Adventures in Tanzania

We had a cracking time in Tanzania, spending 6 weeks there in the end. But it is a country with some huuuge attractions (I can feel myself launching into holiday brochure spiel, help!), not least beautiful Zanzibar where we stayed for 3 weeks. After tearing ourselves away from the spicey island, we headed north to take a cheeky second safari in the famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorogoro Crater. Our safari was budget style, camping for three nights but with our own 4x4, guide and chef (who cooked ridiculously big meals - full English, pancakes, toast and fruit for breakfast!). The wildlife was amazing, with big herds of elephant, zebra, buffalo and wildebeest. As ever, the elusive big cats were the biggest draw and we were lucky to see very close several leopards, cheetahs, lions and even a lioness with two gorgeous cubs (only about 8 weeks old and still fluffy!). We were both super-happy with the experience, despite being subjected to 12 hours of 'African massage' (that's bumpy roads plus a crazy driver) each day.

Our final stop in Tanzania was the sleepy coastal town of Tanga, home of our Manchester friends Zulekha and Ralphy's (a.k.a The Ginger Prince) family. We called on Zu's sister Mariam and her Dad, Baba, and spent a really fun day visiting their family homes and playing with the kids, Hilmi and baby Zu (who despite initial reservations about my scary white face seemed to grow to like me). We ate traditional-style on a mat on the floor and I think I managed to pull of eating with my hands, at least I didn't make too much mess!

Having crossed the border into Kenya a couple of days ago, we are now in Mombasa and will be spending our last 10 days in Africa exploring some of Kenya's Swahili coast. I think Yem would agree that travelling in Africa has pleasantly surprised both of us - although the going can be rough (and we have been roughed up a fair bit on most journeys - our last bus trip can only be described as a near-death experience!) and there are people trying to put one over on you on a daily basis, there is so much good stuff here. People are endlessly warm and friendly and have a real lust for life - they are quick to laugh, dance and engage with you as a stranger. In fact, I expect people to think I'm am absolute freak back home when I start to chat to them on the bus or the train!

We'll be back in the UK between the 16th Aug and 3rd Sept, when we're off to Colombia - we are really looking forward to catching up with everyone!

Lots of love from Kenya
Soph & Yem xxx

ps We will be uploading loads of photos when we are back home - the connection here is just too slow!