Our last day on safari we drove to the Seronera airstrip that is located in the middle of the Serengeti National Park. The airstrip and flight was quite unique and interesting. Our waiting area was under a canvas tent on the side of the airstrip.
We sat under the tent and watched the airplanes landing and taking off on the dirt airstrip while we waited for our flight.
We climbed aboard the plane and settled into our seats for the 2 hour flight out of the Serengeti. The plane was well used and the seatbelts had some wear and tear.
The plane was small and had very little extra space.
We took off and about an hour into the flight we flew over the Ngorongoro Crater. We could see this amazing place from our window.
After a few hours we landed in Karatu a town just outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. From here a driver took us to Arusha for our last night in Tanzania. We stayed at the Gran Malia Hotel in Arusha which was an amazing hotel.
The hotel was truly eco and bio focused and felt like an oasis. The Gran Melia is on 18 acres of beautiful landscaped coffee plantation and garden.
They grow their own food and most of the decorations in the hotel were made locally with recycled materials. This has provided support for the local charities and community.
They have a walking path throughout the 18 acres which also contain many different vegetables and fruit trees. We took a walk along the path and came across a gardener that was so proud and took us for a tour.
We went through the coffee plantation and saw them drying and roasting the coffee beans.
The Hotel also uses the entire roof system of the hotel for growing vegetables and herbs.
After exploring the gardens paths of the hotel, there was a path that led us to the Shanga & Shanga Foundation. This is a social enterprise, which employs people with disabilities to create unique and high-quality handmade jewelry, glassware and homewares incorporating recycled materials. The hotel works in concert with them and has bought many of their materials and art pieces to decorate the Hotel.
We were greeted at the entrance and given a tour of the Shanga facility.
The workers were so proud to show us their skills and what they were working on.
After touring the Shanga facility and buying a few items we went to the hotel terrance. We ordered a drink to celebrate our safari adventure and enjoy the last views of Tanzania before heading back.
From the terrace we could see the beautiful view along with Mount Meru.
The next morning we packed our gear and prepared for the long flight home.
We arrived at the airport and waited for our flight. Ray taking one last picture before boarding our flight and heading home.
This was a trip of a life time and one that we will remember for years.
“Kumbuka na kufurahia wakati wako wote wa furaha.”
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