Jambo! I’m back.
Here’s a quick photo summary of our amazing two weeks in Rwanda and Tanzania.
Yes that is Rwanda. Yes, Rwanda is safe.
No, they do NOT walk around hacking each other to pieces with machetes.
And the epicentre of the Ebola epidemic is closer to Spain than most of East and South Africa.
We got an enthusiastic welcome to the Volcanoes National Park.
Where the mighty Mr. Guhonda gave me the eye!!
Jumbo said…”Karibu Sana to Tarangire!”
But his royal highness didn’t seem as pleased to have yet another voyeur disturb his peace.
In the vast endless plains of the Serengeti, Cheetah played hard to get…
and our picnic spots were mostly taken…
but the daily drama of survival in the Savannah captured our hearts.
And a brief stopover in exotic Zanzibar made for a fitting finale.
Back soon with details. Until then…Safari Njema* no matter where life takes you.
- Swahili for Safe Journey or Godspeed. Did you know the true meaning of ‘safari’ is journey and not its game-drive connotation?
The Urge To Wander 
some very interesting captures , Madhu. You must have enjoyed a lot.
Thank you Namita. We sure did.
One thing I’m really impressed with Rwanda is its nationwide ban on plastic. Did you feel that the country was really clean from plastic rubbish? Anyway, this post answers my question on your whereabout. Glad you made the journey to Africa and managed to see some of the continent’s most majestic animals.
We were amazed by how clean it was Bama, from any kind of rubbish! A truly impressive rise from the devastating depths of genocide. As for the Serengeti, we were very grateful to have had the opportunity to see some of the mind blowing variety of creatures it hosts. But like your Komodo dragons, the cheetahs remained surprisingly elusive!
Reblogged this on MrMilitantNegro™.
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Sounds fabulous Madhu. Looking forward to more posts of your hol. That top picture of Rwanda is stunning.
Isn’t it? That is a view of the twin lakes near Ruhengeri, as seen from a high end lodge that we didn’t stay in 🙂 More coming up as soon as I get the mountain of laundry and a million other things that have piled up under control.
Hope your ankle is fully healed by now.
What an amazing trip! pictures are fantastic! Rwanda is in my top bucketlist of places to visit..can’t wait to read more about it 🙂
Thank you very much. Rwanda was an add on to our Tanzania safari just to see the gorillas, so we didn’t have as much time as we would have liked. I hope I can return for a more leisurely trip someday.
Looks like you had an awesome time…… 😀
We did Prakash! I have a couple of videos where I go “OMG” a half dozen times 🙂
Amazing pictures and I am sure an amazing trip!
Truly amazing. Thank you for reading and for the lovely comment 🙂
Beautiful post and looking forward to more Madhu. Thank you for sharing it. -Max-
Glad you liked this. Thank you Max.
Very interesting post – what an amazing experience!
Thank you Jenny. Seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat was indeed an unforgettable experience.
It must have been; it is on my list! I know what you mean – seeing wildlife in their natural habitat is always such an exciting privilege.
So happy for you,Madhu. The African experience is incredible and the memories last forever. Zanzibar is a perfect finale. Looking forward to more.
Thank you Lynne. Africa was truly incredible. Your volunteer work in Tanzania must have been doubly so.
Beautiful, Madhu! I had no idea of the significance of a true safari. It must have been an incredible experience.
It was. I had no idea about the significance of the word safari either, although I should have, since journey in Hindi (and Urdu) is ‘Safar’! 🙂
Jambo Madhu and thanks for another lovely post. I hail from Kenya so this particular adventure is close to my heart.
Safari in Swahili derives from Arabic, safr, which is to journey. Indeed in its usage as a loan word in English, we have come to know of it as a game drive which is only way to use it.
Asante sana for sharing! Wiki njema.
*one
Karibu Sana! I should have known considering it is ‘safar’ in Hindi/Urdu as well! Glad you enjoyed this post. Asante Sana for reading 🙂
amazing pictures as always!
Ah thank you very much! Have a great day 🙂
That’s joyful that you had such a life experience. I cannot imagine the feeling of seeing such majesty up close. Thanks for the travelogue and will await more.
Thank you Sally. It was deeply moving, especially our hour with the silverbacks. Now I am hooked 🙂
What an amazing experience backed by beautiful photography! 🙂
Thank you for your visit and compliment Millie and Jaden. Happy to ‘meet’ you 🙂
Love these pictures Madhu – such a beautiful glimpse of your trip!
Thank you Ginette and Gordon. Is Africa part of your 2016 world trip itinerary?
Africa is definitely on our wish list – we are tentatively looking at travelling there for a few months – heading North/Northeast from South Africa through to Kenya.
Can’t wait to read about your adventures there. – Ginette
It must have been an adventure. Wonderful photos.
It was. Thank you Bente.
Lovely photos of your adventurous travels, Madhu! Can’t wait for the follow-ups 🙂
Coming up soon Stacy. Thank you for stopping by 🙂
what an amazing experience
Dallas, this was our first visit to Africa (Egypt and Morocco don’t count as Africa!) and it was indeed amazing.
A dreamy collection, Madhu. That shot of the elephant in the late afternoon light is my favourite – I have still not yet seen one throughout my travels. Can’t wait to hear about your experiences in Rwanda. It has been lauded as East Africa’s success story for all the big improvements made since the horrors 20 years ago. And you were even in the Serengeti and Zanzibar – very, very jealous! Glad to have you back safe and sound. 🙂
James, I can’t believe you haven’t seen an elephant after all the time you spent in Bali! Shall have to set that right when you come to India. Our local temples should have resident elephants. (I know they do in Kerala and Mangalore) You will need to visit a forest park to see one in the wild of course.
Rwanda was an eyeopener despite all that we had read beforehand. Their resurgence turned my cynicism about India to hope! 🙂
Brilliant captures Madhu. A great safari experience for us 🐯. Many thanks.
Thank you for reading Dilip. Happy Thursday! 🙂
wow. that looks really awesome!
Many thanks for stopping by to tell me 🙂
Wow Africa Looks Amazing eager to stay there. Thanks for sharing this.
Your are most welcome Mr. Sumit! Thank you for reading.
Looks as though you had a wonderful Safari, Madhu. Fabulous photographs!
Thank you Elisa. Happy to see you back 🙂
Heyo Fabulous!
I have nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award. Check out my post for details. Thanks!
http://caughtinwanderlust.com/2014/10/06/sisterhood-of-the-world-bloggers-award/
Delighted and honoured Nicole! Thank you very much. Shall showcase it on my reader appreciation page right away. (Link on the sidebar)
What an amazing trip, Madhu. Mr. Guhonda is most impressive. I’d love to go to Zanzibar. 🙂
Mr. Guhonda is the largest silverback in the world Sylvia. To say I felt small standing in front of him is an understatement 🙂 You would love Zanzibar.
Ahh isn’t safari wonderful Madhu? Wish I could go again with a real camera. I’m looking forward to seeing more 🙂
It is. And even my basic DSLR felt inadequate Gilly. I would have loved to have a more powerful zoom at least, but the cost of a good lens was too prohibitive considering I wasn’t sure if I would get much use out of it after the safari.
It’s so good to have you back! I love the way you take care of our anxieties about Rwanda and Ebola in the first paragraph. And the photos are a wonderful taster. I’m eager for more. What is the bundle up the tree in the first photo showing the superb expanse of Rwandan landscape?
Thanks Meg. I was irked by the stereotypes people carry in their heads about Africa in general 🙂 That bundle is a traditional bee hive. It had just been harvested and had no resident bees though.
Madhu,
It’s great to see you back around here! Love the pictures. My cousin lives in Uganda and I’ve heard a bit about that area of the world from her. That gorilla is the best, just that intense look.
-David
Thank you David. We got to spend an hour with the gorillas and it was just magical.
Great picture! Glad you had a safe trip. And hiking to spot the silver-backed gorillas is one thing that I have GOT to do in my life…
Waiting for more pictures and details! 🙂
The Gorilla experience surpassed all our expectations Sumitra. I didn’t get too many great shots because they were moving about all the time, but watching them for a whole hour in their natural habitat was unbelievably moving.
I can’t wait to see more of your trip. We loved Zanzibar when we visited a few years ago.
Yes Zanzibar was lovely, although not as exotic for us as I expect it would be for Western visitors. The food in particular has a strong Indian influence.
I’ve been to the animal reserve in Kenya. Looks similar. The last picture is absolutely beautiful.
It must be, although we found each of the four parks we visited distinctly different in landscape and atmosphere. The sunsets on Zanzibar were particularly beautiful. Thank you Ian.
So that’s where you’ve been. Simply spectacular and I imagine you’ll be sharing much more. Welcome back!
Thank you Frank. I was already behind when I left, now I have a bigger pile up of blog reading. Promise to catch up eventually 🙂
Just relax and do what you can.
Welcome back! It seems as though you had a wonderful trip – the pictures are spectacular Madhu!
Thank you very much Mary.
Wonderful photos and captions, Madhu, and I love the “friend” who stole your picnic spot. Glad you had a good and safe time and welcome back! xx
Doesn’t our picnic spot thief look benign, almost tame? I so wanted to get out and rub her belly 🙂 Thanks Lauren
Yes, she did and I would love to do the same. I suppose looks can be deceiving, though, 🙂
Wow! Really looking forward to seeing and hearing all about this journey. Your private version of The Lion King? With other denizens of that amazing part of the world!
🙂 Something like that. Our most dramatic moments were with the wildebeest.
WOW!! I so missed my Safariss, my virtual, my vicarious safaris!
Thank you for finding me again!! But most of all thank you for providing me with such beauty!!
God Bless ♥
My pleasure entirely! Happy to catch up with you as well 🙂
Beautiful shots Madhu! Waiting to see more 🙂
Thanks Uday. Was hoping to see more of your spectacular photos. Have you been busy?
Really stunning pictures and the royal highness in particular…must have been a very exciting venture into the nature. Look forward to more of those pics…
Oh yes it was Nihar. Happy you enjoyed this. Loads more coming up 🙂
Beautiful! Look forward to those wonderful stories.
Thank you Niranjan.
I looooove your photographs!
I am glad you do! Thank you Nelson 🙂
Lo-ve-ly images Madhu, you must’ve had a great time! It has always been my dream to go on ‘journey’ 😉
FreeCarnation
😉 It was a dream come true for me as well Mariska. Hold on to yours. My tagline (doesn’t show up on this theme) is “For those that can dream, there is no such place as far away” 🙂
I didn’t know the real meaning of safari! Thanks for that. Beautiful photos.
Thank you. And you are most welcome Angeline 🙂
Thank you Wolfgang!! 🙂
You had me with that first shot! 🙂 A lovely appetiser, Madhu. You will be engrossed in your photo memories for a little while (and so will we 🙂 )
That is the reason we blog isn’t it? Hope it will not get too boring for you all Jo 🙂
wow – so lovely elegant photos – the details makes me walk to those places!
That might take a while Mihrank!!! 🙂 Thank you very much for your kind comment.
It is lovely to see you back, Madhu! Your presence was missed over here…
No doubts you have had a fabulous time – can feel it “through” your ammmmazing photos and comments. 🙂
Stunning images Madhu! I look forward to hearing all about your adventure. 🙂
Thank you LuAnn. Am busy trying to catch up on my reading before I return to a regular posting schedule 🙂
What a phenomenal trip — so much to take in, inspiration everywhere you looked, I am certain! The preview photos are superb, can’t wait to see and hear more.
Thank you Kat. Yes, a phenomenal trip in every way! 🙂
welcome back – thanks for the swahili word – and loved each and every photo you gave us here was artsy cool – like the background on the first one – the lighting in the Jumbo – all those horizontals in the “endless plains” shot – and laughed when you could not find a lunch spot – can;t wait to hear more – have a great week
Happy you enjoyed this post Yvette. More coming up as soon as I have sorted through my photos. Thank you for reading, and a great week ahead to you too.
Your pictures are wander-ful! Thank you for a peak into Rwanda’s nature! Looking forward to reading more about this trip!
Thank you for reading and for the lovely comment Rachel! Delighted to meet you 🙂
Welcome back, Madhu! Absolutely stunning photos… looking forward to the details 🙂 Didn’t know about the original meaning of safari…. but come to think of it… should have guessed. Common roots with our “safar”, I guess.
I know, me too 🙂 Thanks Kan.
Hi Madhu! I nominated your blog for a ‘lovely blog’ award, it’s up to you if you wish to create a follow-up post, have a great weekend 🙂 http://digitaltrish.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/one-lovely-blog-award/
Oh thank you Trish! I am delighted and touched by your kindness. I am sorry I don’t do award posts anymore for lack of time, but I shall certainly showcase it on my awards page. (Link on the sdebar.)
I cannot wait to hear all about your trip Madhu! I would love to go to Rwanda someday!!!!!
Rwanda was a revelation Nicole. You would certainly love it.
Every time I look at these shots I feel the ‘urge to wander’ over to Africa for a little safari time! Stunning.
I also just popped by to say that I’ve nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award.
It may not be your thing, but if you’d like to play then please do come and have a look: https://readsbyredriverbanks.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/time-for-celebratory-cake-but-definitely-no-custard/
Have a great weekend! x
I am truly honoured, thank you very much Jenny! I don’t do award posts any more, but I shall certainly post a link to your post on my awards page. (The Reader Appreciation widget on my sidebar)
Thank you Madhu, you are welcome! No problem, I totally understand – thanks for offering to link to my post in lieu of accepting the award. Have a good week. :o)
Welcome back! Aaww, amazing pics…can’t wait to read more 🙂
Thank you so much Kat. Thanks also for the share 🙂
Oh Madhu, what a glorious safari with a wonderful sense of carefree intimacy in your great shots!
‘Careless intimacy’ just about describes our interaction with these amazing creatures Patti 🙂
Been thinking of you, wondering … Now you’ve fired up my imagination I’m even more excited to see your adventures!
Missing you Meredith 🙂
nice photos. I lived in Tanzania in the 70’s for eight years and things have not changed it seems.
thanks for beautiful pics! enjoyed reading this post!
What an adventurous two weeks it has been for you 😀 The photographs are full of energy – being there in person must have been quite a thrill!
Stunning photos Madhu. And Mr. Guhonda – wow what a character!
These are National Geographic quality 🙂 I did know about the safari meaning (me gloating) 😀 I realised these photos are from the trip you took in September? It is not easy to keep track of your movement, especially when I move too.
Madhu … Awesome pic in Zanzibar. Love the animal photos, too. What is Jumbo saying: (….”Karibu Sana to Tarangire!”) My granddaughter likes how the sunlight makes the setting Jumbo is in look golden.
Thanks Judy. “Karibu Sana’ means “Welcome” in Swahili 🙂
How beautiful this place is, Madhu. your pictures capture the character and beauty of the place.
Love the last three shots, esp. Glad you’re back safely. =)
Outstanding “journey” pics! All should belong to National Geographic magazine. Can’t wait to see the detailed posts.
Amazing! And now we are all waiting for more…
Glad you’re back, and can’t wait to catch up with all your travels!
Jambo Memsahib! Habari gani? Judging from your posts you seem to have thoroughly enjoyed yourself. 🙂 Kwaheri Sasa (see you soon)
Brian
Happy to have you back, and enjoying the first fruits/photos of your African experience. Love the personal introductions of the folks you met along the way! Except maybe for the lecherous Mr. G —
I remember seeing this in my inbox and making a mental note to get back to it soon after. Then… I saw the post today. Awe-inspiring – the magic of Africa. Your pics capture it all.
Dear Madhu,
You are a true adventurer! It was very brave of you to go in the midst of the Ebola epidemic. Your photos are amazing, as always!
very nice and interesting article….i have never been to Africa but yes do have a dream to visit atleast once…..
Beautiful photos – I’m very jealous!
Africa is such a land of contrasts in colour, culture, animal migrations, rich and poor. It’s sad to see that with the emergence of each country the animal population diminishes.
Sort of caught up, at last! I don’t know where to start oohing and aahing, Madhu. What I know is that you curated a stellar trip and I enjoyed my voyeuristic position here on the couch enormously 🙂