• Africa,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Safari Hotels in Tanzania

    After my time in Kenya at Giraffe Manor, I headed to Tanzania for the next part of my African journey: safari! Here are the safari hotels in Tanzania (plus a few in Zanzibar) where I stayed during my weeklong trip! Olerai Lodge Formerly a family home, Olerai Lodge opened as a hotel in 2019. Set among an acacia grove this sun-soaked hotel is surrounded by lush greenery and is an absolute delight! This unexpected gem of a property was my favorite way to start my Tanzania trip! From sundowners at the circular fire pit to the cozy cottage nestled among flowers, the property was beautiful and the service was stellar!…

  • Africa,  Destinations,  Tanzania,  Zanzibar

    Upendo House Stone Town: A Chic Retreat in the Heart of Zanzibar

    Located in the historical UNESCO World Heritage city of Stone Town, Upendo House Zanzibar is an eight-room, adults-only luxury boutique hotel offering chic vibes and a unique take on Zanzibar’s rich history and culture. Opened in early 2020, this fully restored property combines contemporary style with traditional touches, making it a perfect escape for those seeking elegance and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or a solo adventure, Upendo House delivers an unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know about this stylish retreat. How to Get to Upendo House Upendo House is centrally located in Stone Town, making it easily accessible from Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International…

  • Africa,  Destinations,  Tanzania,  Zanzibar

    Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel in Zanzibar, Tanzania

    Located on the northern tip of Nungwi Beach on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel is a beach lover’s paradise that’s a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town and worlds away from the mainland safari circuit. How to Get to Nungwi Dreams by Mantis Hotel Or take a two-hour ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Stone Town, Zanzibar. Note that the ferry crossing can be rough depending on the season. Nungwi Dreams is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport and port in Stone Town. Fly to Zanzibar Stone Town Airport (ZNZ) from a variety of airports including Dar Es Salaam’s…

  • picture of back of camera showing safari photography of a lioness
    Africa,  Kenya,  Photography,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Top Safari Photography Tips for Capturing Unforgettable Wildlife Moments + Gear Info

    Safari Photography can be a fun and rewarding experience, and having the right gear and knowing a few key tips can help ensure an outcome that you’ll be pleased with! As a professional photographer with more than 20 years of experience, I’m sharing my top safari photography tips along with what camera gear I used on my East Africa Tanzania safari photography trip. Preparing for Your Safari Photography Adventure Preparing for a safari photography adventure requires careful planning and attention to detail. To ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to plan your safari location, choose the right camera gear, and develop your photography skills. Plan Your Safari Location…

  • underwater shot of colorful fish from snorkeling mnemba island
    Africa,  Tanzania,  Zanzibar

    Mnemba Island Snorkeling: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

    If you’re traveling to Zanzibar Island in Tanzania, Mnemba island snorkeling trips are one of the more popular activities offered. I recently went on a Mnemba Island snorkeling trip and want to share the good, the bad, and the ugly of these snorkeling trips. Where is Mnemba Island? Mnemba Island is a small private island located about two miles off the coast of Unguja Island, the largest island in the Zanzibar archipelago. This Indian Ocean island is surrounded by a four kilometer oval reef that has been declared a marine conservation area, making it an excellent snorkeling spot as well as a great location for scuba diving. How to Get…