A Safari Adventure in Tanzania
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Tanzania + Zanzibar
Winter 2025
with Karen Score
We began our adventure together in Arusha, the starting point for Northern Circuit Safaris. It was here that we gathered our group and spent our first night in Africa, staying in gorgeous, welcoming accommodations with beautiful gardens, elegant rooms, and a secluded swimming pool — the perfect way to get grounded after a long flight!
Then the real adventure began… Off we went on our African Safari, with our first stop being Tarangire National Park, a land of big Baobab trees, big cats, and big elephants! Within these savannah plains, river woodlands, and rocky hills, sightings of giraffes, hippos, zebras, wildebeest, baboons, monkeys, and lions were almost guaranteed. The Tarangire was home to one of the largest lion populations in Tanzania, and while there were also cheetah and leopard lurking about, they were a bit harder to spot, but we got lucky!
Lake Manyara National Park was next on our route. Within the dense forest of this park, we may have seen lions draped on the branches of trees or an elephant emerging from behind a tree. Oh, and there were A LOT of baboons here!
Days 4 and 5 were spent in Serengeti National Park, the earliest site recorded as a World Heritage Site, with a unique ecosystem providing insight into the dynamic functions of the natural world. The tremendous stretch of land making up Serengeti National Park was stunning, with extraordinary skies of astonishing colors and the sensation of not knowing what we’d spot next — with over 7,500 hyenas, 3,000 lions, 250 cheetahs, along with the quiet, giant elephants and so much more — every moment held the potential for seeing something magical unfold, combined with the danger in the hunt for prey… all necessary for the “Circle of Life” in this biological ecosystem.
South of the Serengeti was Ndutu. This stunning area allowed for a quieter and more intimate experience, as fewer travelers made their way here. It was a fantastic place to view the big cats and other wildlife — especially when the Great Migration passed through! We enjoyed watching epic numbers of wildlife pass across the landscape and the predators who were ready to pounce. The endless horizons and star-filled night skies were pretty spectacular here, too!
On our 7th day of Safari, we were in Ngorongoro Crater, said to be the jewel in Tanzania’s crown. Thought to be the result of a volcanic explosion, this fertile valley was one of the most beautiful natural wildlife safari destinations in the world. The enclosed nature of the crater had created an ecosystem all of its own, resulting in some of the best opportunities to spot lions, buffalo, elephants, leopards, zebra, and cheetah, along with ostrich, gazelle, wildebeest, hippo, hyenas, and even the endangered black rhino. We rose early in the morning here to take in the sight of the mist rising from the crater, revealing the steep, forested walls and waterways where an abundance of wildlife was hidden from sight.
Then, it was off to ZANZIBAR! After a short flight from Tanzania, we found ourselves on this stunningly gorgeous island in the Indian Ocean. We stayed in Nungwi, which had one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and was the best place to see the sunset! Once upon a time, this had been a major boat-building center for the traditional wooden sailing boats called dhows. It was also a great place to learn all about turtle conservation, swim, go diving or snorkeling, make a day trip to historical Stone Town, or just relax and soak up the vibes and all the experiences of the previous week before heading back home.
Testimonials:
"I was reluctant to go on safari, but I’m so glad I decided to go. The trip was fantastic, and we were lucky to experience Karen’s vision for a safari expedition that truly delivered. The guides, all four of them, were beyond competent—they were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and we felt safe in their hands the entire time.
The safari exceeded all my expectations. Seeing all of the animals of the Serengeti up close truly “blew my mind!” Plus, the people we interacted with in Tanzania were lovely, friendly, and welcoming.
Of course, the accommodations were superb—luxury and beauty at every stop throughout the excursion. If given the chance, don’t hesitate to go on Karen’s next trip to Africa.
With great appreciation for this opportunity to experience such a life-enriching journey, I thank Karen."
— Carol Glansberg
"My recent African Safari trip with Grace in Nature was the trip of a lifetime. Grace in Nature partnered with the unbeatable Lion King Adventures to deliver a week of wild safaris through numerous Tanzanian National Parks, filled with sightings of every animal you could imagine—up close, in the bush.
Endless exciting sightings of elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, gazelles, male and female lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, black rhinos, jackals, hyenas, baboons, and numerous wild birds, just to name a few, in their natural habitat, were breathtaking.
Complete with outstanding lodging, delicious meals three times a day, and an amazing sunrise balloon ride over the Serengeti, this trip was a dream come true. It should be on anyone’s bucket list who dreams of a safe and fantastic safari adventure."
— Karen LaTerra
“I recently took part in the Grace in Nature retreat to Tanzania, and I found my experience to be both powerful and deeply personal. This trip was a safari, and when one understands that "safari" (Swahili) translates to "journey," a better understanding of this retreat ensues.
For me, this journey explored parts of the rich and diverse land of Tanzania. The unique offerings of this country can be appreciated through the welcoming spirit of the people and the pleasant smiles received every day. The genuine, positive greetings reflect a national pride and goodwill toward travelers. I could not have imagined such welcoming hosts.
As we traveled through the savanna and other biomes, we witnessed a rich diversity of animals in close proximity. Every day of this journey was a new and exciting adventure. Our guides were caring, knowledgeable, engaging, and professional. They became a welcome addition to our everyday experience.
The vast landscape held a variety of both plants and animals. Feeling an Acacia tree’s thorns up close adds to the perplexity of how a giraffe eats the tree's leaves. When I saw wildebeests as far as I could see over the horizon, and then watched them move across the grassland, I began to understand the breadth of the Serengeti.
After traveling through the parks, there was always a comfortable respite to relax, reflect on the day, and recharge for the next tour the following day. For me, I am continually in awe of what I witnessed. It is not about the destination of Tanzania but the journey through the experience. This was an adventure of a lifetime!!”
— A.S.