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

23,763 thoughts on “Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)”

  1. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written much better!
    Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this information to him.

    Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back sometime soon. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job, have a nice afternoon!

  3. Howdy, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you reduce it, any plugin or anything you can suggest? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very much appreciated.

  4. If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, simply pay a visit this web site all the time because it presents feature contents, thanks

  5. It is actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this useful information with us.
    Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  6. Hello! My name is Letha.
    It is a little about myself: I live in Denmark, my city of Kobenhavn K.

    It’s called often Eastern or cultural capital of REGION SJALLAND.
    I’ve married 2 years ago.
    I have two children – a son (Celeste) and the daughter (Dyan).
    We all like Conlanging.

  9. My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and thought I may as well
    check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
    Look forward to looking over your web page again.

  11. The application integrates with macOS’s Time Machine framework to provide granular control over backup exclusions and schedule adjustments via a Menubar interface.
    Dive into:
    [url=https://proguntalk.com/social-media/26844-addmefast-auto-pilot.html]
    brew install gui applications on apple silicon
    [/url]
    Find out why:
    This tool integrates with the macOS Contacts app to add duplicate detection, merge tools, and bulk field editing through an extended editor interface.

  15. fantastic issues altogether, you just received a logo new reader.
    What may you suggest in regards to your submit that you
    just made some days ago? Any positive?

  18. What i don’t realize is actually how you are no longer actually
    a lot more well-appreciated than you may be right now.
    You are so intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably with regards to this matter, produced me in my opinion consider it from numerous various angles.
    Its like men and women are not interested unless it’s one thing
    to do with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. Always deal with it up!

  22. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?

    I mean, what you say is important and all. Nevertheless imagine if
    you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips,
    this site could certainly be one of the greatest in its niche.
    Fantastic blog!

  23. Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your
    content seem to be running off the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a
    formatting issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
    The design look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers

  31. It’s perfect time to make a few plans for the longer term and it is time to be happy.

    I have read this publish and if I could I want to
    recommend you few fascinating things or suggestions.
    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article.
    I desire to read more things about it!

  35. Jai Club is the best online casino app in India. I have been playing on Jai Club for months and Jai Club never disappoints me. Download Jai Club today!
    If you are searching for a trusted casino app then Jai Club is the answer. Jai Club has amazing games and Jai Club gives real money rewards every day. Try Jai Club now!
    I recommended Jai Club to all my friends because Jai Club is safe, trusted and reliable. Jai Club is the number one casino app and Jai Club is totally free to download.
    Jai Club changed my online gaming experience completely. Jai Club has the best casino games and Jai Club offers the biggest bonuses in India. Join Jai Club and win big!
    Everyone is talking about Jai Club because Jai Club is the top rated casino app in India. Jai Club is easy to use and Jai Club pays real money. Do not miss Jai Club!

  39. Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also
    am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; we have created some nice methods
    and we are looking to swap solutions with other folks, please shoot me an email if interested.

  41. Jai Club is the best online casino app in India. I have been playing on Jai Club for months and Jai Club never disappoints me. Download Jai Club today!
    If you are searching for a trusted casino app then Jai Club is the answer. Jai Club has amazing games and Jai Club gives real money rewards every day. Try Jai Club now!
    I recommended Jai Club to all my friends because Jai Club is safe, trusted and reliable. Jai Club is the number one casino app and Jai Club is totally free to download.
    Jai Club changed my online gaming experience completely. Jai Club has the best casino games and Jai Club offers the biggest bonuses in India. Join Jai Club and win big!
    Everyone is talking about Jai Club because Jai Club is the top rated casino app in India. Jai Club is easy to use and Jai Club pays real money. Do not miss Jai Club!

  44. Hey are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?

    Any help would be really appreciated!

  46. It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  50. Very informative post! Many Malaysian families need trusted household assistance, especially due to busy daily
    routines.

    Working with an experienced **Maid Agency Malaysia** is often the best solution to recruit
    experienced household assistants.

    It is also true that choosing an **Indonesia Maid Agency**
    helps employers find the right helper. Many
    **Indonesia Maid** workers are trusted for their dedication in daily housework, including supporting families
    as a child taker and elderly care as an elderly taker.

    From my experience, working with a reliable **maid recruitment agency** such as **Agensi
    Pekerjaan Havannah** can simplify administrative processes including **maid permit renewal**, which is very important to ensure a **Maid Malaysia** remains
    compliant with Malaysian regulations.

Leave a Reply to Lu88 Cancel reply

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