In a pandemic, so many things could go wrong—but nothing did! If Classic Journeys said we’d get a PCR test result in four hours, Classic Journeys did just that. Our guides consistently showed up on time, even when rendezvousing at the Kenyan border. Lots of work was obviously going on in the background to make the two-week trip feel this seamless. Our two guides (Good Luck in Tanzania and Moses in Kenya) made our safari feel (in a good way) like a college-credit course. Every question was answered with a depth of knowledge that can only come from vast experience and dedication to the environments these guides work in and serve. They patiently answered our questions about the parks, animals, politics and even about their own lives. They are expert in the art of spotting a leopard or a rhino (among the rarer examples of wildlife) in the landscape. The choice of lodging was perfect. Kati Kati in the Serengeti was the most down-to-earth setting but the service was fantastic and it was a privilege to be housed in the park itself, where at night we heard a lion exploring outside our fortified tent. The manager, Job, worked so hard to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. At night, travelers gathered around his “African TV” (a bonfire) to talk about the highlights of their day. We met folks from Portugal, the US, and Spain. The group of young men who live at the camp during the tourist season worked non-stop to walk us to our tent, get our showers ready with solar-heated water, turn down our beds, and simply to entertain us with stories and information (I’m talking to you, Honest!). In the Zebra Plains lodge at Amboseli Park in Kenya, a staff member named Moses offered to walk us around the brush surrounding the lodge, which abuts his village. He showed up in his traditional Maasai clothing and for the next hour identified animal footprints, skat, and plants, while watching carefully for wildlife. We were well fed by all lodges and camps, including with robust packed lunches when we were out for the entire day. The Lake Manyara Safari Lodge quickly adjusted its dinner option when I made a special request. The staff at all lodges and camps is exceedingly professional (many of whom we learned are earning college degrees in hospitality).
We started our journey in Zanzibar, in the friendly Uroa resort. While not as intimate an experience as the safari segment, we really enjoyed learning about the island's history and geography from our guides, notably Simon, who took us to Stone Town and to Changuu Island to visit the tortoise sanctuary. Our visit to the community-owned spice plantation was also memorable.
I am spreading the word and want to start planning my second trip to Africa with Classic Journeys!