Going on safari has always been on my bucket list—but what made it truly unforgettable was sharing the experience with my youngest daughter. From the moment we arrived I knew this wasn’t just a trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure we’ll be talking about forever.

I booked the entire experience through a company called Trip Quest, and they handled everything. From the second we landed to the moment we left Zanzibar, we didn’t have to worry about a single detail. (Keep in mind, this was not a budget safari, I spent a quite a bit for peace of mind so that we didn't have to worry about logistics and fully immerse ourselves in the experience) and wow, was there a lot to take in.  Martin from Trip Quest answered all of my questions, got a feel for what Alanna and I wanted from our experience and came back with several packages with several different price points to choose from.  Everything was included, flights, accommodations, breakfast, lunch and dinner, airport transfers, a truck with guide(David), water for when we were thirsty, blankets if we were chilly(in the early morning) and of course binoculars. They took care of everything!  We spent 5 days on Safari and 3 days in Zanzibar she proved to be a perfect balance.

The Serengeti

Our journey began in Serengeti National Park, and I swear it felt like we were in a wildlife documentary. Witnessing the animals interacting with one another, each with a very specific role was unbelievable.  We woke every morning at 5 am, were back in the truck by 6 am and the entire day was filled with excitement.  Around every turn was something else to see and the time passed so fast. We saw the Big Five and everything in between.  Up close and personal. Cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and more.

Spending time with the Maasai tribe living among all this wildlife was so moving. Their bright clothing, their deep connection to the land, and the way they live side by side with animals was so powerful. There’s something incredibly grounding about watching people live so closely with nature, it added greatly to my appreciation for this part of the world.

Accommodations- Four Seasons Safari Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater 

After The Serengeti, we headed to the Ngorongoro Crater, and I honestly.. I did not expect to be so blown away. The views from the top are unreal,  it brought tears to my eyes. Literally. And when you descend into the crater, it’s like entering a lost world. Elephants strolling past our vehicle, lions chillin in the grass, and zebras everywhere! It’s hard to put into words how surreal it all felt—like time just paused and let us be fully present.

Accomodations- Ngorongoro Lodge Melia Collection

Zanzibar

After several days of early mornings, dusty roads, and more animal sightings than I could’ve dreamed, we flew to Zanzibar for some much-needed downtime. And oh my goodness—what a dream. We stayed in a beautiful villa tucked into the trees, where monkeys literally swung by to say hello.  More than just hello actually, if you are not careful they will end up inside your villa so lock the door!  Seriously!

It was peaceful, quiet, and so incredibly relaxing that we never wanted to leave.

Zanzibar gave us time to breathe, laugh, and reflect on everything we’d just experienced. The beach was just steps away, the air was warm, and we enjoyed having nothing to do. It was the perfect way to end such an amazing holiday.

This trip was filled with so much—adventure, connection and beauty—but most of all, time with my daughter in a place that felt completely magical. I’ll carry these memories with me forever, and if you’ve ever dreamed of going on safari, do it!

Accommodations- The Residence Zanzibar 

 

Side Notes

1.As two women traveling alone we felt perfectly safe, which was the #1 reason I booked the trip through Trip Quest.  I have learned that if something feels overwhelming, ask for help!

2.You do not need the "yellow fever" vaccine to travel here.

3. I was sent with a ton of medication that I did not need (Charcoal pills, anit-biotics, Malaria Pills)

4. You can dress however you please, especially if you are not participating in a "walking safari" You are pretty much in the truck the entire time.  Just bring long sleeves and long pants in case the bugs bug you!

5.  Avoid black and navy clothing as the tsetse flies love these colors.

6.  Bring bug spray, I have a great one on my "My Must Haves" page.  I did not get bit once!

​

​

​

​