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My stay at the Elewana Tarangire Treetops Tanzania

My stay at the Elewana Tarangire Treetops Tanzania

by | Aug 8, 2021 | 1 comment

There are places and destinations that travelers have dreamed about experiencing.  Many times, the expectation may not fit the reality.  In the case of my stay at the Elewana Tarangire Treetops in Tanzania, it was beyond expectations. 

 

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The property is remote and is located just outside the Tarangire National Park.  It makes up for all you could want in expectations from property within a city proper.  The greeting not only includes the staff from the Treetops but local Maasai warriors in traditional tribal outfits.  Smiles and genuine happiness are evident from everyone was so heartwarming. The experience here truly depicts an example of sustainable tourism. 

 

The Tarangire Treetops reception area is designed around an enormous baobab tree in Tanzania.  It foretold the actual treetop room I would eventually stay in and is an excellent site in terms of design and style.  In the reception tree, which must be hundreds of years old, live a colony of bats. Yes, bats! At first, I was skeptical, but as we sat down to dinner, bats flew around us, and there was no hint of mosquitos, no doubt due to the bats.  Another excellent example of the beauty of living within and with nature. 

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Dinner was on the patio with a nearby watering hole, where several animals visited throughout the day.  We saw zebras, impalas, elephants come right up to the property.  The animals were so protected and respected that we could not walk to our rooms since they roamed the property freely.  Going back and forth to our room, the Maasai tribesmen often escorted us, a surreal experience. There was also a sundown cocktail experience on a hill with a beautiful sunset and snacks served by our personal butler and staff. 

 The property itself is in southern Maasailand.  We got to visit a local Maasai village which was yet another unbelievable experience.  The Maasai elder of this village had more than 70 children and countless wives who all lived in harmony. We got to see their homes which are incredibly simplistic and functional. The warm-hearted reception from the Maasai people is a memory I will never forget.  Even with the different cultures, I left feeling that the Maasai were more blessed than I would ever be.

 

 My treetop room was a treasure and truly exemplified my childhood dream of living in a treehouse. The room was large with a practical open design.  It included a large wrap patio from which we had excellent views of the sunset and treetops.  A wrap-around deck was attached so you could sit out and commune with nature.

Our final night included an outdoor dinner in a traditional Boma with a giant bonfire, dancing and chants from the Maasai people, and an incredible menu.  We also got to enjoy a walking safari, night game drive, sundown cocktails, and have a fantastic safari experience.

If you are considering an African safari, you will not be disappointed with the Elewana safari experience.  Have the Elewana Treetops inspired you? I’d like to know.

True but little known facts about Tanzania.

True but little known facts about Tanzania.

by | Aug 4, 2021 | 0 comments

I am a strong proponent of research.  I believe it’s essential to know about the culture and customs of the destinations you travel to.  It’s a well-known fact that Tanzania is home to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.  However, several other points are important to know.  In my blog, I try to give more than just picturesque information. Here are some true but little-known facts I found out about Tanzania.

Since 2019, mainland Tanzania has been enforcing a ban on plastic bags. There are a range of fines imposed on travelers if found improperly disposing of plastic bags.  Visitors should avoid carrying plastic bags in their suitcase or carry-on before arriving in Tanzania. Ziploc bags for toiletry are still allowed.  There is a special desk at all entry points into Tanzania to dispose of plastic bags visitors may unknowingly bring into the country.

It is illegal to wear camouflage in Tanzania.    Green camouflage clothing is reserved exclusively for Tanzania’s People’s Defense Force. While you may see some people may be wearing some colored camouflage outfits. Know that only official military personnel is permitted to dress in the official green camouflage uniforms. Travelers can be stopped by police, forced to change clothing, and fined.  It’s simply not worth the hassle.

Parts of the Tanzanian population are Muslim. Some places can be conservative, and men and women usually cover their knees in public. Traditionally women wear only skirts. However, tourists and foreigners often wear pants but should try not for them to be form-fitting. To be safe, avoid shorts and skirts above the knees. Also, avoid wearing tops that bare your shoulders or cleavage. A headdress may also be appropriate. And as always, please try to respect the culture.

Knowledge about Tanzanian culture is essential.  Visitors should always use their right hand for greetings as the left hand is associated with toilet activities.  Greeting only one person in a room is considered impolite, so acknowledge everyone in the room.  Males and females may eat in separate rooms even when related. Also, saying no to food being offered to you or smelling food is considered impolite.

Age is highly respected in Tanzania. Greeting an older person is sometimes accompanied by a bow.  Much respect is given to older tourists.  It’s common to see bargaining in shops and marketplaces, even to have prices increased for foreigners.  However, age can be advantageous when bargaining in shops and the market.

These are but a few little-known facts about Tanzania.  I encourage all travelers to research their destinations before travel.  Have you ever been surprised by cultural etiquette? I’d like to know.

5 must have items that stay in my carry-on.

5 must have items that stay in my carry-on.

by | Dec 10, 2020 | 0 comments

As an avid world traveler who has done this both professionally and personally, my carry-on is always semi-packed. Here are my tips and advice on the 5 items I consider must-haves and should always be in my carry on.

1. A lingerie organizer bag (details on another blog post). The one I use has two sides, one for clean underwear and the other for dirty. You never want to get them confused!

2. An electronic organizer bag (blog post coming). With people being so connected it is so inconvenient to lose connectivity and most hotels do not provide enough power outlets for the technology we use in our daily lives.

3. A toothbrush which in my opinion is even more needed than the electronic organizer. Many people pack this in their suitcase but with the chances of your luggage being lost, I like to always have this at hand.

4. A medicine bag with items like Tums, ibuprofen, cold medicine, etc. I tend to also have eye masks, face masks, prescription medications, band-aids, Neosporin, alcohol pads, and such (more on another post).

5. Finally I always have a small makeup bag with the basics like mascara, lip moisturizer, lipstick, makeup remover cloths, toner, and face moisturizer. These are always found at beauty supply stores and pharmacies in travel sizes.

You make have other priorities for your carry-on. If so, what are they? I’d love to find out.