Dear Paul and Prem:

This note is to give you my, and Donna’s, comments on the wonderful trip to Tanzania last month. Because this is our second trip with Paul we could not help comparing the two trips.  

The choice of accommodations was excellent. The lodges we visited were wonderful. To us, the Arusha Serena Mountain Village was the best one. The food in all lodges was excellent, with the Tarangire Sopa Lodge food, not quite as good as the others.

Talking about the excitement of Photo Safaris, Donna commented: “Somehow, looking at historical buildings is not exciting enough.” As you can see, we are definitely hooked on Photo Safaris like those you provide. The Serengeti lived up to its reputation.  The interminable long lines of wildebeest in Kenya were supplanted by incredibly dense aggregations. And the new born babies were a hit. Similar observations could be made for zebras, including the zebras resting their heads on each others backs. The lions resting on kopjes were outstanding.

The Tarangire Park was disappointing because of the seaming lack of wildlife. However we understand about the additional rains that cause the tall grasses and the overabundance of water. I guess we will have to go back when the conditions are different. Instead of big animal wildlife, we concentrated on birds, which was enjoyable.

The Ngorongoro Crater was spectacular. Not only lions, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos, but also flamingoes that were relatively close. The roads in and out of the crater added to the adventure.

I know that all the van drivers are good, but we were fortunate to have been assigned to Charles Oning’o’s van. He reminded me of Peter Wakaleli of Kenya, and I told him that I felt that he was the Tanzania Wakaleli, as a compliment.   

Sincerely,

Juan A. Zumbado                     Donna R. Zumbado

     

                Baboon                         

     Copyright: Juan A. Zumbado               

 

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