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The Magic of Tanzania

19/4/2015

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I quickly swap my plane seat for my comfortable Grumeti Expeditions safari seat, as I sit back and absorb the scenery, my larger than life guide James, proudly shows off his colourful country. The recycled air of the plane soon becomes a distant memory as we make our way from the vibrant town of Arusha to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater. Dodging the Maasai and their cows on the local roads, we finally reach the Crater rim...WOW what an impressive sight. It all feels surreal, less than 24 hours ago I was sitting in Sydney traffic and now I am on the Crater floor watching nature at its best with its open skies and sea of wildlife.

As the day draws to a close we reach our destination, Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp located at the base of the crater. Greeted by the local Maasai and the Lemala staff I am offered a cool towel and a welcome drink, perfect to wash away the safari dust.  I then settle into my very comfortable tent with private en-suite and freshen up before our 3-course dinner.  

With the moon now shining over the crater my personal Maasai collects me from my tent and invites me to watch bush TV.  Here I find an open fire waiting for me with my drink of choice. There is nothing better than sitting around a campfire sharing stories and listening to the wildlife.  What a perfect way to end a day on safari.

With a full stomach, my Maasai and his spear safely walk me back to my tent. As the lights go out the bush comes alive and I fall asleep listening to the sounds of the local residents. The next morning I wake up to the sound of singing birds while enjoying a hot chocolate and home made cookies before we head out on our next safari. 

Today we leave Ngorongoro behind and pass through the Crater floor making our way to the Lemala Ndutu Camp in the Southern Serengeti. The lush green Ngorongoro is now a memory as we enter the majestic Serengeti National Park where the dust settles as the great migration wait for the rains to arrive. From the millions of wildebeest to the dazzle of Zebras we watch the cycle of life unfold before our eyes as the baby wildebeest take their first steps into the wild.

As we enter the game-rich Seronera Valley, twelve lions sitting on rocky outcrops welcome us. In suspense we watch them waiting for their next meal in a prime location overlooking the plains.  En route we spot a cheetah and her four young cubs. Cute and playful, we continue to watch them as the sun sets before we settle in for the night at the beautiful Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp.  This tented camp has all the luxuries one would want in the wild.  It is not uncommon for this area to be frequented by lions or other predators. The Seronera Valley, with its spectacular scenery and large concentration of animals, is perfect for wildlife sightings all year round.

Just when I thought things could not get any better we make our way to Lemala Kuria Hills.  This luxury tented camp offers the most amazing views of the Northern Serengeti.  After my gourmet lunch I have a tough decision to make.  Should I try out the spa and have a massage?  Or sit back and relax in my private plunge pool while soaking in the views of Tanzania?  Knowing that tomorrow is my last day, I have no choice but to do both.  


As I look out from my balcony to an endless sky of stars over the vast Serengeti, I make a wish that one day soon I will return to this magical place and experience more of the wild beauty of Tanzania.

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Switch Off to Switch On!

17/2/2015

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Do you find it hard to switch off in today's society? Ever wanted to just escape? Life these days is getting busier and faster and it’s more and more difficult to switch off from societies pressures.

Ever dream of wide-open spaces, getting back to nature and escaping the rat race? Switch off and recharge the batteries today. Get away from the traffic, noise and pollution; get in touch with your inner self.

But where…..where is it possible to switch off and just be?  Switch the alarm for the call of the wild, the air conditioning for an open-air jeep feeling the breeze on your face. Switch the traffic jam for herds of animals eating their daily intake and watch the stars dazzle under the forgotten moonlight.

Yes it’s time to turn off the mobile and become more mobile. Reconnect with nature and get grounded again. Slow down and live in the now from sunrise to sunset enjoying every second of every minute of our precious life.  

Magical Lemala moments are waiting, from close encounters with gentle giant Elephants in Tarangire, tree climbing Lions in Manyara and awe inspiring views of the sunsets with silhouettes of pink flamingos at Lemala Manyara.

It's time to switch off and reach new heights at Lemala Ngorongoro.  Jumping for joy with the Maasai watching endless lines of migrating wildebeest at Lemala Ndutu, my camera is charged, bags are packed, memories are ready to be captured and my treasure is waiting to be found. 

From the tarmac to the plains of the Serengeti, the count down begins. Tanzania put the Gin and Tonic on ice; here I come!!!

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Colours of Cape Town

27/1/2015

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The energy of Cape Town "The Mother City" welcomes you with open arms.. As soon as you get off the plane and drive past the waterfront and see the towering Table Mountain you feel the energy of this amazing city.  

With the full colour spectrum of the rainbow you will not want to leave Cape Town. Whether you want to shop, party or soak up the sun at Clifton Beach one thing is for sure, Cape Town is ideal for all travellers to explore.  

There are hundreds of things to do while in Cape Town but my top 5 picks include:

1) Explore Table Mountain - Take the speedy cable car to the top of the Table mountain and enjoy the 360 degree views. Remember to take a jacket as it can often be fresh at 1,065m above sea level. Be early to avoid the rush and allow plenty of time to enjoy the fresh air and spectacular views.

2) Shop till you drop at the world famous V & A Waterfront- If you are looking for brands or African arts and crafts the Waterfront has it all.  If you don't want to shop there are plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy the music and local atmosphere., one of my favourites is Den Anker with its direct views of Table Mountain and fine wines.

3) Robben Island - This is a journey you will never forget. Leaving from the waterfront you will board an old ferry taking you to Robin Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 yeas of his 27 years in prison. Bring your tissues as this is a very moving experience and takes around 4 hours including the scenic ferry ride.

4) Take on the Peak - It is a must to explore Chapmans Peak and the best way to do is is by motor bike, if you don't want to drive yourself you can hire a driver for a competitive rate. Here you will ride behind the driver and feel the freedom with your hair blowing in the breeze and sea mist on your face, holding on tight as you take on another bend with amazing views. Take your camera as there are plenty of opportunities to take a selfie.

5) Wine Anyone? While in Cape Town you have to see the Winelands. Just 1 hour away the most popular are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek with the latter being one of my favourites in South Africa. This french-influenced town has it all; from world class wine and great food, to amazing views and even a chocolate shop. 

Cape Town really has it all, from the coast to the mountains with friendly people. This is a city everyone in the world should explore. It's possible to do it in 3 days but 2 weeks is even better and to top it off, it's cheap for Aussie travellers with the exchange rate being 10 Rand to 1 AUD.

ENJOY !

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    Author

    Rob Gurr
    Explorer at heart 

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