My Safari Experience

Commended Entry: "My Safari Experience" by Akoth Julius Dinda from Tanzania

This article was submitted in the Kids World Travel Guide Essay Competition 2023 in the Junior Category 8 - 11 years.

My Safari Experience

It has always been my dream to go on a Safari with friends and learn more about Tanzania's wildlife. I was excited this year as our school planned a tour to Ngorongoro Crater and other places in September 2023.

It was the first time for me to reach the 7th wonder of the world (Ngorongoro Crater) and view it with my own eyes. I am proud of Tanzania as my nation having such a pleasant place.

The first day we travelled from Dar es Salaam to Karatu and we arrived safely. The following day, we went to Ngorongoro Crater. The place was very clean and attractive though it was cold. I realized how the government made strict rules for environmental conservation around the area for animals and the nation at large. I could suggest the government make regional bylaws in different areas as those in Ngorongoro for sustainable wildlife.

I experienced extreme coldness and thick morning fog that minimized animal visibility from afar. I could only see the mountains, so my classmates did. When we went down to the crater, we saw different animal species from lions to wild beasts and warthogs that showed unique behavior to human beings. I was bored a bit as I didn’t see any rhinos though we went all around the crater. My question was, have they all been poached or killed? Not getting to see my favorite animal didn’t ruin my safari as there were other different animals.

By the way, in Ngorongoro, we didn’t only go there to see animals but also to explore the hills, forest, and Olduvai Gorge among others. The best thing I loved about the crater was that in the afternoon we experienced a super cold breeze which could move us forth and back. With the afternoon hot and sunlight, it was very comfortable to put on the sweaters one could get to keep oneself warm.

After a wonderful five days, it was time to go back home. I felt gloomy leaving the paradise of wildlife (Ngorongoro) but a bit happy getting to meet my parents and family again. It was an equally weighted feeling in me as I couldn't choose any of them. The place was nice and fascinating, but I realized that there is no place like home, so I had to go. Surely, I wish to visit there again sometime in the future to get the warm and fuzzy feeling and explore more about nature as I had in those five days.

Actually, when you visit Ngorongoro Crater all your worries and troubles fade away just like ash in the wind that is why the local Swahili people say "Karibu Tanzania Hakuna Matata."

***

Anything else you would like to tell us?

The say "Karibu Tanzania Hakuna Matata" means welcome to Tanzania where there is no worries or problem.

Congratulations on your essay "My Safari Experience", Akoth Julius! This is such an amazing travel report! Thank you very much! Asante sana!

Akoth Julius Dinda attends Hannah Bennie School in Dar es Salaam/ Tanzania. English as Second Language. Home language is Kiswahili.