What inspired me to go on a safari in Tanzania?

On a quiet Sunday afternoon in late October, I was stretched out across my bed when my phone buzzed with a message from my friend Amber. She dropped a simple but life-changing question in our group chat with Carol: “Do y’all want to go on a safari in Africa in April?”

Without hesitation, I replied, “Count me in. I don’t know how I’m paying for it, but I want to go.”
Important side note: I didn’t even ask where in Africa we were going. All I knew were the dates and the cost—and that was enough for me.

When others who eventually joined the trip asked what convinced me, I told them the truth: I didn’t attend the original meeting with our guide, Safari Kay. There was no pitch, no PowerPoint, no persuasive strategy. Just a text. That was all I needed.

My decision was rooted in a few things:

• I had traveled with Amber before and trusted her travel style completely.
• She mentioned her friend John from Arizona would also be joining— a chance to meet a decades old friend she initially met in college.
• And most importantly, Africa had been on my vision board.
  

My desire to travel to Africa planted itself two years prior. I remember sitting at a dinner event hosted by an organization my job supported. The founders shared moving stories of their mission work in Africa. As they spoke, a whisper in my spirit said, “What if you went to Africa?”
Later that night, I told my mom. She shut the idea down quickly—“Only if you’re going with someone you know.”
Back then, I couldn’t think of anyone. Fast forward two years: the opportunity literally messaged me. And I said yes.

How I planned for the trip

Thankfully, Safari Kay handled everything. From the flights to accommodations, all I had to do was make my payments on time. Closer to our departure, she sent over forms and helpful information, and hosted a final pre-departure meeting to answer questions and go over logistics.

We were a group of 12 travelers, plus Kay. Most of the group lived in California. John and I were the only two flying in from other states—he from Arizona, me from Mississippi. I arrived in Los Angeles a day before the big flight.

Amber, John and I also began checking in with each other more often as departure neared—sharing links to travel items, packing tips and making sure we submitted requested information in a timely manner.

One of the most common questions I received was, “How many shots did you have to get?”
Answer: None. I visited my primary care doctor and got a prescription for malaria medication—easy.

Packing came with its own drama. We were given packing parameters due to safari vehicle space. I thought I packed light—until I got to Amber’s and saw her tiny, pink, perfectly packed bag. I was stunned. I asked her, “Sis… who in your family is military?” The way she compacted her wardrobe into that miniature suitcase was an art form.

Travel itinerary & first impressions

Our group flew from Los Angeles, had a brief layover in Amsterdam, and then continued on to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania. When I say brief…I mean we were running through the airport to get to our connecting flight. 

Amber, John, and I managed to sit together on the first leg of the trip. I won’t name names, but a small mishap prevented us from sitting together on the second flight. I found myself seated near a large family traveling for vacation. I was grateful for my noise-canceling playlist and a bottle of DreamWater.

Although I’ll pull the full itinerary from my email for future posts, I can say the total flight time was LONG—but the excitement helped.

The feeling as it all began

At first, the trip felt far off, like something happening to someone else. I created a Safari countdown timer on my phone. I didn’t tell many people until the new year had begun. My friends, who know I’m always up for a trip, started getting suspicious when I claimed I had “no travel plans.”

But as I boarded that first flight to Los Angeles, it hit me: “I’m really doing this. I’m flying to meet my friends, and we’re going to Africa.”

It wasn’t just a trip. It was a shift.

Pre-departure challenges

Nothing too wild, but I did get stuck in Nashville longer than I planned on my way to Los Angeles. Still, everything worked itself out—like it always seems to when you’re walking in alignment with your purpose.

Coming Up Next:
📍 A full breakdown of our safari adventure
💬 Stories from the people I met along the way

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever had a “say yes now, figure it out later” moment—it might just lead you somewhere unforgettable. If you have questions drop those in the comments as well! 

— Queen’s Quill 🖋