A Travel Office Report from Tanzania

Lions in the Ngorongoro Crater

Andrew Harper Travel Consultant Laura Triebe recently returned from a memorable two-week journey through Tanzania, which she hails as “the best place to see wildlife” in Africa. Superlatives such as “amazing” and “absolutely beautiful” liberally peppered her description of the country. Laura cited her stay at Singita Sasakwa, one of the three Singita lodges in the private Grumeti Reserve, as one of her favorite experiences. Originally built as a private home, this “mind-blowing” hilltop lodge features a huge wooden arch framing an “unbelievably beautiful” view of the valley. It was “like looking at a postcard.” Laura also experienced the nearby 1920s-style Singita Sabora Tented Camp, which “did not feel like roughing it.” Air conditioning, mahogany furniture and clawfoot tubs ensured a most civilized respite in between game drives.

The more rustic Sanctuary Kusini camp also inspired Laura. Set in the Serengeti, this secluded camp boasts an incredible location amid scenic kopjes, dramatic rock formations “straight out of The Lion King.” But Laura’s last stop, the Ngorongoro Crater, was truly “a showstopper.” A lush rainforest crowns the rim of the crater, contrasting with the golden savannah on the crater floor and the vividly blue sky above. While on her game drives, Laura spotted lions, pink flamingos and even a rare rhino. To reach Tanzania, Laura recommends flying with KLM straight to Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam. If your flight passes through Nairobi, she notes, an additional transit visa is required.