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Mandatory Insurance Imposed by Kenya for ETA Applications
Hello,
To read:
📋 Yes, travel insurance is now mandatory in the ETA application. Since October 6, 2026, the official Kenyan ETA portal directly includes a step to subscribe to mandatory government travel insurance for travelers required to obtain an ETA, even if you already have your own medical and repatriation insurance. This insurance adds an official extra cost of $44 plus payment fees of $8, totaling $52 on top of the ETA. The ETA application cannot be completed without paying for this insurance on the portal.
In the end, Kenya followed the Tanzanian "model".....!!
One more piece of good news.... Regards.
Puma2A
To read:
📋 Yes, travel insurance is now mandatory in the ETA application. Since October 6, 2026, the official Kenyan ETA portal directly includes a step to subscribe to mandatory government travel insurance for travelers required to obtain an ETA, even if you already have your own medical and repatriation insurance. This insurance adds an official extra cost of $44 plus payment fees of $8, totaling $52 on top of the ETA. The ETA application cannot be completed without paying for this insurance on the portal.
In the end, Kenya followed the Tanzanian "model".....!!
One more piece of good news.... Regards.
Puma2A
Strong "El Niño" phenomena in Kenya and Tanzania
Hello,
A must-read for anyone planning to travel to Kenya or Tanzania in the coming months.
https://www.corsematin.com/article/francemonde/70999544524516/lonu-prevoit-un-el-nino-de-tres-forte-intensite-ces-cinq-prochains-mois
In Nov./Dec. 2022, I went on a safari in the region and we suffered from the extreme temperatures caused by the "El Niño" phenomenon in the Indian Ocean at that time. On top of the extreme heat, there can be torrential rains, flooding, etc., which have led to disasters with casualties.
Worth keeping in mind (just in case).
Best regards, ...
A must-read for anyone planning to travel to Kenya or Tanzania in the coming months.
https://www.corsematin.com/article/francemonde/70999544524516/lonu-prevoit-un-el-nino-de-tres-forte-intensite-ces-cinq-prochains-mois
In Nov./Dec. 2022, I went on a safari in the region and we suffered from the extreme temperatures caused by the "El Niño" phenomenon in the Indian Ocean at that time. On top of the extreme heat, there can be torrential rains, flooding, etc., which have led to disasters with casualties.
Worth keeping in mind (just in case).
Best regards, ...
Daydreams in Corsica.
...
Hi everyone,
For those who can’t travel right now, I thought I’d offer a little escape—maybe!—through some images of Corsica (where I’ve lived for 48 years). This won’t be a structured travel journal or a step-by-step story, just a mishmash of landscapes and more... Through these photos, we’ll jump from one place to another, one season to the next, with no real order.
I debated adding details to each image but decided that for daydreaming, you don’t need much chatter—maybe just a place name.
....
Around Ajaccio:
-1-
.
-2-
.
-3-
.
-4-
.
The last sunset of 2025 over the Gulf of Ajaccio. -5-
.
-6-
.
-7-
.
-8-
.
-9- Red kite (fairly common on the island)
.
...
Hi everyone,
For those who can’t travel right now, I thought I’d offer a little escape—maybe!—through some images of Corsica (where I’ve lived for 48 years). This won’t be a structured travel journal or a step-by-step story, just a mishmash of landscapes and more... Through these photos, we’ll jump from one place to another, one season to the next, with no real order.
I debated adding details to each image but decided that for daydreaming, you don’t need much chatter—maybe just a place name.
....
Around Ajaccio:
-1-
.-2-
.-3-
.-4-
.The last sunset of 2025 over the Gulf of Ajaccio. -5-
.-6-
.-7-
.-8-
.-9- Red kite (fairly common on the island)
....
Another evolution of society, version II.
Hello everyone,
I’m sharing the menu posted at the entrance of a bar at the foot of the Porto Tower in Southern Corsica. . .
.
.
Greetings and have a great Sunday.
Puma2A . .
...
I’m sharing the menu posted at the entrance of a bar at the foot of the Porto Tower in Southern Corsica. . .
.
.Greetings and have a great Sunday.
Puma2A . .
...
Airports in the Persian Gulf Emirates
Hi,
Right now, with the war raging in Iran and affecting all the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf, many airports are completely closed to all traffic.
Several airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and others have almost completely halted their operations.
Whether in the Middle East or Africa, many travelers are stranded—maybe for a long time... A heartfelt thought for them and the struggles this will cause.
Four months ago, I was in Kenya with a flight booked through Qatar Airways... I can’t even imagine how I’d react if I were stuck there now. ??
Wishing all these travelers courage, patience, and success in making it back home.
...
Doha Airport on October 21, 2025:
...
Right now, with the war raging in Iran and affecting all the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf, many airports are completely closed to all traffic.
Several airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and others have almost completely halted their operations.
Whether in the Middle East or Africa, many travelers are stranded—maybe for a long time... A heartfelt thought for them and the struggles this will cause.
Four months ago, I was in Kenya with a flight booked through Qatar Airways... I can’t even imagine how I’d react if I were stuck there now. ??
Wishing all these travelers courage, patience, and success in making it back home.
...
Doha Airport on October 21, 2025:
...
Societal Evolution
Hello everyone,
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
Please forgive my little rant.
Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,
Puma2A
...
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question. They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕 Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
Please forgive my little rant.
Wishing everyone all the best. Cheers,
Puma2A
...
Back to RUAHA and SELOUS (Southern Tanzania).
...
" We’re ALL different, and so are our expectations when it comes to travel or leisure ". There are—without a doubt—as many ways to experience a trip as there are travelers!! For the two of us, it’s only our love of wild nature that guides us to East Africa. The stated goal of this trip was purely wildlife-focused, and NOT about discovering the country or its people.
...
Hello everyone,
Previously, I shared the account of a trip/safari in southern Tanzania in June 2024, in the Mikumi and Selous reserves.
This time, still in southern Tanzania, I invite you to join us in Ruaha National Park. (Then, depending on the number of images allowed in my quota, at the end of my story, we’ll return to Selous for the second part of the same trip.)
- This trip/safari took place in November 2022. - Our flight started in Marseille, heading to Addis Ababa, then Dar es Salaam (via Ethiopian Airlines). In Dar, we spent one night at a hotel near the airfield.
-1- During the layover in Addis Ababa. The Airbus A-350 in the early morning mist.
Reminder: Click on each image to enlarge it, if needed. .
From Dar es Salaam, if you want to go by road to Ruaha, it’ll take a very long and tiring day. 🤪
On previous trips, we’ve always taken a bush plane for this route. In this case, it took just over an hour and a half, with two short intermediate stops to drop off passengers at other bush airstrips.
Since I’m also passionate about aviation, I love these flights where you can admire the landscapes from low altitude while sitting right behind the pilot 🙂.
-2- These routes mainly use Cessna 208 Caravans.
At the Msembe airstrip, we’re greeted around 1:30 PM by a guide and a driver from our chosen lodge. They brought a picnic basket, which we enjoy at a nearby picnic area. We’re by the Ruaha River, completely dry—it’s scorching hot.
-3- The first mammals we encounter are a pair of female impalas, accompanied by a young male.
Reminder: Click on the image to view it in larger size. 😉
-4- To save the hippopotamus populations from certain death, rangers had to dig holes in the sand with bulldozers. Fortunately, water is present beneath the sand layer.
-5- This crocodile doesn’t seem to have been accepted as a swimming neighbor by the hippos...
We’ll explore along the river for 2-3 hours before crossing it at a ford toward the southern part of the reserve.
-6- The typical landscape of Ruaha, with its many baobabs.
-7- My buddy the R.L.B. is also here to welcome me.... 🙂 🙂
-8- As well as this little bee-eater... 😎
-9- ...which reminds us of the origin of its name...!
-10- Above a rare waterhole, a fish eagle keeps watch for fish...
...
*** Please wait until the end of the story for any questions or to share your own experiences in Ruaha. (Or via PM.) Thanks in advance for keeping this account smooth and enjoyable. 😉
...
*** I’m not an ornithologist, but birds are an important and unavoidable part of safari discoveries. You’ll find quite a few in the images of my story. 😎
...
" We’re ALL different, and so are our expectations when it comes to travel or leisure ". There are—without a doubt—as many ways to experience a trip as there are travelers!! For the two of us, it’s only our love of wild nature that guides us to East Africa. The stated goal of this trip was purely wildlife-focused, and NOT about discovering the country or its people.
...
Hello everyone,
Previously, I shared the account of a trip/safari in southern Tanzania in June 2024, in the Mikumi and Selous reserves.
This time, still in southern Tanzania, I invite you to join us in Ruaha National Park. (Then, depending on the number of images allowed in my quota, at the end of my story, we’ll return to Selous for the second part of the same trip.)
- This trip/safari took place in November 2022. - Our flight started in Marseille, heading to Addis Ababa, then Dar es Salaam (via Ethiopian Airlines). In Dar, we spent one night at a hotel near the airfield.
-1- During the layover in Addis Ababa. The Airbus A-350 in the early morning mist.
Reminder: Click on each image to enlarge it, if needed. .
From Dar es Salaam, if you want to go by road to Ruaha, it’ll take a very long and tiring day. 🤪
On previous trips, we’ve always taken a bush plane for this route. In this case, it took just over an hour and a half, with two short intermediate stops to drop off passengers at other bush airstrips.
Since I’m also passionate about aviation, I love these flights where you can admire the landscapes from low altitude while sitting right behind the pilot 🙂.
-2- These routes mainly use Cessna 208 Caravans.
At the Msembe airstrip, we’re greeted around 1:30 PM by a guide and a driver from our chosen lodge. They brought a picnic basket, which we enjoy at a nearby picnic area. We’re by the Ruaha River, completely dry—it’s scorching hot.
-3- The first mammals we encounter are a pair of female impalas, accompanied by a young male.
Reminder: Click on the image to view it in larger size. 😉
-4- To save the hippopotamus populations from certain death, rangers had to dig holes in the sand with bulldozers. Fortunately, water is present beneath the sand layer.
-5- This crocodile doesn’t seem to have been accepted as a swimming neighbor by the hippos...
We’ll explore along the river for 2-3 hours before crossing it at a ford toward the southern part of the reserve.
-6- The typical landscape of Ruaha, with its many baobabs.
-7- My buddy the R.L.B. is also here to welcome me.... 🙂 🙂
-8- As well as this little bee-eater... 😎
-9- ...which reminds us of the origin of its name...!
-10- Above a rare waterhole, a fish eagle keeps watch for fish...
...
*** Please wait until the end of the story for any questions or to share your own experiences in Ruaha. (Or via PM.) Thanks in advance for keeping this account smooth and enjoyable. 😉
...
*** I’m not an ornithologist, but birds are an important and unavoidable part of safari discoveries. You’ll find quite a few in the images of my story. 😎
...
In the midst of Kenya's wildlife, October 2025
Hello everyone,
After sharing some safari photos from southern Tanzania, I’d like to show you those from our latest safari in Kenya in October 2025.
First, I’d like to thank Sylvie56, whose previous travel journals about this country inspired our trip choices. Thanks also for the info you sent us via PM. THANK YOU!
The following account is from a simple wildlife enthusiast. You won’t find anything here but images of landscapes, mammals, and birds. The stated purpose of this trip was purely and solely wildlife-focused. (It was in no way a discovery of the country or its people).
This stay/safari began (and ended) in Nairobi, with flights between France and Kenya operated by Qatar Airways departing from Nice.
Over two weeks, we first visited the reserves of Tsavo West and Tsavo East, then after a long road trip, the two reserves of Buffalo Springs and Samburu.
= Please wait until the end of the journal to ask any specific questions (or send them via PM) to keep the story flowing without interruptions or off-topic comments.
Thanks for your understanding.
...
Previous Kenya safari trip in 2017, here:
http://www.image-nature.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=162&t=61119
...
After sharing some safari photos from southern Tanzania, I’d like to show you those from our latest safari in Kenya in October 2025.
First, I’d like to thank Sylvie56, whose previous travel journals about this country inspired our trip choices. Thanks also for the info you sent us via PM. THANK YOU!
The following account is from a simple wildlife enthusiast. You won’t find anything here but images of landscapes, mammals, and birds. The stated purpose of this trip was purely and solely wildlife-focused. (It was in no way a discovery of the country or its people).
This stay/safari began (and ended) in Nairobi, with flights between France and Kenya operated by Qatar Airways departing from Nice.
Over two weeks, we first visited the reserves of Tsavo West and Tsavo East, then after a long road trip, the two reserves of Buffalo Springs and Samburu.
= Please wait until the end of the journal to ask any specific questions (or send them via PM) to keep the story flowing without interruptions or off-topic comments.
Thanks for your understanding.
...
Previous Kenya safari trip in 2017, here:
http://www.image-nature.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=162&t=61119
...
Happy Transition to 2025/2026
Hello to all East Africa lovers and nature enthusiasts in general,
While I prepare to share a recap of our latest trip/safari in Kenya soon, I’d like to wish you all a peaceful transition between 2025 and 2026.
Warm regards,
Puma2A.
...
New Tax Imposed on Visitors Traveling to Tanzania
Hi there,
Seen in various media outlets, a new tax on flight tickets was introduced on Nov. 1 by the Tanzanian government. A tax related to security... !!!??
Amount: around $90 per round-trip flight ticket.....
...
Seen in various media outlets, a new tax on flight tickets was introduced on Nov. 1 by the Tanzanian government. A tax related to security... !!!??
Amount: around $90 per round-trip flight ticket.....
...
Issues in Tanzania October 2025
Following the post-election chaos this week, read carefully:
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tanzanie/
In particular:
"For French travelers needing to take flights from Tanzanian airports, most international flights are canceled until further notice. It’s recommended to go to the airport only if your flight is confirmed by your airline.
It’s advised to postpone any travel plans to Tanzania unless absolutely necessary."
...
...
Actor Robert REDFORD has passed away.
Hello,
In 1985, the film "Out of Africa" was released, which inspired me to visit Kenya for the first time a year later. My passion for animals in their wild and natural habitat, and thus for safaris, was born while watching this film and appreciating Robert REDFORD’s acting.
Of course, the film’s director and Meryl STREEP also contributed greatly to this wonderful movie.....
In a way, I owe him this passion, and I thank him for it. Sometimes, during safaris, when we had our breakfasts in the middle of nature, in one reserve or another in Kenya or Tanzania, I often thought of him.
May he rest in peace, far from our world of madness. Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mr. REDFORD.
( In three weeks in Kenya, I think I’ll often be thinking of him....... )
...
In 1985, the film "Out of Africa" was released, which inspired me to visit Kenya for the first time a year later. My passion for animals in their wild and natural habitat, and thus for safaris, was born while watching this film and appreciating Robert REDFORD’s acting.
Of course, the film’s director and Meryl STREEP also contributed greatly to this wonderful movie.....
In a way, I owe him this passion, and I thank him for it. Sometimes, during safaris, when we had our breakfasts in the middle of nature, in one reserve or another in Kenya or Tanzania, I often thought of him.
May he rest in peace, far from our world of madness. Thank you for EVERYTHING, Mr. REDFORD.
( In three weeks in Kenya, I think I’ll often be thinking of him....... )
...
Cantal—have you heard of it?
...
After Southern Tanzania, I’m sharing a travel story about the Cantal region with you...
...
For us, at the start of 2025, Le CANTAL was a true “Terra Incognita”!!
After seeing some tempting TV reports, we decided to fill this gap—especially in terms of landscapes. On the same trip, we’ll also head to the Arcachon Basin, the International Seaplane Gathering in Biscarrosse, and my native Landes region...
So, on May 20th, we left Marseille in the rain and thunder, heading toward Nîmes, Saint-Hippolyte, Mont Aigoual, Florac, and stopping in Marvejols to give my arthritic back a break for the night.
The next morning, we decided to revisit the Parc aux Loups du Gévaudan (Europe’s largest wolf park). As someone used to photo safaris in the wilds of East Africa, I’m not a fan of zoos at all—but I *do* have a deep admiration for wolves!!
Since it’s pretty unlikely I’ll ever see one in the wild, I’ll settle for this Parc aux Loups in Marvejols. This will be our third visit to this incredible gathering of these fascinating canines.
Some are still finishing their chilly night...
...
After Southern Tanzania, I’m sharing a travel story about the Cantal region with you...
...
For us, at the start of 2025, Le CANTAL was a true “Terra Incognita”!!
After seeing some tempting TV reports, we decided to fill this gap—especially in terms of landscapes. On the same trip, we’ll also head to the Arcachon Basin, the International Seaplane Gathering in Biscarrosse, and my native Landes region...
So, on May 20th, we left Marseille in the rain and thunder, heading toward Nîmes, Saint-Hippolyte, Mont Aigoual, Florac, and stopping in Marvejols to give my arthritic back a break for the night.
The next morning, we decided to revisit the Parc aux Loups du Gévaudan (Europe’s largest wolf park). As someone used to photo safaris in the wilds of East Africa, I’m not a fan of zoos at all—but I *do* have a deep admiration for wolves!!
Since it’s pretty unlikely I’ll ever see one in the wild, I’ll settle for this Parc aux Loups in Marvejols. This will be our third visit to this incredible gathering of these fascinating canines.
Some are still finishing their chilly night...
...
Using the WISE Card for Payments or Cash Withdrawals (Your Experience)
Hello,
I’ve heard a lot about WISE for low-cost money transfers (booking/paying for safari services). I’m looking for feedback from people who’ve actually used WISE to pay at a restaurant or withdraw local cash from an ATM.
Could you share what you consider the "pros" and "cons" of the WISE debit card compared to a traditional bank card? Also, do you think there are any risks? If so, what are they? Thanks in advance for shedding some light on this—I’m only interested in firsthand experiences.
Thanks!
...
I’ve heard a lot about WISE for low-cost money transfers (booking/paying for safari services). I’m looking for feedback from people who’ve actually used WISE to pay at a restaurant or withdraw local cash from an ATM.
Could you share what you consider the "pros" and "cons" of the WISE debit card compared to a traditional bank card? Also, do you think there are any risks? If so, what are they? Thanks in advance for shedding some light on this—I’m only interested in firsthand experiences.
Thanks!
...
Violent anti-government protests and repression in Kenya
Hi everyone planning to travel to Kenya with (or without) kids,
Just so you know:
This week, extremely violent protests, met with live ammunition repression, have resulted in many casualties and hundreds of injuries across several Kenyan cities. There’s also been widespread destruction, fires, and looting accompanying these violent scenes...
Check this out: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/kenya/
And also: https://www.corsematin.com/article/francemonde/6837346876811/violent-protests-in-kenya-16-dead-according-to-amnesty-executive-claims-to-have-foiled-a-coup
...
Just so you know:
This week, extremely violent protests, met with live ammunition repression, have resulted in many casualties and hundreds of injuries across several Kenyan cities. There’s also been widespread destruction, fires, and looting accompanying these violent scenes...
Check this out: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/kenya/
And also: https://www.corsematin.com/article/francemonde/6837346876811/violent-protests-in-kenya-16-dead-according-to-amnesty-executive-claims-to-have-foiled-a-coup
...
Ban on using foreign currencies for payments in Tanzania
Hi,
This is new—just announced!:
The Tanzanian government has recently implemented a new regulation banning the use of foreign currencies for domestic transactions. The Bank of Tanzania issued a notice requiring all local payments to be made exclusively in Tanzanian shillings (TZS).
More info:
https://www.agenceecofin.com/actualites/0505-128083-tanzanie-interdiction-de-lusage-des-devises-etrangeres-dans-les-transactions-locales
https://partir.ouest-france.fr/magazine/it-is-now-impossible-to-pay-in-foreign-currency-in-tanzania/
...
This is new—just announced!:
The Tanzanian government has recently implemented a new regulation banning the use of foreign currencies for domestic transactions. The Bank of Tanzania issued a notice requiring all local payments to be made exclusively in Tanzanian shillings (TZS).
More info:
https://www.agenceecofin.com/actualites/0505-128083-tanzanie-interdiction-de-lusage-des-devises-etrangeres-dans-les-transactions-locales
https://partir.ouest-france.fr/magazine/it-is-now-impossible-to-pay-in-foreign-currency-in-tanzania/
...
In MIKUMI and SELOUS, Southern Tanzania (June 2024)
Hi everyone,
I’m a newbie to this forum, passionate about wildlife, the landscapes of East Africa, and Tanzania in particular. This June 2024 trip/safari is our 7th visit to Tanzania and our 5th in the south, which has drawn us more than the north ever since we discovered it in 2015.
In 2024, the entrance fees for the reserves and services have gone up again since our last visit. I chose to return first to Mikumi Reserve, which was the very first one we visited in the south. Then, we’ll head to Selous (J. Nyerere N. P.) as usual. Initially, we wanted to spend 2/3 days on Mafia Island at the end of the trip, but it made the total cost too high, so we gave up... We usually go to Ruaha and Selous, but I wanted to mix it up a bit—also to save some money...
As for the timing, June is a new experience for us. I thought it might be interesting to come just after the lodges reopen... hoping for some great wildlife encounters??
The trip starts in Marseille with our first flight on Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa, then continues to Dar es Salaam, where we’ll finally set foot on Tanzanian soil again.
In Addis... "our" A-350.
.....
After arriving in Dar, we spent one night at a hotel near the airport. The next morning, we headed to the domestic flights terminal, which hasn’t changed in years.
By mid-morning, we boarded a Cessna 208B Caravan with Safari Air Link, heading to the Kikoboga bush airstrip in Mikumi, which we reached 45 minutes later. Fun fact: the pilot was the same one as on our return flight two years ago.
Welcome on board:
Of course, a driver/guide team from our chosen lodge was waiting for us upon arrival:
I was surprised to see so many aircraft parked there... even twin-engine Embraer Brasilias?? As a fan of vintage planes, I loved it...
On the other hand, the light was incredibly harsh.....!! Our guides only speak English. We knew that in advance. In the south, it’s very rare to find someone who speaks French. This’ll force us to dig into our high school English memories... from 60 years ago... at least.
It’s noon, and we head toward the lodge. Near the airstrip, next to the Mikumi rangers’ base, there are quite a few herbivores. They find a bit more peace here—the big cats don’t venture this way...
Our first encounter was a group of Masai giraffes.
Rarer (for us), a savanna monitor lizard basking in the sun right in the middle of the track...??
A large gathering of impalas (mostly males) along with a few blue wildebeest:
Also unusual: a African crowned hornbill taking a dust bath in the middle of the track...!!
When it comes to identifying mammals or birds, I don’t know everything... so I might make mistakes. Please forgive me. I’m counting on my friend Blesl’s active participation... 😉
...
I’m a newbie to this forum, passionate about wildlife, the landscapes of East Africa, and Tanzania in particular. This June 2024 trip/safari is our 7th visit to Tanzania and our 5th in the south, which has drawn us more than the north ever since we discovered it in 2015.
In 2024, the entrance fees for the reserves and services have gone up again since our last visit. I chose to return first to Mikumi Reserve, which was the very first one we visited in the south. Then, we’ll head to Selous (J. Nyerere N. P.) as usual. Initially, we wanted to spend 2/3 days on Mafia Island at the end of the trip, but it made the total cost too high, so we gave up... We usually go to Ruaha and Selous, but I wanted to mix it up a bit—also to save some money...
As for the timing, June is a new experience for us. I thought it might be interesting to come just after the lodges reopen... hoping for some great wildlife encounters??
The trip starts in Marseille with our first flight on Ethiopian Airlines to Addis Ababa, then continues to Dar es Salaam, where we’ll finally set foot on Tanzanian soil again.
In Addis... "our" A-350.
.....
After arriving in Dar, we spent one night at a hotel near the airport. The next morning, we headed to the domestic flights terminal, which hasn’t changed in years.
By mid-morning, we boarded a Cessna 208B Caravan with Safari Air Link, heading to the Kikoboga bush airstrip in Mikumi, which we reached 45 minutes later. Fun fact: the pilot was the same one as on our return flight two years ago.
Welcome on board:
Of course, a driver/guide team from our chosen lodge was waiting for us upon arrival:
I was surprised to see so many aircraft parked there... even twin-engine Embraer Brasilias?? As a fan of vintage planes, I loved it...
On the other hand, the light was incredibly harsh.....!! Our guides only speak English. We knew that in advance. In the south, it’s very rare to find someone who speaks French. This’ll force us to dig into our high school English memories... from 60 years ago... at least.
It’s noon, and we head toward the lodge. Near the airstrip, next to the Mikumi rangers’ base, there are quite a few herbivores. They find a bit more peace here—the big cats don’t venture this way...
Our first encounter was a group of Masai giraffes.
Rarer (for us), a savanna monitor lizard basking in the sun right in the middle of the track...??
A large gathering of impalas (mostly males) along with a few blue wildebeest:
Also unusual: a African crowned hornbill taking a dust bath in the middle of the track...!!
When it comes to identifying mammals or birds, I don’t know everything... so I might make mistakes. Please forgive me. I’m counting on my friend Blesl’s active participation... 😉
...
