The adventure began in Nairobi, Kenya, where Sandy experienced an immediate culture shock, witnessing the vibrant life along the highways, with people walking alongside goats and cows. A visit to the Giraffe Center and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage offered unforgettable encounters with majestic animals, including a baby rhino.

The journey continued to Amboseli National Park, where Sandy stayed at the Ol Tukai Lodge. Here, she enjoyed stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and observed large herds of African elephants during morning and afternoon game drives. The diverse ecosystem of woodlands, wetlands, savannah plains, and lakes created a breathtaking backdrop. Sandy and her family stayed in comfortable, rustic cabins surrounded by playful monkeys and rhinos just beyond the fence.

Crossing the border at Namanga, Sandy and her group met their private guides in Tanzania and traveled to Arusha, where they enjoyed a delightful lunch at one of the country’s largest coffee plantations. The next stop was Ngorongoro Crater, where Sandy stayed at the luxurious Neptune Ngorongoro Lodge. The five-star wood log cabin provided a taste of ultimate luxury, with exceptional food at the Acacia restaurant and free drinks at the Zebra Bar. The lodge, set in 50 acres of Tanzanian bush, offered excursions to the Crater floor, home to the Big Five: elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and black rhinos.

During her stay, Sandy visited four different tribes, including the ancient Hadzabe people, with whom she went hunting using bows and arrows. The Datoga Tribe, known for crafting arrowheads for the Hadzabe, and the welcoming Maasai villages, left a lasting impression on Sandy. Experiencing the simple yet fulfilling lives of these communities offered a new perspective on happiness and survival.

The adventure continued at Wilderness Usawa Serengeti, where Sandy stayed in luxury mobile camps. The staff provided fantastic meals, and the tents offered all the comforts of home. Game drives were a highlight, with encounters with lions, dik-diks, and Rock Hyraxes. Sandy learned about the Great Migration and even took a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, witnessing the stunning landscape and abundant wildlife.

A thrilling moment occurred when Sandy witnessed three cheetahs take down a wildebeest—a true National Geographic experience that left her exhilarated.

The journey concluded with a two-night stay at Little Governors’ Camp in the Masai Mara. Sandy stayed in luxury tented rooms with views of a large watering hole teeming with wildlife. Warthogs, hippos, and monkeys roamed freely, creating a peaceful and immersive experience.