Ndutu Conservation Area
The leopard in the tree at Ndutu
"We had just left camp when the guide's radio crackled: a leopard had been spotted in an acacia tree, just a few kilometres from us."
The guide switched off the engine. The silence was total. There, just 20 metres from the vehicle, a male leopard rested on the branches of an acacia, its tail hanging loosely. The guests fell silent, cameras ready. For almost half an hour they watched the cat, still as a sculpture, while the morning sun filtered through the leaves.
Ndutu, in the heart of the southern Serengeti, is famous for its leopards. Here, among the endless plains and solitary acacias, these cats climb trees to rest, watch the savannah and escape the heat. It is one of the best places in Africa to see leopards in the wild.
Early morning
Ndutu, southern Serengeti
Local guide
Kilimanjaro – A true story
Ally Omary – The "Bhai"
"At 5,000 metres, when the body says 'enough', the mind has to find the strength to carry on."
Our client, a 52-year-old traveller, was pushing for the summit of Kilimanjaro with guide Ally Omary, known to everyone as "Bhai" – brother in Swahili. At 5,500 metres the client began to struggle: altitude sickness set in, the pace slowed, breathing grew short. Many guides would have suggested turning back.
But Ally "Bhai" did not give up. With over 10 years of experience and endless patience, he slowed the pace, encouraged the client, gave him oxygen and water. "We're almost there, brother. One step at a time.", he kept repeating. After two hours of slow climbing, they reached the summit. The client, in tears, embraced Ally. "I couldn't have done it without you, Bhai", he told him.
5,500m – Final push
Kilimanjaro, Machame Route
Ally "Bhai" Omary – Senior guide
Cultural tour – A true story
Elius Vincent Albert and the Maasai village
"I am Maasai. I was born here, among these huts of mud and dung, and every time I come back it feels like coming home. This is my Africa."
Our colleague Elius Vincent Albert, senior guide and founder of Serengeti Budget Safari, took a group of guests to visit his home village. As the vehicle approached, the children ran towards them, smiling and waving with excitement. "This is the Africa you don't find in books", Elius said, his eyes shining.
In the village, Elius showed the guests the traditional huts built of mud and dung, explained the deep meaning of the warrior dances and told stories of lion hunts and traditions passed down for generations. Fascinated, the guests were invited to join a dance: for a moment, they forgot they were tourists and felt part of something bigger.
Afternoon – Maasai village
Arusha, Tanzania
Elius Vincent Albert – Senior guide
