Zanzibar
Author: Yellow Duckie
•23:01
As a resident of the East Africa Community, I suppose one could not miss the famous island that draws millions of beach lover to its shore each year. Afraid that it was over rated, I did not put too much hope about what I am going to experience. After all, I came from Asia, the tropical island where they boast of clear blue water and colourful coral beds.

Upon arrival at Zanzibar town, I was greeted by a familiar warmth and humidity. Without having to waste much time (since I am here only for a night), I headed straight to Nungwi, apparently the best coast in Zanzibar. It's about 70 mins drive from the Airport.

As we draw close to the coast, the weird thing is that you will not see it because you will have to go through a dense "forest" of settlement (village). One would not think that there is a nice emerald water sea beyond the villages. Finally, we arrived at our hotel and I am not too sure if this is the paradise I imagined.


Respecting the local culture...

The coast line is packed "shoulder to shoulder", one resort after another as far as your eyes could see. However, I was mesmerized by the turqoise water and white sandy beach (which is only less than 500m from the shore). The rich turqoise colour of the sea is "ever green" even at night when under the presence of light, you can see the turqoise colour. I find it quite amazing. I guess they don't call this East Africa best beach for no reason.


Since I only had a day, snorkelling was the only activities I had in mind and it was a major disappointment. It was near Kent Mar and it has absolutely nothing but dead coral bed and some colourful fishes to lighten the gloomy atmosphere. Spent rest of the day relaxing, strolling along the beach front looking at some paintings and curio for sale and deciding which restaurant for dinner.


Local Fisherman coming on shore with the catch of the day



Your choices...



Dinner.... I would strongly suggest that you DO NOT eat at the BLUE SEA...bad food....


The next day, I headed of to Zanzibar stone town to stroll down history lane. Go through the tiny lanes as it reveals its mysterious self to you. You will find the famous Lamu wooden craved doors, tiny curio shops and the historical landmark.



Local girl sitting by the doorstep



Enjoying Octopus stew by the road side...
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Lake Manyara: A Malaysian rain forest?
Author: Yellow Duckie
•10:33
Last leg: Lake Manyara ~ Arusha ~ Nairobi
After couple of days chasing the Big 5 in the safari, I must admit that I have had quite enough of the wildlife and can't wait to be home. However, this last safari stop : Lake Manyara, is quite different from the first two (Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park). Upon entering the Lake Manyara National Park, it reminds me alot of the rainforest in Malaysia. It is an area densed with tropical trees.
What is magical about my safari moments here in Lake Manyara is to be surrounded by a pool of elephants (loads of them).


Catching the sunset and sunrise is something one shouldn't miss. and I must admit it's a sight no one can get bored with.

Sunset at Serena Lake Manyara


Sunrise at Serena Lake Manyara
Our safari trips ends at Lake Manyara and one of the interesting place which we stopped by for some Masai blankets really caught my interest: Mti wa Mbu (Mosquito river) . However, the feeling of being there as a tourist (not that I can disguise to be a local) is not a pleasant feeling. You will definitely be slashed through your throat and you literally felt like a piece of meat walking amongst the hungry lions.

One of the interesting fruit that is commonly found is the red bananas. Out of pure curiousity, I have decided to buy some for a try and it costed my 2 USD for 3 pieces of bananas... that's right... 2 USD for 3 pieces (not combs) of banana...obviously I still have not quite gotten over the fact that I have been ripped off. All I can say about the bananas is that there is nothing special about it.
All i can say after three days of hardcore safaris trip is that apart from the safari the journey there is part of the adventure.
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Serengeti: The journey continues...
Author: Yellow Duckie
•10:24
Second leg of my tanzania Safari trip: South and Central of Serengeti National Park
The journey from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti National Park was plain: cruising through the gravel roads stirring up dust as we go by surrounded by vast green land which has no clear boundary between the earth and the sky at the horizon. Zebras, wild beast and the various types of gazelles are found graving with cautious eye resting on our vehicle as we pass through.

By now, you would have thought that one will be exhausted and bored of seeing these wild animals. I must admit that the excited of spotting the big fives (Lion, Buffalo, Rhinoceros, Leopard and Elephant) still lingers.
The scenery in the Serengeti National Park changes drastically from that in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The vast piece of flat land in the Serengeti National park is defined majority by the common existence of the umbrella accacias.
Highlight of my trip in Serengeti is the catching the sunset..this is definitely a MUST-DO to be added in your safari list.

We did a little side trip to the Olduvai (Oldupai) where the footprint of the existence of the early humankinds was discovered. This side trip was kind of "forced" into our itinerary but I have to admit the sight was quite remarkable. We were at the museum, which I must admit was just a pathetic little shack that house some historical information on the discovery of the footprints, the replica of it and the detail explanation of the excavation works done in the area. I seriously was not intrigued but i supposed it was not too bad as there was a local which gives us some lecture on the area and also the history.


One thing I took notice of while cruising in the Serengeti is the insect repellent which they set around the forest. Thus far, it is here that I saw them and no where else.

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Ngorongoro Crater : In the midst of wilderness
Author: Yellow Duckie
•23:33
First leg of the journey : Nairobi (Kenya)- Namanga (Border Kenya & Tanzania) - Arusha (Tanzania) - Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Tanzania)

Hitting off my first “official” road trip in Africa, I was beyond thrilled. We were making our way to catch the animals at the Tanzania National. First destination: Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As recommended by a friend, I had no doubt that this place was fantastic. Being a first timer on safari I seriously had no clue what to expect except that I will get to see wild animals in an “uncage” manner.

Although I was a little apprehensive about traveling by bus to Arusha (the pick up point for some of the national parks in Kenya and Tanzania) at the beginning but topping up an additional USD 560 was totally not what I had in mind to spend. So bus it is. To my surprised, the bus, although has tiny leg space, was really clean. For USD 50 (return) I can’t complain. To give it an additional brownie point about traveling by bus, you’ll get an excellent scenery (and if you are lucky, you;ll get to see some girraffe sticking out their long neck out in the bush) along the way BUT you will have to survived through the bumpy rides...again..for USD 50 return, I can't complain.


The lushness of the hills in Arusha throws me back to the days when I was standing among the hills in Tuscany and I simply cant believe I am actually in Africa. Tired and exhausted after the 6 hours journey from Nairobi, I was glad that I am finally at Arusha to be picked up by the guide heading off to Ngorongoro Crater for our first destination...little did I know there is another 3 hours journey to go...

Despite the long journey I had to endure, I have to admit that it was all worth it. We had the luxury to stay at the Serena Lodge and I must say, one of the best place with a perfect view of the crater. The night when we arrive, the earth happened to have the view of the biggest moon in the past few decades. With the full sized moon hanging brightly right above the crater...it is undescribable how captivating the sight was.

Word of Advise: Catch the sunrise right at your balcony, it's something you will regret if you miss it. If you are staying at the Serena, just walk out to the balcony :)



The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is actually inhibited by the Masai Tribe. Along the journey down to the crater, you will be able to catch tastefully dressed Masai selling some souvenirs and often throwing in the bargain to allow you to take a picture with/of him with the selling price offered. Most of them are found herding a flock of cattles which often crosses your path. The sound of the bells hung of the neck of the cattles apparently gave this crater its name, ngoro~ngoro.

Paid USD 4 to get this picture and a bead-woven star for my invisible christmas tree.

I must admit that among all the game drive I have been too thus far, Ngorongoro Crater has indeed got the best view. I was not sure if i was more fascinatinated by the scenery or the overwhelm but since it's my first game drive, it was a little of both that caught my breathless. Although I have read and seen countless safari trips in the books and on the television, I must admit that the experience of being amongst the wild animal is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which I highly recommend.


Stylish ASS :P


The wildbeast at rest...
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