africa

5 Reasons Why You Must Stay at the Rhotia Valley Tented Lodges in Tanzania, Africa

5 Reasons Why You Must Stay at the Rhotia Valley Tented Lodges in Tanzania, Africa

On our third night on our African Safari in Tanzania, after spending the day at Tarangire National Park we made our way to the Rhotia Valley Lodge.

The Rhotia Valley Lodge is perched high on top of a hill in rural Tanzania near Karatu, overlooking a beautiful valley. It is just on the border of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area rainforest which means the land is very fertile, and that is why we were surrounded by cornfields & sunflower fields. 

But the Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge is so much more than just an accommodation... here are 5 reasons why you must visit the Rhotia Valley Lodge. 

So Many Elephants!! | Our safari in Tarangire National Park | Tanzania, Africa

So Many Elephants!! | Our safari in Tarangire National Park | Tanzania, Africa

A look into our day and a half game drive through Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, Africa. This park is known as being the 'home of the elephants' - and it is so true! The elephants would get so close to the truck we could reach out and touch them - but of course I wouldn't as I was slightly scared of them...

What to pack for a Safari & Beach Holiday in Tanzania, Africa

What to pack for a Safari & Beach Holiday in Tanzania, Africa

Two weeks. Two completely different locations. Varying temperatures. All in one carryon duffle bag. 

Some would get stressed at the thought of this, but for me - I honestly enjoyed it. It was a challenge. We would be spending 1 week on a safari in and around the Serengeti, and 1 week on the island, Zanzibar. 

I will admit, I probably spent much too much time googling 'what to wear on a safari', as well as too much time shopping for 'safari outfits' - but I don't care! During the weeks leading up to this trip, it was all I could think about!

So I wanted to share my learnings, personal experiences (why did I pack so many nice sandals?? so not necessary!), and actual list of what went into that very packed red duffel bag. 

Booking a Safari to The Serengeti & The Ngorongoro Crater | Tanzania, Africa

Booking a Safari to The Serengeti & The Ngorongoro Crater | Tanzania, Africa

Andrew and I have just returned home from our amazing and eye opening two week trip to Tanzania, Africa during the first two weeks of June, 2017. I have started to write and then re-write several different blog posts because I don't know where to start! I want to dive right into the safari experience. But first, I felt I should give an overview of how I booked the trip. From finding the right safari company (and knowing who to trust), the extreme price differences from mid-range to luxury lodges (ones starting at $1,000 per night!), and why safari's can be so expensive.

Dar Les Cigognes & The Sanssouci Moroccan Cooking School | Marrakech, Morocco

Dar Les Cigognes & The Sanssouci Moroccan Cooking School | Marrakech, Morocco

Whenever we visit a new country or culture, our favorite 'experience' is joining a cooking class.  We have taken a "French Market Cooking Class" in Paris, a "Cambodian Cooking Class" in Siem Reap and now... a Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech. 

I find the best way to get to know a new culture is through food. What people eat explains a lot about their society, landscape, environment and rituals. 

Living in the US, we have the option of almost EVERYTHING, and there are new restaurants, and interesting takes on cuisines constantly popping up.  But when we travel somewhere remote... we find that there are usually one or two specialties that the area is known for... and most likely, its exactly the same as what they were eating 1000 years ago.

And in Morocco... that is Tajine & Couscous.  

Dar Les Cigognes: Our Riad Oasis in Marrakech, Morocco

Dar Les Cigognes: Our Riad Oasis in Marrakech, Morocco

The maze like streets of Marrakech are filled to the brim with wonderful little hidden apartments called riads. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace built around an interior garden or courtyard. Many of these have now been converted into boutique accommodations. The most spectacular feeling about a riad is - after spending a full day on the chaotic streets of the souks... walking into this calming hidden oasis you call home.

We decided on Dar Les Cigognes. For three reasons...