Although we have been in S Africa (and out of Tanz) since early September, I am just now posting about our other Tanzania adventures.  After our wildlife safari, we rested up at Buck's in Arusha for a couple of days.  Then, we each went on separate excursions -- before reuniting and spending 7 amazing days on beautiful Zanzibar island.  BTW Tanz is an amazing tourist destination for a # of reasons, but largely because you could do an incredible wildlife safari, then laze on an amazing beach . . . and do so all in about 2 weeks.  Such diversity would make for an ideal vacation -- and both budget and luxury options are available.  In any event, back to our excursions.

Jenn spent 5 days at Makoa Farm -- a working farm and horse ranch near Moshi.  With striking views of Mt. Kilimanjaro behind her (at almost 19,000 feet, the African continent's highest peak), she rode horses, hiked, visited a Chaga tribe village, swam in hotsprings (even though crocs were just up the river!!), ate like a queen (the food was incredible), saw more wildlife (e.g., a 150 year old giant tortoise), walked dogs, learned about local flora/fauna/farming, and relaxed.  All in all, she had a wonderful time.

CHG, meanwhile, went on a 7 day cultural tour through the Hanang District near Babati.  The focus of the tour was to see and experience different cultures and lifestyles.  The tour was also designed so that I actually lived like a rural african villager -- at least for a couple of days.  During those 7 days, I visited schools and local agricultural (and other economic) projects, went on some amazing hikes in the rift valley, rode bikes, canoed on Lake Babati to within 50 feet of a pod of hippos, rode the local chicken buses (I actually sat next to a goat), and visited several tribes and local villages.  I even did 2 homestays -- one with the Gorowa and another with the Barbaig (a cattle-rearing warrior tribe).  The latter was, easily, the most memorable part of the tour.  I actually slept in a grass/mud hut, on a goatskin bed in a local family's boma.  The generosity of those people -- who have nothing -- absolutely amazed me.  This experience, like so many others we've had, was a great reminder of just how fortunate we truly are.  I truly enjoyed the experience, learned a lot, and would recommend this type of cultural tourism to anyone.  While cultural tourism has its critics and valid criticisms, this tour did not feel "touristy."  In fact, this tour was more about connecting with people and sharing ideas. 

Tanzania was an incredible destination, with so many things to see and do.  Visiting Tanzania was quite an adventure, but well worth the effort.  Oh and by the way, much like Uganda, the food was both plentiful and excellent (except for one ill-advised menu selection on Zanzibar Island!!).