Dancing Zebra Safari

Jessica, while being attentive, arranged a top-notch safari vacation that was unparalleled.

A Heart Full of Africa!
Even though we tagged along on this trip after it was planned by our neighbor and her Canadian friends, it felt like the trip I've been waiting to take my whole life! Jessica and her crew at Dancing Zebra Safari Co. arranged a 5-star trip to four African countries: Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Before departure, Jessica was patient with me while I asked a million questions. She provided us with great advice and a fabulous, full itinerary. The trip was planned to perfection, and even when we missed a flight due to a traffic jam, a plane was available for us that same afternoon!
Of the four countries we visited, Tanzania was my favorite. Our safari drives were made incredible by our experienced, passionate, knowledgeable, and amicable guides. Steven Mwakajumba was our exceptional guide for five glorious days! He anticipated some awesome animal interactions as we traversed the bush, and ensured our spotting of the Big 5. He shared great photography tips and techniques as we tried to capture the beauty around us. He was our guide and translator for our visit to a Maasai boma. What an incredible experience that was! As we learned amazing details about animals, plants, and cultural traditions, our group formed a special bond with Steven. We wanted to take him with us to the Serengeti! He seemed to want to come, too, both for our sakes, and to check up on a male lion for whom he has a fondness, and has named Tishala.
Our Serengeti guide, Mokili (The Elephant Whisperer), was also a blessing. Like Steven, he had a great love for his country, its traditions, history, and the flora and fauna of the incredible bush. We learned so much from him! He tailored our experience to what we wanted to see. We spent a morning with the wildebeests so that we could see them crossing the Grumeti River! I can still hear the soundtrack of their grunts!
After our game drives, we came back to migration camps that were picture-perfect! Talk about radical hospitality! There was always staff available to welcome us back to camp, offer wet washcloths for a quick freshen-up, and ask about our days. We had butlers, room attendants and escorts who served us with warmth, caring, and dedication. Shout-outs to our beautiful butlers, Juma, Josephat, and Rashid! Such exquisite service! The accommodations were as comfortable as they were elegant. Imagine waking up to the rhythmic grunts of hippos at the nearby river! The meals were phenomenal! One chef, Zakia, shared a recipe for house-made muesli when we asked her about it! One particular night (our last one) stood out at Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp. Rashid arranged for our group to have a private dinner on a secluded deck with a fire pit overlooking the bush. We were served delicious Swahili food, family style. After dinner, the kitchen and wait staff paraded out and sang us the Jambo Song, complete with drums and clapping. What a treat! We felt like the most important guests to have ever stayed there!
In Zimbabwe, I enjoyed the Mbano Manor Hotel's staff, and loved the food there. We saw loads of cool birds right on the property! Ruvimbo, Jabulani, and Praise were stand-outs! Themba was a good guide for Victoria Falls. He helped us find some great birds on or hike to the falls. Our game drive in Chobe N.P. was enhanced by our competent guide, Tau. A shout-out, too, for two drivers who had such easy laughs, good stories, and great information about local interests: Bheks (Bhekinkosi) in Victoria Falls, and Bat (Bathandwa) in Cape Town. In Cape Town, I especially enjoyed the Tree House Boutique Hotel. Sheila, Elton, Prince, Zukiswa, Melody, and Asisipho took good care of us! (And they did it with love and passion!) David Williams did a nice job as our guide on the Cape Peninsula tour.
I believe I left part of my heart in Africa. The part that came home is full to bursting!