After a truly wonderful wedding we two silver lovers (65and66) set off on honeymoon to Southern Tanzania. Our destination, the Selous Game Reserve for a 4 night stay. At Dar es Salaam Airport we boarded a small 12 seater plane to fly out to the reserve and the excitement started there.
Flying over the reserve was awesome and gave us a flavour of what was to follow. We were met at the landing strip, Mtemere Gate, by our guide Abel who took us to our camp. The Selous Riverside Camp was situated on the banks of the mighty Rufiji river and the views were beautiful. Our first impression was how totally silent the whole place was. Apart from the occasional animal or bird sound, nothing. No distant traffic noise, aircraft noise, this certainly was the place to relax! Our tent, if you can call it that, was stunning with our own dip pool and sun loungers on the balcony. But ,oh no, no time for relaxing here. After a hurried lunch we were taken on a boat safari to look for hippos and watch the amazing bird life!
The next day Abel took us out all day in the Land Rover and the list of animals spotted just kept growing and growing. He was so interesting and told us so much about the reserve and animal habits.
Day two we were up very early to do a walking safari, accompanied by a ranger with a rifle! We learnt so much that morning about tracking animals. In the afternoon we were taken to a nearby village to see the local school and fruit and vegetable market. It was truly humbling to see how little these people had and how happy they all seemed. The early evening was spent discovering another part of the river by boat.
Day three was out to the reserve again. We managed to spot a lioness with her two cubs, hyenas, water buffalo and kudu. Each evening we collapsed into bed after a hearty meal served outside by firelight. This was our first safari but it will definitely not be our last!
Then after fond goodbyes we boarded the light aircraft again and flew to Zanzibar!
The Indian Ocean beckoned!
We stayed at The Blue Bay Beach Resort and Spa. It was paradise. We stayed for 7 nights and couldn’t fault the hotel in anyway. The customer service was second to none. The beach was beautiful. White sand and azure blue sea, with dohows silently sailing to the reef beyond.
Although we had planned 7days of relaxation after our wedding we had so much to see on the island. A snorkelling trip, dolphin spotting,lobster beach BBQ, cave walk, kayaking, wind surfing and a memorable trip to Stone Town with our own personal guide. The market was a feast for the senses. Meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and spices all crammed into one area. The hustle and bustle was electrifying. The slave museum was the highlight of the trip,such a sobering experience.
All in all the best holiday we have ever been on. That blue sea and white sand will stay in our thoughts forever.
