Some of you may be wondering, “what is this girl thinking?!” Don’t worry, it’s crossed my mind too. It all started with a recent opportunity of a lifetime that landed right in my lap, my university was offering a teaching practicum in Tanzania, so I obviously applied!
Now before you get your hopes up…
no, I did not get picked to go with my university (ouchie, my ego)…
but my friends did! So I figured, why don’t I just go anyways?! Honestly, I wanted to go because I was fearful the opportunity for an African Safari wouldn’t pop up again for me, I couldn’t let this pass by me. Too many times have I had friends staying and/or living all over the world for gap years, or work visas abroad and I haven’t been able to prioritize travelling to see them. Afterwards, I’d always kicked myself for not taking the opportunity to go somewhere where I knew people. That being said, I can’t say that Tanzania was always high on my bucket list (I legit did know where it was) but what really sold me was the potential to do an African safari. While this isn’t my first time going to Africa (in 2016 I backpacked through Morocco) but knew this trip would be completely different. Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras and more… *sigh*, what an absolute dream!
I decided to write down my planning process for how to prepare for my trip to Africa, for two reasons.
- it’s a great excuse for procrastinating by doing homework that conveniently is also planning out my next adventure
- planning a trip to Africa can be scary, and maybe my advice, tips, and tricks could help or inspire someone else
In my blog posts I’ll be covering:
- how I booked my flights
- price breakdowns of the trip
- what to book in advance vs. while I’m there
- My rough draft of the itinerary
- the helpful resources I found about:
- tips for being a female traveller in Tanzania
- packing lists and appropriate wear in the country
- requirements for Canadians going to Tanzania (vaccinations, visas etc.)
- ways of vetting housing, transport, and tours
- the top ‘must-do’ places to see, eat, and adventure
It’s important to note that while I consider myself a well-seasoned traveller, I’m not an expert. My style of travelling has been ‘casual ‘ aka cheap. I’ve backpacked my way through some of the UK, Europe, Morrocco, Mexico, and Canada. Then I’ve had more lux stays in Turkey, Australia, Bali and the USA. With planning my trip to Tanzania, I’m planning on a more luxurious trip, that’s partially due to safety, and the quality of the trip I plan on having. My current idea for this trip is to land in Dar Es Saalam, get on a safari for a couple of nights and then end the trip in Zanzibar. I’m aiming to stop in Amsterdam for longer layovers in both directions, partially to break up the trip a little, but also to visit one of my best friends.
Anyway, follow me as I prepare for, hopefully, one of my coolest trips yet!
see you there,
–Miss Mac
