Africa

I have seen too little of this continent yet – but what I’ve seen, I adored.

\n\n\n\nAfter breakfast in our hotel in Moshi, we met in front of the reception at 9 a.m. with our guides and the whole support team. We had to pack our large bags (waterproof - something we did not know in advance) and got them weighted. We also received our pre-ordered sleeping bags and mattresses. This is something I would do better the next time - and bring my own sleeping bag under any circumstances. We did not bring ours for two reasons: (1) really good sleeping bags are very expensive and (2) we were travelling through Tanzania a couple of weeks beforehand, which is why we wanted to reduce our luggage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, we took the minibus to a stop at a fuel station where we could buy last supplies and also some large plastic bags for our big bags to make them waterproof.\n\n\n\nAt noon, we arrived at the Lemosho Gate where we also met the porters and the rest of the support group. While we ate our lunch that was provided in lunch boxes, the support group got everything ready - packed our bags, tents and other supplies - and started their hike. \n\n\n\nWe started our hike at around 2 p.m. through lush rainforest and well conditioned paths to the first camp. On our way we saw some black and white colobus monkeys (super cute!). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt around 4 p.m. we arrived at Big Tree camp where our support team had already set up our small two-person-tents, put our large bags and erected the large food and kitchen tents.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe camping ground is located between trees in a nice surrounding. During the day, it was much warmer than expected - we did not need more than short hiking pants and a shirt and were sweating a lot. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 2 - to Shira I camp \n\n\n\n04 January 2022\n\n\n\nFrom Mti Mkubwa \/ Big Tree Camp (2650 m) to Shira I Camp (3610 m) 10.5 km distance, 4 hours walking time, 800 m ascent, 100 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAfter a freezing night, we were woken up at 6 am by our great server with hot tea and coffee. At 6.30, we got hot water in a big bucket with some bowls to wash and brush our teeth. At 7 am we got breakfast. Afterwards, we cleared our tents and put our large bags on a tarp that was put on the floor between our tents.\n\n\n\nMorning tea at our tent\n\n\n\nAround 8 a.m. we started our hike through the rain forest. It was hot and more exhausting than I expected. After a while, we left the forest and reached the highest point of the day. We were rewarded with a first glimpse of the Uhuru peak and the high Shira plateau in front of us. The first view of the summit - our final destination - was very special to us, and glimpses of the summit accompanied us throughout the next days while we literally circled it.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView of Mount Meru\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe continued our hike through bush and heath land and finally saw our camp Shira I in the early afternoon - laying beautifully in the flat land on the plateau at the foot of the mountain. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen we arrived at the camp at 1 pm, we got provided hot water to wash ourselves. I filled a bit of water into my aluminum bottle and found a spot in a toilet hut that was still under construction, where I got naked really quickly (it was freezing!) and poured the water over myself. That was a good feeling after two sweaty days.\n\n\n\nWe then had some time for ourselves, where I decided to read a bit at the little river that flows by the camp. It was very windy, but I found a nice spot that was protected from the gusts. As soon as the sun set though, it became freezing - but the wind got less.\n\n\n\nSince the camp was not protected by trees as the night before, we were able to see the beautiful night sky with millions of stars above us.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 3 - across Shira Peak to Shira II camp \n\n\n\n05 January 2022\n\n\n\nFrom Shira I Camp (3610 m) to Cathedral Point \/ Shira Peak (3872 m) and to Shira II Camp (3850 m) 11 km distance, 4-4.5 hours walking time, 500 m ascent, 100 m descend.\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThe morning started early again. At 6 am we had tea in the tent, at 6.30 am, we got hot water to wash and at 7 am, we had breakfast. At around 8 am, we started the hike.\n\n\n\nWe walked a while through flat grassland. The hike up to Cathedral Point was not too challenging and rewarded us with a great view backwards over the plateau where we came from and down the plateau edge to the Southern direction. By the way: You might get mobile connection and internet around the plateau edge if you're lucky.\n\n\n\nCathedral Point is actually the highest elevation of the crater ridge of the Shira Caldera - remains of a former, collapsed volcano.\n\n\n\nView of the Cathedral Point (3872m)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn our way down, clouds quickly crawled over the plateau's edge and it became cold. Around 1 p.m. we arrived at Shira II camp where hot water to wash was already waiting for us. In the afternoon, some team members did another small hike, while I decided to save my resources and relax.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHot water to wash\n\n\n\nToilet tent\n\n\n\n\nOur camp with the eating tent on the left\n\n\n\nSunset over Shira II camp\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 4 - via Lava Tower to Baranco Camp \n\n\n\n06 January 2022\n\n\n\nFrom Shira II Camp (3850 m) over Lava Tower (4600 m) to Baranco Camp (3900 m) 10.5 km distance, 5 hours walking time, 850 m ascent, 800 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat a beautiful, clear morning! We woke up with a stunning view of Mount Meru over the clouds. Then we started the same procedure as at the mornings before. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur goal of the day was to reach Lava Tower on 4600 m. Our guide said that if you have little altitude problems around that height, you are well acclimatized. Despite its name, no climbing is involved at Lava Tower - the hike was technically easy, just as during the days before. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe landscape quickly changed from grassland to rocky land, Uhuru peak always in front of us. As every day, the clouds came in around 10 am and covered the peak. \n\n\n\nView of the hiking path in the distance.\n\n\n\nWe arrived at Lava Tower at 12:30 noon and had a break at the top of the pass. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn our way down (which was longer than expected), we took our time and had many breaks. Sometimes the clouds cleared up for a second and gave us a glimpse of the peak. \n\n\n\n\nIcicles below the \"breach wall\"\n\n\n\nDendrosenecio \/ giant groundsels\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe saw the Breakfast wall in front of us - which will be tomorrow's goal to climb.\n\n\n\nView of Breakfast Wall \/ Barranco Wall - this is the goal of tomorrow! It looks scary from afar. On the right side - back in the valley - you can spot Barranco Camp (small orange tent).\n\n\n\nBeautifully located Barranco camp\n\n\n\nAround 3 p.m. we arrived at Barranco camp. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBy the way - you might have a tiny bit of mobile internet in the camp. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 5 - across the Breakfast Wall and to Karanga Camp \n\n\n\n07 January 2022\n\n\n\nFrom Barranco Camp (3900 m) across Breakfast Wall (4230 m) to Karanga Camp (3995 m) 6.5 km distance, 2.5-3 hours walking time, 400 m ascent, 400 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nToday was the most annoying day - mostly because we expected to have achieved the most exhausting thing right after having made it to the top of Breakfast Wall. But afterwards, you still have to walk quite a long time and just before Karanga Camp you descend into a valley and have to hike up all the way on the other end again. Altogether the hike is not long but exhausting.\n\n\n\nWe started as everyday with 6 a.m. wake up time, 6:30 a.m. washing and 7 a.m. breakfast. At 8 a.m. we began our hike.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Breakfast Wall was not far from the camp. We had to cross some water flows that were still frozen and then started the \"climb\". It is not a serious climb though. No gear required and all in all really feasible - even for myself who gets scared of the height quite easily.\n\n\n\nWe reached the top at 9.30 am and had a break while occasionally getting a glimpse of the land below the clouds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe continued our hike through rocky paths. Walking sticks were quite handy at this point.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe hike was again in beautiful scenery! But exhausting nevertheless. The river in the valley just before Karanga camp is the last possibility to get fresh water by the way. It needs to be carried all the way from here to Barafu camp (where we will sleep the following day). \n\n\n\nThe last hurdle of the day - going all the way down the valley and then up again on the other side before reaching Karanga camp.\n\n\n\nWe arrived at Karanga Camp at 11.30 noon. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe got lunch at the camp and relaxed for the rest of the day. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 6 - to Barafu Camp \n\n\n\n08 January 2022\n\n\n\nFrom Karanga Camp (3995 m) to Barafu Camp (4673 m) 3.5 km distance, 2 hours walking time, 750 m ascent, 50 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWe had a beautiful sunrise in the morning. What a dream to wake up above the clouds with red Uhuru behind your tent and beautiful Mount Meru just in front.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter a windy breakfast (the eating tent needed to be dissembled because it did not withstand the wind), we started our last ascent before summit night! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTypical breakfast porridge\n\n\n\n\nThe hike up to Barafu Camp is quite short - but should not be underestimated because of the altitude you are already on.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe path is rocky but Uhuru peak seems really close and was always on our left - super motivating!\n\n\n\nThe path to Barafu Camp. On the ridge you can already see the tents.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe path you can see here is the path where we will descend on the next day\n\n\n\n\nWe arrived at the camp at 11.30 noon. In Barafu Camp we did not get water to wash (only to brush teeth and to drink) since there is no water source nearby. After lunch, we got the afternoon to \"pre-sleep\" before tomorrow's summit day. \n\n\n\nAt 5:30 p.m. we had dinner and the last debrief before the summit. \n\n\n\nAt 7 p.m. we went to sleep.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 7 - to Uhuru Peak and via Barafu camp to Millenium camp \n\n\n\n09 January 2022\n\n\n\nPart 1:From Barafu Camp (4673 m) over Stellar Point (5756 m) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m) and back to Barafu Camp (4673 m). 12.5 km distance, 5-8 hours walking time, 1300 m ascent, 1300 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThe night of the summit. We woke up at 11 p.m. and had a quick breakfast. At midnight, we started our hike.\n\n\n\nIn the beginning, I felt really well. Not tired but super motivated and fit. After maybe an hour, maybe earlier, it got super cold and unbelievably windy. We were walking stubbornly uphill in complete darkness - only guided by headlamps and watching our own hiking boots moving. We could see the \"ant trail\" of headlamps in front of us - people walking upwards into the black sky. Behind us though was a beautifully starry sky and through the crispy clear air it felt like we could see the whole African continent lying glittering to our feet. It was the most beautiful scenery I ever experienced, but also the most exhausting thing I ever did. \n\n\n\nThen everything I remember gets blurry... I did not have any feeling of distance or time. I remember someone asking at 3 am what time it was and me thinking \"what the heck, I did not even survive half of the ascent yet\". At this time I thought I would not make it. I felt very dizzy now, as if I was really, really drunk. I had to stop a lot of times out of exhaustion. Luckily I got my \"own\" experienced guide by my side who helped me to drink hot tea, carried my backpack and helped me get into my thicker jacket. Also my sister was always by my side and a great support. I was practically incapable of doing anything. At some time, I (finally!) threw up. What a relief. Afterwards, I honestly felt so much better - my head was clear and I could think again.\n\n\n\nAt 5.30 am, we reached Stellar Point (in complete darkness). I completely lost track of time and was totally overwhelmed that we really did it. I thought too many times that I would not make it. And I knew that if we made it to Stellar Point, we will reach the summit.\n\n\n\n\nWalking with headlamps\n\n\n\nThe sun rising behind the horizon\n\n\n\n\nWe arrived at the summit at around 6.25 am. I cried all the way from Stellar Point to the summit out of relief and happiness. It was perfect. The sun was just rising behind us, and we were all alone. We could see beloved Mount Meru in the distance, the shadow of Kilimanjaro in the clouds, the magnificent glaciers surrounding us and felt like the queens of the world.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 6:35 we started to hike back again. On the way down we stopped again at Stellar Point to see the sign in daylight.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe way down from Stellar Point is really rocky and sandy. You are partly gliding, partly stumbling, while being exhausted at the same time - I really hated it. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 9 am, we arrived back at Barafu Camp where we had only little time to relax and had some late breakfast \/ early lunch at 10.30.\n\n\n\nIn hindsight, I would have dressed much, much warmer for the summit. I wore the following layers, which were not warm enough!\n\n\n\n\nShort Icebreaker merino undershirt + sports bra on top\n\n\n\nLong Icebreaker merino undershirt (200)\n\n\n\nRegular North Face Glacierfleece\n\n\n\nPatagonia Micro Puff (with hood)\n\n\n\nNorth Face Thermoball Eco Jacket (without hood)\n\n\n\nSalomon Outline hardshell rain \/ wind jacket\n\n\n\nSleeveless H&M \"sheep\" fleece on top (borrowed from my sister)\n\n\n\n2x long Icebreaker merino underpants (200+260)\n\n\n\n(Relatively thin) Mammut Runbold Zip-Off hiking pants\n\n\n\nDecathlon rain pants\n\n\n\nGaiters\n\n\n\nIcepeak warm hat, below a BUFF scarf\n\n\n\nFalke TK1 hiking socks\n\n\n\nAround my neck: one merino BUFF scarf + 1 fleece \"buff\" scarf\n\n\n\nRoeckl Koyo gloves\n\n\n\nHand-warmers for inside the gloves\n\n\n\n\nSee my full packing list here.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPart 2: Descent from Barafu Camp (4673 m) to High Camp (3950 m) 4 km distance, 1.5-2 hours walking time, 800 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAt 11.30 noon, we started the second part of today's descent.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe reached High Camp at 13 pm, and could finally wash ourselves again and relax.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDay 8 - to Mweka Gate \n\n\n\n10 January 2022\n\n\n\nDescent from High Camp (3950 m) to Mweka Gate (1640 m) 13.5 km distance, 2.5-4 hours walking time, 2100 m descent\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nFor the last time, we experienced a beyond beautiful sunrise, with the Usambara mountains covered in morning clouds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were actually sad that this was already the last morning in our camp. We became so used to the 6 am mornings and waking up in the middle of the beauty of this world... \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter a short intermediate stop at Mweka Camp we continued our hike downwards. The paths are really easy and not too steep. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA last glimpse of Uhuru peak behind us before we continued our descent through the beautiful rain forest. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 10.30 am, we arrived at Mweka Gate where we got cold drinks, snacks, souvenirs and relaxed on some benches. You do not have internet connection here though 😉 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were picked up by our bus again and drove back to the hotel. After we had some time to shower, we met in the back of the hotel to celebrate. We collected our tips and gave them to our support team and also collected gear that we wanted to gift the team. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost \n\n\n\n\n2,500 EUR per person for the tour (incl. 2x hotel stay, \"full board\" during the hiking)\n\n\n\n200 EUR tips for the guides and the support team\n\n\n\n~45 EUR Visa for Tanzania\n\n\n\nOn top: Flights\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPacking list \n\n\n\nClothing\n\n\n\n\nShort Icebreaker merino undershirt \n\n\n\nSports bra\n\n\n\n3x merino underwear\n\n\n\n1x Decathlon thin merino longsleeve\n\n\n\n1x Decathlon merino t-shirt\n\n\n\nLong Icebreaker merino undershirt (200)\n\n\n\nNorth Face Glacier fleece\n\n\n\n2x long Icebreaker merino underpants (200+260)\n\n\n\nMammut Runbold Zip-Off hiking pants - could be worn short and long\n\n\n\n1x Smartwool merino underpants (250) to sleep\n\n\n\n2x Falke TK1 hiking socks\n\n\n\n\nOuter wear and accessories\n\n\n\n** Please be aware that the next time I would pack warmer clothing & outer wear for summit night **\n\n\n\n\nPatagonia Micro Puff (with hood)\n\n\n\nNorth Face Thermoball Eco Jacket (without hood)\n\n\n\nSalomon Outline hardshell rain \/ wind jacket\n\n\n\nDecathlon rain pants\n\n\n\nGaiters (to keep warm, against dust and small stones, against rain)\n\n\n\n2x merino BUFF scarf + 1 fleece \"buff\" scarf\n\n\n\nRoeckl Koyo gloves\n\n\n\nIcepeak warm hat\n\n\n\nDecathlon sun hat\n\n\n\nDecathlon sun glasses\n\n\n\nDecathlon rain cape (large enough to fit me + my small backpack)\n\n\n\n\nOther hiking gear\n\n\n\n\nHiking poles\n\n\n\nHiking shoes (category B\/C)\n\n\n\nLight shoes for the camp or for easy hikes (you could practically wear them every day except for summit day if you are comfortable with it)\n\n\n\nOsprey Sirrus (small backpack)\n\n\n\n\nElectronics\n\n\n\n\nCamera + Gopro\n\n\n\nPhone\n\n\n\neBook reader\n\n\n\nSpare batteries for cameras + head lamp\n\n\n\n10,000 mAh Powerbank (more than enough if you save batteries and keep your smartphone off for most of the time)\n\n\n\nCharging cables\n\n\n\n\nOther equipment\n\n\n\n\nHand-warmers for inside gloves for summit night\n\n\n\nCereal bars\n\n\n\nTea bags (only black tea provided)\n\n\n\nDecathlon headlamp with batteries\n\n\n\nThin sleeping bag liner\n\n\n\n2x 1 liter SIGG aluminum bottles + 1x 1.1 liter SIGG thermos (\"supermarket plastic bottles\" are not allowed in the national park). Regular aluminum bottles allow you to fill in hot water - which keeps the water from freezing immediately on summit night. The thermos was a life safer on summit night - all other water was frozen (in the regular aluminum bottles but also inside specially insulated drinking systems \/ \"water bladders\" that other participants had) \n\n\n\nSmall sewing kit\n\n\n\nA bit of Gaffa tape\n\n\n\nSleeping bag (rented from tour operator - next time I'd buy my own because the quality was not good)\n\n\n\nSleeping mat (rented from tour operator)\n\n\n\n\nToiletries\n\n\n\n\nToothbrush + small toothpaste\n\n\n\nSmall, fast drying towel\n\n\n\nSmall solid soap\n\n\n\nFace wash\n\n\n\nDeodorant\n\n\n\nWet tissues\n\n\n\nTissues\n\n\n\nHand sanitizer\n\n\n\nRegular face cream for the night\n\n\n\n50 SPF sunscreen for the face (50ml)\n\n\n\n50 SPF lip balm\n\n\n\nSleeping mask\n\n\n\nEar plugs\n\n\n\n\nFirst aid Kit\n\n\n\n** Please be aware that this does not replace a consultation with your doctor **\n\n\n\n\nParacetamol (better than Ibuprofen in higher altitudes)\n\n\n\nTape\n\n\n\nBlister plaster\n\n\n\nElectrolytes\n\n\n\nMalaria prophylaxis (consult with your doctor)\n\n\n\nDiarrhea + nausea medicine (especially important if you just arrive in the country)\n\n\n\nWick VapoRub\n\n\n\n\"Regular\" first aid kit with disinfectant, plasters, gauze, small scissors,\u2026\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore tips and tricks \n\n\n\nBatteries\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKeep your camera batteries, smartphone and powerbank warm all (!) the time as soon as it gets cold. I put them inside my North Face fleece pockets when hiking and walking around the campground - and also during sleep. \n\n\n\nI also secured my camera batteries each individually against misting up by putting them in small zip plastic bags.\n\n\n\n\n\nCellular connection\n\n\n\nOne of the best connections, I surprisingly had the day before the summit at Barafu camp. Internet went really well, I could even access Instagram and Spotify.\n\n\n\nSouvenirs\n\n\n\nI recommend the Blue Zebra Art Studio in Moshi. You also have a surprisingly large offering of souvenirs at Kilimanjaro Airport (not expensive either).","author":{"name":"Jana","link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/author\/janamue\/"},"date":"Jan 11, 2022","dateGMT":"2022-01-11 21:15:00","modifiedDate":"2023-06-12 11:23:57","modifiedDateGMT":"2023-06-12 09:23:57","commentCount":"2","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"Africa<\/a>, One Week<\/a>","space":"Africa<\/a> One Week<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"Africa<\/a>Hiking<\/a>Kilimanjaro<\/a>Lemosho Route<\/a>Moshi<\/a>Tanzania<\/a>Trekking<\/a>Uhuru Peak<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":17,"sec":59},"status":"publish"},{"id":4264,"link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/safari-in-tanzania\/","name":"safari-in-tanzania","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/01476089-01-edited-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Safari in Tanzania","excerpt":"","content":"My dad, sister and I experienced four days of Safari with incredible nature and wildlife followed by two days of cultural immersion into the tribes and life of Tanzania. By the way: the Swahili word \"safari\" means \"journey\", the Swahili verb \"kusafiri\" means \"to travel\". \n\n\n\nA Safari could not be missed during our 5 weeks vacation in Tanzania. We booked the tour in advance via our hostel in Arusha - the Hakuna Woga Hostel. We paid approximately 2,000 USD per person for the whole package - including accommodation, transport, food and of course our awesome guide Melcky. We would 100% always do it exactly the way we did and fully recommend it!\n\n\n\nData from OpenStreetMap - Published under ODbL\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArusha \n\n\n\n23 December 2021\n\n\n\nAround 10.30 am, we landet at the Arusha airport.\n\n\n\nMelcky, who would also be our guide for the Safari, picked us up. We were really relieved when we arrived at the Hakuna Woga Hostel after a half hour drive.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n24 December 2021\n\n\n\nIt's Christmas Eve! We just spend our day in the hostel, trying to recover from our illness. \n\n\n\nIn the evening, we played cards with the boys from the hostel and ordered nice food.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTarangire National Park \n\n\n\n25 December 2021\n\n\n\nToday, we started the Safari. At 7 in the morning, we put our luggage for the next days into the car and headed off with Melcky. We stopped quite some time in front of a store in Arusha, where Melcky picked up our lunch boxes for the day. Waiting there, a couple of people approached our vehicle, trying to sell us jewelry or hats.\n\n\n\nAround 10, we reached the entrance gate of Tarangire National Park. While Melcky registered us, we walked around and watched some meerkats and inspected the termite mounds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were so excited when we spotted the first animals!\n\n\n\nWhen we saw ostriches, I could not believe my eyes. I had no idea that they were found in Tanzania 😀 \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also spotted a Leopard - right at the tree where he laid, there were many safari cars lining up.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMy favorite animals to photograph were the zebras - and Melcky \"warned\" us we would soon have seen enough of these beautiful animals - knowing that there were thousands to be seen in the Serengeti.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had lunch at a nice terrace lookout spot with lots of monkeys eyeing for the tourists' food. Even though we were so careful, one of the monkeys managed to grab my sister's bread out of her box. \n\n\n\nAfter lunch, we continued our game drive and were lucky to see a female lion!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAltogether, we spent nearly 6 hours inside the national park.\n\n\n\nAt 4 pm, we left Tarangire and had a short stop at the African Galleria in Usangi. Then we continued to Karatu, where we checked-in to the Lilac Elevate Inn at around 6 in the afternoon.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSerengeti National Park \n\n\n\nThe Serengeti is a vast and iconic ecosystem located in northern Tanzania and extending into southwestern Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and annual Wildbeest Great Migration (taking place from late June to early September). The Serengeti is home to e.g., lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and countless species of birds. The area is protected by the Serengeti National Park, which was established in 1951 and later designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park implements strict conservation measures to preserve its unique ecosystem, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The combination of its sheer size, diverse wildlife, and conservation efforts makes the Serengeti one of the most extraordinary and treasured natural wonders on the planet.\n\n\n\n26 December 2021\n\n\n\nAfter a nice breakfast at our hotel, we started our day at 8.30 am. \n\n\n\nWe arrived at the Lodoare Gate at 9 am. This spot offered a beautiful view of the Ngorongoro crater (which we would visit a few days later). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe following drive towards the Serengeti was stunning. We had great views over the vast land and saw many Maasai villages.\n\n\n\nThe Maasai are an ethnic group residing primarily in Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their pastoral way of life, herding cattle and living in semi-nomadic communities. Their population is estimated to be around 1.5 million people, with the majority concentrated in the East African Rift Valley region. They traditionally live in small settlements called manyattas, which are composed of mud huts arranged in circles. The Maasai are recognized for their vibrant culture and distinctive attire, which includes brightly colored shukas (sheets) and intricate beadwork. Their society is organized into age-sets, and they have a strong warrior tradition. For the Maasai, it is very important to preserve their cultural heritage amidst modernization. They have managed to maintain their pastoral lifestyle, maintain their language (Maa), and uphold their customary ceremonies and rituals.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had a quick photo stop at the Serengeti gate before we entered the national park.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe stopped at Naabi Hill for lunch. After the lunch, we had a short stroll onto a rock nearby, where we felt like kings and queens overlooking the Serengeti - while casually seeing giraffes in the area. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOne of my favorite encounters was seeing a herd of elephants passing close to our car.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe then spotted another Leopard!!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur next stop excited us with some hippos - Retima Hippo Pool.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnother wonderful moment was when we were watching a herd of zebras and gnus, and they suddenly panicked. This was a true \"Lion King\" moment, where we all got goosebumps.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJust before arriving at our final destination, we spotted a lioness with her babies.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAround 5.30 in the afternoon, we arrived at our accommodation for the next two nights near Orangi River.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n27 December 2021\n\n\n\nWaking up in the middle of the Serengeti was beautiful. At night, we could hear the animals around and through the entrance of the tent, we could see out into the savannah.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 9, we started our Safari day. I had to pee and just when I wanted to get out of the car, a leopard showed up. So we drove further, I peed behind the car - and what I had just missed was a hyena in front of the vehicle! I was really sad to not have seen it, but this also made clear, why you are not allowed to get out of the car unless it's really urgent.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShortly after 10, we stopped at the Retima Hippo Pool again. We saw some more animals and a baby hippo!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe watched a scenery where two lionesses were lying on hunting zebras. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had lunch at Serengeti Visitor's Center at 1.30 pm and then had another short photo stop at a nice rock formation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 5.30 pm, we arrived back at our tents. We had dinner and then we were just dead tired.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNgorongoro Crater \n\n\n\nThe Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Tanzania. It is a massive caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano millions of years ago. With a diameter of about 20 kilometers and a depth of approximately 600 meters, it encompasses an area of around 260 square kilometers. It is home to a remarkable diversity of animal species, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, rhinoceros, zebras, wildebeests, hyenas, and flamingos, among others. The crater's enclosed ecosystem provides abundant food, water, and shelter, making it an ideal habitat for these animals. What makes the Ngorongoro Crater truly special is its unparalleled concentration of wildlife within a relatively small and self-contained area. \n\n\n\n28 December 2021\n\n\n\nAt 7 in the morning, we headed off. The crew of the campground sang goodbye to us as we drove off.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 8:30, we were in Naabi Hill. The drive to the Ngorongoro crater was stunning again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 1 pm, we arrived at the Ngorongoro crater.\n\n\n\nRight when we entered, Melcky called a befriended ranger of him and was told that there were hook-lipped black rhinoceros nearby. We quickly went to the spot - and oh where we happy to see rhinos! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe hook-lipped (black) rhinoceros (Swahili: Faru, German: Spitzmaulnashorn) is characterized by its large size, no hump on its neck and a pointed upper lip with 2 horns on its face. Even though it is often referred to as black rhinoceros, the color only appears when the animal is wet or covered in fresh mud. These rhinos can get up to 40 years old and weigh up to 1,400 kg. Hook-lipped rhinoceros are nearly extinct and classified as critically endangered by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources). A few well-protected populations of the Eastern species are found in Kenya (Tsavo, Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara) and Tanzania (Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Selous) with in total about 800 individuals. The Southern, North-eastern, Western black rhinoceros are extinct. A few other subspecies are to be found in the Southern African countries - but most of them are nearly extinct. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe rhinos shouldn't be the only highlights of the day. We also finally saw a male lion! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApart from that, of course further zebras, some flamingos and a ton of other animals. Around noon, a rain shower drew across the land. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe drove a bit upon a hill where we had a great overview of the whole crater, including an elephant cemetery. We were speechless.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 5.30, we checked-in to the Lilac Elevate Inn in Karatu again\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVisiting the tribes around Lake Eyasi \n\n\n\nTanzania is home to a variety of tribal communities, each with its distinct culture, traditions, and languages. Some of the prominent tribes in Tanzania include the Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Chaga, Makonde, Haya, and Maasai, among others. The Sukuma people are the largest ethnic group in Tanzania, residing mainly in the northwestern regions. The Nyamwezi are spread across central Tanzania and are known for their agricultural practices. The Chaga, inhabiting the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, have a reputation for their skill in farming and brewing. The artistic and wood-carving talents of the Makonde people are renowned both within Tanzania and internationally. The Haya, located in the northwest, are known for their traditional dance and music. Lastly, the Maasai, perhaps the most iconic of Tanzanian tribes, are renowned for their pastoral lifestyle, vibrant attire, and distinctive cultural practices. \n\n\n\n29 December 2021\n\n\n\nShortly before 7, we started driving towards Lake Eyasi. There we first visited the Hadzabe tribe. As a welcome present, Melcky brought them something to smoke. We were greated nicely by the guys.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Hadzabe (Swahili: Wahadzabe) are an indigenous ethnic group residing in Tanzania, primarily in the Lake Eyasi region. They are one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies in East Africa, maintaining a traditional way of life that has persisted for thousands of years. The Hadzabe people live in small, mobile camps and rely on hunting game, gathering wild fruits, and collecting honey. Their language, known as Hadza, is a unique click language with a small number of speakers. What sets the Hadzabe apart is their deep connection to their ancestral lands, their intimate knowledge of the environment, and their remarkable hunting skills, using bows and arrows and traditional techniques to track and capture their prey.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThey showed us how to make fire, how they made music, and taught us a few words in their language. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe could also accompany them on a short walk around the area where they went hunting.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThey also taught us how to shoot with bow and arrow. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter a short drive, we visited the Datooga (Swahili: Wamang'ati).\n\n\n\nThe Datooga (Swahili: Wamang'ati) are a pastoralist ethnic group inhabiting the northern regions of Tanzania. With a population of around 90,000, they primarily reside in the volcanic highlands of the Manyara and Singida regions. The Datooga people are known for their traditional livelihood centered around cattle herding. They have a distinct culture characterized by their intricate beadwork, unique hairstyles, and traditional attire. The Datooga are organized into clans, and their social structure revolves around age-set systems. They have a rich oral tradition, with storytelling and music playing important roles in their community gatherings. The Datooga maintain a strong connection to their land and traditions, although modernization and external influences have started to shape their way of life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe were firstly invited into one of their houses, where the women showed us how they produce flour. Melcky was interpreting for us, so we could ask them a couple of things and also answer some of their questions. They were surprised that my sister and I were neither married nor had kids. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the way back to Karatu, we stopped on a hill and at a coffee plantation to shoot some photos.\n\n\n\nAt 1 pm, we were back at our hotel. We got lunch at the Lilac Caf\u00e9.\n\n\n\nWe also heard a little (!) bit about Female Genital Mutilation today - even though nobody really wanted to talk about it, and we also did not want to directly ask the women of the tribes. Nevertheless, we informed ourselves about the topic:\n\n\n\nFemale Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, is a deeply rooted cultural practice that continues to persist in some regions of Tanzania - even though it is prohibited by law since 1998. Approximately 10% of the Tanzanian ethnic groups practice FGM, i.a. the Chagga, Maasai and Hazabe. About 10% of girls and women between 15 and 49 years are circumcised. Despite efforts to combat this harmful tradition, it remains a significant concern. FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, resulting in severe physical and psychological consequences for girls and women. According to the WHO classification, 97% of the FGMs conducted in Tanzania are of Type III - which is the worst case of female circumcision. It is often performed without medical supervision and can lead to severe pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and long-term health issues. Although there has been progress in raising awareness about the harmful effects of FGM, it remains an issue deeply ingrained in certain communities. The Tanzanian government, along with various organizations and activists, is working diligently to address this issue, focusing on education, legislation, community engagement, and providing alternative rites of passage for girls. Efforts are being made to promote gender equality, human rights, and the empowerment of women to eradicate this harmful practice and protect the rights and well-being of Tanzanian girls and women.Sources: planet-children.de; Wikipedia\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMto Wa Mbu and Lake Manyara \n\n\n\n30 December 2021\n\n\n\nAfter a great breakfast, we started our day and drove off to Mto Wa Mbu. \n\n\n\nWe had a coffee at Cafe Kabisa and then had a bicycle tour through the village. We rode through plantations. We had lunch at the Fanaka Safaris.\n\n\n\nWe also visited Lake Manyara, where we saw some fishermen and casually grazing zebras.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen our dad had a flat tire, there was no effort done to exchange the tube - a new bike was brought on a motorcycle.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe saw some rice fields.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd we stopped by a large market.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter a short stop at a telephone shop (where I got to recharge my internet), we arrived back at the Hakuna Woga hostel at 5.30 pm. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31 December 2021\n\n\n\nNew Years Eve! \n\n\n\nOur dad had the pleasure to take care of the gas (which ran out but we needed some for cooking), we relaxed in the garden, saw a chameleon (!!!) and played UNO in the evening. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n01 January 2022\n\n\n\nToday was our last day of doing nothing. Since I did not take a single photo today, I assume, this was what we truly did. \n\n\n\nTomorrow, we'll head off to our Kilimanjaro tour! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClick here to come with us on top of Africa's highest mountain!","author":{"name":"Jana","link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/author\/janamue\/"},"date":"Jan 2, 2022","dateGMT":"2022-01-02 20:13:00","modifiedDate":"2023-06-12 11:25:18","modifiedDateGMT":"2023-06-12 09:25:18","commentCount":"1","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"Africa<\/a>, One Week<\/a>","space":"Africa<\/a> One Week<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"Arusha<\/a>Ngorongoro<\/a>Safari<\/a>Serengeti<\/a>Tanzania<\/a>Tarangire<\/a>Wildlife<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":13,"sec":4},"status":"publish"},{"id":4262,"link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/zanzibar-and-dar-es-salaam\/","name":"zanzibar-and-dar-es-salaam","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/01442577-01-Klein.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam","excerpt":"","content":"The first nine days of our Tanzania trip, we spent in Zanzibar and explored their beaches, forest and cities.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11 December 2021\n\n\n\nOur trip to Tanzania started! We were so excited. At the Frankfurt airport, we had to wait ages for check-in, while there was a demonstration just along the waiting line. \n\n\n\nWe then found out that we had completely forgotten to fill-out the entry forms for Zanzibar, and a little bit stressed, we managed to do so in the last minute.\n\n\n\nAt 7.30 pm, our flight departed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n12 December 2021\n\n\n\nAt 8 in the morning, we landed in Zanzibar. \n\n\n\nZanzibar is a semi-autonomous province that united with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. It consists of two large islands (and many small ones) - Unguja (informally called Zanzibar) and Pemba.\n\n\n\nWe first got some money and then SIM cards for our phones at the airport. We then took a taxi to our accommodation, the Nungwi Inn Beach cottages, in the North of the island.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n13 December 2021\n\n\n\nToday, we enjoyed the beaches.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNungwi Village Tour \n\n\n\n14 December 2021\n\n\n\nToday, we had a walking tour through Nungwi. \n\n\n\nWe visited a school\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd we saw a lot of the village's life.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also visited a fish market \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd a place where they build boats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n15.12.2023\n\n\n\nFirst in the morning, we took a long stroll to a sand bank in the East of the island.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 3.30 pm, my sister and dad had their introduction to scuba diving.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nScuba diving \n\n\n\n16.12.2023\n\n\n\nToday, we went scuba diving at Leven Bank. It was raining as hell, when we started our boat ride. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe first dive, my sister and dad did seperately from myself. Then our second dive we could do together. Both of them were totally finished after this one, so I did my third dive alone again.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the evening, we had dinner at the beach.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n17 December 2021\n\n\n\nToday, I went diving again at Mnemba.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlue Safari \n\n\n\n18 December 2021\n\n\n\nToday, we made a \"Blue Safari\" - where we explored the Manai Bay Conservation area in the south of the island. At 8 am, we were picked up from our hotel in Nungwi. Unfortunately, we forgot to bring water shoes.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n...\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJozani Forest and Stone Town \n\n\n\n19 December 2021\n\n\n\nToday, we had a trip to Jozani Forest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe first had a walk through the forest.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt the end, we saw some monkeys.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen we crossed the street to a mangrove forest on the other side of the road.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAround noon, we drove to Stone Town.\n\n\n\nFirst, we walked through the Darajani Bazaar.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe then strolled through the old city. There, we bought our ferry tickets to Dar es Salaam.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also visited the Old Slave Market at the Anglican Cathedral.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n20 December 2023\n\n\n\nToday, we relaxed.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDar es Salaam \n\n\n\n21 December 2023\n\n\n\nWe took the ferry from 12.30 - 2.30 pm to Dar es Salaam.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had two rooms in the Sophia hotel booked. Our original plan was to drive via bus to Arusha. My dad and I walked through the city and visited all bus tour providers - but there was no space anywhere due to Christmas holidays. We were really desperate. This is why we then decided to book a flight to Arusha, to be there in time for our Safari and to save our energy.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n22 December 2023\n\n\n\n...\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23 December 2023\n\n\n\nEarly in the morning at 5, we took a taxi to the airport of Dar es Salaam. We were really early because the timings of the flight (which we only booked super last minute) were different on the e-tickets and on the airline's homepage. First went to the wrong terminals - which we only realized after having gotten through the temperature-check control at the entrance. We then took another taxi to the terminal for domestic flights, where we had to wait more than two hours until check-in. The terminal was really tiny.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAround 8.15 am, we departed. After a short layover in Zanzibar, we arrived at the airport of Arusha at 10.30 am. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFollow us to Aruja and our Safari","author":{"name":"Jana","link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/author\/janamue\/"},"date":"Dec 23, 2021","dateGMT":"2021-12-23 20:12:00","modifiedDate":"2023-06-12 11:25:41","modifiedDateGMT":"2023-06-12 09:25:41","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"Africa<\/a>, One Week<\/a>","space":"Africa<\/a> One Week<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"Dar es Salaam<\/a>Diving<\/a>Nungwi<\/a>Tansania<\/a>Zanzibar<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":3,"sec":26},"status":"publish"},{"id":4254,"link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/morocco\/","name":"morocco","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2016-12-26-Erg-Chebbi-Merzouga-926-Klein.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Morocco (\u0627\u0644\u0645\u0645\u0644\u0643\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u0645\u063a\u0631\u0628\u064a\u0629)","excerpt":"","content":"2 week roadtrip through Morocco in the winter of 2016\/2017 where my sister and I enjoyed great food, a new culture and unexpectedly froze in the Sahara.\n\n\n\nWe both were quite excited about this trip because it was our first time in an Arabic country. We were unsure on how we would be received by the mainly Muslim population (it was also our first time in a Muslim country) but were looking much forward to a great vacation and getting to know a new country and culture. \n\n\n\nIn hindsight, it was a wonderful trip with unforgettable highlights!These highlights are hard to name though, since we loved the whole trip. We did not really enjoy Marrakesh though. The Medina is busy with scooters riding through the narrow streets. We much more preferred the Medina of Fez where you would only risk to be run over by a donkey ;-)\n\n\n\nWe travelled quite spontaneously through the country, using CTM (more touristy) or local busses (where you are likely to sit next to a chicken and need much longer for your travels). Between Fez and Marrakesh, we had booked a 3 nights tour that would bring us into the Sahara desert. We arrived by plane in Tangier and departed from Marrakesh - both flights were conducted by Ryanair.\n\n\n\nLuckily, we were also prepared for the cold temperatures (mainly at night) and brought warm hats and jackets and also chemical hand warmers that saved us through the cold night when we were sleeping in a tent in the Sahara.\n\n\n\nFind our rough cost calculation at the bottom of this post (click here).\n\n\n\nData from OpenStreetMap - Published under ODbL\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTangier (\u0637\u0646\u062c\u0629) \n\n\n\n21 December 2016\n\n\n\nWe arrived earlier in Tangier than we had expected because we did not consider the time difference 😀 We left Frankfurt Hahn around 2 p.m. and arrived at 5 p.m. after 4 hours of flight. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter withdrawing money, we went outside the airport and looked for a taxi. Unfortunately, the first in line wasn't the typical Moroccan taxi color, but we took it anyway, with skepticism. After an adventurous ride, we arrived in the Medina (the old part of the city which is typically walled, and consists of narrow, maze-like streets.) and were surrounded by hordes of men as we disembarked. One of the men then took us to the hostel, which luckily went well. It was already twilight. \n\n\n\nAfter checking in, we went out and walked to a sandwich shop not far away. It was already dark so we were a bit scared but the guy in the shop was super nice. In the hostel we enjoyed the roof terrace and talked to two guys and then went to bed early.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n22 December 2016\n\n\n\nWe got up at six in the morning to explore the harbor and later the Medina with the first rays of the sun. We felt much more comfortable in the light and slowly got used to Morocco. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter breakfast in one place, we went into the depths of the Medina through a crazy market. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the second breakfast on the hostel rooftop with a nice view over the city, we went out again and bought two scarves to wear later as a headscarf. In addition, I had my glasses repaired because a screw was missing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt 11:30, we took the taxi to the bus station, where we happened to catch the bus to Chefchaouen at exactly twelve o'clock.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChefchaouen (\u0634\u0641\u0634\u0627\u0648\u0646) \n\n\n\n22 December 2016 (continued)\n\n\n\nAround 4pm we were in Chefchaouen, where we again took a taxi to the edge of the Medina and then tried to find the hostel ourselves. Surprisingly, we did that quite well. \n\n\n\nAfter we checked into our double room, we walked through the beautiful old town and couldn't let go of the photo because of all the great blue corners. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the evening, we ate in a great restaurant with a roof terrace and a great view. We treated ourselves to a really great Moroccan three-course menu for the equivalent of 8.50 EUR each. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter watching the city from above in the dark, we went back and straight to bed. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n23 December 2016\n\n\n\nWe set off at half past seven in the morning to have the city almost to ourselves. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe dealers only open their shops at around ten o'clock. We accidentally found a great vantage point outside the Medina. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen we wandered through the blue alleys and had a delicious breakfast for less than \u20ac2.50 each and enjoyed the baby kittens around and the rising sun, which finally warmed our faces. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe hostel owner then advised us to buy the bus ticket to Fez beforehand on the edge of the Medina and led us to the office. Unfortunately, the CTM (touristy) bus was already sold out, which is why we decided to take the local bus variant. \n\n\n\nHaphazardly, we took a taxi to the bus station and then found a bus that was supposed to leave at 12.30 p.m. in the direction of Fez. Much cheaper, but also a little more exciting. Luckily, there was an American with us who also went to Fez. We enjoyed the warm sun and the great view and hoped to arrive safely. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter we were just thrown out at a gas station in the middle of nowhere and were supposed to wait there, luckily a man soon came and told us to follow him to the next bus. We sat down in the bus and then drove five minutes to take a break of three quarters of an hour. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt dusk, we arrived in Fez.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFez (\u0641\u0627\u0633) \n\n\n\n23 December 2016 (continued)\n\n\n\nAt first, we were quite unsure on how to get to the hostel, because we couldn't find a taxi. Finally, we went to the place from where we had directions to the hostel. It was in a winding, dark alley. \n\n\n\nAfter putting our things in our room (which was huge and adjacent to the living room) and petting the baby cats, we went looking for something to eat. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe first went in a direction where there were only shops where only men sat. Only men! And they all drank tea. We sat down in a shop, but then got up again after no one served us. Luckily, we went the other way, where we found a good restaurant in the Medina! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n24 December 2016\n\n\n\nIn the morning we walked through the Medina, to the gardens and then went to the hostel for breakfast and to lie down again. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe then went back into the Medina, which was much more busy by now. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe walked a long street to the other end where the tanneries are. There were shops everywhere, donkeys, horses, people - crazy. Despite people telling us the tanneries were closed, we gave it a try and found them open. By a shop owner, we were led onto a terrace and, surrounded by the greatest stench, we observed the various stages of leather processing. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the way back we went shopping, explored the Medina and got some good lunch.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe then dropped our purchases in the hostel and went off again to watch the sunset over Fez. \n\n\n\nWe went to Borj Nord, a museum, but were kicked out by a soldier when we were less interested in the museum than in the view of the city. We walked a little further but then got harassed by little boys and then decided to take a taxi back. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBack in the Medina, we went to Caf\u00e9 Clock and had a great meal. Merry Christmas!!! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen we fell into bed, happy and full.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert Tour \n\n\n\n25 December 2016\n\n\n\nShortly after eight, we were picked up by our nice guide Rajid in a really good car and drove towards the Sahara. We first drove to a Swiss village called Ifrane that just had European-looking houses (quite unspectacular for us). \n\n\n\nThen we crossed the snow-covered middle Atlas, where tobogganers and thousands of people were out and about. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the plain between middle and high Atlas we bought provisions.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLater, we had a wonderful picnic in the middle of nowhere. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter leaving the high Atlas behind us, we crossed Midelt and got to the Ziz Canyon .\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFinally, we entered the eternal plains of the Sahara. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe arrived at our hotel in Merzouga, which we were supposed to move into the next day, at around 5 p.m., feeling a bit stressed. Within a few minutes, we were loaded onto camels, after having quickly packed our small backpacks. That was pretty stressful. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, we didn't see the sunset either, but rode in the dark for an hour and a half to our camp in Erg Chebbi. \n\n\n\nWe arrived there with aching buttocks and frozen to death and moved into our tent. The tent is a traditional Nomad camel hair tent and was really cool. There was plenty of dinner and a cozy drum session around the campfire which had us end this day on a high.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n26 December 2016\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter a freezing cold night, my sister and I (accompanied by a dog) walked into the dunes behind the camp to watch a beautiful sunrise. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis was one of our highlights of the whole trip.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEverything was quite uncoordinated, but finally we sat on the camels back to the hotel. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen we arrived at the Nomad Palace hotel, we petted and watched the camels, checked in to our room, took a hot shower and had breakfast. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter that we drove off to a musical performance by the Gnawa. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen we went to visit a nomad family which was another great highlight. There was a woman with many children. She made tea for us and we played with the kids. Rajid also played some music from his car - the kids were so excited and started to dance!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn our way back, we also had a look at a water well.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe stopped at a viewpoint.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter that we went to eat and then to a car museum, which we found quite unspectacular. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter we had some time to relax in the hotel...\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n... Ismael drove us to dunes where we could sandboard and take approximately a million photos. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe climbed the highest dune and enjoyed the breathtaking view until sunset. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe could see across the entire erg, which covers an area of \u200b\u200babout 25 by 7 kilometers. Then Ismael picked us up again and after our car got stuck a few times, we got back to the hotel. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThere was dinner where the Gwana people provided (loud!) music again. Then we watched a movie and fell asleep around nine thirty.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n27 December 2016\n\n\n\nWe got up at seven o'clock, had breakfast and packed. At half past nine our guide Rajid picked us up. First we drove to a shop where fossils were cut up and sold. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt some point on the way we had a flat tire and had to put the spare tire on. Later today, Rajid went to a tire shop to get a new one.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThen continued our way to the Todra Gorge. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had some lunch and drove through the Dades Valley with some great views of the red rock and a fantastic sunset.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe finally arrived in Ouarzazate in our hotel, the Riad Bouchedor. There we fell into bed tired after dinner after a gas stove had warmed the room a bit (it was extremely cold).\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n28 December 2016\n\n\n\nWe got up around seven o'clock to watch the sunrise and the hotel complex. We found some puppies, chickens and peacocks before we had breakfast. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also went down towards the lake because we thought we would see flamingos there, but then there were hundreds of storks. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt nine o'clock we drove towards Marrakesh. This time our path led us over the high Atlas, we had some breathtaking views again. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe stopped at the Atlas Corporation Studios, film studios where for example, Gladiator or Asterix & Obelix were filmed. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe also sopped at an argan oil shop but the oil was super expensive (about \u20ac100 per liter). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe had lunch and some more photo stops.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAround 4 pm, we arrived in Marrakech. The problem, however, was that somehow the king was in town and therefore all the roads were closed. We were all pretty annoyed because it was so full. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEventually we arrived at a place where Rajid let us out. Although he had actually given us directions, he organized someone to show us the way to the hostel. When we arrived at the hostel (Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge), the guy didn't want to let us in until we paid him. He didn't accept coins either, he wanted to see bills. He was then satisfied with 5\u20ac. \n\n\n\nTotally exhausted, we arrived at the hostel. We checked in and then didn't do anything else the whole evening except watching a movie.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMarrakesh (\u0645\u0631\u0627\u0643\u0634) \n\n\n\n29 December 2016\n\n\n\nToday, we slept in, had breakfast and gave our laundry to one of the ladies who worked at the hostel in the morning. Then we went out to explore the city. As always, we walked around relatively aimlessly at first, but surprisingly we found our way around. We went through souks and onto the large Jamaa el Fna Square, where snake charmers and monkey artists as well as hedgehogs and chipmunks were found. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe fell into shopping madness, my sister bought a mirror, shoes and great leather bags. \n\n\n\nAt noon we had pizza - we couldn't see any more couscous! \n\n\n\nWe also enjoyed the sun on the roof terrace of our hotel (which was otherwise just a dark, caustic hole). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfterwards, we explored the gardens of the royal king palace.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe then went back to the hostel and decided to leave Marrakech earlier than planned and spend New Year's Eve in Essaouira. \n\n\n\nIn the evening we went to the big square again and ate tagines in one of the many food stalls there. Afterwards we enjoyed the distance from a terrace seat in the Aquacaf\u00e9 with hot chocolate and cake.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n30 December 2016\n\n\n\nSince we had handed in all our laundry, we slowly got ready and had breakfast. Then we bought a second bag to carry everything that we bought. Shortly after, our laundry arrived safely (we were so afraid of it being on time) and since the CTM ticket office was still closed, we simply took a taxi to the bus station. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEssaouira (\u0627\u0644\u0635\u0648\u064a\u0631\u0629) \n\n\n\n30 December 2016 (continued)\n\n\n\nWe were lucky, got bus tickets and left at 12:30 towards the sea to Essaouira. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhen we arrived in Essaouira, we took a taxi to the Medina. After wandering around forever, we found our hostel with the help of a Wi-Fi from a restaurant. The hostel was really nice and in a great location. We had the quadruple room to ourselves. \n\n\n\nWe went to eat pizza and took a quick look at the harbor and the beach at sunset. We had pomegranate juice and when we were back in the hostel also some red wine.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31 December 2016\n\n\n\nFirst thing in the morning, we went to the Carrefour supermarket to buy (and later cook) pasta with tomato sauce. After that, we went to the beach and rented two sun beds for the whole day. It was quite windy and cold and we were dressed too optimistically in shorts and shirts :-D. \n\n\n\nAround 2 p.m. we went back to the hostel, where two Germans had arrived. Among them was a girl who slept in our room. With both of them we went to the Carrefour again to buy alcohol, cheese and snacks for the evening. Then we went again (this time wrapped up warmer) to our sun beds at the beach. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOn the way back, we got olives and bread. We celebrated New Year's Eve with the whole hostel with food and alcohol in the inner courtyard.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTamraght \n\n\n\n01 January 2017\n\n\n\nOn New Year's Day we left the hostel quite early (not really nice under the fact that we had been up quite late and had been drinking a lot :-D) and then caught a local bus. After we sat in it for ages at the bus station, it drove off at around 1 p.m. It was going to be a horrible trip. We sat wedged in the last row, my sister was feeling sick and next to me sat a smelly but nice man. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter four grueling hours with a meal break in between, we were just thrown out on the Tamraght road. At first we didn't know where to go, but we finally found our hostel, the Lunar Surf House. After checking in, we enjoyed the sun on the hostel rooftop and went to dinner with John, an American guy. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter watching the sun set on the beach, we went to bed early.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n02 January 2017\n\n\n\nToday, my sister borrowed a surfboard and went surfing with three Germans, while I had a cold and was enjoying the sun on the terrace.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the evening, we joined the dinner at the hostel. Unfortunately, they served fish tajine, which is why we went to eat something small afterwards. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n03 January 2017\n\n\n\nToday, we had booked a surf course. After the (huge, inclusive breakfast) we got wetsuits and boards and headed down to the beach. The hostel owner was also the teacher. Since I did not find any talent in surfing, I went back to the hostel earlier. My sister stayed until the end. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the evening we went to the ATM and on the way back had a very good pizza. After we couldn't find my sister's toothbrush anymore, she went to bed without a toothbrush.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n04 January 2017\n\n\n\nOn our last day, we rented a board together and went to the beach all day. It was warm and the water was fun. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAt noon we went back to the hostel to cook noodles. In the evening we enjoyed the sunset at the sea and in the waves (my sister was surfing, I was rather bodyboarding :-D). \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter showering, we packed, paid our hostel bill and had dinner at the hostel. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n05 January 2017\n\n\n\nToday, our taxi arrived at half past seven to bring us to Agadir. We shared it with another hostel guest. At half past eight, our CTM bus drove from Agadir to Marrakesh. We got there at 12 noon, had lunch at the bus station and took a taxi to the airport, where we had to wait. We killed the time and were finally able to check in. My sister's watch was thrown off at security, so she forgot it. Luckily, she got it back when she ran back\u2026 After the stress, we got something to eat and we continued to wait in front of the gate for our return flight to Germany.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCost \n\n\n\n\nFlights with Ryanair HHN-TNG & RAK-HHN: 220 EUR p.P. \n\n\n\nDesert tour (4d3n): 373 EUR p.P.\n\n\n\nHostels: 170 EUR p.P.\n\n\n\nFood: 240 EUR p.P. (~15 EUR per day)\n\n\n\nTransport we unfortunately do not remember anymore.","author":{"name":"Jana","link":"https:\/\/travellery.com\/author\/janamue\/"},"date":"Jan 5, 2017","dateGMT":"2017-01-05 20:01:00","modifiedDate":"2023-06-12 11:55:51","modifiedDateGMT":"2023-06-12 09:55:51","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"open","categories":{"coma":"Africa<\/a>, One Week<\/a>","space":"Africa<\/a> One Week<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"Africa<\/a>Chefchaouen<\/a>Fez<\/a>Marrakesh<\/a>Morocco<\/a>Roadtrip<\/a>Sahara<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":15,"sec":51},"status":"publish"}];