As the golden African sun set over the rugged hills of Nairobi, a group of spirited adventurers gathered for an unforgettable journey. They were not just travelers, but a close-knit group of Ibis residents and avid photographers, bonded by their shared passion for exploration and captured moments frozen in time.

 

Led by Tufts University, the program showcased firsthand the successful conservation programs to protect some of Africa’s wildlife and iconic wilderness.           

 

Organized by Lainey Atlas, an alumna with an insatiable wanderlust, the group comprised members of the esteemed Ibis Photography Club, each armed with lenses poised to immortalize the imminent odyssey. Alongside Lainey stood her husband Ian, both eager to weave this experience into the vivid tapestry of their memories. Cynthia Dudnick, Scott Hubert, Ira and Hari Sachs, and Leslie and David Pincus joined the couple to explore and capture the boundless landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania.

 

Their journey began at the heart of Nairobi, where tusks of elephants greeted them at Sheldrick’s orphanage, fostering a profound respect for the majestic creatures facing threats from a changing world. The echoes of Karen Blixen’s story, immortalized in "Out of Africa," reverberated as they wandered the corridors of her home, now a museum, and engaged with towering giraffes at the center dedicated to their conservation. The itinerary unfolded like a treasure map, leading them through the Kenyan countryside toward Mount Kenya's foothills, where the Ol Peseta Conservancy awaited. Here, amidst the sanctuary's embrace, black rhinos roamed freely, and chimpanzees found solace, embodying a tale of resilience against adversity.

 

Embarking on safari drives, they traversed landscapes where every hoofprint told a story — from the shores of Lake Naivasha to the splendor of Amboseli National Park, where the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro loomed majestically, an icon of nature's grandeur. The group toured and brought school supplies for the children in the Maasai village.

 

Crossing into Tanzania, the journey delved deeper into nature's embrace. Ngorongoro Crater, a geologic marvel, revealed a paradise within its confines, bustling with life. Here, lions prowled, spotted hyenas sang their ancient songs, and the travelers witnessed the untamed dance of existence.

 

Yet, the pinnacle of their adventure awaited in the legendary Serengeti, where the great migration scripted an unrivaled spectacle. As wildebeests raced across the plains in an instinctual pursuit, the group soared above in hot air balloons, painting their hearts with the canvas of Africa's splendor at sunrise.

 

Descending from the skies, they savored an "Out of Africa" breakfast, connecting their own stories with the fables whispered by the wind. Safari drives across the Serengeti unfolded like chapters of a book, each page revealing the raw essence of wilderness and the harmony of life thriving in its natural habitat.

 

Through the lens of their cameras and the depths of their souls, they captured not just images but imprints of a journey transcending time. As they bid adieu to the wild, carrying within them the spirit of the Great Migration, they knew that the memories forged in the heart of Africa would forever remain vivid, a testament to their shared voyage through Kenya and Tanzania — a journey imprinted in their souls.

 

We asked the adventurous travelers a few questions about their trip.  Below are some responses:

 

 

Hari & Ira: Going on a safari was in our top 10 places to travel now that we are retired. The opportunity to see so many animals in their natural habitat and take potentially amazing photos was the real draw. 

 

Lesley: Dave and I were the last to join this trip.  While at dinner, Scott Hubert mentioned he was going to Kenya/Tanzania with the Atlas's, Sach's and Cyndy and asked if we wanted to join.  I had just gone through a rough patch and my husband thought it would be an amazing trip to go on and look forward to. We looked at the itinerary and we were sold.

 

Lainey: A safari trip has been on my bucket list. We were supposed to go in 2020 but the trip was canceled because of Covid. I love animals and really wanted to see them in their natural environment. When the Tufts trip came up, I knew I wanted to sign up.

 

Cynthia:  I chose this destination because it was on my bucket list for a unique photography opportunity.

 

Scott: Kenya/Tanzania is one of the most authentic & accessible areas in Africa for a true Safari Experience supported by the local communities. 

 

 

Hari & Ira: Did try ostrich meatballs, declined crocodile and oxballs.  There was a strong Indian/Middle Eastern influence and the food was better than expected!

 

Lesley: I tried Ostrich meatballs and Crocodile and some different fruits and vegetables. 

 

Lainey: In Kenya, there was a lot of Indian food which I love so we ate a lot of that.

 

Cynthia: We went to a restaurant that had a large variety of meat that was cut and served at the table.  Right off the carcus of the animal.  Not my cup of tea! 

 
What activities did you do?

 

Hari & Ira: Many game drives - typically over bumpy dirt roads or open bush (who needs roads?) in an open jeep where we could observe and photograph multiple animals (the big 5- lions, leopards, elephants, rhino, buffalo) plus tons of zebra, wildebeest, antelopes, giraffes and hippos.  Visits to Rescue and Petting Areas - we fed giraffes and an adult blind rhino, saw orphaned elephants (close enough to touch) and a baby rhino as well as chimpanzees.  Sunrise balloon ride with amazing views of the Serengeti followed by champagne breakfast. Picnic lunch in the Serengeti with hundreds of wildebeests, zebra and buffalo in the background (there may have been sleeping lions, too!) Visit and tour of Masai village.

 

Lainey: We went on multiple safaris and saw all kinds of animals. We also went to a Masai college and visited their school and saw how they live. We went to the Ngorongoro crater and the Serengeti. We had an add-on part where we went to Zanzibar. In Zanzibar, we went snorkeling and to a spice tour and took a boat ride to see tortoises. We also went on a balloon ride over the Serengeti.

 

Cynthia: night game drive in Ol Pejeta Conservancy,  walking safari and boat ride at Lake Nalvasha in Amboseli National Park, hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti with an ‘Out of Africa” English breakfast  served under an acacia tree, at least 6 safari game drives, a visit to Karen Blixen’s home from the movie “Out of Africa”, visit to “Kobe Bead Center,  Sheldrick Elephant and Rhinoceros Orphanage , Ngorongoro Crater safari, Visit to a Maasai village

 

 

Lesley: I was surprised that all the locals we came in contact with spoke fluent English.  All the individuals involved in our adventure were courteous, friendly, and eager to please. However, the overall economy and population were very poor. Because of safety issues, we did not mingle with the local people. Many owned small pieces of property where they would sell fruits and vegetables in rickety shacks along the road. Unemployment was high.  Part of the local culture were the Masai people.  Many of these indigenous people still lived in primitive villages without electricity and running water.  Each village was different from the next with each tribe using the materials of the land that were plentiful to construct their homes and village. When we went to visit the village we each had to pay money plus we brought school supplies and some of us bought art from them.  At the village, we learned about their traditional medicine, rituals, how to build a fire, and their song and dancing.   Sadly, because of their beautiful art and clothing, many resort to charging tourists for pictures of them.

 

Scott: Truly Varied with a constant connection to The Land. As a tourist, we saw the best of Africa and its amazing animal habitats providing numerous opportunities but also the rampant poverty and unemployment that strikes hard throughout the region

What was the most unexpected thing that happened?

 

Hari & Ira: We were able to walk among the animals in an area where there were no predators.  Hari knelt down to photograph a reclining zebra who then bared his teeth at me (of course, she got the picture!).  I backed up a little, so he stood up, and started to groom himself.  Since he appeared to be ignoring her.  Hari tried to snap another shot and he bared his teeth at me again (while she got the picture, Hari made sure to go elsewhere!).   

 

Lesley: We take the infrastructure of our roads and bridges for granted in the United States.  We traveled by Jeep the entire time.  The roads were mostly in terrible condition.  The day we needed to pass from Kenya to Tanzania it had rained a lot the night before and that day.  When we got to the road that led to the border we could not pass as there was a raging river running through it.  Many people and jeeps were stranded for hours.  Our guides seemed confident it would dissipate, but it didn't.  We had to turn around and unfortunately that day we traveled 14 hours as a result. 

 

Scott: Easily the washed-out road traveling to Tanzania…The suddenness and intensity of the floodwaters was overwhelming… A cool second place was the symphony of sounds and voices of The Animal Kingdom just outside our hotel rooms and tents. Sounded like white noise with a 2 ton twist!

 

Hari & Ira: Comradery with the other couples and sharing the experience over dinner and drinks at the end of the day, especially the animals’ behavior we saw. We were excited to see lots of babies-  nursing and interacting with their mothers.  All the animals were unexpectedly close, which was incredible!

 

Lesley: The 2 favorite parts of my trip were the camaraderie with everyone on the trip and the amazement of being in the natural environment of these majestic animals and ability to take so many amazing photos. 

 

Lainey: I loved seeing all the animals up close. I loved it when the elephants were walking right outside the jeep, so close you could almost touch them. I also loved seeing how the animal kingdom protects their young. People should behave the same way.

 

Cynthia: My favorite part was the visit to the Maasai Village.  The whole village was welcoming and the leader of the village as our tour guide was well-educated and accommodating.  

 

Scott: The shared experience of our wonderful group and combined efforts to capture each day photographically and emotionally.

 

"The trip was amazing. Because it was a Tufts alumni trip, the group leader was a Tufts veterinary professor. He had spent a ton of time in Africa and was an expert on gorillas. Having his expertise on the trip made the trip so special. He was a wonderful source of information about the wildlife and culture” - Lainey

“This is not Disney’s Animal Kingdom! “- Scott