[Grammar] It <was/has been> the most exciting experience of my life.

[mrwroc]

Which form is correct:

One year ago I was in Africa. I saw many wild animals........ It was / has been the most exciting experience of my life.


I am not sure because:
"It was the most exciting experience of my life." - it seems correct to me bacause I describe a past event
"It has been the most exciting experience of my life." - it ALSO seems correct to me because it is still the most exciting experience of my life (till now)

I am confused

 

[mrwroc]

Thank you @Priscean I have one more question. If someone ask me: "Does anyone you know have an interesting hobby?"
One of my friends has taken up photography as a hobby [1]. He bought an expensive camera [2] and takes bird photos.

In [1] the present perfect because the result of that activity is seeing now (my friend takes bird photos)
In [2] the past simple because I describe details and it isn't importent now when he bought a camera

Am I right or not?

 

[mrwroc]

Thank you, so in #1 I should even use the past simple if it isn't the recent past, yes?

 

[GoesStation]

Thank you, so in #1 I should even use the past simple if it isn't the recent past, yes?

Yes, and it's required if you use a time marker. For example, the present perfect wouldn't work here: One of my friends took up photography as a hobby a couple of years ago.