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

42,563 thoughts on “Day 9 – Last Day of Safari (Lake Manyara/Arusha/Kilimanjaro)”

  2. Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic however ,
    I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or
    maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa?

    My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other.
    If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!

  8. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will remember to
    bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later in life.
    I want to encourage you to continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!

  9. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It’s always exciting to read through content from other writers and
    use something from their websites.

  14. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The words in your article seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do with browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know.

    The design look great though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Cheers

  15. Your style is so unique in comparison to other folks I
    have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will
    just book mark this web site.

  17. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch break.

    I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take
    a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, fantastic
    blog!

  19. What’s up to every body, it’s my first visit of this website; this blog includes remarkable and genuinely good material designed for visitors.

  21. Howdy! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you
    knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
    I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having
    trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

  24. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to
    be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a formatting 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 fixed soon. Thanks

  26. Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I actually
    enjoyed reading it, you will be a great
    author.I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will come back at some point.

    I want to encourage you continue your great writing, have
    a nice weekend!

  27. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website.

    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and
    visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this.

    Additionally, the blog loads super quick for me on Chrome.
    Superb Blog!

  28. I am curious to find out what blog system you have been working
    with? I’m having some minor security problems with my
    latest blog and I would like to find something more safeguarded.
    Do you have any suggestions?

  32. Hey! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you
    knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my
    comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?

    Thanks a lot!

  33. I just couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard info a person supply in your guests?
    Is going to be again regularly to investigate cross-check new posts

  34. I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout
    on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare
    to see a great blog like this one these days.

  35. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you really recognise what you’re
    speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Please
    also visit my website =). We can have a hyperlink change contract between us

  36. I’ve learn some good stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.

    I wonder how much attempt you set to create such a great informative web site.

  37. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed
    account your blog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your augment and
    even I achievement you access consistently fast.

  38. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web address and thought I should check things out.
    I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to going over
    your web page for a second time.

  40. I will immediately grab your rss as I can’t find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please allow me understand so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  42. Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?

    I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would
    love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would value
    your work. If you’re even remotely interested,
    feel free to shoot me an email.

  44. Do you have a spam issue on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation;
    many of us have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to swap solutions with other
    folks, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.

  47. Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us so I came to check it out.
    I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to
    my followers! Excellent blog and excellent design and style.

  48. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out
    your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the
    information you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell
    phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G ..
    Anyways, awesome site!

  49. Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
    A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make
    my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your design. With thanks

Leave a Reply

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