In the winter of 2019, Henderson Productions took a small group to Tanzania for a 14-day adventure. This blog series tells the story of the trip and our fellow travelers. Using our network around the world, we curated a tour to give us local connections and experiences beyond the normal tourist choices. For more information about our upcoming trips, subscribe to our newsletter.
Isaak Dinesen’s famous opening line is in my mind this morning on our private terrace while new and interesting birds awake and chirp in a dawn serenade. “I had a farm down in Africa.”
Waking in a romantically netted bed with a couple of carved meerkats the only decoration in the room – meaning tastefully spartan – instantly makes one slow down and channel primal instincts. On the other hand, nothing about “tangy lemon” tea or coffee in a porcelain cup while wearing a waffled bed jacket in a comfy chair with Aljazeera news or the lovely rain head warm shower with local soap is “historic”.
I can hear V & S murmuring on their terrace but not see them. We have several hours til we begin the drive to our first safari in the Serengeti. We were meant to visit Tarangire National Park first and ease our way to the big park, but flight delays ended up switching our itinerary to Saturday’s schedule and vice versa.
Hakuna Matata say I! No problem. I learned later in the day Hakuna Matata is No Worries. Hakuna Sheera is No Problem. Got it.
It had taken took another 2 hours to arrive at the Acacia Farm Lodge near Karatu. Along the way, we drove deeper into Masai country with the continual literal and figurative battle between ranchers and farmers passing outside our window. D, R, M and I spend the time shooting pastoral scenes with varying success. (I’m on par with about 20% captures. Not sure of the others)
Masai shepherds, generally boys with the occasional girl for contrast, herding back toward their bomas (villages) pushing stragglers with long sticks and generally loping along. We saw a few running strong and remarked how it reminded us of the NYC marathon and how we’d rather run barefoot than in flip flops.
The Acacia Farm Lodge exceeded all expectations and we were surely sorry our stay was so brief. From the welcome Hakuna Matata song to sunset on the terrace, gorgeous suite rooms to before-dinner cocktails at the bonfire, wonderful dinner to fancy breakfast, great night sleep in luxury comfort and pick-your-own packed lunches for the day. Wow. And a flock of brightly colored Fischer’s lovebirds visited for open-air breakfast as both a vibrant welcome and omen for a wonderful day to come. We can’t wait!
