Cycle 5 Travelogue: Vancouver to Tanzania

Tanzania Travelogue: June 6 – 8, 2026
Vancouver > Toronto > Addis Ababa, Ethiopia > Kilimanjaro Tanzania

[Still in BC, Kristen coached track right up until we left for the airport!] 

• Went back to the track to see the rest of the relays and see how we did.
• The girls crushed it and we won the senior girls banner!
• Took as many pictures as we could quickly and then I had to go. I was on my way out when I got yelled at to run back as we had won the overall banner! What a great way to leave!

• At the airport earlier than needed as our first flight was a domestic one. Everything went smoothly – into the lounge to have supper and relax.
• Ran into my old colleague from back in Kazlow, Andy Leafwood, who I’ve run into before randomly at a hotel in Mexico! Had a great chat catching up.
• Off to Toronto, with a few hours to spare. Fly Ethiopia Airlines which was incredible. (The staff is just extra special, and beautiful with traditional Ethiopian clothing.)
• Slept pretty good, watched a few movies, and had a beautiful sunrise as we landed.
• P.L. barely fit in the seats, so he slept sitting upright mostly 😀 But overall, a great flight.

• Landed at 6:25am in Addis, Ethiopia – “Land of Origins”. A short stopover and onto Kilimanjaro. 
• Another good flight. Landed at 10:30am.
• Kind driver picked us up and gave us some local tips as he drove us to the lodge:

“Mount Meru Game Lodge is an iconic 3-star historic safari property located in Usa River, halfway between Arusha City Centre and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Established in 1959 by conservationist Dr. Andreas Von Nagy, the lodge serves as a peaceful gateway for travelers starting or ending a northern Tanzania safari circuit.” 

• Got checked in and then waited for our guide Paul to arrive to do our briefing for the hike. (Paul arrived with Julian, who is a guide in training.)
• Went over everything and I think both of us will be quite surprised with the elevation and how it affects us in terms of what we need to eat and drink. We usually don’t use the electrolytes and he looked at us kind of funny when we said we didn’t bring anything.

• Went through our gear and it looks like we’re ready to go, so down to the patio for lunch.
• Had a great lunch and then walked around the lodge. It’s beautiful! Saw some water buffalo, a Zonkey, a few monkeys and many different birds.
• We are both pretty tired, so we went back to have a short nap in our room. But really trying to stay up so we can sleep tonight! 
• Showered and organized our bags. P.L. worked on some more route planning.
• Off to dinner at 8pm. Another great meal, and then back in the room for more planning.
• Bed at 11:00pm. “Lala salama” – Sleep peacefully!