• Africa,  Destinations,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Olerai Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania

    Opened in early 2019, Olerai Lodge is a former family home that has been transformed into a boutique resort but kept its cozy, homey atmosphere. With 14 guest rooms, it’s an intimate escape nestled among an acacia grove against the backdrop of the Mount Meru, Olerai Lodge. I stayed at Olerai Lodge on my first night in Tanzania before embarking on my five-day safari and this gorgeous property was a wonderful surprise! I was obsessed with how beautiful the surrounding land was, how comfortable and chic the room was, and how fantastic the service was! It was a beautiful introduction to Tanzanian hospitality and I could have easily enjoyed spending…

  • Africa,  Safari,  Tanzania,  Zanzibar

    Safari Hotels in Tanzania

    After my time in Kenya at Giraffe Manor, I headed to Tanzania for the next part of my African journey: safari! Here are the safari hotels in Tanzania (plus a few in Zanzibar) where I stayed during my weeklong trip! Olerai Lodge Formerly a family home, Olerai Lodge opened as a hotel in 2019. Set among an acacia grove this sun-soaked hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and is an absolute delight! This unexpected gem of a property was my favorite way to start my Tanzania trip! From sundowners at the circular fire pit to the cozy cottage nestled among flowers, the property was beautiful and the service was stellar!…

  • picture of back of camera showing safari photography of a lioness
    Africa,  Kenya,  Photography,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Top Safari Photography Tips for Capturing Unforgettable Wildlife Moments + Gear Info

    Safari Photography can be a fun and rewarding experience, and having the right gear and knowing a few key tips can help ensure an outcome that you’ll be pleased with! As a professional photographer with more than 20 years of experience, I’m sharing my top safari photography tips along with what camera gear I used on my East Africa Tanzania safari photography trip. Preparing for Your Safari Photography Adventure Preparing for a safari photography adventure requires careful planning and attention to detail. To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to plan your safari location, choose the right camera gear, and develop your photography skills. Plan Your Safari Location…

  • middle-age woman carrying two backpacks smiling as she takes a mirror selfie
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Safari Packing List Tanzania & Giraffe Manor in Kenya

    Safari Packing List Tanzania: Luggage for Your Adventure I’ve been to 34 countries and making my safari packing list for Tanzania was one of the most challenging ones to date! Here’s everything I packed for Tanzania, what I used and didn’t use, and a few things I forgot to pack for the unforgettable adventure of my Tanzania safari! Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack Duffel bags or soft sided bags are highly recommended as they are more suitable for the travel conditions encountered during a Tanzania safari, such as limited luggage space on smaller planes and the necessity for flexibility while loading a safari vehicle. Avoid hard suitcases and you’ll be…

  • giraffe manor
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  solo

    What It’s Like to Visit Giraffe Manor Solo

    Giraffe Manor in Kenya is a dream destination for many travelers and it promises an adventure that’s both unique and memorable. Nestled in the outskirts of Nairobi, this boutique hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds and frequently poke their heads through the windows in search of a snack. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to visit Giraffe Manor solo. Getting to Giraffe Manor Pre-arrange your transfer with Giraffe Manor (it’s included with your stay) to make getting to the Manor a breeze. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel or be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly…