Michael LaBaw and Phyllis Parker
Cheryl and Michael LaBaw, owners of World Travel Agency, and Quail Creek residents John and Phyllis Parker recently embarked on a 28-day safari across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. This epic journey covered some of Africa’s most stunning landscapes, teeming wildlife, and rich cultures.
A highlight was witnessing the famous wildebeest migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara where thousands of wildebeest thundered across the Mara River, creating a spectacle of noise and movement. “We stayed a while watching this amazing sight,” Phyllis Parker recalls, “seeing hundreds of them rushing down the hill and across the river.” This once-in-a-lifetime event was only one of many unforgettable experiences.
At each national park, we encountered distinct wildlife and habitats. In Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, Phyllis was thrilled to see her favorite animal, the elephant, in its natural environment. “I never thought I would see elephants in the wild,” she said, “but there they were, 12 of them, right next to our vehicle!” From watching elephants trumpeting to protect their young in Amboseli to spotting one with tusks nearly reaching the ground, these encounters left lasting impressions. Unfortunately, Amboseli’s stunning backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro was under cloud cover.
Our itinerary took us to Uganda where we trekked through lush forests to see endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. The dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest was a thrilling challenge, but being close to gorillas in their natural habitat was worth every step. We also saw chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and enjoyed their energetic antics.
The cultural experiences were equally moving. In Kenya, we visited a Maasai village where we were welcomed with traditional chanting and jumping by the men and a heartfelt song from the women. Dressed in traditional blankets, we joined them in dance before touring their village. We saw how they lived in small huts made from tree limbs and dung, cooked over small pits, and taught children in one-room schools. Their warmth and pride in their heritage was unforgettable.
The safari introduced us to Africa’s “Big Five” and so much more. In Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, we had rare sightings of black rhinos. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda, we spotted lions, giraffes, and elephants. At Lake Naivasha, we observed hippos during a boat ride, and in Zimbabwe’s Chobe National Park, we marveled at massive herds of elephants cooling themselves in the river.
Victoria Falls, known locally as “the smoke that thunders,” was another awe-inspiring stop. The falls’ roaring waters created rainbows in the mist, while a boat trip on the Zambezi River offered a serene yet thrilling end to the journey.
This 28-day adventure provided a glimpse into Africa’s boundless beauty, wildlife, and welcoming cultures. The LaBaws and Parkers returned with memories they will cherish forever, from the elephants of Amboseli to the Maasai songs of Kenya. This was, without a doubt, a trip of a lifetime.