Back on English soil and missing it already...

So it's Wednesday and we're back on English soil. Back to reality and everything has gone from Pole-Pole to Haraka Haraka (quickly quickly!) Why is everyone in such a rush? Immigration, the baggage collection, the bloomin' taxi driver rushing us. How rude! Not sure Tanzanian time works over here.

Everyone is feeling exhausted but looking forward to getting home to see friends and family. It has been an amazing trip with highs and lows but it has to be said that the highs massively outweigh the lows.

I think the trip has had a huge impact on every single one of us in different ways and everyone is taking some great things away from this. I personally still can’t get my head around how different things are out there and how hard the Mamas work. Everybody is so so friendly and welcoming and I just found it a really happy place to be.

I think I speak on behalf of everyone in the Remit gang when I say a huge thank you to everyone at the Village Education Project Kilimanjaro. Katy, Dilly, John, David and all of the Mamas have all been fantastic and looked after us very well. We had some incredible experiences and would encourage everyone to make a trip like this if they get the opportunity. It's a real eye opener and the charity do some amazing work out there.

I have decided to return in September to do the Kilimanjaro Challenge and climb the 5,895 metres to the summit. I will be doing this to raise money for the VEPK charity, which as I mentioned before is a fantastic organisation, doing some great work in Tanzania. I have a target to raise £2,500 for them and so sponsorship will be welcomed.

Lastly I want to say a huge thank you to the four apprentices who were with us on the trip. Ryan, Tony, Daps and Eric, you have all been an absolutely pleasure to share this trip with. You embraced everything we did and put everything in to it, you really are a credit to yourselves, your employers, family and Remit. 

Also a huge thank you to the other Remit staff, Louise, Sam and Steve, who made the trip a huge success and very fun. I couldn’t have asked for better company.

And finally (this is turning into an Oscar winning speech) I have to thank Steve Yardley for giving us all the opportunity in the first place, and for trusting me to lead the trip. There's not many companies where you would have such a chance of a lifetime.

Miss you all already.

Anyway, signing off for now, I have a few emails to catch up on!

Asante sana VEPK and Remit

Sana Upendo

Kate x

Hefferlumps, Giraffes and a race to the finish...

Tuesday is our last day and there were mixed feelings from everyone this morning over breakfast. We have the excitement of our morning of safari at Lake Manyara, sadness for leaving this beautiful country, excitement to get back and see loved ones, and despair at the thought of a 17 hour flight!

Everyone was still on fantastic form though and we started with high hopes that we might get a glimpse of a Giraffe.

As we entered Lake Manyara, we started the search for animals. Twenty minutes later, and nothing. We all began to get a little disheartened, we were all still smiling on the outside but I knew that on the inside everyone was feeling like we might be out of luck today. 

It had rained heavily overnight and we wondered if the animals had decided to have a lazy day at home in front of the TV instead of heading out for food. But then, from the eerie silence came a little shreek of excitement from the 'pocket rocket' (Louise) “Giraffe Giraffe!” 

We all nearly jumped out of our skin but the shock was worth it because as we glanced to our left there he was, Mr Giraffe, munching on a tree for his breakfast. They are very curious animals and he spent a while staring at us trying to work out what us 'Mazungus' (foreigners) found so interesting. If only he knew!

Mr Giraffe was the first of a stream of animals. Next we met a family of baboons who were playing and grooming each other. Then a huge elephant wandered out on to the path in front of the cars, followed by her whole family including two babies. These were incredible to see so close up, we could almost touch them from the roof of the vehicles. 

Everyone was back to being excited now and things just got better. We came to an opening near the lake and it was like all of the giraffes and zebras had been hiding out here, because as we came out of the forest there were hundreds of zebras and a herd of giraffes with their babies. Amazing.

Now at this point, our guides stopped the cars and opened thee doors so we could get out. Correct me if I am wrong, but are we not in the middle of a safari? We have all made it to the last day, it would be a nightmare now if one of us was to be eaten by a lion or charged by one of the elephants wouldn’t it? But in true Remit Tanzanian style, we all hopped out of the vehicles to have our pictures taken! 

We survived! No limbs lost and not even any close shaves. Phew.

It is time to head out of the lake now. We have a four hour journey ahead of us back to Kilimanjaro airport and the guides weren’t sparing the horses! They were determined to get us there on time. We had a brief stop to eat our packed lunch, which consisted of carrot and orange sandwiches, rice inside what looked like a Cornish pasty (very misleading), chocolate spread, a chicken leg (cooked, luckily) coconut biscuits, an orange, a banana, a fairy cake of the driest variety and a fruit juice. We weren’t going hungry!

We screeched up to the airport with time to spare. Now the really long journey begins. First flight is seven and a half hours, then a four hour stop at Doha, followed by another seven and a half hours to Heathrow. Oh, and not to mention another couple of hours back to Nottingham. Yay!

See you on the flip side xx

Hakuna Matata, what a wonderful phrase...

Well what a way to start a Monday! 



For a few of us the 6.30am breakfast was a bit of a lie in compared to a Monday morning heading down to Mercedes! So after a coffee, we were desperate to get out and see some animals.

It was a bit of a drive to the Crater. Once we'd arrived we had to wait at the gates to get our permits for the day, which was really frustrating as we were all so keen to see what was down there.

We finally started the journey, ascending up and up on rocky roads (for a change) in a low hanging mist! Louise was extremely excited by this as it felt like Jurassic Park with the jungle surroundings, the mist and the wild noises (apparently she has always wanted to find herself in one of the films!).

After about 40 mins, we started to descend, and eventually arrived at the opening to the crater. Until now we had been on a narrow road, surrounded by trees and greenery, so this was our first glimpse over the vast Crater, which spans 19 kilometres!

As we came around the first corner, we stumbled upon a heard of Zebras. I never really got excited about seeing the zebras, but they are beautiful animals.

By now the roofs on the safari cars had been opened so we could pop our heads out and get some great pictures.

A bit further along the road, Davis shouted again to look left. About 10 foot from the car were five Lionesses (Simbas) basking and sleeping having just eaten. These were incredible, and we spent quite a while watching and waiting to see if they would get up, but they were quite happy just rolling around relaxing. We tried dangling Steve out of the car, but they weren't interested!

From then on it was just one animal after another. We saw lots and lots of Buffalo, Wildebeests and quite a few families of Water hogs, which just make me laugh as I imagine them singing Hakuna Matata from The Lion King! I was a little disappointed when they didn't but I guess you can't have everything.

Soon though, far in the distance we could see a herd of something really big. We asked Davis what they were......Elephants, he said! 

I was so excited as the Elephant was one of the big five that I was desperate to see, and as it turns out, we were about to see a whole herd of them. They were so close to the car and absolutely amazing to see in their natural habitat, doing what they do and not being cooped up in an enclosure.

By now everyone was getting peckish and so the guides pulled up at one of the picnic areas and we settled down for our picnic. The picnic area is surrounded by Black Kite birds swooping down to pinch food, so there are signs up to say not to feed the animals. 

However, we have five males with us and, as we know, they don't read instructions and so Steve (yes the responsible staff member) decided it would be fun to throw food up into the air for the birds to catch, which they did! They obviously then wanted the rest of his food and one hungry Black Kite took it upon himself to swoop down and help himself to the rest of Steve's sandwich, cutting his hand at the same time with his talons.

As if Steve wasn't wounded enough, one of the guards then came over and charged Steve a penalty for feeding the animals. Lesson learned!

After lunch we saw more animals, including a Lioness who had just killed. We are yet to see a giraffe though and this is one of the animals several of us are keen to see. We have been told there is more chance tomorrow when we go to Lake Manyara, so fingers crossed!

We were all pretty tired tonight and so had a nice relaxing 'last supper' and took ourselves off to bed early as we are going for an even earlier start tomorrow - 5.30am! We want to be sure to see some animals at the Lake before we have to head back to the airport. Fingers crossed for Giraffes!

Kwaheri for now, LaLa Salama (sleep well) 
Team Tanzania xx 

The car in front is a Dala Dala...

Sunday

Some baboons we spotted on our journey

Not a lot to say for today. We drove and drove and drove! 

Winlock and Davis picked us up from the palace at 11am and we said our goodbyes to Dilly, Anna and our new friend, Stephan the Watchman.

We are heading off on safari and so everyone is very excited but we have a five to six-hour drive ahead of us, four of us in a Safari Land Cruiser and the other four in a safari-style Dala Dala.

We are heading to Karatu, which is near the Ngorogoro Crater where we will be going tomorrow to hopefully see lots of animals!

We travel through Moshi and on to Ashura before we land at our destination, but it didn't feel as long a drive as it would have done in England as there are so many interesting sights, such as the Masai villages we passed and the differing landscapes.

We arrived at our camp for the night and were greeted with pineapple juice and popcorn. Random, yes, but then again we have got used to expecting the unexpected, and everyone was ready for it so the combination was enjoyed by all.

Dinner time arrived and we had a slight change from Chagga food tonight. We had soup to start, followed by fish, stew and rice.

We headed off for an early night as we have a 6.30am breakfast tomorrow so we can get a full day at the crater!

Team Tanzania Xxx

Bye bye Chem Chem, safari here we come...

Saturday

A view from the top of Kilema Hill

This morning we went to Kilema Hill. It represents Jesus being dragged up the hill and crucified at the top. Another epic climb with Margaret, her little boy Jordan and her nephew Daniel. It was well worth the climb and our legs are now as solid as steel from these hills!

At the top is a monument and the views are incredible. You can see for miles and miles and it was just a really peaceful place to sit and enjoy.


Again it is another hot day here and we needed to refuel, so we headed back to Marangu Mtoni for lunch. Everyone's favourite lunch seems to have become Chipsi Mayai which is basically a chip omelette! A taste sensation that you need to try!

After lunch it was time to head to the blacksmiths and the caves. The blacksmiths were interesting and they showed us how they make spears for the Masai Mara and explained the different spears and how they earn them. 

As young boys they have to go out as a group to catch and kill a Lion. They have to bring the lion's head back to their village and this earns them the right to marry and the right to a bigger spear. I think this process could catch on in the UK - can't see why it wouldn't work!

We took a short walk through the village, which is pretty much like a rainforest. We were bombarded by the local children wanting their picture taking, which was sweet. As we were walking, the guide told us the story behind the caves. 

These caves were almost like bunkers for the locals where they could hide out from the enemies. The watchman sits near the tiny entrance hole and shoots any passing enemies, while the families are deep down in the caves. We all got the opportunity to go down into the caves but the only one from Remit brave enough to go deep down into the full caves was Ryan! 

I went in to the first part and through the first corridor, but you are literally on your knees and, being pretty claustrophobic, there was no way I was going any further! It's amazing to think how many people would live down here to protect themselves from the enemies. Another fascinating day and look in to the lives of Tanzanians.

A few of us hopped out the Dalla Dalla at Mama Mlay's for a final visit before heading off on safari tomorrow. Woooohooooo! I think 

I speak for the whole team when I say we are extremely excited about this. With our cameras charged, Ngorogoro here we come!

We had our final supper at Chem Chem and had a toast to David, John and Dilly who have been fantastic hosts for the past 10 days, and to the Mamas who have looked after us incredibly, particularly Anna who has become our African Mother.

Kwerhari Chem Chem, Asante sana

Team Tanzania xxx

A Pole-Pole day...

Friday

Two local school children saying hello

Today we woke up to rain. This is our day off, so we are taking everything 'pole-pole' today.

We took a steady walk to Chem Chem for breakfast. The roads have turned in to a rocky river today, so it's like a slippery slide down for breakfast. 

After pancakes and toast, four of us decided to make the walk down to, you've guessed it, Mama Mlay's! It would be rude not to spend some time here on our day off and the weather was beginning to brighten up so it was nice to just sit and reflect on the past week. 

I am personally getting in to this 'pole-pole' way of living. The whole experience has been incredibly humbling and I think has made us all realise just how lucky and spoilt we all are back home. 

Out here every day is about survival and there is no moaning about the epic walks up and down the hills every day to fetch water or to cut grass for the cows, the locals are unbelievably friendly to Mzungas (foreigners) and have time for you. 

I can't imagine us back home welcoming Africans to our country and asking how they are and about their lives. It is a completely different world out here and I actually really like it!

'We take no responsibility for injury or death at Lake Challa...'

Thursday

Today we took a trip to Lake Challa. This was about 45 mins away and the weather today is glorious! Back in the Dalla Dalla we go. I think we are all getting used to the rocky roads now as everyone seems to just go with the flow!

As we were approaching Lake Challa we saw a family of baboons sat in the middle of the road ahead of us, this was really exciting as it is the first wild animals we have seen so far, apart from cows and goats, so this just got everyone even more excited for safari.

When we arrived at Lake Challa, we were greeted by one of the guides and a sign that stated that they take no responsibility for injury or DEATH while at Lake Challa! As you can imagine this was a little disconcerting for everyone but by now we are pretty hardened Chaggas, and so in true Tanzanian style we pretended not to be bothered by this!

It is hard to describe the view but the lake is in a crater and so we were starting out at the top and needed to work our way down! The Lake was the bluest water I have ever seen surrounded by the greenest scenery. It is hard to describe how stunning the view was.

Now our thoughts turned to how on earth we were to get down this near-vertical drop to the Lake. Of course, we walk! The guide pointed us in a rough direction of where to start and we had Margaret, one of the Mamas, with us to follow. Let's just say this walk was a bit like an extreme sport. There were vertical drops, slippy rocks and tree roots to contend with. The sign we saw at the entrance was all becoming more clear now. 

It took a good 25 minutes to make our way "pole pole" to the bottom, but when we got down there it was well worth the climb. At the bottom was a huge pile of rocks and a single wooden boat. Dilly and Dave had both made us promise not to swim in the lake as there have been sightings of crocodiles, and apparently there have been croc attacks in the past. They warned us that the locals will encourage us to swim (which they did) and it is extremely tempting when you are that hot and sweaty, but we kept reminding ourselves that we all value our limbs and quite want to make it to safari and so we refrained. 

We had a picnic that the Mamas had prepared for us which was interesting! Tomato sandwiches, a boiled egg, half a carrot and half a cucumber.

We spent some time here taking in the scenery before heading back up the vertical hill.
Back to Marangu for a sneaky stop off at Mama Mlay's for some fresh coffee.

Dinner at Chem Chem, and then a pitch-black walk back up to the Palace. Another dry bed ahead which is a novelty out here!

Tomorrow is a well-earned day off, so a later breakfast and then some free time!
Kwerhari (goodbye) for now!

Team Tanzania! Xx