Flying high: my Tanzania, Zanzibar & Istanbul adventure

Getting there with Turkish Airlines

We flew from Dublin to Dar es Salaam via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. They operate two daily flights from Dublin to Istanbul, offering onward connections to 315 destinations in 120 countries, which makes them a very strong option for multi-centre itineraries.

The new Istanbul Airport, which opened in April of this year, is genuinely impressive. The sheer scale of the terminal, combined with an excellent choice of shops, restaurants and bars, makes it a very comfortable place to connect through.

Our 4-hour flight from Dublin to Istanbul and 8-hour flight from Istanbul to Dar es Salaam were both very comfortable. The crew were warm and professional, the in-flight service really stood out, and the catering was excellent. It set the tone beautifully for the rest of the trip.

Smooth arrival into Tanzania

We landed into Dar es Salaam in the early hours of the morning, at around 02.40. Arriving at this time proved to be a real advantage, as we were able to complete the visa process without queues or lengthy delays, which are far more common during the busy daytime hours.

At arrivals we were met by David Guthrie, founder of Tent With A View. His safari company has been operating in Tanzania since 1995 and was set up by David and his friend Masoud Kilanga, both of whom we met during the trip. Their passion for the country and its wildlife was evident from the very beginning.

Serengeti National Park & the Bush Rover Suites

Our first stop was the legendary Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, one of the greatest wilderness areas on earth. We flew from Dar es Salaam by small aircraft, landing at Kogatende airstrip. From the moment we climbed into our Land Rover, we realised that even our transfer was, in effect, a game drive. On the one-hour journey to camp we spotted zebras, impalas and herds of wildebeest, a wonderful introduction to the Serengeti.

Bush Rover Suites: safari with a twist

Our accommodation was the unique Bush Rover Suites. These are fully functioning Land Rovers that transform into elevated bedrooms with private balconies looking out over the bush. It is a wonderfully imaginative concept that combines the romance of a mobile camp with surprising comfort and style.

One of the key advantages of the Bush Rover Suites is their mobility. The camp moves with the Great Migration, rotating between three different locations that keep guests close to the heart of the wildlife action. When the wildebeest move, so does the camp, which means you are never far from the drama.

Our camp was set close to the Mara River, near a popular wildebeest crossing point. Once we had settled into our suites, we spent time simply relaxing on our balconies, taking in the vast Serengeti plains and the views down to the river.

That afternoon, David suddenly called us to the vehicles, anticipating that a river crossing was about to happen. We quickly climbed aboard and took the short drive to the crossing site. We parked at a respectful distance so as not to disturb the wildlife and then watched, spellbound, as hundreds of wildebeest approached the river in long, determined lines from every direction.

They gathered at one point on the bank, then began to plunge into the water, surging across despite the obvious dangers. It was an extraordinary, humbling sight and one I will never forget. Watching other vehicles crowding too close made me appreciate Tent With A View’s considerate approach to wildlife viewing, allowing nature to take its course without interference.

The following morning’s game drive took us to a different area of the park. Here we were treated to another unforgettable sight: a lion feeding on a recent kill. The plains were alive with wildlife, from large herds of zebra and wildebeest to elephants and countless other species. After a delicious lunch back at camp, prepared and served by the attentive and friendly staff, we said farewell to the Serengeti and set off for our next destination.

Little Okavango & Lake Victoria

Our journey continued to Little Okavango, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. The property sits close to a network of narrow waterways that resemble the channels of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, which is how it earned its name.

During our stay we visited a nearby fishing village, where we met some of the local community and gained an insight into daily life on the lake. A few of the braver members of our group even joined in with a traditional dance, much to everyone’s delight.

From the village we took a gentle boat trip back to a viewing tower. From this vantage point we enjoyed superb birdwatching and panoramic views over the wetlands. A hearty brunch was served at the tower, and we spent time simply soaking up the tranquillity, watching the bird life and other wildlife in their natural habitat. It was a wonderfully peaceful contrast to the dramatic energy of the Mara River crossings.

Zanzibar: barefoot luxury on the Indian Ocean

Our final Tanzanian stop was the island of Zanzibar. We flew there from Mwanza, via Dar es Salaam, and spent one very contented day and night at The Zanzibari Hotel, located in the north of the island around an hour and a half’s drive from the airport.

Although our time here was short, we made the most of every moment. We paddled in the warm, clear waters of the Indian Ocean, relaxed in the infinity pool, enjoyed massages in the small spa and, of course, took the opportunity to soak up some much-needed sun. The setting was peaceful and intimate, the staff friendly, and it provided a lovely, restorative break between safari adventures and city sightseeing.

Istanbul: where East meets West

Our journey concluded in Istanbul, where we spent two nights at the Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery. The hotel is ideally located within walking distance of Galata Tower and the historic old city, which makes it an excellent base for short stays or stopovers.

During our time in Istanbul we visited some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar, where we picked up a few souvenirs. Wandering through the streets, with minarets on the skyline and the Bosphorus shimmering in the distance, you truly feel Istanbul’s unique blend of East and West. It is a city of layers, with hidden courtyards, rooftop terraces and artisan shops waiting to be discovered around every corner.

A journey to remember

Although our time in each place was relatively short, the itinerary was incredibly rich and varied. In just a few days we:

• Experienced an authentic, immersive Tanzanian safari, complete with Mara River crossings and close-up big cat sightings
• Explored the quieter beauty of Lake Victoria and its surrounding waterways
• Dipped our toes into the emerald waters of the Indian Ocean and relaxed in a boutique coastal hideaway in Zanzibar
• Finished with two nights in magical Istanbul, exploring some of the world’s most famous historic and cultural landmarks

It was an inspiring trip that showcased how a thoughtfully put-together itinerary can combine wildlife, culture and relaxation in one unforgettable journey. I came home with a deeper understanding of these destinations, the products and partners involved, and a head full of ideas for creating similar tailor-made experiences for my own clients.