We maintain our childlike sense of awe and enthusiasm in this reserve, veering from high octane adventuring to total relaxation.
Some safaris can be predictable, even routine. Not with us, not ever. Over the years in Nyerere, we’ve figured out that such a diverse ecology gives us so many ways to enjoy the bush. Lying on sandbars watching eagles, tracing sand rivers, holing up in tree-top hides, creeping up on grunting hippos.
One of our safari holy grails is to see, and not be seen. The way to do this on foot is to stay hidden, and walk ourselves into a good position; vegetation fringed rivers and floodplains are the perfect cover. At some point, we’ll emerge out into a clearing, a secret world. There’ll always be something surprising there.
We beat upstream by boat, dodging hippopotami; on the way back we just let the current spiral us back to the lodge, as Africa drifts by. In secluded floodplains, we see elephant herds, and shining flocks of great white pelicans. Back at the riverbanks, a spot of barefoot tiger-fishing in the shallows is in order.
This is all about experience. A safari spent in the game rich plains of Ruaha, and the endless wilderness of Nyerere, the south is hard to beat.