearing her Prana pants. You get the general idea - no wrinkle pants, pants that dry up quickly and can be zipped open into shorts. Some even have bug repellants. 

Having 2 to 3 such pants is all you need on Safari. Re-wearing is totally acceptable on Safari. 

Style Tips:
- Sheree and Natalie upped their style with a bandana. They wore is around their necks as well as using it as a hair accessory. Always a good idea to have items that work in multiple ways. 
- Buying local jewelry. Sheree and Natalie got to shop at the Tanzania Maasai Women Arts's shop on our Tanzania with Mefi Safari. You too can do that before you head out on Safari. The lodges in Arusha will have local accessories in their gift shop. Or bring your own from home.

My buddy Carlos with his friend John and our amazing guide Ayoub.
Keep it neutral to distract bugs who love blue and black - though I am guilty of wearing those colors. Neutral colors also let you blend in with the environment. Keep it comfortable. Look for breathable clothing especially if you are going during the hot months.
Dri-fit clothes really do feel good when you are sitting in the vehicle for many hours under the sun. They can transition easily to evening wear by the campfire and dining tent.  

Style Tips:
- Up your game with a belt but only if you like. You decide how you want to be comfortable. 
- Important accessory here is hat. Not only does it look good, it is a necessity to protect yourself from the African sun. Baseball cap is just fine. 

I had such a great time planning this family Safari. We surprised Yanni for his 17th birthday in Serengeti. What a lucky kid! 

Style Tips:
- Good shoes. Not only is the ground uneven in some spot but there are twigs, tall grass, tiny creatures - who are much needed by the eco-system, crawling around ++. Up your game with some good hiking shoes that will take you beyond a Safari. Not a fan of those, even your daily sneakers will do.
- It does get cool in the morning and evenings. Scarfs not only keep you warm, but also add some glam. Men, get a vest or fleece jacket with good neck coverage.

Not into style. No worries. You're on Safari. Nobody cares how you dress.
*Just wear closed shoes though. 

Now let's get you on a Journey To Africa Safari. 

Honeymoon Safari in Africa.

Congratulations on your engagement! The best thing you have done is finding your love.
The second best thing you are doing is talking to us about your Honeymoon Safari. Being on Safari, with the one you love, will be the icing on your cake. 

Having planned many honeymoon Safaris over the years, we have a few tips on what made their honeymoon a success. Take one tip or take all.

Let's start the planning ...

Start off with some rest.

• Let's take you straight to the beaches of Zanzibar Island or exclusive Mnemba Island. You can catch some zzz's for a few days, enjoy massages by the Indian Ocean water and take leisure strolls on the beach. Recover from your wedding in paradise. 
• Go to one of the National Parks or Rubondo Island with the intent of chilling. Safaris are usually a go-go affair. You usually wake up early to see the sunrise out in the park and can finish the day out. Instead, we will choose a lovely lodge or tented camp with great views from your room. You will still be part of the wilderness experience ... from your room. 

Stay longer in one spot.

• One of the things I learnt from my own honeymoon is the art of staying in one place for a bit longer. There is nothing worse then having to pack and unpack and move especially the first few nights when you are exhausted. 

That one extra thing besides wildlife.

Take your honeymoon to the next level. We know just how to do that. 

• Have a blessing ceremony. We can organize a Maasai ceremony at our camp in Ngorongoro Region with a Maasai elder. Stop at a local religious center in the town of Arusha. We can organize a blessing with the local worship leader.  
• Hire a honeymoon photographer to capture your Honeymoon Safari memories. We can have the photographer shadow you for a day or two, or if you want, the whole Safari. You decide. 
• Donate. Instead of getting gifts from your guests at your wedding, ask to give maybe a portion to a charity in Tanzania. Then go see how your donation will be put to good use. We are sponsors to many wonderful charities in Tanzania. We know your money will be put to great use. Ask us and we can match the organization with your interest.

Excited! Great. 
Together, let's create a perfect honeymoon Safari for you and your loved one. 

Night Game Drive on Safari

When on Safari, you spend a lot of time out searching for game during the day time. The best times are usually early in the morning when the temperatures are still cool and the animals are active… searching for breakfast. As the weather warms up from late morning to early afternoon time the animals, and maybe you too can enjoy some good siesta time. If siesta is not for you, go out and you will still find animals grazing or ‘lazing around’ – still enjoyable to witness. Of course there are some animals who can not rest – never a dull moment. They will get active again late afternoon when the weather cools down.

Most National Parks close around sunset. Private conservation areas don’t have any restrictions and you and your guide will decide when you want to enjoy a night game drive - this can be a last-minute decision. A few National Parks [Tarangire and Katavi, for example in Tanzania and most parks in Zambia] do not have those restrictions either but you do have to have a permit and we have to book a ranger hence we need to know in advance if you want to enjoy this experience.

My first night game-drive was in dark, stormy night of November 2011 in Tarangire National Park at Oliver’s Camp.

Covered in our raincoats, armed with a ranger and a brave wind-bearing spotter in our vehicle driven by Alex the camp manager at that time, we drove out looking for animals. We had night vision goggles to aid in our viewing. We saw three male lion brothers who were later heard roaring around the camp, vultures feasting on an elephant carcass, jackals and more. If it was not pouring, we would have had a two-hour ride heading towards the Silale swamp. Ours was cut short because of the rains. Still, oh what a thrill! 

I have had many more night game drives since then. It is not so much about the wildlife that is easier to see during the day, but the anticipation of spotting the wildlife and the sounds that accompany it in the night. And the rewards can be pretty spookily beautiful.

Take a spin with us at night.
There will be a few surprising things to stare at on your night game Safari.