Jane Hochman's trip report

We four friends, all currently living in New Jersey in the USA, recently joined our mutual friend, Leslie Nevison, AKA “Mama Tembo”, on a safari of her design and device in the land with which she is so familiar and of which she is so knowledgeable and fond — Tanzania. We went expressly to enjoy together, as old friends and former traveling companions, this special country at the magical time of the annual wildebeest and zebra migration.

We four “tourists” are adventuresome, but not as adventuresome as some (and generally not as adventuresome as Leslie!). We had decided that we wanted our two-week safari to concentrate primarily on the wildlife and secondarily on the cultural life of the local people. We wanted to stay in reasonably comfortable quarters and wanted to hike, but not too much. The itinerary that Leslie planned for us was perfect. When we had to make some last minute changes due to unexpected natural conditions, i.e. an erupting volcano, Leslie shifted gears on our behalf very successfully.

We had great confidence in our Land Cruiser and our driver. We spent many hours in the vehicle, both between camp or lodge locations and on safari drives. The topography and terrain were often bumpy, but it was always fun! And, we are an especially well-organized little group: we came equipped with inflatable cushions to protect our tail bones, head nets to protect us from tsetse flies, antibacterial hand wash, etc, etc... you get the picture.

The pace and the timing of our drives maximized our opportunities to see the most amazing beasts and birds “close-up and personal” while respecting that we were visitors on their turf. If we were the “checking-it-off-on-a-list” types, we would have had a very impressive list!

When we encountered local people in their own milieu (Maasai, Datoga, and Hadza for example), the experiences were comfortable, natural, and informative. We even enjoyed the chances, here and there, to buy some local crafts and local products, especially from the women.

All in all, I cannot express in superlative enough language, the impression this Mama Tembo Tanzania Safari made on all four of us. We are left with our wonderful memories and, having pooled all of our photographic efforts, nearly 600 wonderful photos! And of course, the friendship we share has only been reinforced.

24-05-2008