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

24,267 thoughts on “Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)”

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

  3. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that
    “perfect balance” between superb usability
    and visual appeal. I must say you have done a
    fantastic job with this. Additionally, the blog loads very quick for me on Opera.
    Superb Blog!

  4. I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  8. The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and
    tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just
    so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83
    views. I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!

  11. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any problems of plagorism or copyright infringement? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any methods to help stop content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.

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

  14. Excellent site you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find excellent writing like yours these days. I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!

  15. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  17. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I
    will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite sure I will learn many new stuff right here!

    Best of luck for the next!

  21. What i don’t realize is if truth be told how you are no longer actually a lot more smartly-liked than you might be right now. You’re so intelligent. You recognize therefore significantly in the case of this matter, produced me in my view believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time care for it up!

  24. hello!,I like your writing very so much! proportion we keep up a correspondence more about your article on AOL? I require an expert in this space to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Having a look ahead to peer you.

  28. It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have learn this submit and if I could I want to counsel you few fascinating things or suggestions. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles regarding this article. I want to read more issues about it!

  29. Appreciating the hard work you put into your
    site and detailed information you present. It’s good to come
    across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed
    material. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your
    RSS feeds to my Google account.

  33. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa? My blog goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Awesome blog by the way!

  34. Magnificent web site. Plenty of helpful info here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks in your sweat!

  36. When I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
    There has to be a way you can remove me from that service? Many
    thanks!

  39. Very good blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that
    I’m totally confused .. Any tips? Bless you!

  40. It’s actually very difficult in this busy life to listen news
    on TV, therefore I only use internet for that purpose, and obtain the most recent information.

  41. Wonderful goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful.

    I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really 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 wise.
    I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great website.

  42. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future.

    A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  48. Howdy! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick
    shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading your posts.

    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that
    deal with the same topics? Thanks a ton!

Leave a Reply to niceph Cancel reply

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