Postcards Home: Lions, Leopards and Kilimanjaro — Kathy’s East African Safari Adventure

Postcards Home with Emily Darlow

For many travellers, an African safari sits firmly on the bucket list.

Images of elephants crossing dusty plains, lions basking in the sun and giraffes silhouetted against an orange sunset have inspired generations of Australians to dream about visiting East Africa. Add in the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater and the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, and it becomes a journey that combines some of the world’s most iconic landscapes with unforgettable wildlife encounters.

For Kathy Mostert and her husband Owen, the trip combined familiar places with brand new adventures.

Originally from South Africa before making Australia home 30 years ago, the retired couple travelled through South Africa before continuing on to Kenya, Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar, experiencing everything from bustling cities to vast national parks and idyllic island beaches.

Their four-and-a-half-week itinerary included two weeks in South Africa, followed by a week in Kenya, another week in Tanzania and three days exploring Zanzibar.
Unlike many travellers, Kathy says the holiday delivered exactly what they had hoped for.

“It lived up to all our expectations,” she said.

The East African leg of the journey provided one unexpected surprise which made the experience even more special.

“We expected a large group, but there were only four of us,” Kathy said.

“The other couple were from Victoria and luckily we got on really well.”

That smaller group meant game drives felt more personal and relaxed as they explored some of East Africa’s most celebrated national parks.

Most days followed a rhythm that quickly became second nature.

Early mornings began with a game drive as the African bush slowly came to life, before returning to the lodge for breakfast and a quieter afternoon. Later in the day, they would head back out in search of wildlife again, unless they were travelling by road to their next destination.

One of the most memorable moments came while watching a pride of lions chase hyenas away from a fresh kill, a dramatic reminder of the constant struggle for survival that plays out across the African plains.

Another unforgettable sight was spotting two leopards stretched out together in the branches of a tree, an unusually peaceful moment from one of Africa’s most elusive predators.

If Kathy could relive one moment tomorrow, it would be one of those safari encounters.

“Watching a pride of lions chase hyenas from a kill,” she said.

“Or watching two leopards lazing in a tree together.”

Away from the wildlife, one destination stood above the rest.

Seeing Mount Kilimanjaro was everything the couple had hoped for.

Rising almost 6,000 metres above the surrounding plains, Africa’s highest mountain dominates the landscape and remains one of the continent’s most recognisable natural landmarks.

Another highlight was descending into Tanzania’s spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Formed from the collapse of an ancient volcano, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed crater is one of the world’s most remarkable safari destinations.

Their time in Zanzibar offered something completely different.

Alongside its famous beaches and rich cultural history, Kathy enjoyed visiting the childhood home of Freddie Mercury, the Queen frontman who spent much of his early life on the island before his family relocated.

The journey also introduced the couple to a few local favourites.

For Kathy, the standout drink was Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro beer.

“The Tanzanian motto is, ‘If you can’t climb it, drink it,'” she laughed.

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises wasn’t a famous landmark at all. Instead, it was the warmth of the people.

“How friendly the Swahili people are and how clean Tanzania is,” Kathy said.

For Starts at 60 readers considering a similar adventure, Kathy has one important piece of practical advice.

“Check the Yellow Fever vaccination requirements before you travel,” she said.

“And if you’re travelling during the wet season, take anti-malaria medication.”

She also has one packing tip after returning home with unworn clothing.

“We never wore the warm jackets we thought we’d need in the evenings.”

As for what’s next, Kathy and Owen haven’t locked in their next holiday just yet. One thing, however, is almost certain. “We’ll probably go back to southern Africa,” she said. “We love the African bush.”

If you need help booking your next great adventure call the team at Travel at 60 – they can book flights, accommodation and on-ground activities.