Return to Tanzania

[optig]

On the 23 August 2021,I was able to return to Tanzania for another amazing trip despite Covid and all the restrictions.Thanks to Sangeeta,Malvika and her team for making sure everything is okay on the ground all protocol is followed,tests and results are done/received on time.I first had to get PCR test in Kenya,wait for my results and I was good to go with my negative results.Once at Kilimanjaro Airport,I had to take another test which cost $50.I went through easily since I had applied for my visa prior to my arrival.

 

I spent 20days/19 nights in Tanzania.I had 4 nights at Little Oliver's Camp,4 nights at Dunia Camp,4 nights at Sayari Camp,3 nights at Rubondo Island Camp and 3 nights at Arusha Coffee Lodge for Covid testing and results.

[wilddog]

Looking forward to hearing more about this trip

[optig]

I saw plenty of zebras at Oliver's Camp. Tarangire is famous for it's populations of elephants and giraffes and I was not to be disappointed. I saw plenty of lions, leopards, and even cheetahs. The birding was also quite good.

I could find no cause for complaint at Oliver's Camp. My tent, the food, and the service were all excellent. Oliver's Camp offers walking safaris which I did twice.

[optig]

My next stop was at Dunia Camp where I stayed  for 4 nights.Dunia Camp is unique in Tanzania as its entire staff is made up of ladies.The staff of lovely ladies couldn't be sweeter kinder and more charming.In particular I would love to thank Elly,the manager whom I had met previously at Namiri  plains in February.My guide Grace was simply fabulous in every way shape and form.

 

Everything from the tents to the food and especially the company was exceptional.Again I saw plenty of cats,birds,hyena,baboon,,elephants and leopard.The most exciting  sighting I had at Dunia Camp was a group of between 20-40 banded mongoose walking facing the sky in fear of becoming the preys of a raptor,you could  see how terrified they were.

 

The weather was great.Slightly chilly in the morning but warm for the rest of the day.

[Tom Kellie]

~ @optig: Thank you for posting the rich variety of images.

 

It's a pleasure to go through the visual impressions of your Tanazania trip.

 

Tom K.

[madaboutcheetah]

@optig - sounds like another epic Tanzania trip!!!  Can't wait to hear about Rubondo island. 

 

3 nights in Coffee lodge for the swab to leave Tanzania?  OMG!!! How long do they take for the results?  

[Toxic]

Thank you for sharing! Loving the photos and will be following this thread to see the rest of your updates :-) 

[Pamshelton3932]

I’m so happy for you for making this trip.  Great sightings.

[optig]

@madaboutcheetah I think I got them within 48hrs because on the second day I had to go to Mount Meru hospital for the test,then got my results the next day.

[optig]

From Dunia camp I had to be transfered to Seronera Airstrip to Kogatende Airstrip then to Sayari Camp.

I was at Sayari Camp for 4 nights and @ZAWADIwas my guide.I was very much impressed by her guiding and personal skills.She is a very pretty and charming lady,you will clearly see in the photos.This is an incredibly luxurious camp that not only has a pool but its own micro brewery.In contrast to Dunia there was a good although not overwhelming number of tourists staying at the camp.I was fortunate in that I never had to share my vehicle with anyone else.Both morning and evening game drives were excellent.

 

The food and service were both excellent.I got to see three wildebeest crossings in 4 days.The sundowner was also amazing.

[Tom Kellie]

~ @optig: Please accept my warmest appreciation for your Tanzania image series.

 

The color, composition and subjects are delightful.

 

Number me among those are grateful for your time and care in posting such a bounteous harvest of safari photographs.

 

I'm so pleased that you were fortunate in enjoying an outstanding visit to Tanzania.

 

       Tom K.

[Kitsafari]

@optig your itinerary was almost similar to our first ever safari to Africa - it was Oliver's camp, Gibb's Farm, Dunia Camp, Olakira lamai and then Arusha House (i think). and we never looked back. 

 

such great sightings you had - a martial eagle on a nest! wow. were there any chicks in the nest? and I'm so jealous that you could get away for a safari. I'm suffering from withdrawal symptoms from not being on a safari for 2 years.  

[Matias Cox]

Excellent trip @optig

 

Rich wildlife and breathtaking scenery. His photographs reveal the pleasant days lived.

 

Maybe one day well share good times on a safari. It would be a pleasure to hear their stories in the field taking a Sayari Beer, as well as share the presence of @ZAWADI(welcome to Safaritalk!!!).

 

My best regards to you both,

 

Matias. 

[optig]

I then flew to Rubondo Island for three nights. On the first day there I just relaxed because I was so tired. The second day I went chimp trekking; unfortunately  

I fell and landed on the branch of a tree that had too many thorns. My pack was simply too heavy and I have to blame myself for not distributing it's contents better.So I wasn't able to see the chimps.

 

I told both my guide and the camp's manager that they should arrange porter service for guests like myself that have mobility issues. It would cost between $25 and $40 per person. 

 

The great thing about Rubondo Island is that there is more than just chimp trekking available to it's guests. I saw a spotted owl for the first time swimming just outside the camp. I also saw bushbuck,  sitatunga,  hippos, and even a bush pig for only the second time. 

Edited September 28, 2021 by optig

[optig]

My trip ended at Arusha Coffee where I spent 3 nights as I also waited for my covid test and results.

I can't wait because I'll be going on my third safari of this year on October 6. As I mentioned previously I'll be going to Mashatsu for five nights, Grootbos for five nights.Liuwa Plains where I'll be staying at King Lewanika Camp for four nights, as well as Kafue for 11 nights. It will be an awesome safari.

Edited September 28, 2021 by optig

[madaboutcheetah]

@optig- I'm sorry you were not able to trek - but, hope you are okay and all is well.

 

Did you get the impression that chimps were possible to view in Rubondo? or is it a challenge to find them since they may not really be habituated?

[Kitsafari]

oh dear i hope you weren't too bruised by the thorns in the bushes. on the other hand, it can't be if you're preparing for your next safari - an epic one from the ound of it. 

 

[optig]

@madaboutcheetahThe staff at Rubondo Island claims that no less than 90 percent of their guests see chimps. I don't know if this claim is exaggerated or not. Personally I have seen chimps before both at Greystoke Mahale, and Kibale National Park in Uganda. I'm sure that I will see them again in Congo Brazzaville when I visit. I haven't been there yet, but apparently chimp sightings are good as well as gorilla sightings. 

 

@KitsafariIt was nothing more than a scratch and it is rapidly getting better.It will have no impact on my next epic safari.

[Biko]

Thanks for sharing your experiences, I would love to go to Dunia one day.

Enjoy your next safari, no doubt you will, it’s a great travel schedule in every aspect.

[Atravelynn]

Lots of great stuff you saw.  Bush pig, way to go.  I especially like the drinking tortoise, Martial Eagle on the nest, and the silhouetted klipspringers, all something different.  I just read you are on safari Oct 6 again with a blockbuster itinerary. That was yesterday!!

Edited October 8, 2021 by Atravelynn

[gatoratlarge]

@optigthanks for posting and the great report---what is with the leopard?  Almost looks like a caracal or lion cub---doesn't seem to be an antelope or a spotted cub...that's a curious picture...