The morning began with an exhilarating two-hour drive from Arusha Downtown to Serval Wildlife, where we had unforgettable close encounters with magnificent animals. Imagine the thrill of spotting graceful 🦒 roaming freely just kilometers from the estate—nature at its most breathtaking!
By noon, we discovered culinary delights in a nearby village. The local dishes burst with unexpected flavors that danced on our tongues. We couldn’t resist trying the unique 🍌 our guide had raved about—its surprising potato-like texture fascinated us. Did you know this region boasts over 120 banana varieties? While only a handful are eaten fresh, most transform into delicious cooked dishes or become valuable cash crops.
The afternoon adventure took us bouncing along a rugged gravel road for 40 minutes—what locals jokingly call an “Africa Massage”—to reach the stunning Kikuletwa Hotspring. Crystal-clear waters shimmered under the sun, though weekend crowds of joyful locals diving and swimming made us content to simply admire the scene. Pro tip: visit on weekdays for a more serene experience!
As dusk approached, we made our way back, stopping at Shoppers Supermarket 🏪—Arusha’s retail giant—to collect precious souvenirs: aromatic Kilimanjaro coffee beans, buttery cashews, and more. Our day concluded at the luxurious Arusha Planet Lodge 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, where garden fire pits filled the air with woody 🪵 aromas. Dinner featured perfectly prepared chicken steak with a golden egg crust and succulent pork steak—each bite a celebration of flavor.
The spacious room delighted with its enormous bathroom and dreamy bathtub (a soak lover’s paradise!). Though the 24-hour pool tempted us, exhaustion from jet lag won out—we nearly dozed off mid-meal 😴.
🧩 Magical moments: Playful deer encounters / Cozy moments with my love / The hot spring’s missed opportunity / Breathtaking lodge views & gourmet dinner
That sounds like an amazing experience! I love how you got to see such incredible wildlife up close, and the local food sounds fascinating too. I’d definitely want to try those unique flavors next time I visit.
That sounds like an amazing experience! I love how you got to see such incredible wildlife so up close, and the local food sounds like it really added another layer of adventure to your trip.
That sounds like an amazing experience! I love how you combined wildlife encounters with discovering local cuisine—it really shows the best of what Arusha has to offer. The description of those free-roaming antelopes and the unique flavors of the local dishes made me feel like I was right there with you.