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

19,857 thoughts on “Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)

  1. I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles
    or weblog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this
    site. Studying this info So i’m satisfied to show that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I
    found out exactly what I needed. I so much certainly will make sure to do not omit this web site and give it a glance regularly.

  2. Якщо порівнювати з іншими казино Allwin UA Casino
    має фріспіни й промокоди, які приємні для активних гравців.
    Саппорт відповідає адекватно, а депозити та виведення заходять нормально.
    Не захищаю нікого, але платформа викликає довіру.

  3. Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

  4. What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful
    and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its aided me.

    Good job.

  5. You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write.
    The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you
    who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time go
    after your heart.

  6. Hello, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was
    just wondering if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or
    anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s
    driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  7. This is really interesting, You’re an excessively skilled blogger.

    I have joined your feed and sit up for seeking more of
    your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks

  8. Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
    Appreciate it

  9. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t
    appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that
    over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  10. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your
    content seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do
    with internet browser compatibility but I figured
    I’d post to let you know. The design look great though!
    Hope you get the issue solved soon. Kudos

  11. Admiring the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you present. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Fantastic read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  12. โพสต์นี้ มีประโยชน์มาก ครับ
    ผม เพิ่งเจอข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับ หัวข้อที่คล้ายกัน
    ซึ่งอยู่ที่ เว็บ 75rh25
    ลองแวะไปดู
    เพราะอธิบายไว้ละเอียด
    ขอบคุณที่แชร์ ข้อมูลที่มีประโยชน์ นี้
    และหวังว่าจะมีข้อมูลใหม่ๆ มาแบ่งปันอีก

  13. Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading
    properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

  14. This is a very good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Brief but very accurate information… Thank you for sharing this one.
    A must read article!

  15. I do not even know the way I stopped up here, but I thought
    this put up used to be great. I do not realize who you’re however definitely
    you are going to a famous blogger when you aren’t already.
    Cheers!

  16. Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and
    wanted to say that I have really loved browsing your weblog posts.

    After all I’ll be subscribing in your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  17. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four
    emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that
    service? Cheers!

  18. I got this site from my pal who told me about this web site and now this time I am visiting this site and reading very informative articles or reviews at this place.

  19. magnificent points altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What may you recommend in regards to your post that you simply made a few days ago? Any positive?

  20. Simply want to say your article is as surprising.
    The clarity for your submit is just nice and that i
    can assume you are knowledgeable on this subject. Well with your permission let
    me to grasp your feed to stay updated with impending
    post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the enjoyable work.

  21. Great weblog right here! Also your web site quite a bit up fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink on your host? I want my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  22. Your way of explaining the whole thing in this piece of writing is actually pleasant, every one be able to simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.

  23. 제 동생에게 이 웹로그를 정기적으로 방문해서 최신 정보를 받으라고 말할게요.

    You could definitely see your enthusiasm within the work you write.

    The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
    All the time go after your heart.

  24. each time i used to read smaller content that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading at this place.

  25. Hi, I do think this is a great web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back once again since i have book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

Leave a Reply to Rtp Slot Online Cancel reply

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