Tanzania Wildlife Safari and Chimpanzee Trekking Dispatch

January 2, 2017 – Visiting a Maasai Boma - Fond Farewell from Treetops for Bebe, and Hello Ngorongoro!

Dispatch by Nancy Souza

We woke with the excitement of knowing we were visiting a local Boma but also with heavy hearts that we were leaving the Treetops Lodge - a place that had become home to us during these past two days. The staff had become accustomed to my mom known affectionately as "Bebe," or grandmother in Swahili - so I believe saying goodbye to us was equally as hard for them as it was for us. Shouts of "love you" and longing waves were evident as we drove off the grounds this morning.

Just prior to that we spent two hours visiting a local Maasai community that would quickly (and unexpectedly) become one of the single most compelling memories of our visit. We were greeted with traditional Maasai song (and smiles) and dancing in an immense welcome that far exceeded our expectations.

The hospitality shown to us as Westerners entering their very simple but extremely traditional world was both awe inspiring and emotional. We were introduced to their culture, their family, their homes (crafted expertly by the community women of sticks, termite hill dirt, and cow urine/dung) as well as their way of life… and although difficult at times to embrace our cultural differences - a smile, a ready handshake, and a warm embrace allowed us to connect in spite of those. It was an opportunity of a lifetime to be afforded the intimacy of such a visit - and we were all moved and grateful for the experience.

As we left the majestic Treetops Lodge and headed towards our next Tanzanian home we were met with the spectacular sight of giraffes dotting the landscape as we made our way from rough dirt paths to gravel to the newly paved highway that would lead us into the beautiful Lake Manyara area and the Serena Lodge for an exquisite lunch overlooking the lake within the famous Rift Valley.

Afterwards we made our way through the bustling town of Karatu and onto Ngorongoro and the indescribable Neptune Lodge where we will spend our next two days. We are truly awestruck and overwhelmed by the beauty of our new home with its lush vegetation set against the mountainous backdrop.

Stay tuned for our adventures on day 4 of our safari through the Ngorongoro Crater that begins early tomorrow morning!

The lodges are simply incredible!