Day One in the Dark Continent: Karibu!

Our journey begins here, in Arusha, one of Tanzania's most beautiful cities. Located in one of the most fertile areas in the northern part of the country and below the peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjiaro, Arusha is quintessentially the home of the maasai as well as the perfect destination for those who want to visit the most beautiful parks in the world.
Did you know that there are 16 national parks in Tanzania and that these all fall within a protected natural area that occupies more than 30 percent of Tanzania's territory?

On the way to the world's most beautiful national parks is Meserani Park. It is located just 25 km from Arusha and is home to about 50 different species of snakes including vipers, Egyptian cobras, green and black mambas. The walk inside takes about an hour and also includes a visit to the Maasai Cultural Museum. If you dare, you can even let them put a snake on you and take a cute picture with it!

Between parks, a key stop is to be devoted to the culinary aspect. Inside the parks it is difficult but not impossible to find food. However, I do not recommend it because everything is very touristy and therefore rather expensive by standards.
If you feel like eating a typical dish you have never tried before, you must try Ugali which is a kind of polenta prepared only with white cornmeal and water. The condiments that accompany this dish can be of different kinds: between meat, fish and various kinds of vegetables you will be spoiled for choice.
On the other hand, if you are in the mood for something typical but not far from Western tastes, you can have Wali, or boiled rice, or Pilau, or rice cooked with special spices with a rather delicate flavor.
Don't forget to also buy some fruit, some nuts, and some finger foods to eat in the next few hours.

Tarangire is considered an elephant's paradise and home to the world's most beautiful and ancient baobabs. It is named after the river that runs through it and is home to thousands and thousands of animals.
I got to visit it in the dry season and it was beautiful to see herds of elephants gather around the dried-up riverbed to dig and search for water needed for survival.
In order for you to enjoy this experience to the fullest, I recommend that you refer to a local guide. Within the parks, the guides communicate with each other, which allows you to find out more quickly where to go to find all the animals you are interested in. They are also familiar with the animals' habits and can more easily spot them despite the fact that they are great at hiding.
If you are lucky, you will also get to see hunting and/or mating scenes. I saw two lions poaching a herd of buffalo and felt like I was inside one of those wonderful animal documentaries that I have only ever seen through a television screen.
I felt extremely lucky to be able to experience this firsthand. I am sure you will love it too. The fascination of these places is unspeakable.
Take a look here for more information.

The sun has set, the eyes are full of joy, the adrenaline of adventure is beginning to fade, and the belly is rumbling.
This lodging is completely immersed in nature and is, at the same time, equipped with all amenities. For one night you will have monkeys, zebras, and impalas as neighbors without giving up a fully functioning bathroom, a noteworthy dinner, a good glass of wine, and a starry sky that illuminates everything and allows you to still marvel despite all that this day has already given you.
I have been to this area several times and so I want to propose you another good alternative as well. Take a look here and decide which place to book at! I had a very good time in both places, the choice is yours! The staff at both places are very friendly and are always at your complete disposal. They also guarantee a lunch box for the following day eliminating any kind of stress and leaving room only for relaxation and enchantment.