From the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mountains of Rwanda
This adventure blends thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes, offering an unforgettable safari experience across two of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
"Our family adventure through Tanzania and Rwanda was both—a celebration of family, discovery, and the beauty of Africa’s landscapes and people. But more than that, it was an awakening."
Charbel Tagher & Family
—President, Specified Technologies Inc. US
July 2
A Purpose-Driven Beginning in Tanzania
Our journey began with something deeper than just travel. Aida and I traveled to Tanzania for a Touch Foundation Board trip, celebrating the organization’s tenth anniversary. Founded by Lowell Bryan, a former McKinsey Senior Director, Touch Foundation has been transforming healthcare in Tanzania by training doctors and nurses and strengthening medical infrastructure. Seeing their work firsthand was humbling—a reminder that change happens where passion and purpose meet. We visited hospitals and clinics, witnessing the impact of their mission, and what struck me most was the resilience of the communities. Our children, Nicholas and Natalie, joined us, making this an unforgettable family experience—one that took us beyond the beaten tourist path and into the heart of a country’s transformation.
Our Family Journey Through Africa
If you've ever dreamed of Africa—the raw, untamed beauty, the pulse of life echoing through vast plains, the deep connection between humans and nature—then come along as I take you through an experience that forever changed us.
TANZANIA
Tarangire: The Land of Giants
Our safari adventure continued through Tarangire National Park, famous for its massive herds of elephants and the iconic baobab trees that stood like silent guardians over the land. The sheer number of elephants here was astonishing—family after family wandering the plains, their presence a testament to the wild spirit of Africa.
TANZANIA
Kirawira Serena Camp: Luxury in the Heart of the Serengeti
Staying at Kirawira Serena Camp was an experience I'll never forget. After a day of thrilling game drives across the Serengeti, I arrived at the camp and was immediately struck by how seamlessly it blended into the landscape. My tent was a perfect mix of comfort and safari charm—spacious, beautifully furnished, and with a private veranda that looked out over the plains. The evenings were magical, with candlelit dinners under a starry sky, accompanied by the distant sounds of wildlife. The camp’s combination of luxury and wild adventure made it feel like I was living within the Serengeti itself, yet surrounded by all the comforts I could want. Every moment at Kirawira Serena felt like an indulgence, and it was the perfect base for experiencing the Serengeti in style.
TANZANIA
Ngorongoro Crater:
A Natural Wonder
Ever heard of a place where you can see the Big Five in a single day? That’s Ngorongoro Crater for you. We stayed at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched on the rim of this ancient volcanic caldera. As we descended into the crater, it felt like stepping into another world—thousands of animals coexisting in one breathtaking sanctuary. If you ever visit Africa, make sure this is on your list.
TANZANIA
Lake Manyara: The Hidden Gem of the North
Tucked away in the lush forests of Tanzania, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge felt like a fairytale. High up in the treetops, we fell asleep to the sounds of nature all around us. The lake itself was a stunning mirror of the sky, dotted with pink flamingos. And yes, we even saw tree-climbing lions—something I didn’t even know existed before this trip!
RWANDA
Face to Face with Mountain Gorillas
Nothing prepares you for the moment you come face to face with a mountain gorilla. Trekking through the dense Rwandan jungle, every step an effort through the thick, humid air, the anticipation built with each turn. And then, suddenly, there they were. A silverback sat watching us, his dark eyes holding centuries of wisdom. Young gorillas played, tumbling over each other, so familiar in their movements that it was impossible not to see ourselves in them. There was no barrier, no glass, no separation—just us and them, two species quietly acknowledging one another. In that moment, the world felt small, and our connection to it, immense.
Meet Mark
—The Architect of an Unforgettable Family Safari
A journey of this magnitude requires not only a well-planned itinerary but someone who truly understands how to craft an unforgettable experience. That’s exactly what we found in Mark. From the moment we began working with him, it was clear that he was not just organizing a safari—he was curating a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. His deep knowledge, attention to detail, and flexibility ensured that every part of our trip was seamless. The way he balanced adventure with comfort, spontaneity with organization, made all the difference. We’re still talking about this trip years later, and we owe much of that to Mark’s expertise.
A Journey That Stays With You
This was not just a vacation. It was an experience that reshaped us. We left Africa with more than just photographs; we carried with us a deeper appreciation for the raw beauty of nature, the resilience of communities, and the delicate balance of life itself. From the thundering herds of the Serengeti to the silent, knowing gaze of a gorilla in Rwanda, every moment left an imprint on our hearts.
If you have ever dreamed of Africa, go. Because once you set foot on this land, a piece of it stays with you—forever.