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.
Your method of explaining all in this post is truly pleasant, all can without
difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web page is actually pleasant.
I must thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this
website. I am hoping to view the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well.
In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now
đ
Save 30% on authentic NFL jerseys, NCAA football jerseys, and
hockey jerseys at Kyleâs Football Cards on eBay. Shop rare sports collectibles, Nike Vapor Limited jerseys, and stitched team
gear with fast, secure shipping. Use code KYLEFAN30 for limited-time
savings on premium sports memorabilia and fan apparel.
I was recommended this website by means of my cousin. I’m not sure whether this put up is written through him as nobody else recognise such special about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!
Thankfulness to my father who stated to me on the
topic of this webpage, this blog is in fact amazing.
Hi, after reading this awesome piece of writing i am as well cheerful to share
my experience here with colleagues.
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it, you could be a
great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and
will often come back in the future. I want to encourage you to continue your
great work, have a nice morning!
compelling, beautifully expressed, and genuinely inspiring to read.
Quem jĂĄ tirou 1000x no Jogo do Tigrinho em 2026? Mostra o print aqui nos comentĂĄrios!
Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i
subscribe for a blog website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
If you wish for to increase your experience simply keep visiting
this web site and be updated with the hottest news update posted here.
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is magnificent, as well as the content!
Excellent blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Thanks a lot!
Also within the UK, a web-based pharmacy announced in August that it
was planning on delivering Viagra by drone. One of many makers of the generic Viagra is Greenstone, a subsidiary
of Pfizer, which makes the model-name drug as effectively.
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems? A couple of my blog visitors have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any ideas to help fix this issue?
Hey there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems
with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to
no backup. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?
insight. The clarity, flow, and passion in your writing make the entire
Wanted to drop a long note about how Jane ended up using Paybis to transfer her money from her bank into
crypto and then straight into her trading account, and honestly, her whole story turned out way more entertaining than anyone thought.
Jane isnât your regular crypto newbie. Fun fact: she collects tiny
vintage globes and has exactly 27 of them lined up behind her desk.
Another random thing is that she can solve a Rubikâs cube in under
40 seconds. So when she discovered Paybis, she approached it with the same energy â fast, efficient, and determined.
As she told me, she wanted a platform that wouldnât âfight her back,â because her bank is already stressful enough.
Paybis ended up being perfect: super user-friendly
onboarding, easy deposit, and she was able to convert her
bank funds into crypto in literally minutes. She laughed saying
it was easier than ordering sushi.
Once the crypto hit her wallet, she jumped straight into her trading platform
â no delays. And because sheâs Jane, she turned it into a personal speed-challenge.
She kept notes on each step, and of course, she made a whole
spreadsheet about it. Fun fact: Jane has 38 spreadsheets for her
hobbies.
What surprised her most was how Paybis didnât overwhelm her with complicated
menus. She likes things simple â after all, she once returned a coffee machine because it had âtoo many
buttons.â So the clean process from bank â crypto
â trading felt like a win.
She mentioned that anyone wanting to try the same flow should check the link inside this comment,
but she didnât want to make a big deal of it. Just
said it might be helpful.
In the end, Janeâs whole experience using Paybis
was refreshingly easy, surprisingly fun, and very âJane-styleâ â structured, quirky, and full of little experiments.
If youâre curious, she said the link in the comment explains
everything a bit deeper, but thatâs totally optional.
I’ve been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters made
good content as you did, the web will be a lot
more useful. I often read your posts while analyzing reliable
platforms like keobongda.ru.com. Keep it up!
|
Howdy! Someone in my Telegram group shared this website so I came to check it out.
I’m definitely enjoying the information. It’s as useful as the service I
get at keobongda.ru.com. I’m bookmarking and will be sharing this
with my followers who love sports analysis! Great blog!
|
Woah! I’m really digging the template of this website.
It’s effective. It’s difficult to find a balance between user friendliness and visual appeal, but you’ve done it.
The blog loads very fast, just like the keobongda.ru.com mobile interface.
Superb Blog!
|
I simply could not go away your website prior to saying that
I really enjoyed the quality of information you provide for your guests.
I’ll be again often to check new posts. This is a topic that is close to my heart, similar to
how I feel about keobongda.ru.com! Best wishes!
|
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It is the little changes that make the most significant changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing! By the way, for those looking for premium football analysis, keobongda.ru.com is definitely a great
choice.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I’m surprised why this accident didn’t came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
Nice blog right here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate hyperlink to your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol