After a 17-hour flight with Ethiopian airlines, our journey began in Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania’s famous Northern Safari Circuit. Jet-lagged but excited, we spent the first afternoon relaxing and enjoying the amenities at Kahawa House. The following morning, after a dip in the pool, we explored the markets and shopped … a lot. The Cultural Heritage Center was incredible with everything from one-of-a-kind paintings to authentic spears to textiles.

Then our adventure began with Wild Wings Safari and our fantastic guide Gadi.

First stop: Tarangire National Park. We were immediately enchanted by the park’s iconic baobab trees and massive elephant herds. It was dry season, so the Tarangire River served as a magnet for wildlife. Tarangire felt wild and less traveled — the perfect way to ease into safari life. We watched zebras grazing, elephants munching on trees, and even witnessed a lioness stalking an ostrich!

From Tarangire, we made our way north with a stop at Maramboi Tented Camp, located in the rolling golden grasslands and palm-lined desert between Tarangire and Manyara Lake. Then it was off to the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever seen. Staying two nights at the Serene Ngorongoro Safari Lodge perched on the crater rim gave us sweeping views of the caldera at sunrise and sunset — mist rising from the grasslands, with zebras and wildebeest just dots far below.

Descending into the crater felt like entering a natural amphitheater of wildlife. We saw a black rhino (a rare treat), lots of hippos, lions on the hunt, and hyenas skulking near flamingo-dotted lakes. The sheer concentration of animals in such a small area was mind-boggling.

Next up was the Serengeti, and nothing truly prepares you for the vastness of it. To follow the rhythm of the Great Migration, we spent a full seven nights on safari, staying in different camps in both the southern region and the northern region. Each day brought something new — a cheetah stalking prey through the tall grass, a pride of lions lazing under acacia trees, herds of wildebeest kicking up dust as they moved in waves across the plains. One morning, we witnessed a dramatic river crossing near the Mara — a chaotic spectacle of crocs, currents, and instinct.

We fell asleep each night to the sound of hyenas whooping in the dark and woke with the sunrise and fresh coffee outside our tents. The Serengeti, in all its raw and rolling beauty, etched itself into our souls.

After nearly two weeks on safari, we traded our khakis for swimsuits and flew east to Zanzibar. The change of pace was instant — warm sea breezes, turquoise waters, and the scent of cloves in the air.

We split our time between Stone Town and the northern beaches. First up was the beach (of course) for sun-soaked days of swimming, snorkeling and doing as little as possible. The sunrises here were surreal, like something out of a dream! Our final evening was spent in Stone Town, with its labyrinthine alleys, vibrant markets, and history-soaked buildings, which was captivating. We explored the spice farms, visited the old slave market, and enjoyed rooftop dinners overlooking the Indian Ocean.

.

We capped off our adventure with a final leg in Cape Town, South Africa, a city that manages to blend natural beauty with world-class culture.

We drove the jaw-dropping Chapman’s Peak Drive, and spent a day wine tasting in Stellenbosch. The Cape of Good Hope was as wild and wind-swept as we imagined, and penguins at Boulders Beach made for a playful farewell to our African journey

Embarking on a three-week journey across Africa requires careful planning.

• Start by researching visa requirements for each country on your itinerary, as they can vary significantly. It’s also wise to consult a travel clinic for recommended vaccinations and health advice specific to the regions you’ll visit.
• Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for diverse climates, and don’t forget a sturdy pair of walking shoes for safaris and city explorations. Check out my African packing list here. 
• Ensure you have a reliable travel insurance policy to cover any unexpected events.
• Lastly, respect local customs and traditions, and always ask for permission before photographing people or sacred sites.