On the Ground in Tanzania with Leora & Charlene

Tanzania greets visitors with wide open skies, golden savannahs, and a rich cultural heartbeat that carries through the land. At Rothschild Safaris, we know that true understanding comes from walking the paths, meeting the people, and feeling the spirit of a place firsthand. Recently, Leora Rothschild and Travel Designer, Charlene, journeyed across Tanzania, revisiting familiar favorites and discovering new gems that continue to refine the journeys we offer our travelers. 

A Seamless Arrival 

Every Rothschild journey begins with a warm welcome. Upon arrival in Tanzania, we were met just as any Rothschild Safaris client is met. Rather than navigating the busy terminal, we were met directly off our flight and escorted to a comfortable lounge. We enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee while the team managed all customs and immigration formalities with quiet efficiency. It is a calm and elegant entry that mirrors the ease we promise for all our travelers. 

A Visit to Shanga: Artistry and Heart 

In the afternoon, Charlene explored Shanga, a vibrant social enterprise where creativity and compassion meet. Shanga employs artisans with disabilities who craft exquisite jewelry, homewares, and textiles. Walking through the colorful workshops, Charlene was captivated by an atmosphere of joy, artistry, and resilience. Supporting Shanga nurtures local talent while allowing travelers to take home meaningful pieces infused with the spirit of Tanzania. 

Ngorongoro Crater: Sleeping at the Edge of a Wonder 

Our first stop on our journey was the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most extraordinary natural wonders. Staying at Melia Ngorongoro, perched dramatically on the crater rim, we woke to sweeping views over the ancient volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife. The lodge is a little larger than we generally prefer, but we enjoyed the setting as well as the buffalo that wandered past our window in the morning. Our journeys always incorporate a visit to a secluded Masai village. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a walk to one of the local villages, where authentic and unscripted encounters provide a pure, real, and deeply enriching experience. The highlands around Karatu also invite exploration, whether walking to the elephant caves or cycling through the town's quiet streets. 

Southern Serengeti: A Hidden Serengeti Sanctuary 

The Southern Serengeti stirs to life from January to mid-March, when over two million wildebeest migrate into the region, bringing with them the unforgettable spectacle of thousands of newborn calves. It is a truly remarkable time to witness nature's rhythms unfold. It was during this extraordinary time that we spent time at Mwiba Lodge, a beautiful sanctuary set on a private reserve adjacent to the Serengeti. Known for impeccable service and an atmosphere of quiet indulgence, Mwiba provided a perfect base from which to soak in the magic of the migration. One unforgettable morning we savored piping hot lattes as the first light stretched across the plains, watching the sunrise from the warmth of the outdoor jacuzzi. 

A Morning Among the Hadzabe: A Glimpse into an Ancient World 

In a remote corner of the Lake Eyasi region, we spent a morning with the Hadzabe Bushmen, one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes. Sharing freshly dug tubers for breakfast and joining in a traditional hunt, we witnessed a way of life that remains profoundly connected to nature. One poignant moment saw the Hadzabe carefully harvest honeycomb from a wild hive, then gently restore the hive to the tree, allowing the bees to continue their lives unharmed, a testament to their deep respect for the land. It was a rare, humbling encounter that spoke to the very soul of Africa. 

An Authentic Welcome from the Datoga Tribe 

Equally moving was our visit to the Datoga people, renowned for their intricate jewelry and blacksmithing skills. This was a truly authentic interaction, free from choreographed dances or staged performances. One of the women graciously gave us a tour of the village, where daily life unfolded. We got to observe women grinding flour by hand, little children playing joyfully, and blacksmiths skillfully crafting weapons and intricate jewelry. Elders sat together, enjoying a mysterious, homemade concoction, their contentment radiating through easy smiles. Nearby, young men worked to repair a boma, a protective enclosure that shelters their cattle at night. The warmth and authenticity of the Datoga people left a lasting impression, offering a heartfelt connection that transcended language. 

Serengeti North: Luxury on the Edge of the Wild 

In the northern reaches of the Serengeti, we spent time at One Nature Mara River Camp, an intimate and thoughtfully designed sanctuary near the banks of the Mara River. Ideally positioned for witnessing the thrilling wildebeest river crossings, the camp offers sweeping views across the plains and an atmosphere of refined seclusion. Each villa, with its canvas roofs and glass walls, allowed the wilderness to spill inside, creating a seamless connection to the surroundings. As night settled over the plains, the distant calls of wildlife provided a gentle reminder of the untamed beauty just beyond their doorstep. 

Each step through Tanzania reaffirmed the essence of what defines a Rothschild Safari, the belief that true understanding is found in the quiet moments, the authentic encounters, and the landscapes that stir the soul. From the thundering migration to the gentle rhythms of village life, Leora & Charlene’s experiences continue to shape the journeys we are privileged to share.