An unforgettable summer in Tanzania with my children
There are moments that you look back on time and time again with a smile. For me, that is my trip to Tanzania last summer with my children (14 and 16 years old) and their grandmother. For those who don’t know, Tanzania is more than just a holiday destination for me. It is my home. I grew up there with my parents and sister Marloes, and every time I set foot on Tanzanian soil, it feels like I’m returning to my roots. This time I wanted to share that with my children and their bibi (grandmother).
Nyerere National Park: Wild adventures and quiet moments
Our trip started with four days of safari in the Nyerere National Park. This vast park is one of the largest nature reserves in Africa and feels like you’re stepping into a completely different world. There is a great variety of wildlife. From the impressive elephants and majestic lions to the colorful birds such as bee-eaters and storks – we saw them all. But the absolute highlight of this safari was without a doubt the boat safari on the Rufiji River.
Imagine: we were cruising peacefully across the water, surrounded by hippos curiously rising above the surface and crocodiles languidly basking in the sun. The guides were inspiring and it was nice to hear all their stories. At one point we stopped at a sandbar in the middle of the river. There we sat, glass of bubbly in hand, enjoying fresh cashews and watching the sun go down. It was such a fantastic moment, one we all remember often.
Mafia Island: Between whale sharks and tree houses
After the safari in Nyerere we flew to Mafia Island – a wonderful place with its serene, local atmosphere. We stayed in tree houses by the sea, where we woke up every morning with the sound of birds and the waves in the background. The island really felt like a place where time stands still for a moment.
One of the most unforgettable experiences on Mafia was snorkeling with a whale shark. Seeing this majestic animal swimming up close was breathtaking. But that was not all! We sailed to a remote sandbank, where the most delicious fresh fish was grilled on the beach with just three simple ingredients. Walking on the sandbank, swimming in the sea, jumping from the deck of the boat. The simplicity of that moment was very nice.
And for the diving enthusiasts among us: the underwater world of Chole Bay is truly spectacular. We saw beautiful fish there, from the tiniest tropical fish to colorful coral formations. The children also got completely carried away by the magic of diving, something I loved to see.
Zanzibar: A tropical paradise
Our last stop was Zanzibar, and no matter how often I visit, it continues to enchant me. The pristine white beaches, the endless blue horizon and the charm of small-scale accommodations make this island a true paradise. This time it was extra special to discover some hidden gems again – places that give that little bit extra to a holiday.
The teenagers thoroughly enjoyed this tropical piece of paradise. Whether they were making bombs in a clear freshwater cave, enjoying the sun on the beach or having fun by the pool – there was always something to do. The combination of relaxing and being active, such as diving and exploring nature, kept everyone happy and satisfied. Grandma enjoyed everything and the time with her grandchildren.
Coming home
For me, this trip felt like coming home in more ways than one. Not only was I back in Tanzania, but I was also back with my children and my mother. Whether it was the enormous elephants or buffalos, the peace of a sailing trip to a sandbank, or just watching the sunset together on a deserted island – every moment was precious.
Tanzania is a place where nature embraces you and where you learn to appreciate the simplicity of life. For us, this trip was a perfect balance between adventure and relaxation, and I can’t wait to return to this special country.
