Actress Ruffa Gutierrez took to social media to share her unforgettable wildlife encounters during her recent trip to Serval Wildlife in Tanzania, East Africa.
On Instagram, Ruffa posted a photo of herself sitting beside a sleeping female white lion named Clara.
“A close encounter with Clara, the female white lion, who fell asleep on me. 🦁✨ Nothing compares to witnessing wildlife thrive freely in their natural home. 🌍🐾,” Ruffa wrote.
She clarified that the experience took place in a safe and ethical setting. “Please note: No animals were sedated or harmed during my photo op with Clara, the lioness. 🦁 As an animal lover, I would never support such practices. This encounter took place in a safe, ethical environment where Clara is free and well cared for. 🥰.”
In another post, the actress happily shared her chance to feed a zebra.
“Escaped the chaos of Manila and found a new friend in East Africa. 🦓✨ My favorite zebra — and yes, I even got to feed her! 🥰🙌🏻,” she expressed.
Ruffa revealed that the trip marked her first solo travel in more than a decade.
“For the first time in over a decade, I’m embarking on an exotic holiday without my family, closest friends, or a partner. This is uncharted territory—stepping away from familiar comforts and embracing the unknown.,” she shared.
She went on: “Traveling solo means traveling free. It’s my chance to rediscover myself. It’s about building confidence, embracing the unexpected, and finding joy in the adventure of simply being me. ❤️”
Her journey began at Tarangire National Park, where she saw elephants up close.
“Exploring Africa’s elephant paradise—home to the largest concentration of elephants in the world—surrounded by majestic acacia and baobab trees. 🌍✨ From 9AM to 5PM, our first safari game drive was nothing short of magical. 🦒🦓🦁 So come with me—into the wild, into the unknown, and into a new chapter of growth and discovery. 💫,” she wrote.
She also described her first day in the bush as “unforgettable,” recalling elephants strolling near their lodge during lunch and a visit to Safariland, which she called the “gateway to Tanzania’s culture.”
“So much has happened since we landed that I can’t even put it all into words! ✨ Most of the time there’s no signal—so instead of chasing WiFi, I’m chasing sunrises, sunsets, and the magic of the wild Savannah. 🌅🦒🐘,” she stated. “The African art is stunning! 🎨🌍. I was greeted by elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and more — roaming free in their natural home. Truly a magical, once-in-a-lifetime moment. 🌍💛.
One of the highlights of her trip was seeing the Great Migration at Serengeti National Park.
“Rediscovering myself in the heart of Africa 🇹🇿✨ From the Ngorongoro Crater to the northern Serengeti—home of the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests cross the Mara River in one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Truly, YOLO! 🦒🐘,” she said.
She recalled witnessing not just one, but three river crossings in a single day.
“What started as a slow morning at Mara Mara Tented Lodge turned into the experience of a lifetime. Our Pinoy group with @miguuexpeditions witnessed not one, but three Great Migration river crossings in just six hours—a rare gift of nature. 😍🥹,” she remarked.
“Before me unfolded the dramatic spectacle of the Great Migration—thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers surging forward as the ground shook, rivers raged, dust rose, and hungry crocodiles waited. 🐊🐊🐊 The greatest show on earth, unfolding right before my eyes. 🐃🦓🐊✨Will forever be grateful for this day.”
Meanwhile, Ruffa also made sure to celebrate her youngest daughter Venice’s 21st birthday, even from afar. In her post, she expressed pride in Venice, who is now a sophomore in college taking up Political Science.
“You’ve grown into a strong, independent young woman—and you’re really thriving in this new chapter of your life. 💫😍🥺 Even if I can’t be beside you today, every day feels like your birthday in my heart. ❤️ We’ll celebrate together very soon! ✈️🌍🇺🇸,” she wrote.