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It had been years since I’d last seen my cousin, so when she told me she and her family would be spending a couple of days at Osiligilai Maasai Lodge after their six-day safari with Ben, I knew we had to join them. Early one morning, I packed up the car with my two kids, a few essentials, and a lot of excitement — we were heading back toward West Kilimanjaro, one of my favorite places in Tanzania. We were on our way to Maasai and giraffes in West Kilimanjaro.
Into the Bush
We decided to start our trip with a little bush brunch. After grabbing our lunchboxes in Moshi town, we drove off — first on the smooth tarmac, then onto the dusty, familiar dirt roads leading into the wild. The landscape stretched endlessly around us, dry and quiet this time of year. At first, we only saw one giraffe far away in the distance. I couldn’t help but think of earlier days when these plains teemed with life — herds of elephants, zebra, and giraffe everywhere.
Still, I couldn’t resist exploring a bit, so instead of going straight to the lodge, I took a small detour through the bushes. And what a good decision that turned out to be! Soon, we were surrounded by zebra grazing peacefully — and a few elegant giraffes, their long necks swaying gently among the acacia trees.
I smiled remembering the last time I’d gone off-road here — and ended up with a car that wouldn’t start after stopping to take photos. (Let’s just say, car batteries and I are not best friends.) This time, I decided to stay cautious and stick to the safer route.
Lunch Among Giraffes
After a few twists and turns, we came to a spot that felt perfect for lunch — open bushland, a little shade, and giraffes quietly watching us from a distance. We parked under an acacia tree, set up our table and chairs, and unpacked our lunchboxes.
It’s hard to describe how special it felt to sit there — sipping coffee, sharing chicken burgers and juice with my kids — surrounded by wild giraffes in Tanzania. The world felt wonderfully still. They didn’t mind us, and we didn’t bother them; we simply coexisted for a while.
That peace was briefly interrupted when another car drove by and its visitors started chasing the giraffes for a better photo. The giraffes slowly drifted away — a small reminder that the most magical wildlife encounters happen when you stay quiet and let nature come to you.
A Warm Maasai Welcome
Eventually, we continued our journey to Osiligilai Maasai Lodge. As always, we were welcomed in true Maasai style — with singing, smiles, and the traditional offering of sweet cow’s blood (hibiscus juice) mixed with cinnamon and sugar. It’s symbolic, a gesture that means you’re truly welcomed into their community.
Once we’d checked into our rooms, we could finally relax. The view was breathtaking as always — Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance, endless plains stretching out around us, and that constant soft wind that makes you feel instantly calm.
Family, Culture, and Connection
We stayed for two nights, and they were filled with laughter, stories, and genuine connection. My kids and my cousin’s children played endlessly — running barefoot through the grass, chasing each other around the lodge, and sitting around the fire in the evening while the Maasai shared their songs and dances.
For me, the most meaningful part was the quiet conversations I had with some of the Maasai. We talked about their way of life, their natural medicine, and how they settle conflicts through discussion and the exchange of cattle. They read signs in nature — things I might once have dismissed — but the more I listened, the more I realized how much wisdom there is in their traditions.
There’s a certain peace that surrounds you at Osiligilai — a sense of grounding that’s hard to find anywhere else. The endless horizon, the laughter of children, the teachings of the Maasai, and the connection to nature all blend into something truly special.
When it was finally time to leave, I felt that familiar mix of gratitude and longing. Every visit to Osiligilai reminds me of what really matters — family, community, nature, and the simple beauty of being present.
Marion
