• 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…

  • middle-age woman carrying two backpacks smiling as she takes a mirror selfie
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  Tanzania

    Safari Packing List Tanzania & Giraffe Manor in Kenya

    Safari Packing List Tanzania: Luggage for Your Adventure I’ve been to 34 countries and making my safari packing list for Tanzania was one of the most challenging ones to date! Here’s everything I packed for Tanzania, what I used and didn’t use, and a few things I forgot to pack for the unforgettable adventure of my Tanzania safari! Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack Duffel bags or soft sided bags are highly recommended as they are more suitable for the travel conditions encountered during a Tanzania safari, such as limited luggage space on smaller planes and the necessity for flexibility while loading a safari vehicle. Avoid hard suitcases and you’ll be…

  • giraffe manor
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  solo

    What It’s Like to Visit Giraffe Manor Solo

    Giraffe Manor in Kenya is a dream destination for many travelers and it promises an adventure that’s both unique and memorable. Nestled in the outskirts of Nairobi, this boutique hotel is famous for its resident Rothschild giraffes that freely roam the grounds and frequently poke their heads through the windows in search of a snack. Here’s a glimpse into what it’s like to visit Giraffe Manor solo. Getting to Giraffe Manor Pre-arrange your transfer with Giraffe Manor (it’s included with your stay) to make getting to the Manor a breeze. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel or be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly…