I am wrapping up my first month here in Tanzania. It has been one of the most memorable months of my life. This can be attributed to many things. First, I have wanted to travel to sub-Saharan Africa ever since I was a kid. I grew up going to the zoo with my family, and immediately fell in love with the animals, especially the elephants. Ever since I first heard the trumpet of the elephant, I was obsessed; I wanted to see them, and the rest of Africa’s amazing wildlife in their home range. Seeing the elephants in Ruaha National Park trumps any elephant experience in a zoo. Seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment makes me jealous that I don’t have them in my backyard. The second factor that has greatly contributed to this great month has been leading people from local villages to the park. As I aforementioned, seeing the wildlife in Ruaha is indescribable. I was in stunned silence for most of my first safari in the park. So, when I get to lead villagers, many of whom have never stepped foot in the park or seen the animals who inhabit it, I witness some of the same emotions that I did on my first trip. It gives me a sense of satisfaction that I get to be a part of that experience for them. Thirdly, the culture here is fascinating. Everyone gives you a smile, even if at comes at the expense of having to be stared at for 20 seconds prior, but it’s nice to know that you are karibu (welcome in Swahili). Swahili culture is vibrant, colorful, and practiced by some of the nicest people in Africa. Not to mention, the language is a fun one to speak.
I hope that as my second and final month here unfolds, it is filled with surprises and experiences that I witnessed in my first one. Each day offers its own adventure, and there is always something to look forward to here in central Tanzania.
-Alex
