We have many members on this board who vacation frequently, and not just to Las Vegas. We read about amazing cruises, and exotic island destinations. A few members are often in or live in the UK and parts of Asia. One destination I don't hear mentioned often is Africa. I wanted to share my experience and encourage anyone with the will or ability to choose it for their next vacation. I spent 2 months doing rotations in a hospital in Karagwe, Tanzania. I drove to Dulles airport and took a flight to London. Spent a night there touring the city and getting my fill of fish and chips. The architecture is amazing, but just didn't love it enough to want to go back. The next day I flew to Entebbe, Africa. The hospital sent a jeep to pick us up and an armed security guard to drive us about 7 hours to Karagwe. I'm not sure of the distance, but there were no paved roads and it was a bumpy and rough drive. I couldn't believe that so much of the continent was still in its raw and natural state, undeveloped. Absolutely beautiful land that people in the US would pay millions to put a house on with the views. From desert, to mountains, to lush greenery. The area I worked in was very impoverished, but that was my interpretation. After getting to know the people they were happy with what they had, how they lived, and western civilization had yet to corrupt them with "Keeping up with Jones" mentality so prevalent in the US. The always wanting more or better. The last few weeks of my trip I spent traveling. I took a ferry overnight in a first class cabin ( a closet with a bunk bed and a door) lol over Lake Victoria. You cannot imagine the size of this Lake and the beautiful rock formations rising out of the water. The sunsets as you cruised across the lake, tiny homes dotting the steep hillsides, crude fishing vessels.. Simply beautiful. I checked into a lodge in the Serengeti National Park for a week and I'll never forget the safari. Being so close to nature and animals I had only seen in zoos an arms reach away at times. Luxury accommodations you would not think to exist there. You had to keep your windows closed however ( signs everywhere telling you this) as monkeys would come in and destroy the rooms! Lol The next part of the trip we went to where the Garden of Eden was supposed to be. Something about feeling like you were closer to God brought out a lot of self reflection in me. Serenity is the only word I can use to describe it. Lastly I spent time at another incredible lodge in the Ngorongoro Crater. This is massive! The elephants go there when it is close to their time to die. The views were just awe inspiring. The food was some of the best I'd ever had in my life at the lodges we stayed. Great cocktails and artwork was exquisite. If anyone has considered a trip to Africa I can't recommend Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya enough. If anyone is interested I can give you information on the lodges I stayed and places to avoid. Just wondered why it seems to be a place not many consider visiting on a holiday? Thanks for reading!

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The last photo is a huge crocodile but he looks just like a log. I have 1000's of photos but only a few I could access from my mobile to post here. I have Ngorongoro Crater, Garden of Eden, and many other Safari photos. As well as photos of the small villages and midwives I worked with. Hope I can convince at least one of you to take a 2 week vacation there and you won't regret it.

 

Absolutely. Tanzania has the better tours but is also less accessible Dar Es Salaam us their major airport and from the states you're taking several hops. Once you arrive, you're also talking another 5-7 hours from Airport to safari. Tanzania safaris are also very expensive.

Flying into Nairobi, Kenya is easier on many levels. The airport is more easily accessible from European hubs and the animals are within 1.5 hours. Kenyan safaris are fairly reasonable as well, at least comparatively.

The experience is amazing, even moreso for the kiddos. Some of the pictures you end up with are just insane. You are so close to the action that you hear and smell it all. I highly recommend booking either, but I'm lazy, so Nairobi is easier.

 

We flew out of Dar on the way home but into Entebe on arrival. I bought some beautiful Tanzanite stones as well for very little money. I am going to take my children back in a few years when the youngest is a bit older. Everyone needs to take the Tanzanian Railway ( Ferry) over Lake Victoria as it's just such a great way to get to the safari.

 

"Just wondered why it seems to be a place not many consider visiting on a holiday?"

I am sure many don't consider it as they couldn't afford it, well I should say I would never consider it as I could never afford it. Maybe when I win Power Ball LOL!! But it does look simply amazing.

 

I found no more expensive than a Hawaii vacation from the east coast to be honest. They have really good package sales at times. Much cheaper than us going to Fiji! Lol

 

Comparatively speaking, Hawaii and Fiji aren't exactly a weekend at the Super 8.....

 

I can't afford Hawaii either LMAO

 

But then again, I have lived a sheltered life...first time I ever flew on a plane was 1977 we went went to Disney. We stayed with neighbors who moved to Florida, bought their car and drove home (that was part of the reason for going besides Disney). Then the next time I got on a plane was for my Honeymoon in 1997 when we went to Jamaica. Between 1997 and now I have had flights to Vegas and one to Florida for a Disney Cruise, So I def. don't travel much. Maybe that's why I still love everything about flying, being at the airport, etc...

 

Hell, I was raised on "surf n' turf", fish sticks and hot dogs. I remember driving to exotic camping destinations as a kid. Like 3 hours from home.... We fished, grilled more hot dogs and drank grape Shasta! That was living! As a kid, that's what we could afford, and it was a great experience. I still have no idea how my parents did it, but I had a great childhood. A product of the 80's, lucky to be alive.... That was an absolutely amazing time to grow up in the USA!!!