But it was hardly minor to me.
The zebras were casual too casual, I suspected as they trotted across the Mara River.
Murky brown water swallowed up their legs and haunches, yet they remained unhurried.
Credit:Jackie Caradonio/Travel + Leisure
Then the crocodiles came.
At first one, then two then six and within seconds, they had taken hold of an adolescent.
The water splashed and bubbled, the young equine scuttled, the crocodiles worked in unsettling concert.
Jackie Caradonio/Travel + Leisure
Suddenly, the zebra broke away, bucking its hind legs in one last Hail Mary attempt at escape.
But it was too late.
This is the circle of life, he said.
Jackie Caradonio/Travel + Leisure
You wouldnt want the crocodiles to go hungry, would you?
Heartbroken as I was, I knew he was right.
With Usawa, I wanted to give that freedom back to our guests.
Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris
Usawas custom-designed tents are decorated with art, furniture, and crafts made exclusively by Tanzanian artisans.
Still, nothing comes close to roughing it.
But the real fun of it, Vincent insists, is the chase.
Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris
Guests can easily follow the action, hopscotching from camp to camp.
But, in the end, it was the great migration that once again beckoned.
Then, a calf, clearly exhausted, dropped onto its knees to nurse from its mothers teat.
I felt the tears welling up once again, and this time they poured out like rain.
It had been quite the journey for all of us.
Courtesy of Wilderness Safaris
Still, every creature comfort has been accounted for.
And tables and chairs made from upcycled plastic are the ingenious creation of Arusha-based DuniaDesigns.
The culinary team takes full advantage of Tanzanias robust farming culture, serving both international and traditional Swahili dishes.
All mealtimes and menus are customized for guests as they plan each day with their guide.
Pre-safari breakfasts are lavish spreads of porridge, fruit, pastries, and made-to-order eggs.
Lunch is served overlooking the savannah at the edge of camp, or as a picnic on game drives.
Dinners are multi-course affairs served under the starry night sky or in the main tent.
Come July, the herds move north and river crossings are the main event.
Game drives and bush walks are offered daily.
Family-friendly Offerings
Usawa welcomes children from six years old.
Buy-outs are available for families with members of all ages.
All safari activities can be customized to accommodate different ages and abilities.
Power is provided by solar panels and portable batteries that are recharged at a main power bank.
Well leave no trace, Vincent says.
One storm, and the grassland will look like weve never been there.
Filtered cold and hot water are supplied to guests throughout the day.
Simply pull the chain for a steamy cascade.
Usawa is not ADA compliant, which is typical for safari camps like this one.
Wilderness plans all itineraries end-to-end with VIP travel perks, including Al Maha service when flying with Qatar Airways.
Usawas nine locations stretch from the southern Serengeti National Park to Tanzanias northern border with Kenya.
Up to three camps will operate simultaneously to allow guests to follow the great migration as closely as possible.
Wilderness arranges guest stays based on predictions of the great migration path.
Wilderness also partners with airlines such as Qatar Airways to offer discounted flights for safari goers.
Nightly rates at Usawa start at $950 per person, with a minimum two-night stay.
