We recently returned from a 2 1/2 week trip to Tanzania and Uganda. In Tanzania we travelled with a group organized by Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) and in Uganda we travelled independently with a driver. Transportation was mostly by Safari Jeep, a bouncy affair with a roof that can be raised for a safe clear view of the animals. It was very exciting (way beyond our expectations) and we would like to share our adventure with you.

Close but not too close! Habituated to the vehicles, the animals amazingly carried on with their daily lives as if we were not there. This lioness, along with her sister, had 5 cubs to care for. But more about this pride of lions and their fascinating escapades later.

Good Luck Kombe (yes, that’s his given name), our chief guide, is shown here giving us our marching orders for the next morning. Usually up at 5:30AM, breakfast at 6, and out by 6:30. Sometimes earlier. But that’s how we were able to see unobstructed, utterly amazing sights without other vehicles in the way. With a nose for seeking out the shyest animal, he set the standard for all other guides.

Our fellow travelers were a delight to be with. Interesting and caring, each person brought something special to the group. Also, on the far left is Sam and next to me is Ronald, our two associate guides who brought us lively humor (Ronald) and quiet elegance (Sam). 

Before setting off on the road we visited a couple of interesting projects in Arusha, a sprawling city at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro that is the jumping off point for Safari. This gave us a feel for some of the problems facing this young country.

This gentleman directs Safe Water Ceramics which manufactures ceramic water filter systems to help solve the problem of unsafe drinking water in Tanzania. At a purchase price of $40 USD, the filter can produce safe drinking water for a family for 5 years. Behind him are the pottery filtration units that are the main components of the system.

The gentleman’s daughter is shown here demonstrating how the pottery inserts are molded.

And the final result, water that is free of contaminants and safe to drink. Our task was to pay for four units and deliver them to the various rural tribes. (Traveling with Oat is more than just taking a trip. It always features socially responsible projects.)

On the road to Tarangire, we spotted two Massai women fetching water from a pond and gave them the first two water filters, shown here with me and my friend, Cathy.

The water filters were immediately put to use. It felt satisfying to know that we had contributed to the betterment of people’s lives and perhaps even saving lives.

Another project we visited in Arusha was “Apeacemake4life” led by Sister Martha Mganga.  This project gives employment and protection to Tanzanian Albinos whose lives are in constant danger from individuals, following superstitious beliefs incited by witch doctors, who hunt down Albinos for their body parts. It is a horrible societal issue that goes relatively unaddressed by the government, which in rural areas is heavily influenced by the political power of local witch doctors.

Albinos often suffer from vision problems. Here a young woman must lean very close to the cloth she is cutting. 

These Albino women have been trained by the project to manufacture fabric products for sale. We bought some lovely coasters to give as gifts to friends and family back home. The sewing machine is often the economic life blood for women in Africa where fabric designs are extraordinarily beautiful.

On the way out, Good Luck hopped on a public transport bus and we all followed.

Joanne took a seat.

The bus quickly filled up.

The street scene from the bus was vibrant and full of life.

A woman passed carrying a large bundle on her head, the first of many such sights. Note the incredible posture! Perhaps we should start carrying heavy loads on our heads.

NEXT STOP: TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK