Ready for our Safari

And away we went….shuttled off to the Arusha Airport

Departures “Lounge” at the Arusha Airport

While the boarding procedure was pretty simple, I STILL had to take my shoes off at security 🙂

We had a pretty good distance to cover to get to Moyowosi, which required a stop over for re-fueling at the equally luxurious Tabora Airport.

Pitstop for all

When we arrived at FishEagle, we knew we were officially on Safari. These Land Cruisers were to be our transport for the next 12 days. Probably the most heavy duty brush guard you can equip a truck with, two spare tires and dual fuel tanks for a very good reason, but most importantly is a small metal box welded just above the back rear tires. This is for Elephant Dung – yep – and when you light it on fire, it’s the best mosquito repellant on the planet – who knew?!?!

Official transport complete with elephant dung burners

We were whisked away to camp where we were greeted with shouts of “Hujambo!” (Swahili for Hello) from the staff. Again, cold towels and welcome beverages, smiles and bright eyes from everyone. And Wow*, was I surprised to find such amazing accommodations. (*Wow quickly become the most overused, but completely appropriate, word during our Safari – you just couldn’t believe what you were seeing and living.)

We sited in the guns and they even let us girls have some target practice (later known as “You Girls…” said with a sigh).

Master Instructor Donnie

Just like Charlie’s Angels…..but different…..

Charlie’s Angles, soon to become….Johnny’s Nightmares

After a long day, the second of our adventures, we had a fabulous dinner and retired for the first of our nightly rituals to the campfire under God’s gracious blanket of stars. And on cue, the thunder rolled and we heard the rains in Africa. Lots of unfamiliar creature sounds throughout the night, many of which not only sounded like they were at our tent doors, they most likely were. You are quickly reminded why you don’t go for a morning jog or an evening walk out here. Not unless you are surrounded by a security detail even the President would envy.

Everyone had put away their cell phones and the only electronic equipment in sight were in the shape of cameras and camcorders. Even on the few nights we pulled out the ITunes, it didn’t last long as Mother Nature’s music was far better than anything we could have produced. We all slept well that night and it would be needed as trucks would pull out at 6:30am the following morning.