Our safari had ended and we needed to make our way to Arusha for our flight out to Zanzibar. We said goodbye to the wonderful staff at Kudu Lodge where we had spent one night before heading out to the Serengeti and one night after visiting Ngorongoro Crater. Their hospitality was beyond anything we expected, their accommodations were exceptional, and their smiles and warm embraces made us feel like we had visited family not just stayed at a lodge. I would definitely want to return to Kudu Lodge some day.
After leaving Kudu, we had a long drive (3.5 hours) to Arusha. Along the way, we got a distant view of Manyara Lake which is a park for people to visit and enjoy the lake. We also saw several signs for different Maasai villages as well as animals being herded by village members. The animals were mostly made up of cows and goats but we even saw some camels being herded, unfortunately we did not get a photo.
We eventually got to Arusha, and it was clear we were in the city. The traffic was heavy, a maze of cars, trucks and MANY motorcycles. It reminded me of Puerto Rico traffic in Old San Juan, especially on the weekends. Fortunately, Iddy is an excellent driver and was able to navigate it all with perfection.
In the city, we visited the Cultural Heritage Center which houses many shops with Tanzanian arts and crafts. Of course, I had to go shopping while there. One thing I saw which was so special is that in 2026 they will be opening a building specifically honoring Dr. Jane Goodall and her legacy. How fitting for her tribute to be in a country that is working on protecting their amazing wildlife.
In addition to visiting the Cultural Heritage Center, we visited the building next door which is The African Art Gallery. This is where the most coveted pieces of Tanzanian art can be found and purchased. The paintings, sculptures, and photos are exquisite. I especially enjoyed the wood sculptures that were by the entrance. The volume of detail in them is outstanding and mesmerizing to look at. Inside, there were many beautiful pieces I would have loved to have purchased. Unfortunately, not in this lifetime.
After visiting the gallery and eating our lunches, we headed to an open air market. There were many vendors selling their fruits, vegetables, spices, grains and even a butcher shop area. The fruit and vegetables provided a kaleidoscope of colors that were very pleasing to see.
After finishing at the market, Iddy dropped us off at the Arusha airport to catch our flight to Zanzibar. We said goodbye to our new friend and told him we hope to see him one day soon. A big part of the success of our safari was Iddy. His knowledge, sense of humor, steadfast calm, and joy for learning Spanish and teaching Swahili are the many gifts he shared with us. He was a blessing to us.
Now, onto to Zanzibar to relax and learn some more.
And Here We Go... 
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