Tennessee Tech Alumni Safari – September 2025
September 6 – Arrival in Arusha
After a long journey, we finally touched down in Arusha and checked into our hotel, ready to rest and recharge for the adventure ahead. Some of our group chose to arrive a day early to ease into the time zone, while others arrived right on schedule. Thanks to Trailblazer Safaris, all travelers were seamlessly transported from the airport to the hotel, no matter their arrival time. The excitement was already building as we gathered for the first time in Tanzania!
September 7 – Immersed in Culture
Our first full day began with a visit to the Cultural Heritage Center, home to the largest art gallery in Africa. The vibrant artwork, sculptures, and crafts gave us a rich introduction to Tanzanian culture. It was also the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs—we ended up spending four hours wandering through the galleries and stores and easily could have stayed longer. Afterward, some travelers enjoyed downtime by the pool, soaking in the warm sunshine before regrouping for a shared dinner back at the hotel. The evening felt like the perfect balance of relaxation and camaraderie.
September 8 – Safari Begins
The adventure we had all been waiting for officially began! We met our expert guides, George and Godwin, and set off for Tarangire National Park. The park immediately delivered unforgettable sights: playful baboons, towering elephants, elegant giraffes, herds of zebras (truly everywhere!), wildebeest, and Thomson’s gazelles. The highlight of the day was spotting a leopard lounging in a tree—a rare and breathtaking moment. As the sun set, we made our way to our tented lodge at Lake Burunge, where we gathered for dinner and swapped stories of the day’s wildlife encounters.
September 9 – Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast at Lake Burunge, we made a quick stop at a Tanzanite store and galleria to pick up a few sparkling souvenirs. Then we headed toward one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders: Ngorongoro Crater. From the top, the sweeping views of the caldera left us speechless, and descending into the crater felt like stepping into a hidden world teeming with wildlife.
Inside, we were treated to an incredible safari experience. We saw antelope, giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest (by the hundreds!), and cape buffalo. Lions were the stars of the day—a family of five, complete with playful cubs, lounging in the grass. Birdlife was equally stunning, with crowned cranes, storks, and flamingos adding splashes of color to the landscape. A jackal darted by, while hippos wallowed near the water where we enjoyed a picnic lunch right by the hippo pool.
As the day wound down, we traveled to Embalakai Authentic Camp. That evening, after dinner, we were treated to a traditional Maasai performance under the stars—an unforgettable cultural experience to close out an extraordinary day.
September 10 – Maasai Village, Olduvai Gorge & the Serengeti
We left camp early this morning for a visit to a nearby Maasai village, where we learned about their rich traditions and way of life. From there, our journey continued to Olduvai Gorge—a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley. Olduvai is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world. Fossilized bones and stone tools found here date back more than two million years, offering unmatched insight into human evolution. A stop at the visitor center and museum brought the history to life.
After soaking in the past, we turned to the wild present—arriving in Serengeti National Park. We enjoyed a picnic lunch in true safari style, complete with tablecloths, real plates, and silverware. Finally, we reached our home for the next three nights: Intimate Camp, nestled inside the Serengeti. Zebras and giraffes greeted us at our tents, the perfect welcome to this iconic landscape.
September 11 – Serengeti by Air and Land
Today was a day many of us had been waiting for—an early morning hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti. Floating above the endless plains gave us an entirely new perspective, with wildlife dotting the landscape below. The highlight came when our pilot pointed out a mother hippo with her tiny calf, no more than a week old.
After landing, we were treated to a full buffet breakfast in a breathtaking open-air setting. The rest of the day was spent on game drives through the Serengeti, both in the afternoon and evening. Lions lounged in the golden grass, another leopard appeared, and we ended the day watching the sun dip below the horizon—an unforgettable Serengeti sunset.
September 12 – Final Game Drive & Farewell
Our final safari day took us to the northern reaches of Serengeti National Park. We witnessed impalas locking horns in a dramatic display, and even spotted lions lounging casually near a bathroom stop—an unusual but very memorable encounter! A picnic lunch in the heart of the Serengeti gave us one last chance to soak in the beauty of the plains, with nothing but nature surrounding us.
Back at camp, we gathered for a farewell dinner. The evening was capped with a surprise: a Tennessee Tech Safari cake, presented alongside a traditional song from the camp staff. It was the perfect closing to a truly life-changing journey.
The next morning, some travelers departed for home while others continued their adventure with a three-day extension in Zanzibar. No matter where the journey led, one thing was certain: our time together on safari had been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will carry with us forever.
