3 minute read
JOURNEY TO TANZANIA
Adventurers Wanted! Your opportunity to travel the world awaits. New trips departing soon.
By Lindsay Jarvis, Staff Writer | Photography by Allen Monroe
In June, 16 travelers packed their bags for an educational wildlife adventure in Tanzania, organized by The Living Desert. Starting the safari in Tarangire National Park, travelers were welcomed to a landscape dotted with giant baobab trees and the Tarangire River. During the dry season, an incredible array of migrating wildlife such as zebra, elephant, wildebeest, and gazelle return to the permanent waters of the river. Leading the group from The Living Desert team was Allen Monroe, President/CEO, and Lexi Ward, Senior Manager of Development.
To get a full understanding of each location, the group was guided by Fahad Hariri, an expert in regional wildlife and culture, and three experienced drivers. Additionally, Allen Monroe shared his knowledge and insights throughout each excursion. "Beyond the incredible wildlife and surrounding landscapes, one of my favorite parts of this trip was talking with our amazing group of travelers," says Allen. "By sharing the stories of species, ecosystems, and conservation efforts, we are continuing our mission of preservation, education, and appreciation."
At the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the group climbed aboard land cruisers to descend the 1,800-foot-deep Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unbroken caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is rich in biodiversity, including threatened species such as the critically endangered black rhino, a species represented at The Living Desert's Rhino Savanna.
The 11-day adventure was packed with day trips throughout four major regions, including the Serengeti National Park, a protected area where the group was also up-close with lions, leopards, cheetah, and an amazing array of birds. The group also visited Tloma Primary School in Thloma Village, Karatu, where travelers brought along books and school supplies to the children as part of Bring-A-Book Foundation. At the end of the trip, travelers had the option of an additional 3-day extension to the island of Zanzibar.
When asked about standout moments from the trip, traveler Sheryl Benoit, who had been on three previous excursions with The Living Desert, says it was all about getting a glimpse of the animals in their natural habitat. “I could sit there for hours just watching one animal. It’s like going to The Living Desert and [I’m thankful] we have that here because that’s where your connection is made initially, and you think, ‘Wow, what is that really like?’” shares Sheryl, a member of The Living Desert since 1988. “[You] go on that first trip and you see the cheetah out in the wild, it takes your breath away!”
Your destination awaits! Explore the world as you discover the wonders of wildlife with The Living Desert. Upcoming trips for 2024 and 2025 include Kenya and Tanzania. Visit LivingDesert.org/ Travel for details and join us for Travel Night on November 16, 2023 at the Zoo.
