Tanzania has given me several reasons to fall in love with it. My reasons to love this country are many. For one, it was the first African country that I traveled to and it was also here that I first tasted success in my fledgling mountaineering career – Mt Kilimanjaro.
I love Africa and that’s saying it mildly. Let me give you reasons why I love Tanzania before I move on to other countries – and it has nothing to do with its amazing safaris – although it an definite influence.
The Maasai People
The first time I saw these tall, lithe warriors and heard about their trysts with the lions, I was definitely impressed! When I saw them at their homes, I really liked their hospitality and warmth – not to mention their fine “business brains” – one of them wanted to trade a bracelet for my RayBan!
The Pubs
The pubs in Tanzania are in a league of their own. They have a certain raw magnetism or magic if you prefer to call it that and what with the lively music pouring in through old speakers all night, there is not a second of non-activity. The beer is usually served warm unless you specify that you want a cold one. The vibe in Tanzanian pubs are certainly something to return for! I also learnt a bit of bongo flava (African hip hop) in many of these setups!
Beautiful days
A beautiful cloud-filled morning in Karatu (on the way to the northern circuit in Tanzania). It’s like driving into the horizon stretching endlessly.
Misplaced names
Food
Quite basic but delicious. I really loved ugali and beans, rice with beans, nyama choma…I like how they has greens with every meal and how the food was not full of chili.
The Markets of Tanzania
I am not a big fan of jewelry in any form, shape or size – design or colour, but here in the markets, it is easy to get awed by these handmade beaded stuff. For someone who does like these things – you can shop to your hearts content.
The captivating scenery
Whether you are in the Ngorongoro Crater or driving through the dusty villages, there is always a piece of blue sky above. Sudden rain showers, over cast skies, long empty stretches of roads…everything here is beautiful to look at.
