We came back for the north

Ann Arbor, Michigan·Sep 2025

This was our third safari and our first in Tanzania. We had done Kenya twice, in 2016 and 2019, and we came in fairly confident that we knew what we were doing. The north of the Serengeti is a different animal.

We flew into Kogatende rather than driving, on their recommendation, which cost more and saved us most of a day. We were on the Mara within two hours of landing. We did not see a crossing that afternoon, or the next morning, or the morning after that. On the fourth day we sat at a bend in the river from half past six until eleven, watching about two thousand wildebeest not decide, and then decide, all at once.

What I want to say about the company is narrower than the usual praise. They told us in writing, twice, that crossings cannot be promised and that people who go home disappointed are usually people who were promised something. That honesty is why we booked, and it is why we would book again.

Sam wants it noted that the coffee at the camp was better than ours at home.