Traveling to Tanzania

I had the opportunity to explore another part of Africa and spent 6 days in Tanzania over Christmas, along with a few fellow Ethiopia Peace Corps Volunteers.  It was the first Christmas I spent away from home, and I got to spend it on the sandy beaches of Bongoyo Island, swimming in the Indian Ocean, and eating fresh prawns and the most delicious mangoes I’ve ever had.  It was an unbelievable experience, seeing wonderful sights and experiencing a new place and culture.

Bongoyo island for Christmas!!

On a three-day safari in Mikumi National ParkI saw lions, giraffes, elephants (including a 2 day old baby!), impala, water buffalo, wart hogs, monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, a variety of birds and zebras, all in their natural environment! I got to watch the sun set behind trees where a lion and lioness were resting; such majestic animals and a picture perfect evening  We also went on a 5 hours hike to a waterfall, where we got to swim in it at the top; a truly unforgettable and amazing experience!  Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I shall stop here and let you experience some of the breathtaking sites for yourself.

The entrance to Mikumi National Park, where we saw all of the wonderful animals!

A magnificent sight; a lion roaring at sunset while the cubs sleep under a tree.

The wonderful view from our safari car (ps this photo is untouched!)

Zebras and giraffes mingling together!

2 day old baby elephant!!

I finally got the guts to jump off a tall rock into the water!

The whole group on our hike to the waterfall!

Tanzania is beautiful, the people and the bright colored clothing, as well as the lush green scenery.  It is very different from Ethiopia,. For example, we didn’t see even one donkey our whole time there, because machines and other equipment are used to carry and transport wood, etc.. and do farm work.  In contrast, in Ethiopia I see dozens of donkeys daily, carrying hay, wood, grains, charcoal, water and more on their backs.  They are essential to life in rural Ethiopia. It was really neat and eye opening to see a different African culture and country!  In Tanzania I also noticed more people riding bikes, and the houses were mostly made of brick instead of wood, mud, dung and tin as they are in Ethiopia. 

Some of the beautiful fabric found in Tanzania!

The week of vacation was refreshing and relaxing and one that I’ll never forget.