Today was one of those days where I got to check off a major activity on my bucket list…Going to the Serengeti!! I was like a kid in a candy store!! In many ways riding through the Serengeti (which in the Massai language means “endless plains”) I realized how much of the Lion King is based off of this region. It is also a protected national park that is one of the Seven Wonders of this World and spans across 12,000 square miles. It is also renowned for its massive lion populations, and this was definitely made evident on today…
While it was great to admire the many animals, riding through was also quite calming and peaceful. Considering all that has transpired for me personally and professionally this particular part of the trip was well needed. In many ways, riding through Serengeti National Park was like icing on the cake! It’s that sweet treat you’ve been waiting for after a great workout!!
Dr. G getting ready to enter Serengeti National Park!!
The Serengeti is home to a mass amount of grazers (elephants, gazelles, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, among others) and is maintained by the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments.
Some of the many miles of plains at Serengeti National Park. Photo credit: Dr. G
In addition to visiting the Serengeti we got an opportunity to visit The Olduvai Gorge. Here at this gorge which is known as the “Cradle of Mankind” due to it being the site of the first human remains of the first human being to walk on Earth. Talk about seeing the first footsteps of mankind…
Dr. G standing in front of the Oldupai Gorge (also known as Olduvai Gorge) Photo credit: Dr. G
Super glad I was able to share some more highlights with you all, I was not sure if I would have Wi-Fi, but I pulled out the W! Continue to stay tuned and I will see you tomorrow!
Jambo!! (Swahili for Hello!) Today was all about the “Safari Life”!! For today’s excursion we spent the day driving up to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area which is a national park that consists of highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands and forests.
Dr. G at the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
As a conservation area it also home to the Great Migration, a massive annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals, which we were fortunate enough to witness.
You know I had to get a selfie with the elephants #DSTinTanzania
This was truly a grand experience! Witnessing these animals in their natural habitat versus gawking at them behind a cage or fence. During this 6-hour safari (yep you read that right!) we would see four of what is considered Africa’s “Big 5” (Elephant, Water Buffalo, Lion, Black Rhinoceros) but also take in the calming landscape. The only one we missed today was the leopard, but hopefully we will see one at the Serengeti! In addition to see almost all of the “Big 5” we would also see flamingos, an ostrich, warthogs, giraffes, baboons, hippopotamus, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and so much more!
A few of the animals even brought some comic relief…
Here is one the Big 5 in all their glory!! We were able to get pretty close this king and queen of the pride lands :-). Shout out to all my Leo’s in the virtual building!
I would find it very interesting how many of the animals had no issue with us driving in our 4X4 jeeps taking pictures and admiring their day to day. But as our guide Waziri would tell us, they see these vehicles everyday, they were born and coming out the womb seeing it, so it is just a part of the routine. However, the moment anyone would step out their vehicle, they scattered across the plain!
I will say taking a Ngorongoro safari is truly an eye-opening experience you will never forget, and the fact that it essentially has a unique micro-climate, one can enjoy it year round.
To close out the post let me share some #PostcardViews worthy images to start your day…
Now normally I would say “see you tomorrow” …. however I may be MIA due to the fact that I will be in the Serengeti, staying the night (with no wifi), but fret not I will have much to share once I am able!
Gotta love when you don’t have a particular plan, but things just work out for you! Woke up, grabbed some delicious breakfast, and then sat on our balcony with my Kindle and coffee!
Following the morning rise and liquid pick me up, we would spend the day in the RiverTrees area soaking in some more Tanzanian culture. While we had planned to use this as a chill day, we embarked on a local village walking tour. The village, Chim Chim, sits right next to the RiverTrees Country Inn where we are staying and is a space full of farm land, greenhouses, small businesses, schools, churches, and family homes.
Take a look at some of the visuals that were captured today:
Some of the local churches and Hair salons… Photo credit: Dr. G
“Agriculture is our backbone.” This is the motto and mission of this scenic East African country. Just walking through the village not only did we saw how the community lives, but how they work and the agriculture that sustains them. While Tanzania is known for the nature-filled parks, game reserves, spices, and the Massai people, much of what keeps the country moving and shaking is the agriculture. A great deal of the country deals with farming with much of their product includes corn/maize, sweet potatoes, yams, and bananas.
Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Eggplants, Bananas, and Figs….Fresh Food coming!! … Photo Credit: Dr. G
While walking through the village we would also stop by one of the local churches (see below). [Much like in the US, one can find many churches throughout one’s city, the same is definitely true here within the Chim Chim village.] Now while the original purpose was to admire the spiritual space and briefly rest our feet, the pastor of the church was led to say a prayer for us. In that moment, I would definitely realize this was no accident or chance encounter. Such a powerful moment, that will stick with me even after we return home!
Entering the El-Shaddai Christian Centre…Photo Credit: Dr. G
Shout out to our amazing guide from Wayo Africa, Delvina who was AWESOME!! So well-versed in everything from farming, education, politics, and so much more! I feel like I got a course in Tanzania 101 all while soaking in some village culture.
A final shot with our amazing guide Delvina!! … Photo Credit: Dr. G
Closing Thoughts of the Day…
One thing I love about traveling is meeting new people and building on my community network. After returning from our village tour we would meet this gentleman named Emmanuel who owns a safari company in Tanzania. During our conversation, where he was very careful with his words, he would talk about how excited he was to see Black Americans not only traveling to Africa but also doing safari excursions. Based on his choice of words and enthusiasm in seeing us, I gather not many Black folks do safari trips. This could be for a variety of reasons (access, lack of information and resources, fear, misrepresentations, etc.) This is why it soooo important to step outside of one’s comfort zone/neighborhood and explore all that the world has to offer. I appreciated the honest conversation and Emmanuel’s candor! It just further confirmed the importance of #TravelingWhileBlack ! This was the second place where I felt like I was home, and it was an extra bonus hearing a fellow native tell us “this is your home!”
While I was definitely exhausted at the end of the day from all the walking, plus the heat sapping our energy, this was an eventful and informative day.
Tomorrow begins our journey to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area!! So stay tuned!! See ya later!
So you all know I LOVE to travel!! Always collecting new stamps for the passport!!
Every now and then I like to chronicle my journey especially if its in a new place!! So over the next few days I will be documenting my time all throughout Tanzania!! I am so excited to share this experience with you all!! Located in the eastern part of Africa, Tanzania is known for its lush nature, an array of sites, places, and things to do!!
One can visit the tallest mountain in Africa Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the internationally known Ngorongoro Crater and see the “Big 5,” trek through the Serengeti National Park (a safari Mecca), and explore the markets and deep history of Zanzibar!
Day 1: Landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Just a few highlights! So arriving safe and sound to Tanzania, talk about a long journey! In total the flight was about 15 hours, and the time quickly moved forward 7 hours ahead (for my Eastern Time Zone folks). I will say the airport at Kilimanjaro was probably one the easiest and painless airports to get through, and trust me when I tell I have experienced some trauma (talking about you Amsterdam)!! Got our luggage and headed to our stay for the night!!
Once settled in, grabbed a bite to eat and chilled for the rest of the evening! First meal (see below) in Tanzania gets a strong A in my grade book! I had a coconut sauce crusted sautéed perch with sliced potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a Stoney Tangawizi (which is their brand of ginger beer). [FYI I will be partaking in Tangawizi just about every day!!] This meal marks the beginning of what I know is going to be an AMAZING holiday!!
Gonna be some fun times!! New memories loading soon….
—
In addition to starting my #TanzaniaJourneyTravels today, let me also mention that today is World Tourism Day!! Perfect way to kick things off!! So World Tourism Day is celebrated every year to focus on promoting tourism in various parts of the world. Initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), World Tourism Day aims to make people understand the joy of exploring the world. And I could not agree more with this mantra! One thing that I always promise myself is to take at least one international trip every year. I’m just grateful that I am able to do so because there is so much to learn and gain from see what the world has to offer!
So start planning your next global adventure!!
Make sure to stay tuned each day for a daily dose of Dr. G’s #TanzaniaJourneyTravels !!
Fall is upon us and I can’t wait for the leaves to begin falling and changing colors! Getting you ready for the semi-warm days and cool nights! While the days will soon become shorter, there is still time to curl up on your couch, in the local cafe, or even on your balcony!
This month I put together a little literary buffet of YA novels, historical fiction, cookbooks, and a few special nods to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month!!
Without further ado, check out this month’s book recommendations below:
Thieves’ Gambit ~Kayvion Lewis
Salsa Magic ~Letisha Marrero
For the Culture: Phenomenal Black Women and Femmes in Food: Interviews, Inspiration, and Recipes ~Klancy Miller
Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed ~Edited by Saraciea J. Fennell
We Are All So Good At Smiling ~Amber McBride
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store ~James McBride
Where the Rhythm Takes You ~ Sarah Dass
Let Us Descend ~Jesmyn Ward
Don’t forget to support your local bookstores and libraries!!
And remember you can always go back and check out the previous month’s list and past recommendations in the “Resource” section of the website!
“Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” -Toni Morrison (Song of Solomon)
Black Future Feminist 