An Unforgettable Safari: The Rathauser Family’s Tanzanian Adventure

Jambo from Tanzania! The Rathauser Family’s first African Safari was an adventure we’ll never forget, and I’m so excited to share with you some of the highlights from our travels to four Tanzanian national parks this past summer. Thanks to our friends at African Travel – who we partnered with to put together this wonderful itinerary – our journey was as enriching as it was transformative. I can categorically say it exceeded all expectations for me and my family and is definitely an experience I hope everyone can do at least once, if not several times!

Before jumping in, let me admit that I had many of the same questions that other people have when thinking about a Safari: What’s the difference between all the different parks? Why is a good guide so important? How many days and game drives should we do to get the most out of a trip? Is there such a thing as too many game drives? Fortunately, many of these questions were answered for me just from this first Safari experience. I now understand how each park differs in terms of environment and landscape, as well as the potential animal sightings. Even a single park offers an amazing variety of sightings and experiences on any given day!

Our first major destination was Tarangire National Park, famous for its stunning baobab trees and large elephant herds. Tarangire plays a crucial role in conserving the migratory patterns of various species, and on our very first day we were lucky enough to see a lion lounging in a tree. Still on our first day, we saw plenty of other animals, including zebras, warthogs, ostriches, gazelles, wildebeest, and impalas – a fantastic Day One! We stayed at the charming Acacia Farm Lodge, which gave us a perfect starting point for our adventure.

The next day, we ventured to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most unique natural wonders. This massive caldera, formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption, is often called “Africa’s Garden of Eden.” We were already in awe just from the drive in, watching the landscape transform around us from more arid land in the lower area to the more jungle-like vegetation around the top of the crater. We were welcomed by an extended “family” of about 80 baboons strolling along the road in an organized line (warning: keep your windows closed if you want to keep that camera or hat!). However, that was just the appetizer compared to the actual Ngorongoro park and crater where the stunning scenery and dense wildlife population left us speechless. The crater’s unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of animals, including a significant population of predators, such as lions and hyenas. We also saw our first hippos, flamingos, and vultures (who were trying to pick at a skull the hyenas were still playing with). We even spotted a distant rhino amidst the diverse fauna! After such an exciting day, The Arusha Coffee Lodge, surrounded by lush coffee plantations, provided a peaceful and welcome retreat to rejuvenate for our next day of adventure.

Our safari continued toward the Serengeti, Tanzania’s largest and most famous national park. On the way to the park, we stopped at a Maasai Village where we were welcomed by the son of the village leader. The Maasai are one of East Africa’s most iconic tribes, known for distinctive customs, dress, and a semi-nomadic lifestyle. The Maasai people welcomed us warmly, sharing stories and inviting us to join in a traditional dance. We learned about their traditions, such as the cattle-herding practices central to their culture and economy. This encounter offered deep insights into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries – I will never forget such a culturally enriching experience.

Our Serengeti excursions basecamp was the luxurious Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge. It is quite centrally located, and we enjoyed the spacious accommodations and delicious cuisine. The location of the lodge is at the top of a small hill with views of the vast plains; it was something right out of a movie. I sat there, sipping my Gin and Tonic, thinking reality is more magical than fiction.

On Day Four we began our four-day journey into The Serengeti, a massive park with many different areas, each with unique attributes. We had several unforgettable experiences, but a couple that really stood out were driving out to see part of the Great Migration – one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events – and watching hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras on the move with lions and cheetahs in pursuit. It’s incredible to see and consider how these animals – through a combination of instinct and weather patterns – know just where they need to go to survive the environment… and do it year after year like clockwork!

But nothing compares to what was definitely the most astonishing moment of our visit to the Serengeti. As we were driving between lodges, our guide suddenly stopped the vehicle and pointed toward a distant bush. Using our binoculars, we spotted a cheetah moving stealthily through the underbrush towards us. The anticipation was palpable as the cheetah approached our vehicles, seemingly indifferent to the line of riveted onlookers. To our amazement, it suddenly leaped onto the roof of the vehicle in front of us! The people inside looked around frantically but couldn’t see the animal perched directly above them on the roof. We, however, had front-row seats to this incredible scene. As if this wasn’t enough excitement, before I could say “move the car!” the cheetah showed off its incredible speed when it jumped off the vehicle…right onto ours! I sat there, face-to-face, with the Cheetah for what was only a couple of seconds but felt like an eternity.

Our driver was able to turn the car slowly to encourage the Cheetah to jump off the vehicle. The cat gracefully obliged, disappearing into the high grass. We spotted the cat a little while later perched on top of a termite mound. The animal had just been looking for a place from which to scout his environment, our vehicles the perfect vantagepoints! Our guide explained that such behavior, while rare, highlights the adaptability and curiosity of these magnificent creatures. It was an unforgettable encounter that perfectly captured the wild and unpredictable beauty of Africa. This thrilling experience not only excited us but also reminded us of the importance of respecting wildlife and the delicate balance of nature.

As if the cheetah wasn’t enough excitement for the day, the Serengeti had even more in store for us. Seared in my memory is the moment we saw a big elephant scratching his neck by placing his head in the middle of a Y-shaped tree. We admired him as he rocked back and forth while giraffes grazed serenely behind him. All of this was framed by a perfect rainbow, the result of some unusual drizzle that had hit the area just a little while before – unforgettable!

After the Serengeti, our final stop was Lake Manyara National Park, a smaller but equally diverse park known for its dense forests and soda lake. The park is home to a variety of bird species and primates, including the acrobatic Blue Monkey. Although we missed the famous tree-climbing lions this time, the Treetop Canopy Walk – a unique experience where park visitors can traverse the jungle via rope and wood walking bridges suspended high above the earth below – offered a completely different experience and a unique perspective of the park’s lush landscape.

In this single weeklong journey in Tanzania, we encountered over 41 species of animals, each day bringing new surprises and adventures. I must note that a great deal of our animal sightings and newfound knowledge was a result of the unmatchable expertise of our guide, Gabriel. His ability to spot distant animals that we could barely even see (at first – our eyes sharpened with practice!) was just incredible. His patience and ability to explain so much about the native animals and ecosystems was invaluable. He, and so many of our hosts, made us fall in love with the Tanzanian people. Their warmth, kindness, and hospitality left a lasting impression, making us eager to return. I will never forget how excited the Chef at Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge was when he heard I wanted to try an authentic Tanzanian meal – so much so that he went and made me some “Ugali” to eat along with some other local specialties; it was delicious!

This safari was not just a vacation, but a transformative experience that brought my family closer to the wonders of nature and the rich cultural tapestry of Tanzania. Whether you’re dreaming of a safari in Tanzania or another incredible destination, I’m here to help make your travel dreams come true. Let’s create an adventure that’s unforgettable and uniquely yours. Contact me to start planning your next luxury getaway; you won’t want to miss out on the experience of a lifetime!