"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
We will be visiting two countries on this African adventure – Uganda and Tanzania. Each was intentionally selected for its unique experiences and cultures – plus it is two more stamps to add to our well worn passports! We customized this trip to reflect our interests and fully immerse us in true cultural experiences. Our lodging includes charming guest houses, a family run farm, an authentic lodge built among massive boulders and tented camps that periodically move to follow the animals. Dining, safari activities and services of a private driver in each country will be equally memorable. Read on for all the spectacular details…
UGANDAOur journey begins in Uganda with a few days of relaxation upon arrival. While adjusting to the time zones and jet lag, we have some leisurely local activities planned including a visit to the Equator. We will test, and report back, if water really does drain differently on “The Line.” With a private driver, we will travel across the country (about a 4 hour trek) to Kibale National Park in northwestern Uganda. This evergreen rainforest is well known for its abundant population of chimpanzees.
Enter Megan’s bucket list – a one-on-one experience with a wild chimpanzee. Megan has loved chimpanzees since she was very young and at one time hoped to have one as a pet. That dream has been overruled by practicality; however, the closest connection to the dream will be our visit to the chimpanzee’s natural habitat in Kibale National Park. We will embark on some guided chimpanzee treks in hope of seeing them in their most wild state. We will also spend one night on Ngamba Island, exclusively dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of chimpanzees that have been injured or orphaned in the wild. By participating in the Caregiver For A Day program, we will each be paired with a young chimpanzee who is new to the island and being slowly integrated with the other chimpanzee residents. If all goes well, we may hold their hand, carry them and/or provide encouraging support to make them feel comfortable joining the larger group. Without a doubt, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
TANZANIAOur journey continues in Tanzania where the more traditional safari activities will mesmerize us. Some highlights will include:
Lake Manyara National Park – a small park with waterfalls, ancient trees and open plains where elephant, buffalo and antelope roam (…oh give me a home where the buffalo…). Special to this park are tree-climbing lions, Maasai giraffes so dark they look like they have been dipped in chocolate, close encounters with hungry hippos and 400+ species of birds.
Olduvai Gorge – a World Heritage Site, often referred to as The Cradle of Mankind, features fossils dating back 2.5 million years ago. Vast research on evolution and human origins typically begins here.
A visit to a local Maasai village – this is high on Dan’s list – this semi-nomadic group is well known for their distinct customs and dress. We will see their unique circular homes and marvel at the intricate and beautifully beaded jewelry worn by the women.
Ngorongoro Crater – often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, this collapsed volcano lies in a cluster of sometimes smoking volcanoes and gives the impression that you are standing in a deep soup bowl. Hosting the highest concentration of predators in the world, the barking we will hear at night are the calls of zebras and baboons to warn their group of a possible attack. We are almost assured sightings of lions, elephants, hippos and cheetahs.
Serengeti National Park – a legendary mecca for most safari goers, this will be the hub of our animal viewing experience. Our February visit was designed around the Great Migration, a movement of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle in search of food and water. It is estimated that 8,000 wildebeest calves are born each day during the annual movement. Also watching the herds are the hungry cheetahs, lions, buzzards and vultures. This will be the true circle of life.
As you can see, this is not your average honeymoon. We are not your average couple. So a perfect match all around! Africa, here we come!
"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better start running." - African Proverb