The Great Migration in Tanzania

TANZANIA

It has been 2 years since I last went to a Safari trip. I wanted to see the great migration, hence we have decided to experience it in Serengeti, Tanzania. The package cost us $3500 per person for 4 days 3 nights, including transport, accommodation and meals. I have arranged the tour with Amshar Serengeti, and honestly I couldn’t say I enjoyed it 100% because we did not have enough time exploring. Our time were mostly spent on travelling, which is a bummer, and the vehicle broke down each day which consumed our time. Nonetheless, I am still grateful for this experience! We didn’t manage to see the big 5 this time round, but we did see the lion, elephant and african buffalo! Our guide spotted a leopard but it was too far for us to capture it. Also, I have learnt from my previous experience that I should bring a zoom lens camera and I am so glad I did! Loved capturing every moment in the Safari with my new toy!

Day 1 – Travelling from Arusha to Central Serengeti (6 hrs)

We were quite lucky to see the king of Tanzania (lion) up close! The sunset that day were stunning too. The camp experience were wild. There were african buffalos around the compound so we were not allowed to exit the tent without an escort.

Day 2 – Pure Migration Camp

It was one of the day we were anticipating for because we wanted to witness the great wildebeest crossing over the Mara River to Kenya! Unfortunately this does not happen every day hence seeing them crossing the river is totally by pure luck! Although we did not see them crossing the river, we did witness a huge group of them running across our vehicle and that was exhilarating!

Day 3 – Tanzania Bush Camp

Another day, another chance upon seeing wildebeest crossing the river however it did not happen. Did you know? The reason why wildebeest migrate over to Kenya is because their source of food is running low in Tanzania due to the dry weather. Highlight of the day is definitely going on a hot air balloon safari and looking for animals from above!

Day 4 – Drive back to the airport

We were supposed to do safari in Ngorongoro Crater but since our flight were scheduled at 3 pm that day, we had to rush back to the airport which was kinda a bummer. I felt like it was the tour’s agency fault for its bad planning, as they could have advised us to schedule our flight at a later timing. We were told that we could have seen the rhino at Ngorongoro!

Overall, I felt that the first safari trip I did in National Kruger was more relax as compared to Serengeti. If I could re-do the trip, I would definitely plan to stay longer in Tanzania and stay in a private reserve for a few days.

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Advanced Diving Certification in Phuket, Thailand

THAILAND

We are now advanced diver certified! We went to ADEX fair in April 2024 with an open eyes, not knowing where to pursue the course but we knew we had to it the following month. After roaming around the fair, we decided to go with Phuket as it is convenient and it fits our timeline. The course cost $700 per person. However, the water visibility was not so great while we were there. Nonetheless, we are glad that we managed to clear the course! As of now, I have no plans to take on another diving certification but I plan to have more leisure dives to better myself as a diver. I am excited to pursue free diving next.

1. 3 day advanced diving course

📍 Racha Yai Island

2. Phuket Old Town

📍 Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000

3. Luna Spa

📍 95 16 Montri Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand

THAILAND

It has always been my dream to experience Yi Peng once in a lifetime. Witnessing thousands of lanterns being lit up in the sky as if we were in a tangled movie, obviously it’s a girls dream. We had low expectations due to many bad reviews we have came across, such as the stage were lit up in fire etc. Obviously it is not a safe activity, and people can be careless. To add on the fact that there are more than 3000 seats, it is not easy to monitor and control the situation but of course the organizer should be well prepared. We bought standard ticket which cost us $180. At first we thought that it was way overpriced, it kinda is but honestly after going through the experience, it felt worth it. We were taken by a surprise when there were fireworks as we released the lantern, it was a fascinating sight that I would love to see again.

1. Yi Peng Festival

📍 Pick up at Maya shopping mall

$180 for standard ticket, including transportation and dinner

2. Coconut Market

📍 94 Soi Ban Tong 2 Mu 3, Fa Ham, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

3. The Giant Chiangmai Thailand

📍 9, หมู่บ้าน บ้านป๊อก, Huai Kaeo, Mae On District, Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand

4. White Market

📍 1/4-1/5,1/7-1 10 Nimmanahaeminda Road, เมือง Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

5. Jing Jai Market

📍 46 Atsadathon Rd, Pa Tan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

6. Tha Phae Walking Street

📍 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

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2 days in Fes (including day trip to Chefchaouen), Morocco

MOROCCO

Fez is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We actually took a day tour while in Fez because we did not want to get lost in the Medina Maze. You wouldn’t want to end up in a wrong place as it can be dangerous. It is also known to have the oldest tannery. I definitely enjoyed my time more than in Marrakech, but maybe that’s because I didn’t spend enough time in Marrakech. We walked a lot in Fez, admiring the city beauty and also learning about the culture. Additionally, you can also join a group tour to the famous blue city in Morocco, Chefchaouen, which cost around $50 per person.

1. Riad Boutique Borj Dhab Fez

📍 10, Derb Borj Dhab, Qalqliyine, R’cif Médina, Fès, Fes 30000, Morocco

2. Bab Boujloud (Blue gate of Fez)

📍 3268+M9Q, Rue Talaa Sghira, Fès, Morocco

3. Al-Attarine Madrasa

📍 328G+3H2, Rue Talaa Kebira, Fes, Morocco

4. Palais Des Herbs

📍 328G+7MG, Rue Rhabt L’Qais, Fès, Morocco

5. Chaoara Tannery

📍 Rue chouara, Fès, Morocco

6. Zawiya of Mouley Idrissi

📍 7 souk Sebbat kissariat El Kifah, Fes, Morocco

7. Medina De Fez

📍 Fes El Bali

Day Trip to Chefchaouen

1. Sidi Abdallah Al Khayat

2. The blue city

📍 5P9M+QCG, Amharchin, Chefchaouen, Morocco

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1 day in Marrakesh, Morocco

MOROCCO

After speaking with a few locals to understand the situation in Marrakesh, we heard that it was not that bad hence we decided to take a day trip from Casablanca to Marrakesh. The private day tour cost around $225 per person. We were glad that we manage to visit Marrakesh even for a day since we have travelled so far.

1. Palmeraie Marrakech

📍 Palmeraie de Marrakech, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

2. Koutoubia

📍 Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

3. Medersa Ben Youssef

📍 Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, Morocco

4. Bahia Palace Marrakech

📍 Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

We didn’t get to visit the inside of Bahia Palace as it was closed and under repair due to the aftermath of the earthquake.

5. Jemaa El Fna

📍 Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

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3 days in Casablanca, Morocco

MOROCCO

We flew from Luxor, Egypt to Casablanca and was supposed to take the train to Marrakech but we had a change of plans due to a major earthquake that happened on Sept 8 of 2023. It was definitely our first mishaps, having to replan our itinerary while in Egypt. We decided to spend more days in Casablanca and monitor the situation instead of flying back home. Casablanca is a home to 14th biggest mosque in the world, located by the seaside. It’s also the largest mosque in Africa. It felt very laid back while we were there.

1. Dar Dada

📍 31 Rue El Arsa, Casablanca 20250, Morocco

2. Old souq

📍 H9WJ+W75, Casablanca 20250, Morocco

3. Hassan II Mosque

📍 Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca 20000, Morocco

4. Morocco Mall

📍 1 Bd de l’Océan, Casablanca 20180, Morocco

5. Habous market

📍 H9HV+6QV, Unnamed Road, Casablanca 20250, Morocco

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2 days in Luxor, Egypt

OTHERS

Luxor — palace of Egypt. Luxor is surprisingly peaceful as compared to other parts of Egypt. 2 days are sufficient to explore the east and west bank or Luxor. It is a 3 hours train ride from Aswan to Luxor. Purchasing train tickets in Egypt was not straightforward as we had some challenges to do it online. We had resorted to buying them at the train station itself. Do note that they only accept payments in cash.

Day 1 – Exploring East Bank of Luxor

1. Karnak Temple

📍 Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt

2. Mummification Museum

📍 ش Kornish Al Nile, Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362501, Egypt

3. Felucca Ride on the Nile

4. Luxor Temple

📍 Luxor City, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1362501, Egypt

Day 2 – Exploring West Bank of Luxor

5. Hot air balloon

📍 Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt

5. Colossi of Memnon

📍 Al Bairat, Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1341703, Egypt

5. Valley of the Kings

📍 Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt

5. Temple of Hetshepsut

📍 Al Qarna, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt

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1 day in Aswan, Egypt

OTHERS

Aswan — also known as land of gold. It’s the most colorful city I have seen in Egypt. There are several sources that says that it’s known as land of gold not because they have gold mines, but it’s because it’s the center for trading, either that or they believe that the gold was the flesh of gods that were buried in Aswan. We travelled via evening flight from Cairo to Aswan, which takes about 50 mins and it cost $110.

1. Cruising along the Nile River

📍 Nile River, Aswan

2. Nubian Village

📍 West, Aswan, Aswan Governorate 1231022, Egypt

3. Light Show at Philae Temple

📍 Aswan 1, البحر الأحمر 1240271, Egypt

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3 days in Siwa, Egypt

OTHERS

Siwa Oasis — what captured my attention about Siwa was the turquoise salt lake. It was the best decision ever to explore Siwa with @touritos_ for 3 days, from Cairo to Siwa and back to Cairo. One thing I had learnt while planning for Egypt is that, not all places are accessible via train. Hence the only way we could find to go to Siwa, is to drive, which is unpleasant because it takes 8 hours to get there. On the day we travelled to Siwa, the weather wasn’t the best. It was so windy, and our car broke down in the middle of nowhere. Our driver/guide was the best. He is always ensuring that we are comfortable and we will never go thirsty or hungry in the car. Yes, they provided us with water and snacks. However we were just napping most of the time :’) The package cost $380 per person, and it’s inclusive of meals, accommodation and transport. It is not a private tour, but we were blessed with the best group and met new friends from across the world!

1. Panta Lodge Siwa

📍 Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011611, Egypt

I love the style of the resort. It’s not a 5 star accommodation, but it’s so picturesque and the vibe is just phenomenal.

2. Fatnas Island

📍 Matrouh – Siwa, قسم الضبعة، Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5000001, Egypt

3. Shali Fortress

📍 Shali Fortress، شارع المركز الحطاري سيوه الغربيين, Number 2, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011323, Egypt

4. Dakrour Mountain

📍 Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011530, Egypt

5. Mountain of the Dead

📍 Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate, Egypt

6. Siwa Desert Safari

📍 102, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 51714, Egypt

7. Siwa Salt Lake

📍 6J8G+W2X, Unnamed Road, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011702, Egypt

8. Cleopatra Spring

📍 5HW2+Q3C, Siwa, Marsa Matrouh Governorate 5011430, Egypt

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2 days in Cairo, Egypt

EGYPT

Cairo — famous for its Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, also known as the great 7 wonders of the world. We flew from Singapore to Cairo via Etihad Airways and our air ticket cost $654. We had no issue with transportation, as it is pretty much accessible via Kareem everywhere we go. On day 1, we decided to explore the city by ourselves while on day 2, we had arrange a tour with @egyptmalayatours. It was nice having a guide as they are able to recommend us the best places to go to grab souvenirs. For accommodation, we had book an airbnb facing the pyramid which cost $200 for 2 nights. I truly enjoyed my time in Cairo despite it’s hot and humid weather.