Wildebeest in the Great Migration

Absolute Travel’s Katie Losey and Brooke Garnett are currently traveling in Tanzania and Kenya. They are sending us updates from the road…

Living in New York City means that I often tend to prioritize efficiency and speed, but the opportunities I’ve had to take time for myself the past few days has really changed my perspective. I’m not alone: East Africa’s natural wonder seems to draw this reaction out of every member of our little group and we’ve all appreciated the chance to slow down to take it all in.

As we carved our way through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Ngorogoro Crater and Grumeti Reserve, we became so much more tuned in to our surroundings: lion cubs tackled their siblings to prep for future hunting days; newborn wildebeest, only days old, camoflauged themselves under the bearded necks of their mothers; a young zebra lost in the migration stared at our vehicle blankly as she awaited the inevitable; a proud bird tried out his best feathery strut as he tried to impress the local ladies. One cannot help but reflect on the perfection of the cycle of life when watching it up close. Although there were moments when it was hard to watch the action that unfolded before our eyes, with each day we could appreciate more that each layer of this delicate system has a part to play in the rhythm of life.

And our days were never complete without a stop on the open plains to sip on a refreshing gin and tonic or pinot grigio to rehash the day’s sights. In fact, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that the lodges we have been staying at have contributed a lot to our perfect days — soaking in a private plunge pool overlooking Grumeti’s panoramic plains at Singita Sasakwa Lodge, relaxing under the stars at Lemala Ndutu’s Tented Camp, or playing a tennis match at sunset (on a red clay court made of the dirt from abandoned termite mounds!) at Singita Sabora Tented Camp were moments hard to top.

We’ve just arrived at Vamizi Island, Mozambique, for the last part of this amazing journey. The Indian Ocean has welcomed us with warm gentle waves, and the casually chic villas are the perfect spot to take it all in and reflect, once again, on the bounty of natural beauty around us and our good fortune to be able to experience it all. -Katie