Selma Weisbein
Beginning our journey with a three-day stopover in Amsterdam, the true adventure commenced when we embarked on our meticulously planned safari through Africa. I had arranged every detail, ensuring my husband and I experienced the best of this vast continent. While the numerous flights initially surprised him, a brief encounter with a seasoned traveler at the Amsterdam airport reassured us that multiple planes were simply the best way to explore Africa's diverse landscapes.
Our journey was a whirlwind of experiences: We touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and were whisked away to the Palacina Suites. From there, we ventured into the wild, with stays at the luxurious Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, the unique Tarangire Treetops Camp, and the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. It was at the Tarangire Treetops Camp where one of our most unexpected and delightful encounters occurred. One evening, while taking a shower, I thought I heard noises outside our treetop accommodation. Upon investigating, to my astonishment, there stood an elephant right outside! Our attempts to capture the moment were thwarted by the darkness, but the memory remains vivid. We laughingly recounted the incident to the hotel staff, who had earlier advised us to contact the front desk for safe escorts to avoid wild animal encounters. Sure enough, the next morning, our majestic visitor was nonchalantly having its breakfast next to us!
We continued our journey and immersed ourselves in the wilderness at Klein's Camp before resting at the Arusha Coffee Lodge. Our African odyssey then took us to the vibrant city of Cape Town, where we luxuriated at the Cape Grace Hotel. Here, we explored the Cape Point and indulged in the famed Winelands. The magnificent Victoria Falls awaited us next, where we stayed at the Royal Livingstone and partook in awe-inspiring tours of the falls and sundowner cruises. Our journey concluded with a night at The Westcliff.
Throughout this journey, I ensured we traveled seamlessly, leveraging a five-star operator's expertise to handle the intricate details, including securing visas and coordinating flight connections. The camps we stayed in were nothing short of incredible. The laughter, surprise, and moments of awe we shared, particularly as we navigated our way through numerous airports, added to our collection of cherished memories. My husband's initial skepticism about the multiple flights transformed into gratitude and admiration. Today, when asked about his favorite trips, he enthusiastically recalls our African safari – a testament to the magic and wonder the continent holds. The unexpected encounters, like our elephant visitor, made the trip incredibly fun and surprising, further cementing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.