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TANZANIA - FIELD UPDATES - WEEK 1
by Alex
The first week has seen a huge diversity in local culture from Maasai Camp (an overlanders camping site) to the Maasai mara, from canoeing safaris to Swahili nightlife in Arusha. Coming in from Amsterdam Schipol Airport, the largest in the world, and arriving in Tanzania Kilimanjaro airport which consists of barely three rooms you realise the differences and challenges that have to be faced in the first few seconds of arrival.
The first day consisted of acclimatising to the area. The opportunity was given to be able to visit Arusha town, at which point I was able to change dollars for Tanzanian shillings as well as touch base with everyone at home using one of the internet cafes in the area. It also gave us a chance to flavour how people in Arusha live. There were hundreds of small stalls selling fruit, rice and many other things. The colours were incredible and with Mount Meru imposing itself in the background Arusha became a dramatic experience. Over the next five days the rest of the volunteers arrived, and judging from certain impressions and conversations that have taken place so far it should be great fun.
Thursday was spent making our way from Arusha to Eloui village where we spend the next eight weeks with the Maasai. The first evening at camp we were blessed with Maasai chanting until the early hours of the morning. On Saturday we walked from camp to Monduli Juu. I managed to get a random Maasai to carry my pack for me which I think everyone was thrilled about. On the way we spotted zebra and vervet monkeys, good to see a taste of the wildlife around our area. When we arrived at Monduli there was a Maasai market taking place where we found ridiculous amounts of samosas and delicious mendazis.
I have no doubt there are many more laughs to come as well as all the wildlife work we are here to do over the coming weeks...
