Meru House

When I was in Arusha, my friend Tati of Tanzania Women's Maasai Art told me I must visit Meru House as an option for Journey To Africa clients spending a night or two in Arusha. Tati used to run Oliver's Camp when it was a really rustic camp with my friend and professional guide Paul Oliver from 1990s to early 2000. She has good taste. The camps she has run [in Tanzania and Botswana] were well run, simple yet elegant and it continues in her work with Maasai bead jewelry.

Tati and I went to have lunch with Sandra DeKussrow of Meru House. The minute I entered the gates, it felt so inviting. It is afterall a home converted into a cozy lodge. You have to drive through a coffee plantation to get to the boutique inn and once you enter, you are welcomed by the lovely garden.

When you enter the house, you can see the inviting living room with a fire-place on the left and the inside dining room that seats about 10 people family style on the right. The large beautiful door in the front leads you to the outdoor dining / coffee + tea area / resting spot in large couches overlooking the gardens and the lap pool.

Each room is well decorated with all the comforts of home. A lovely bathroom and a comfy bed in a pleasing palate. A family would really benefit from having two rooms close by with a connecting bathroom. The kids room still retains Sandra's sons book collection. The views from the large windows are of the garden, the lap pool or the coffee plantation. 

The food! Delicious. I was there for lunch and we had a delicious butternut squash soup to warm us up on a cold day and a lovely garden salad. To finish off, coffee from their own Msumbi farm.

Meru House is a great cozy place to overnight for a night or two on arrival into Tanzania before you head out on Safari or after a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb.

Let us take you to Meru House on Your Safari. 
We can help you get there. 

Our Safari Guides

One of the biggest reason we have many repeat guests and guests sending referrals is our guides. Our guides will always make your Safari special. They will help you fall in love with being on Safari.

“We had a fantastic time. It all started with Ayoub. He was a fantastic guide. He was very articulate and spoke multiple languages. Kate Bartell had told me to request him. We got him by accident. He made the days truly memorable and outstanding. I made him an honorary Texan. If I ever do this again, I want him, and I would highly recommend him to your future clients.”
Carlos Mata – July 2011 and June 2013

Carlos went on Safari both times with Ayoub. He has made a friend in Ayoub for life.

“Our guide, Luke, in Kenya was very good.  Our guide, Elissa was outstanding.  We enjoyed the company of both men and they made us very comfortable during our safari excursions.  Elissa was always on time and always explained things to us in detail.  We also felt very safe with him.  He also has a great sense of humor.”
– Gayle Thomas – July 2013

Gayle is mother to Alisa Thomas who has been on 5 Safari with Journey To Africa. She and her mother had a mother + daughter Safari to Southern Africa in 2008 and went back to Tanzania + Kenya in July 2013. 

Our guides have to work hard to keep working as guides. During the off-season, they have to go through intense training not only in wildlife and plant knowledge but human phycology, astronomy, vehicle maintenance, first-aid, and much more. Trained by renowned guides like our friend Ethan Kinsey or Lorenzo.

Asante Sana [thank you] to all our guides for working hard and making our guests want to come back on Safari with you. 

Life worth Exploring!
Capture memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Why Serengeti still takes my breath away

Every time I head to Serengeti, my heart skips a beat.  Serengeti, here I come … again and again.

Why does Serengeti still takes my breath away?
My current top 8 reasons why I could go back to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in a heartbeat.

One.
The Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration.
Oh yes!  Being surrounded by hundreds and thousands of animals is unexplainable unless you have been there to witness it first hand. There is no exact timetable on these matters.  We strive to have you stay as close to their migratory pattern as possible. Nature you know, gloriously unpredictable. 

The longer we sat watching them march in, the larger the herds grew. What an experience!

The morning sun spraying gold over Serengeti. Here is a small herd having just crossed the river.

Two.
Cats and cats. 
Oh these beautiful animals. Serengeti is home to a large concentrations of lions, cheetahs and leopards. In Northern Serengeti, I was lucky to see group of about 20+ lions ranging from couple of month olds to their mamas having a go at a freshly hunted wildebeest. ‘Food’ aka the migration was coming in. What an experience! Reuben, my guide and I did not want to leave. He had promised me a sundowner near the table hills but we opted to stay back. How can you blame me.

Look at those eyes. In the valley, about 20+ lion family enjoying a recent wildebeest kill. Some cubs were just a few months old. What a splendid sighting!

We spent a while enjoying the interactions of this beautiful family in the Northern Serengeti valley.

Some having a go at dinner while others needed a stretch or rub after some grub.

Central Serengeti is known as cat central. And it did not disappoint. We got to enjoy a few sighting away from the crowds that Central Serengeti attracts. Trust your guide and head the other direction.

Look at that wee one following her mama through the tall grass.

Rains were about to come when in Central Serengeti and my guide Makubi and I were trying to get to our Safari Lodge. Well, this stunning leopard appeared and getting wet was an understandable option. We got to hang out for a bit and stare.

A stunning leopard spotted resting on a branch.

Three.
Elephants.
I love elephants! They are just beautiful and so precious and threatened. Large herds were right next to the road. Elephant mama and babies – lots of them. Please stay safe! I am coming back to see you grow.

Elephant mama warning us. We hear you mama. We will not harm you and your babies.

Little one marching on. Look at that little trunk.

Four.
Impalas, why of course.
On this Safari, thanks to Makubi and my private Serengeti walking guide Richard,  I got to know more about these beautiful yet polygamous animals.

Did you know a male impala has a harem of female impalas? Yup, one male can have up to 20 ladies at his back and call. Then there are the bachelor herds who are always ready to spring into action should a window open.  As per Makubi, it is similar to the Maasai and Kuro tribe members who live on the boundaries of Serengeti. Ummmh!

A female group with babies.

Privacy please! Here is a male impala getting ready to mount on the female. The mating ritual lasted for about 20 minutes before she would let him on.

Five.
Birds.
My friend and elite guide Paul Oliver is a birder. I know many birders. He has been trying to get me into birding.

So now, I chose to look up and am so impressed with the many colors that are presented to me. Lovely magpies shreks, common but colorful lilac breasted roller and Egyptian geese.  There is always room to grow the bird list. I am hooked.

The beautiful watercolor like Lilac breasted roller

Magpie shrek. Mama bird with the white feather just handed over a worm to the baby Magpie. It was a fun exchange to witness.

Six.
An array of eco-system.
Serengeti has so much to offer. My time in Northern Serengeti and Central Serengeti gave me a glimpse of hills, valleys, rivers, endless plains, long grass, short grass, stunning kopjes, bushy terrain, woodlands and more.

When game driving or heading back to your Safari Lodge, you can stare at the landscape and not tire of what you have in front of you. The sunrise that starts to peek behind the acacia tree and the sunset that makes for the magic golden hour are pure bliss. Serenity in Serengeti.

The table hill of Northern Serengeti. So many other hill dotted in the North.

The open plains of Central Serengeti heading towards Dunia Camp near the Moru Kopjes

Seven.
Great Safari Lodges here to unwind end of the day.  
At the end of the day, the campfire or lounge area is where you get to relax with your drink and get to know other guests. This is when the stories start. Who got to see what, were and do you have pictures to share? You get to sharing things like where are you from, why Tanzania, where are you going next, etc.  I usually get the envious, how many time have you been on Safari?. Plenty but many more to come.

Just a good way to end a day on Safari.

The stunning view of Serengeti from Lamai Serengeti.

Eight.
Private Serengeti!
What a thrilling experience this was for me. No vehicles, seeing animals on foot, adrenaline pumping moments and you being able to hear your breath as you try to be still when a buffalo is 30 ft away from you. I would jump at a chance to be out there again. I ended my day sitting with a cold Kilimanjaro beer on a kopje, watching one of the most memorable sunsets in Serengeti.

Golden Hour! Roaring fire, cold beer, stunning sunset while sitting on top of a kopje in Serengeti. Happiness.

Serengeti never fails to take your breath away.  An adventure awaits all day, any time, all year-round.
Karibu [welcome] Serengeti! 

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
– Marcel Proust

Let us get you to amazing Serengeti. You can make your own list. 

Walking in Serengeti

When you are on Safari, you spend a lot of time in our Safari vehicles.  Driving is great. You get to see the various landscapes, the scenery and wildlife.

Now try walking.

‘Walking heightens your senses‘, as my guide Richard of our partner company African Environments told me. And he is right.  The minute we got out of the land cruiser and touched Mother Earth in our private walking area in Serengeti, the  hairs on the back of my neck were on alert.  Let the walk begin.

Our first encounter, buffalos. Three of them. “Get behind me and walk sideways‘, instructs Richard who is carrying a loaded gun. Yes sir. I am thinking, will this large 70-300 mm L canon lens work as a weapon. I will swing hard. Luckily, I did not have to try this maneuver.  They run away. Whew.  My heart stops pounding.  What a thrill. And that is only the first 30 minutes.

Richard on alert after the buffalos.

As we continue our morning Private Serengeti walk up and around the kopjes, we pass through lots of colorful butterflies, birds, klipspringer, hyrax and male impalas. The grass is tall from the long rains but dry. It is hot even in June. I am reminded to drink water.

Walking through the lovely kopjes.

Good walking shoes are definitely recommended. Leg gaiters would have helped from getting the sticky seeds from poking. Tsetse flies are a bother. Keep calm and swat them away.  Wear loose clothing so they can not bite you through your shirt. Light colored clothing would have been a better choice. Lesson learned the itchy way.

After about 3 hours of walking [you decide what is comfortable for you], we stopped for a delicious barbeque lunch by the dried up river.  Chicken, beef, variety of vegetables, fruit, salad, coffee and wine – the whole works here for lunch.  Relax and enjoyed the view after a yummy feast. Hard working crew – Asante.

Chef grilling the delicious lunch

Under the tree for a good shade and lovely breeze.

After a good strong cup of coffee, Richard and I continue our afternoon walk. We encountered more animals in our afternoon walk. Elands, hartebeest, kudu, harem of female impalas and about 4 male bachelors, topis, and more.

The one male impala with his harem gave us a good show. When they first saw us, half of the females ran left and the other half followed the male to the right side. You could see the male trying hard to get back to his group on the left to bring them back to the rest of his females on the right. I was rooting for the left group females to run away and leave the ‘demanding’ male behind.  It did not happen. Alas, they rejoined and the group was together once again.

Two topis towering atop the terrace.

Eland Family.

Walking through the tall grass with my ranger, Deo.

Richard and I were enjoying the walking when we came across a barbed snare. According to Richard, this area, east of Central Serengeti was closed off to the public for a long time by TANAPA. There were no protective eyes here. Poaching was easy until the five + hand-selected companies known for their ethical practices, one of them being our partners came into the area. This has helped with poaching.  The numbers have gone down but not completely unfortunately.

Our ranger Deo collecting the snare. He will take it back to HQ for disposal.

And one thing you will notice when walking in Private Serengeti, the animals here are afraid of humans.  They run when they see you. When you are on a game drive in a vehicle in the main areas of Serengeti, they do not budge.

Stunning rock formations.

Around 5:30 pm or so, we are getting close to camp, walking on a dry river bed when we hear some noise behind the bushes on top. Now Deo has been a calm ranger all this time but when I hear him cock his gun, I can hear my breathing quicken. Richard is on alert. My arm hair is stand up again. Fear is healthy. My heart is pounding. I am instructed to climb up the bank. I run. False alarm. Buffaloes lazily grazing up top the river bank.

I ask Richard, what happens if it is a lion and it is going to spring on us. He said they would shoot to kill. Luckily in the 5+ years he and his guides have not had to do that. 

Richard with his gun, ready to fire if necessary.

We make it to our Wilderness Camp.

This is comfortable basic camping with a sleeping cot but still good food in a closed dining tent. The dome shaped tent has a cot with sheets, blankets and pillows. Toilet and bathroom are outside and the make shift walk-way is lit with solar lamps hoisted on a tree stump.

The toilet is a pit latrine – toilet paper included. You cover with dirt after you are done doing your business. An eco-friendly way to leave the land when the camp is packed up. Basic and efficient. The shower is a bucket shower which was comfortable and the 5 gallons was enough water. Soap and shampoo in pump bottles was included.

Dome tent with toilet tent [blue] and the shower tent.

I ended up taking a shower at 9:00 pm – adventurous!

Why you ask?
When we got there, it was around 6:00 pm. The crew at the camp had started a beautiful roaring fire and the sun was about the set. I was not about to miss this lovely setting. So I opted to wait to wash away my day.

And I am so glad I did. I was rewarded by some of the most glorious stunning sunset sitting by the cozy fire over a cold Kilimanjaro beer. Oh the colors! Brilliant.

Magnificent colors of the sunset.

Richard enjoying the sunset by the roaring fire.

Between enjoying the magical sunset around 6:30 pm to shower time around 9:00 pm, I enjoyed a lovely dinner in the dining tent while it rained outside. The crew again – asante for your hard work.

The rain continued to drizzle but that did not deter Richard and I from heading back out to the fire, hurdled under one large umbrella, sharing stories about the walk, our children, Safari life and more.

At around 9:00 pm, I did take the bucket shower under the dark skies and slight drizzle.

I can honestly say this was one fantastic experience I can not wait to experience again and share with you all. Happiness is being on Safari. I sure made lots of memories on my Private Serengeti Safari.

Life worth Exploring! ™
Make memories on your Serengeti Walking Safari.

These Safari experiences await you.
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Right age for a Family Safari?

What is the right age to take your child[ren] on a Safari? I get that question from all my guests - from my past guests, who now have families of their own and want to share the Safari experience, to those new to Journey To Africa Safari. I have had clients as young as 3 years of age [he tagged along with older siblings] to a 16-year-old who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to the summit. Realistically however, I would say over 8+ years of age.

Most of the Safari Lodges we recommend will not allow children under the age of 6 years unless you have the whole lodge to yourself which is possible if you are interested. Around the ages of 8 years +, you will have a budding Safari goer.

Some reasons why?
– They will be interested in participating in the Safari planning which is a great way for them to get excited.
– They can sit through long international flights and airport transfers.
– They will get excited about seeing the many animals in the beautiful national parks and more.
– They will remember the interaction along the way – a great way for children to experience another culture and come back hopefully with an appreciation of how others live.
– They will be curious and ask questions - music to parents’ ears.

One of my favorite feedback came from a then 14-year-old - hi Alex - who said popcorn was his favorite 'dessert' and when the crew at Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire found that out, he had popcorn by the bush fire. Now that is a memory worth sharing.

These two; they are just lucky kids of mine. Their first Safari was in 2014 when they accompanied me on my Safari to Tanzania.

Carlos's Top 10 / Client Safari Story

Journey To Africa client Carlos M. wrote this lovely blog post. He loves cats! When he and I first started planning his first Safari with his son Jeff to Tanzania in 2011, he told me he has watched every NatGeo show and going on Safari is a dream. As soon as he came back, he told me he is hooked. He took 3 of his friends for his second Safari in 2013 and this time we added Kenya’s Masai Mara.  

Asante Carlos for this post.

Carlo M at Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire with his Cuban cigar.

Here goes // Carlos’s top 10 //

… Mefi, it’s been less than a year since I returned from my second safari, and I have to admit, I can’t wait to go back. You going brings back so many memories. For some reason, other trips I take leave me with memories, but not great memories as safaris do. It is such a different experience from other things I have done.

I don’t know what people expect to see when they go on a safari. All safaris are different. Below I have captured my favorite memories to give others an idea of what they might experience in a safari to Tanzania and Kenya.

My top 10 Journey to Africa safari wildlife memories (in no specific order) are:

1. While on the walking safari at Tarangire, about ½ a mile from camp, and about 15 yards in front of us, a young male lion raises his head out of the tall grass, looks at us and runs away. It was so unexpected!!!

2. Rhinoceros are getting increasingly hard to find. Beside a dwindling number, they are very shy animals. My son and I were very fortunate to see a mother and calf within about 40 yards. We had seen rhinos in the distance, but watching them this close was special. A few weeks before, one had been poached.

3. While staying at Olakira in the Northern Serengeti, we saw 4 or 5 wildebeest Mara River crossings. There were wildebeest everywhere, running in a single file in every direction. We saved the best crossing for last. On the last game drive before heading for the air strip, we saw a great crossing. Our vehicle was right in the middle of the herd as we inched our way along. They were grunting (I can still hear them) and kicking up dust. They got to the river and stopped. They left and returned several times. By this time we had left the herd and positioned ourselves at a high point to see the crossing. All of a sudden, a lone zebra starts across. When it got to the other side, it was pandemonium. The crossing started in masses. We watched for about 40 minutes and headed for the airstrip. WOW!! What a way to end the trip.

4. The Central Serengeti is loaded with cats. We saw more cats here than any place else. While on a game drive, we saw a very well fed lioness on a tree. We watched for a while and also noticed several lionesses beginning to congregate to our left about 50-75 yards away. They showed up one by one until there were 6. All of a sudden, the lioness in the tree climbs down, runs right in front of our vehicle, grabs one of the lioness, and they run to the left. In the meantime, we see a lone zebra coming to a nearby stream. The remaining 5 lioness get in crouch attack mode and start crawling forward. By this time, the 2 lioness circled behind the zebra. We see the zebra’s ears perk up, she starts to run, and in seconds all we see are 7 lions and 4 zebra legs sticking up in the air. It was perfectly orchestrated. It was spell binding and breathtaking. (By the way, this is my top memory)

5. Late one afternoon, while in the Central Serengeti, a female leopard went on her evening hunt. We were able to watch her for about 15-20 minutes. She came within 10 feet of our vehicle. We found out that night in camp from a fellow guest that she had 2 cubs. They actually stayed near her den for 6 hours earlier that day hoping to see and photograph the cubs, and they did.

6. Tarangire National Park is loaded with elephants. One of my favorite memories has to be watching 3 young elephants playing in the swamp. You could tell they were having a great time. The herd, consisting of several cows and babies was nearby. It was a beautiful sight. That same day, a lone bull in musk started chasing our vehicle. The guide said he probably wanted to mate with the Land Rover.

7. Shortly after landing at the Masai Mara on the way to Sekenani Camp, in the span of 1 hour we saw 4 of the Big Five. WOW!! We saw a large male leopard on a tree, several lions enjoying a Cape buffalo they had killed the night before, a herd of elephants, and a herd of Cape buffalo. Does not get any better than that.

8. While on a game drive in the Masai Mara, we came across a large pride of lions which included several cubs. After a waiting for a while, all 4 cubs finally lined up, looked at the camera, and gave me the opportunity to take one of my favorite safari pictures.

9. On nature shows, I have seen many cheetahs climb on a vehicle to get a better observation point for prey. Actually got to see it in person. We found 2 cheetah brothers lying under a tree. There were about 10-15 vehicles nearby. All of a sudden one of the cats jumped on the hood and onto the roof of one of the vehicles. Those of us in the other vehicles had the show of a lifetime. The occupants of the vehicle could not see a thing. We all thanked them for providing us a great show. The cheetah stayed on the roof for about 15 minutes then left. He did not even look at the occupants.

10. On the afternoon of the last day, our Masai guide in the Masai Mara asked us if there was anything else we wanted to see. I told him I wanted to see a male lion, a friend wanted to see a large herd of giraffe, and another friend wanted to see one last cheetah. Within 15 minutes, we were parked near a large male lion, 10 minutes after that a herd of 17 giraffe was in front of us, and on the way back to camp we had our cheetah. I don’t know if he could smell them, but he found them rather quickly!!

11. While these are my top ten memories, the list would not be complete without #11. While parked on a low hill, whether at the Serengeti or the Masai Mara, I found myself looking at the expanse of savannah below, and seeing wildlife in every possible direction as far as the eye could see. This was absolutely breathtaking and indescribable. This scene was repeated over and over.

May God bless the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, and all its inhabitants. This is a treasure to be preserved and enjoyed…

Hope you have enjoyed Carlos's Safari Story.
Don't you think it is time you write your own Safari Story? Let us give you lots of information and take you to the source of your novel. 

Flying on Safari

What would we do without our ‘flying taxis’ aka Safari ‘bush’ planes.

- They have made planning Safaris to less visited areas simpler.
- They save a lot of transfer time.
- They are pretty cost efficient and with more carriers, prices are competitive.
- They offer great aerial views.

You can get to places like Northern Serengeti, Tanzania which were once only accessible via driving. You would have spent 2-3 days getting to the northern part of Serengeti to enjoy this remarkable location. Some clients still do of course enjoy the drive and exploring different regions slowly.

Flying from Serengeti to remote parks in Southern Tanzania like wild Katavi National Park and Lake Tanganyika + beautiful Greystoke Mahale to spend time with the human-like chimps after your Safari - fly away. From the gateway Maun, Botswana to far-reaching areas in the Okavango Delta, we got you covered. Nairobi, Kenya - the capital city - to Masai Mara is possible but a long drive via bumpy roads - flying makes it that much easier.

Sometimes, if you get lucky, you may be able to sit in the co-pilot seat - like my guest Sheree - and take control of the plane - well, at least that is what the pilot let’s you think.

A big question I get is how big are the planes on Safari?
The planes can be 2 seaters to 18 seaters, just depends where you are and how many people are booked to fly that day. For instance, my flight from Selous [now Nyerere National Park] to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania was a 4 seater, and Sabi Sabi Airstrip to Mala Mala Airstrip, South Africa was in a 2 seater - just me and the pilot. From Seronera, Serengeti, Tanzania to Arusha Airport, Tanzania, it is usually 18-seaters, especially during peak season. Whichever plane you will ride, be ready for an adventure.

Thank you little zippers.  Even if you have a small weight limit [usually around 33 lbs in Tanzania and Kenya or 45 lb in South Africa or Botswana], you make getting from A to B convenient. Now let's get you flying on Safari.