Safari the second time around was just as amazing and fun. This time, my parents, my sister Risa, and her friend Elior came all the way to Tanzania for a 6-day safari. We used a company called Tropical Trails (www.tropicaltrails.com) that offers top-notch safaris for reasonable prices. Our incredible guide, John, spotted everything and anything from miles away. We started in Tarangire National Park where we stayed at a beautiful luxury tented camp (www.tarangireroikatentedlodge.com). From there, we headed to Ndutu for two days to watch the spectacular wildbeest migration. After that, it was to the vast Serengeti Plains for more leopard searching. Lastly, we descended into the Ngorongoro Crater. All of the lodging was fantastic and I think our only complaint was too much food. There was enough to feed an entire African village.

Risa, dad, John (our guide), Elior and mom with Ngorongoro Crater in the background

Risa, dad, John (our guide), Elior and mom with Ngorongoro Crater in the background

Some of the highlights:

1. Being with my family (Elior, you count too).

2. John being the best safari guide ever.

3. Seeing lions mating.

4. Watching cheetah cubs in Ndutu learn from their mother how to hunt. We saw them kill two gazelles.

5. Baby everything…zebras, elephants, hippos, etc.

6. Finally finding the elusive leopard on day 5. Thank you John!

7. Watching a wilderbeest give birth in Ngorongoro Crater.

8. Playing bananagrams before dinner.

9. Having a picnic breakfast on the plains of Ndutu.

10. Seeing all the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo).

When we first started out, my dad questioned why he had to come all the way to Tanzania to see animals, when he could have just gone to the safari at Six Flags. By the end, we all agreed that the trip was more than worthwhile. A trip of a lifetime, if you will.

Zebras grazing in the plains of Ndutu

Zebras grazing in the plains of Ndutu

 

Cheetah cub playing in the trees

Cheetah cub playing in the trees

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