Zicasso Travel Stories: Wild Tanzania and Pristine Zanzibar

The journey began at Kilimanjaro Airport, where jetlag from crossing four continents in two days required a night’s rest in Arusha. "We planned the trip to do nothing on the first day but relax and get used to the time difference," Camila said. This foresight proved invaluable, preparing them for the adventures ahead.

Their safari experience kicked off with a game drive en route to their Lake Manyara lodge. "We didn't know that was how it would be," Maria shared. "We trusted our travel partners. They had shown us the accommodations and an outline of the itinerary. We said, 'You plan everything, the accommodations look great, the activities look great,’ but we didn't really pay attention to what the logistics would look like."

Lake Manyara provided their first taste of what makes a safari unique, enticing, and magnetic. "The moment we arrived in Lake Manyara, we saw the sign saying this was where the tree-climbing lions live," Camila recalled. "We didn't expect to see the big cats that first day, but we went crazy taking pictures and tried to get the best view of the animals."

The diversity of landscapes surprised them. "Lake Manyara was more of a rainforest vibe compared with the Serengeti," Maria noted. "I thought every safari destination would be the same, but they were so different."

The Serengeti captivated the friends. "Serengeti was my favorite place for safari," Maria said. Camila agreed, "In the Serengeti, we saw more than we did at Lake Manyara. We saw so many animals and a wider variety."

Their Serengeti lodge offered thrilling proximity to wildlife. "The lodge was not fenced," Camila explained. "At night, buffalo and other animals could come through; lions could come through and stay close to the pool area. The hotel took it very seriously and you could not leave your room without a chaperone."

Whether around the shoreline of Lake Manyara, looking for baboons in the woodlands, or witnessing playful lions among the tall Serengeti grass, their guide played a crucial role in their safari experience. "He was with us 24/7 for a week," Camila shared. "He was a mountain of knowledge; any questions we had, anything we wanted to know. You could tell he loved his job."

Maria added, "By the second day, we were eager to eat lunch with him and continue our conversations. We'd make jokes with him and he had a contagious laugh. We were laughing all the time."

In the Serengeti, an unforgettable encounter showcased the raw beauty of nature and the expertise of their guide. "We were driving through the grassland when our guide led us to four lions, a mating pair and two adolescent males," Maria said. "Our guide got us as close as possible without disturbing them."

Lions are territorial at the best of times. Matings lions tend to be more aggressive because of the male lion's need to secure and defend their territory. When sitting so close, Maria and Camila understood the lions' power, prowess, and allure. The situation could have felt tense but their guide was calm and continued providing information about the pride, where they came from, and the surrounding ecosystem.

"When the lions finally wandered off, it was difficult to know how far they had moved," Maria said. "The grass was so high. The entire experience was thrilling, but we felt safe with our guide's expertise."

Camila and Maria's journey underscores the value of expert planning and the profound impact knowledgeable guides have in creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Their journey concluded in Zanzibar, where, after the adrenaline-pumping safari experiences, they could relax on beaches known for their soft sands and turquoise water. “I have never seen a beach that was as clear as Zanzibar's or sand that beautiful," Maria said.

While Maria enjoyed snorkeling at Mnemba Island, Camila embraced the opportunity to relax. "I'm more of a mountain-type girl, but Zanzibar was amazing," Camila shared. "Every day was a picture. I don't know if it was the hotel or Zanzibar in general, but the staff were super-kind, knowledgeable, and always ready to fulfill our requests. It added to that sense of calm. I just felt taken care of.”

Whether you dream of witnessing the Great Migration, gaining deeper knowledge about the lives of lions in the wilderness, or lounging on pristine beaches, you can craft your Tanzanian adventure with a local travel expert who will curate meaningful experiences to match your interests.

Find inspiration for your exploration with our Tanzania safaris and vacations or with our Tanzania safari guide. You can also discover the magic beyond Tanzania with our East Africa safaris and tours.