Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)

And so it is…last morning in Africa! Great night sleep and it’s so chilly in the tent, neither Rich or I wanted to get up. Breakfast and goodbyes at 7:30 and we’re in route to Arusha by 8:00am. It’s cool here this morning so the tops are still on the jeep. Driving out I’ve come to terms with leaving and looking forward to a little shopping along the way.

Stopped by a t-shirt shop and another souvenir shop – pretty much got all we were looking for with the exception of that special gift Rich was looking for for Linda. Rich and I both dressed for the long flight home, completely forgetting we had one last driveq through Lake Manyara National Park (a much smaller park) on the way. Ally took the tops back off so we could enjoy our last drive. Park here is much greener because it has under water springs. But that also means it is very wooded so a little more difficult to see the animals.

Lots of monkeys (which are so adorable) and the normal grazing animals. Ally said though there ARE lions here, he hasn’t seen them in 2 years…and I can see why. We stopped by a lunch area there in the park to eat before continuing our drive in to Arusha. What’s in our lunch boxes everyday is always a surprise…Edward sent us left over farewell cake for our last lunch!

MSafari, the security guard that works the gate at the Mt. Meru hotel was there when we drove through today. It was good to see him again and he remembered to ask for his photo I promised to send him. I’ll have it framed and sent through Dawn at ADS. Martius and Timan were waiting at the front of the hotel as we pulled in. I appreciate them both so much for what they did to get me a camera. Both went way beyond for me.

As we all sat and talked about the week it was time to settle up with Ally and say our goodbyes. I thought I was ok until I hugged him good-bye. I don’t know if he fully understands how much this trip has meant to me and how big of a part he played in it being so memorable. Rich and I will never forget you Ally! God bless you and your family.

We had a day room there at the hotel for a few hours; to freshen up and get some lunch before we leave for the airport. Did a little more shopping there in the gift shop and waited for Martius and Timan to pick us back up. Have to admit that on our drive, we actually saw Mt. Kilimanjaro for the first time. The mountain we took pictures of day 1 (which we thought was Kilimanjaro) was actually Mt. Meru. It’s difficult to see it because the peak is normally in the clouds, but we caught just the right angle so the highest peak was visible. Was able to get photos of the snow on the peaks, which was amazing.

They got us to the airport 2.5 hours early, but that’s ok. Allowed us to get through customs, etc. with time to spare. Rich was able to find that special gift for Linda and I picked up a few more things. Good thing we decided to check our luggage this time. Our souvenir bag is getting heavy! Funny story is that they made Rich fill out some declaration form to get through customs, but not me? Not sure why. Rich said it was because I batted my eyes…LOL! I think it was because the customs officer I had didn’t want to mess with it. Who knows. I was also pretty sure Rich was going to have to completely uncloth to get through security…LOL. Provided a great deal of entertainment for not only me, but a few others in the waiting area…LOL! Sorry Rich, it was funny.

1st flight went to Del Sar which is South of Arusha. That one stop added two hours to our already lengthy flight to Amsterdam. So 9.5 hours later we arrived in Amsterdam. Three hour layover there allowed us to see parts of the airport we didn’t get to see when we came through the first time. At that airport, each gate has their own security check point verse one area for the entire airport. Also allowed me to pick up some flower bulbs (Tulips are famous in Amsterdam). Thought if I plant them, every year when they bloom, I will be reminded of this adventure. Rich and I both slept off and on, watched a couple of movies (including Born Free…:)), taught Rich how to play Sudoku and counted down the hours until we would be home. Once we started the journey I couldn’t wait to get there.

Quick stop through Detroit and a short 1-hour flight home. We were in the last seat on the plane so the last people off. Dave picked us up and we were at moms by 5:00. Had to stop by to see my boy and take him his goodies. His favorite gift was the two small pieces of lava rock I picked up at the park before we left (sorry Ally, I know I wasn’t supposed to do that). He said “cool MiMi…thanks”. He had his Tanzania bracelet (like mine) around his ankle. Not sure what he ended up taking to school today for show and tell but I’m sure he took something. Plenty of hot water and water pressure here at home. I actually lost 4lbs during the week, which is unbelievable since all I felt like we did was eat, but I’ll take it. Once last funny story is about my step counter on my phone. Mid way through the 2nd day of our Safari, my achievement sound went off letting me know I had reached my goal of 10,000 steps. Walked 5.23 miles…lol! I guess the jarring of the jeep counted as steps for me. Plus climbing up and down looking out the top must have counted for something.

Crawled into bed, missing my hot water bottle…LOL! Sure could have used it last night. I’m not sure how I slept. Dave said I woke up a couple times, looked around like I wasn’t sure where I was and laid back down. Up at 6:30 which would be 3:30pm in Africa. Not sure how long it will take me to get back on track. Atleast I’m home.

DSC_2195

DSC_2192

DSC_1731

DSC_2119

DSC_2113

DSC_2110

DSC_2153

Posted on

12,238 thoughts on “Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)”

  2. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand
    your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent.
    I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like
    what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still
    take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you.
    This is actually a tremendous web site.

  11. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest
    twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe
    you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  15. Hello to every one, the contents existing at this web site are genuinely remarkable for people knowledge, well, keep up the nice work fellows.

  17. I’ve been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will
    be much more useful than ever before.

  18. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative.
    I am going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this
    in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  24. This design is incredible! You definitely know how to keep a reader entertained.
    Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start
    my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and
    more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  26. hello there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked
    up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this site,
    as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could
    get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your
    web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances
    times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for
    much more of your respective intriguing content.
    Make sure you update this again soon.

  27. Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site,
    how can i subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a applicable deal.
    I have been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided
    bright transparent idea

  32. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your
    articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all.
    Nevertheless think about if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this website could certainly be one of
    the best in its niche. Fantastic blog!

  42. Just want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness on your submit is
    simply great and i can suppose you are a professional
    on this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep
    updated with drawing close post. Thanks one million and
    please carry on the rewarding work.

  45. Hello there! I simply want to offer you a big thumbs up for your great information you’ve
    got right here on this post. I will be returning to your blog for more soon.

  49. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found
    It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist different customers like its aided
    me. Good job.

Leave a Reply to auto glass replacement charlotte nc auto glass replacement call now Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *