My first contact with Nandi at PAS was in January. While speaking with her, I mentioned what I wanted to see and do and the type of places to stay. Without hesitation, she went into action selecting the tent camps and lodges, planning my entire trip. There were two itineraries, one for July and the other in September. After reviewing, and speaking with her again, I chose September. Nandi, I can’t thank you enough for the excellent planning; all the informative advice and follow-ups. You are such an asset!

Now its time to depart Cincinnati, for Mt. Kilimanjaro 9/5. Arriving late in the evening, Zubeda, my hostess, greets me at the airport with flowers and a huge smile. What a great welcome. I was whisked thru customs, luggage arrived on time and then off to Arumeru River Lodge for a good nights rest. Following morning, Zubeda greeted me after breakfast, and we were off for a morning tour of the local market and Arusha. I had to visit the Arusha Hotel, from the John Wayne movie Hatari. Returning to the lodge for lunch, then off for a boat ride around a local lake, again returning to the lodge for dinner and getting ready for an early flight to meet Adam in the Northern Extension. Zubeda, thank you so much for all that you did for me in the short time we spent together. You shared a lot of knowledge about the people and their customs. I cherish my bracelet you gave to me. Thank you again.

9/8 Flight to Northern Serengeti. Adam was at the airport waiting for me. After our greeting, a trip down to the Mara River was our first stop. Adam explained the history of the area, the wildlife, and the people. We then started our game drive on our way to Lamala Mara Tented camp. Being my first tent experience, it was so exciting. The entire time up here was wonderful. I was lucky enough to see 2 wildebeest crossings at the river in the same day. The first day, we waited almost 5 hours with no crossing. After our first crossing we returned to camp for lunch, and then to my surprise, Adam planned a hike with a Maasai ranger. It was a real treat. Upon returning to camp, the other guests were quite jealous. Each morning, sunrise was not to be missed, and the same for sunset. On Saturday it was off to Loliondo. Again another great day, our first leopard hiding in a bush, our close encounter with an elephant cow and calf. Arriving at Buffalo tent camp, the greeting by the staff was musical. After dinner we had a night game drive, watching bush-baby monkeys jump from tree to tree, mother and baby giraffe, a pack of spotted hyenas all under a full moon. Next day, we were off after breakfast for our drive to Seronera/ Central to Serena lodge. Along the way, animals were everywhere you looked; zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, elephants, Topi, Impala, and hippos, so much to see. Arriving after sunset, a hot shower, dinner and a good nights rest was in order. Up before the sun, and we are off again. This morning was my balloon ride, something not to be missed. Today we spotted all of the Big 5, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino along with cheetahs, a Serval cat, ostrich, warthogs, birds of all kind.

I’ve lost track of what day it is. Each day is better than the day before. Today we leave for Ngorongoro. Before stopping for breakfast, we spotted 2 male cheetahs on the hunt. Then time for our breakfast.

Time to load up and discover more of the beautiful, the sad, the good and the bad. Unexpectedly, our next stop was in the middle of the Serengeti when we had car trouble. We needed help and Adam had cell service, what a blessing. During this time, I was taking photos during a light rain then watched Mother Nature at her best, as the storms circled us. Listening to the thunder, watching the heavy rain in the distant and then a beautiful full rainbow. Adam paced waiting for the mechanics, after a few hours they arrived, made the repairs, we then returned to Serena lodge for the night. Up early and off for Ngorongoro, stopping by a Maasai village. Our visit was something I will never forget. It was heart warming. I loved our time in the crater and after spending many hours there we were off to the Manor for my horseback ride. The Manor, oh what a place, riding thru the coffee plantation, watching the beans being picked, seeing the locals bag them for shipping. Upon leaving, Adam and I came up on a bull elephant in the bushes, he was not happy, and he let us know it. As Adam says, this is the best time for photos and he was right. We drove on to the Plantation for my last night stay. Final day for game drive thru Lake Manyara on our way to Arusha. Back in Arusha, we stopped for a bite of lunch with Zubeda. We laughed and talked about the time spent waiting for the repair truck; I wasn’t worried, but, I could tell Adam sure was. It was something very unexpected. I used the time to reflect on the trip and see the true beauty of nature. Last stop was back at Arumeru River lodge to get ready for my flight home.

Adam, I’m not sure if I can “thank you” enough for the wonderful time you showed me. Each day you expressed your dedication and love for your country, Maasai heritage, family and the wildlife. This was my first trip with PAS, but it will not be my last.

My friends, safe travel and I will see you in 2013.

Rita Jagoditz

Cincinnati, Ohio

USA