
A head full of memories
Our journey through Northeast Tanzania and the Swahili coast.
After a long journey and a short night we started our discovery tour of Arusha. From the iconic Arusha Clock Tower – the symbolic centre point between Cape Town and Cairo – to a school visit where 1442 children greeted us with a smile and a jambo. The headmaster told us about their struggle to provide every child with an education, how some pupils live in boarding houses and how even the simplest facilities – such as enough tables and chairs – are a luxury. We wandered through the lively market, visited the impressive Cultural Heritage Centre and admired the rare Tanzanite gemstones. A colourful, impressive start to our journey.
November 8 – Napuru Waterfall: a challenging hike through the greenery
Today we chose the ‘active route’ to the Napuru waterfalls. A four-hour hike through rugged nature, along rivers and over tree trunks, where our guide helped us with endless patience on the more difficult parts. Along the way we learned about the Wa-Arusha culture and enjoyed the beautiful view of Mount Meru. Of course Wil couldn’t resist standing under the waterfall – an icy cold, but unforgettable experience.
November 9 – Safari in Arusha National Park
Our first day of safari! We saw giraffes, zebras, pumbas and even the rare southern colobus monkey, a spectacularly jumping black and white primate. But the absolute highlight? The majestic crowned cranes and the serene tranquility of nature around us. Our accommodation, Africa Amini Life Hillside Retreat, was in a dream location between Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, where we enjoyed our dinner overlooking the mountains.
November 10-12 – Living in the Mountains at Africa Amini Life
In West Kilimanjaro and on the Shira plateau of Mount Kilimanjaro, we took early morning walks along buffalo and giraffe trails, visited local villages and learned about the special mix of traditional Maasai medicine and modern healthcare. We saw first-hand how a community builds itself, with schools, hospitals and social projects that make a direct difference. We met children with big dreams, girls who wanted to become guides or doctors, and families who – despite everything – looked to the future with hope. The commitment of the people, their resilience and joy were infectious. And as if it were meant to be, on our last morning the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro finally appeared.
November 13 – Hot Springs and the Road to Moshi
After an emotional farewell to Africa Amini Life we drove to Moshi, with a stop at the Kikuletwa hot springs. The crystal clear turquoise water felt almost unreal. While we were swimming among fish and turtles a cormorant landed nearby – a small, magical moment.
November 14-15 – Chagga culture, coffee and Kilimanjaro
In the green hills around Moshi we immersed ourselves in the Chagga culture. We learned how coffee is still processed by hand here, including singing and clapping while pounding and roasting the beans. A tradition that made the coffee – and the experience – extra special. Later we discovered the hidden tunnels and caves where the Chagga used to hide from the Maasai, and took a refreshing dip at the Ndoro waterfall.
November 16 – Mkomazi National Park: Face to Face with Rhinos
The dry, vast savannahs and the imposing mountains give the Mkomazi National Park a raw, untouched appearance. Without a permit, access to the ‘nursery’ seemed impossible for a while, but after some negotiation we were allowed in. There we were in an open jeep, just a few meters from one of the most endangered animal species in the world.
November 17-19 – Usambara Mountains: green jungle and deep valleys
A long drive took us to the West Usambara Mountains, a completely different world. Here we hiked through cloud forests, discovered chameleons and rare birds and enjoyed panoramic views from the Irente Viewpoint. Our guide was a walking encyclopedia, teaching us all about medicinal plants and the history of the region.
November 20-23 – Pangani: Paradise by the Ocean
From the mountains we drove towards the coast. The first sight of the Indian Ocean felt like coming home. We stayed in a beautiful ecolodge right on the beach, where the days were filled with snorkeling at the coral island of Maziwe, canoeing through mangroves and beachcombing with the Maasai. The peace, the sea and the simple rhythm of the days were exactly what we needed.
November 24-27 – Saadani National Park: safaris between sea and savannah
The only national park in Tanzania where the savannah meets the ocean. Our game drives brought us face to face with lions, giraffes and elephants – and finally, crocodiles! We saw them sunbathing along the Wami River and occasionally diving into the water right next to our boat. We ended the days with beach walks, while baboons caught crabs in the surf.
November 28 – Back home with Tanzania in our hearts
After a final coffee on our veranda and a drive through Dar es Salaam, we boarded the plane. With a head full of memories and a heart full of gratitude, we left Tanzania – a country that amazed us, inspired us and will undoubtedly see us again.
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