Tanzania: A Journey That Will Stay With Me Forever

A Gentle Welcome to the Wild

The moment we landed, the adventure began. We made our way to Rivertrees Country Lodge, a peaceful hideaway where nature takes centre stage. Within minutes, the boys were pointing excitedly at monkeys swinging through the branches above us, and we stood next to termite hills that were — unbelievably — taller than we were. It was the perfect introduction to the landscapes we were about to explore.

Tarangire National Park – Where the Wild Comes Alive

The next morning, our safari truly began as we headed for Tarangire National Park, known for its huge elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. We stayed at Nasikia Ndovu Lodge, and from the second we arrived the boys were buzzing.

Standing on the seats, heads out the sunroof, wind in their hair — this was safari the way you dream it.

And Tarangire did not disappoint. We spotted cheetahs lounging in the grass, zebras grazing, huge herds of elephants wandering past us, baboons chattering in the trees, and even the odd ostrich strutting as if it owned the place.

By the time we headed back to camp, the boys were desperate to jump into the pool — even though it was definitely not heated! My youngest didn’t care… he was in the water within seconds.

That night we settled into our tent — spacious, beautifully designed, and surprisingly luxurious. You can walk to your tent alone during the day, but after dark, a guide escorts you… which adds just the right amount of adventure.

And that adventure hit me full force at 3am when I woke to the unmistakable, spine-tingling sound of a lion roaring in the distance. Not close, but close enough to remind me exactly where we were — deep in the wild, far from civilisation, and more alive than ever.

The Magic of Camp Life

Our second day in Tarangire brought giraffes with slow, elegant strides, warthogs trotting past, wildebeest thundering across the plains and buffalo watching us with quiet curiosity. We searched and searched for lions but didn’t spot them… not yet.

Back at camp, we warmed ourselves by the fire and chatted with other guests about what they’d seen that day — elephants crossing rivers, lions hunting, leopard tracks on the road. Safari stories are truly some of the best stories.

And the staff… I can’t even describe how incredible they were. On our final evening, they surprised me with the sweetest birthday song. A moment I’ll treasure.

Face-to-Face With Lions & Onward to The Manor

The next morning, as if the bush knew we were leaving, we came face to face with a pride of lions on our way out of the park. Powerful, majestic, and honestly breathtaking.

From there, we continued to Lake Manyara, swapping drivers before climbing up into the highlands to reach The Manor at Ngorongoro. I don’t even know where to begin with this place.

Set on a rolling coffee plantation, The Manor felt like stepping into a colonial-era dream. South African in style, elegant in every detail, and the food… incredible. Every evening brought a beautiful tasting menu, and every moment felt like a treat.

Here we rode horses through the plantation, toured the coffee fields, played billiards in the lounge, and then — the highlight — headed into the Ngorongoro Crater.

The world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. A natural wonder.
And genuinely impossible to describe.

It’s like driving into another world… a natural bowl filled with lions, elephants, flamingos, rhinos, zebras and wildebeest. Everywhere you turn, the landscape shifts into something new and awe-inspiring.

Flying Into the Serengeti – The Real-Life Lion King

The next day we boarded our first tiny internal aircraft — the kind where you feel every bump — and it genuinely felt like we flew straight off the side of a mountain. The boys absolutely loved it.

We landed in the Serengeti, where our next guide greeted us with tea, coffee, biscuits and the warmest smile. He had even customised the truck for us!

Our guide here was exceptional — patient, funny, deeply knowledgeable and so passionate about the wildlife. He’s the reason this part of the trip felt so unbelievably special.

We watched lions lazing under trees. We ate lunch in the middle of the bush, surrounded by nothing but golden grass and endless skies. We held our breath as we followed leopard tracks… and finally found the leopard we’d been longing to see. One of the most magical sightings of my life.

And then — the moment I’ll never forget —
I took a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.

Floating silently above the endless plains as the sun rose, watching giraffes wander below and herds of wildebeest stretch out like shadows on the grass… it was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my entire life. The peace, the beauty, the scale — I still get chills thinking about it.

Back on solid ground, we toasted with a champagne breakfast in the bush — because where else in the world do you finish a balloon ride like that?

At Kazkaz Camp, we slept in luxury tents with hot water bottles tucked into the sheets at night. The staff were incredible — so warm and attentive — and when we left, I genuinely felt emotional. It’s amazing how quickly the Serengeti becomes a part of you.

Why Africa Has My Heart

They say safari is once in a lifetime…
but after Kenya and Tanzania — and after watching the Serengeti wake up from a hot air balloon basket — I know I’ll be back again.