For the past nine years, our family has called Eugene, Oregon, home. Specifically, we’ve been lucky to live in the beautiful Southwest Hills, a community we love so much that when it was time to move, we bought a home just a few blocks away. My husband, Michael, works as an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for the University of Oregon, which brought us here. We are die-hard Ducks fans and enjoy attending a variety of sports events, including basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, and track and field. As a family, we also love hiking and kayaking on the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. 

This past August, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure: a 10-day safari in Tanzania. The trip was organized by our Southwest Hills neighbors, Robb and Gayle Larsen, whose future son-in-law’s family owns Kalamazoo Safari Company. With a friend-and-family discount and the perfect timing to celebrate our 28th wedding anniversary during migration season, we couldn’t resist. 

The experience was everything we dreamed of and more. Tanzania’s culture was inspiring, marked by cooperation among diverse tribes, languages, and beliefs. Swahili, the national language, united everyone, and we were warmly greeted with phrases like “Jambo” (hello), “Karibu” (welcome), and the famous “Hakuna Matata” (no worries). 

Our adventure began with visits to the Shine English School and Fruitful Orphanage, where we brought donations and spent time with the children. Seeing their joy and determination was both humbling and heartwarming. 

The safaris in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks were breathtaking. From open-air jeeps, we spotted an array of wildlife, including the Safari Big Five—elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards, and Cape buffalo. One unforgettable moment was witnessing a pride of lions take down a warthog, followed by a dramatic standoff between a black rhino and a massive bull elephant. 

We also had the privilege of visiting a Maasai village, where we were greeted with a welcome dance led by the chief’s eldest son. Learning about their resourceful way of life, from making fire to living with limited water, was fascinating. One highlight was our hot air balloon ride over Tarangire. Although the weather cut our flight short, the views were magical, and we celebrated with a champagne toast and an amazing breakfast in the wild.

The trip wasn’t just about wildlife. At the Olduvai Gorge, we explored the birthplace of early humans and Mary Leakey’s research center. We also visited a cultural center where we admired local artwork and learned about Tanzanite, a rare gem found only in Tanzania. 

While it’s hard to pick a single most memorable moment, the combination of awe-inspiring wildlife, cultural insights, and personal connections made this trip unforgettable. Meeting the Maasai, seeing the incredible array of animals, and connecting with the children at the orphanage left a lasting impact. 

Would we go back? Absolutely! Next time, I’d love to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and take another balloon ride in better weather for a full bird’s-eye view of the Serengeti and Tarangire. Tanzania truly was a trip of a lifetime and is an adventure we’ll treasure forever.