AAC Staff Safari to Tanzania – October 2013
The AAC team of Saskia De Gouveia, Monica Kowalski, Karen Liza, Jessica Fraser and Sarah Taylor with their fantastic guide, Hillary Mandia ITINERARY Our Guide – Hillary Mandia
On arrival at Kilimanjaro we were greeted by a beaming Hillary. His appearance was immaculate, neatly pressed and proudly wearing his AAC cap and shirt. His greeting was warm and sincere. Hillary enquired about our flights and brought us up to date on the rest of the group and what to expect for the rest of the morning. We found him to be well prepared with regard to our itinerary. The safari vehicle was kept immaculate and the cooler filled with water. He shared a wonderful humor, a positive attitude that kept our group going in the most tiring part of the day. He loves his country and has superb knowledge of the game, birds and parks. He is extremely articulate and confident and made us feel comfortable and safe at all times.
Hillary was well known to most camp managers and staff and always obliging in answering questions. He went out of his way to incorporate game viewing into our already busy schedule by knowing the best routes to take and the conditions of the roads. Hillary exudes professionalism and is a suburb ambassador for AAC. By choosing to go the private safari route, and with the right Tanzanian tour guide, your dream vacation to Tanzania can be a truly exceptional experience. A private guide can make your Tanzania safari amazing:With a private guide you are stuck to a groups’ schedule. Also, when traveling with a large group, you are frequently forced to stay in the ‘mainstream’ safari areas. By traveling with a local guide on a private safari, you have access to more remote wilderness areas—places seldom visited by other tourists. You also have a more flexible schedule that allows for off the beaten path exploration and a guide who can take you to the amazing places that no one else knows about. When it comes to tour guides, there is no replacement for hands-on experience, lifelong knowledge, and their past work ‘in the field’ that private guides have to offer. Many have past experience as park rangers, biologists, and conservationists in Tanzania’s national parks. Private guides can introduce you personally to the food, history, people, language, and culture of Tanzania. A private guide who both lives and works in Tanzania is the best person to keep you safe during your vacation. Your guide will be familiar with the rules, regulations.
ARUSHA ~
Lake Duluti Lodge
After you go through a typical African village, you turn into a driveway that is an instant oasis of tranquility. The property is contemporary African chic, but feels very homey and cozy. Lovely, groomed grounds, built on a hillside, so perhaps have elderly folks situated closer to the main lodge. Pathways are concrete/stone. Rooms are chalets with plenty of space, nicely appointed. Bathrooms are large with tub. Lovely pool area on a nice lawn up on the hill (steps) to catch the breeze. Nice outdoor shaded deck at the main lodge. Friendly staff. I would want to stay here and would highly recommend.
