Return to Arusha

Return from Lake Natron to Arusha

Woke up at 5 after the only warm night of our stay in this part of equatorial Africa, we got ready and dismantled the tent in half an hour, quietly so as not to disturb other campers and without having breakfast. The road is terrible (imagine that even trucks pass here). local bus), a bumpy, uneven road full of potholes where the Land Rover bounced, kicking up a cloud of dust around it. Please don't stop now because today is no joke; we have our return flight but also have a comfortable amount of time. Just as the sun is rising we stop for have breakfast And this is the moment I would like to linger on, capturing a scene that could be the perfect ending to the trip. Lamek lays a tablecloth over the hood of the off-road vehicle, pulling out his coffee thermos, while we offer plenty of leftover cookies. The sun illuminates the scene with its yellowish and almost horizontal light. Standing there, we have breakfast in the middle of nowhere, dry bushes waiting for rain, and barren land, all made beautiful only by the angle from which the light comes. We enjoy this moment that is both empty and immense, where the rays create an indescribable image that can only be described with words. It's the conclusion of these two spectacular weeks, a sunrise or sunset that could have perfectly captured them.

Last hours in Tanzania

There's no one around at some point. take a local off-road vehicle but we've already finished and there's no risk of adding dust to the breakfast. We set off for a few dozen kilometers on unpaved roads, the last ones. Finally, we turn south onto the beautiful road connecting Arusha with the Kenyan border Even though of typical African style, we are now in a civilized society: the huts give way to houses made of brick, traditional clothing gives way to simple clothes similar to ours. In half an hour, we arrive in town for some tea and coffee purchases. Lamek buys fresh ginger for us. There is still time for one last lunch (we also try ugali), for which we invite our guide and the cook. Before arriving at the airport, we distribute tips and are ready for the final stretch to the small but welcoming stopover. Here, we say goodbye and go through the checks that will lead us to boarding on time. The rest of the journey will not bring any surprises, sealing an experience that started under far from ideal circumstances but has transformed into a wonderful opportunity to see and learn. Since this was not my first African experience, I thought that the much-talked-about "Africa bug" would not affect me, but somehow I was vaccinated against it. After this trip, I am no longer so sure, the people we met have created a bond with the land and its beauty, instilling a sense of nostalgia at the time of departure. Was it because it was mountain people?

See you soon! (Goodbye in Swahili)