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I am not a skier but I can see why Aussie skiers head to Japan. Better value, better snow, better food

That’s a shame, as I imagine you could not actually see the lion cubs?

Our next day was a full day in the Serengeti, long enough to head a little away from the high traffic areas, although our first stop was the visitors centre, built around a kopje (rock formation), with an interesting walk and some sculptures. Then it was off for a long drive, full of the...

Thanks. Next installment coming up momentarily which I think has some pretty cool photos .

We used our Bankwest M/C debit card in Japan last April. We used it almost exclusively in 7/11 ATMs but sometimes Japanpost. There were no fees from Bankwest and I don’t recall fees from the 7/11 atm. If there were fees they must have been relatively low (similar to here), so they did not make...

After our two days in the lesser known Tarangire our next destination was the exceptionally well known Serengeti National Park. On the way we had arranged a stop at the Olduvai Gorge Museum. Olduvai Gorge is an active archaelogical site, famous as the location of the discovery of many early...

Thanks. All the animal shots I have posted are with a new (to me) camera that I am just getting the hang of. Bought a new lens as well that I was really happy with.

The next day we were back to Tarangire for a full day’s game drive. As we were staying fairly close it was fairly quiet when we arrived at the park. The park is divided by the Tarangire river. The only crossing at present is a weir, although a new bridge is currently under construction...

As you have all no doubt worked out, I am back home and returned to the usual work commitments, slowing the pace of this trip report. But I am determined to complete it, so please stay with me if you can. So after our two days in Arusha, we have reached the start of our safari, and the last...

Although we have only ever done a safari in northern Tanzania (twice now), I agree it was our understanding that we would see substantially more animals in Tanzania than Kruger. To be honest we never really considered South Africa, partly because we really have just enjoyed travelling in...

That could certainly explain why the independent budget travellers have apparently disappeared. Although we did still see plenty of people who were camping in Serengeti - it's cheaper than lodges or (permanent or semi-permanent) tented camps. I think Tanzania is still do-able on a budget. I also...

Well the next day arrived, and after breakfast we looked to head into Arusha to do a little banking, revisit the sights of the town, and also do a little shopping. Planet Lodge is a little out of town, but my (mis)reading of the website had me believing there was a free shuttle into town from...

After two enjoyable days we departed for Arusha. Our Lake Chala sojourn represented the last of our independently booked travel with the upcoming pre-safari and safari accommodation organised by our safari tour company, Lion King Adventures, although we selected the accommodation in conjunction...

After a good night’s sleep (despite the noisy baboons) we breakfasted at our tent with our personal waiter service (!). We then commenced the walk which would take us around the ridge of the crater to the Kenyan border. The walk was hot, but with views well worth it. Part way around the crater...

Back online! Just back from our safari, where internet was ok for looking at things but no good for uploads. Now to resume the travel report where I left off. From Moshi we headed out to Lake Chala. This lake is situated north east of Moshi on the border with Kenya, and although not...

The site of our escape was the Kibo Palace Hotel, a multi-storey hotel in the centre of Moshi. Given the last-minute timing of our booking, there were no family rooms remaining, so we needed to book 2 rooms which made it slightly pricey. However, if we had only needed one room, the price would...

But the day was not over yet and involved another travel mistake, this time for which I probably need to take some responsibility. I had booked our accommodation some time ago, at a small place called The Secret Garden Hotel. I had of course checked out their website and Tripadvisor reviews and...

Finally the time came to board which, given we were on a small prop plane (ATR 72 twin turboprop), unsurprisingly boarding was off the tarmac. It would be ShelleyB-son’s first time in a prop plane and he was very excited. We were seated right near one of the propellers. Very empty flight...

Upon arrival in Dar es Salaam, our plan was to head to the Hyatt for lunch, then get a taxi to the airport. After running the gauntlet of porters (no we don’t need one), taxi and tuk tuks (ummm - I don’t think the 3 of us and our luggage will fit in your tiny tuk tuk), we made the short hike to...