I first visited Tanzania a few years ago with my best friend. Then I went back the following year, partly because I’m always chasing new adventures, and partly because of Mr. T, with whom I spent New Year’s Eve in Zanzibar, surrounded by his local friends speaking Swahili.
Looking back, I think Tanzanian hospitality is one of the country’s greatest assets. The warmth of its people, combined with extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, creates an experience that’s hard to forget.
Having experienced safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, I found Tanzania to feel wilder, more expansive, and deeply connected to nature. Add Zanzibar’s beaches and Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and it’s easy to understand why this destination ranks among my top five trips of all time.
Safari in the Serengeti
One of the things I love most about Tanzania is the safari experience itself. Many of the luxury camps and lodges actively support conservation projects and local communities, making the journey feel meaningful beyond the wildlife encounters.
On my first trip, I stayed at Singita Sasakwa Lodge with Safari and Beyond, a fantastic operator I highly recommend. On my second visit, I experienced the Four Seasons Serengeti.
Both offered beautiful private accommodations blending canvas, wood, African design, and spectacular views over the savannah. But the real luxury isn’t the room—it’s waking up surrounded by nature.
Days revolve around sunrise and sunset game drives. We also took a hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti, floating above herds of wildebeest, zebras, and wildlife stretching endlessly across the plains.
There’s something incredibly emotional about seeing animals in the wild. It feels raw, humbling, and strangely familiar, as if you’re stepping into the world that inspired every childhood story about Africa.
The Maasai
One of the most fascinating parts of the journey was meeting Maasai communities.
Their vibrant clothing, traditions, music, language, and deep respect for nature make them impossible to forget. While many continue to preserve ancestral customs, they’re also embracing modern opportunities through education, entrepreneurship, conservation, and sustainable tourism.
Every conversation felt like a lesson in gratitude, simplicity, and perspective.
And of course, I left Tanzania with a few new words in my vocabulary: jambo (hello), asante (thank you), and poa, a wonderfully versatile expression meaning “good,” “fine,” or simply “all is well.”
Zanzibar
Zanzibar feels like a completely different world from mainland Tanzania.
African, Arab, and Indian influences blend together in its architecture, cuisine, culture, and everyday life. It’s easy to see why the island has become one of East Africa’s fastest-growing destinations.
Some compare it to Tulum or Ibiza, thanks to its beach clubs, electronic music scene, and growing hospitality sector. But beyond the buzz, Zanzibar still offers plenty of untouched beauty and a slower, more authentic rhythm.
I spent time in Paje, known for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. I also visited Mafia Island, which felt quieter, wilder, and equally unforgettable.
Stone Town, Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, deserves a visit on its own. Wandering through its narrow alleyways, spice markets, carved wooden doors, and centuries of history feels like stepping into another era.
Fun fact: Freddie Mercury was born here, although locals seem far less interested in the story than most visitors.
Where I Stayed
I loved both Be Zanzibar and Bamboo Zanzibar.
Be Zanzibar is an intimate boutique property in Jambiani with a romantic bohemian atmosphere, while Bamboo Zanzibar offers a more contemporary design experience, complete with an impressive infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Both capture what Zanzibar does best: beautiful scenery, relaxed luxury, and a strong connection to local culture.
Wild Experiences
Swimming with wild dolphins was unforgettable.
Swimming with whale sharks? That was entirely Mr. T’s idea.
I lasted about two minutes before heading back to the boat, while he happily spent hours in the water with his friends.
Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam reminded me a little of Cairo, busy, energetic, and constantly moving.
While it didn’t captivate me in the same way as Zanzibar or the Serengeti, it offers an interesting glimpse into modern Tanzania and serves as a gateway to the country’s beaches, islands, and national parks.
For me, though, Tanzania will always be about the wildlife, the landscapes, the people, and that feeling of freedom you only find in places where nature still sets the rules.
