Getting to Africa

Our flights went smoothly and we were both able to upgrade to Economy Comfort on the stretch from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. It’s only four extra inches of leg room, but it made a world of difference on that second flight. The KLM food also puts Delta to shame so we felt quite spoiled by the time we landed. The Kilimanjaro airport is very small and you get off the plane outdoors. The wind was fierce so we were practically blown into the terminal. After a bit of paperwork at the Visa Office, we were allowed in for our bags. We struggled to find our guide but eventually Mom figured it out. He had the name of her friend whose spot I took. I wasn’t alert enough by this time to think that clearly, so I’m glad Mom saw him.

Our driver, David, drove us towards Arusha. One would NEVER want to rent a car here. The roads are pitch black with people walking along either side. Bicycles go where they please and passing is done at your own risk. After turning off the main road towards our lodge, we were treated to what David called a “Tanzanian Massage,” otherwise known as a very bumpy road. I think what he meant to say is “you’ll need a massage when you’re done with these roads.” Through a rough back lane we finally got to the beautiful Moivaro Coffee Lodge and were greeted with hot washcloths and fresh watermelon juice – very refreshing. After repacking for the safari we tried to sleep. Despite the evening starting warm, I was pleased to need my blanket halfway through the night.

Breakfast at the lodge was good, more fruit, juice, and also fabulous local coffee. Food was mostly British style but good and filling. At 10am we were picked up by Peggy, a friend of Mom’s and her daughter Lara, an elephant researcher who lives with her family just a mile from the lodge. We had chai at her home, overlooking the beautiful Mount Meru, and then lunch at Picasso Café. It was great to receive a friendly welcome in this most foreign place. We were given lots of good advice and reassurance about our visit.

David then picked us up at lunch and after a quick stop at Peace House to drop our big bags, we were off to Arusha airport to fly to the Serengeti. While waiting I tried a “Zanzibar Coffee” from the coffee stand in what they called the cafeteria. (AKA some seats and a coffee stand.) It was coffee with cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom. It certainly had a bit of spice to it but it tasted great. I’ve heard that spicy food actually helps you cope with heat, I think by causing you to sweat more. I’m not sure if that is true but it’s my excuse any way! Flight departed a bit late but planes looked better than I expected. They even had beverage service aboard! Well, a cooler filled with bottled water and a Tupperware full of Cadbury Eclairs to be passed around by the passengers. But hey, it’s the thought that counts.

I think I will start a new post for our Serengeti adventures, so this doesn’t become more of a novel than it already has.