• 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…

  • pexels raychel sanner 7919982 scaled
    Albuquerque,  Hot Air Balloons,  New Mexico,  North America

    Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Packing List

    Every October, hundreds of hot air balloons take to the New Mexico sky in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the largest annual balloon festival. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the world. The event is organized by a non profit organization focused on promoting community engagement and cultural exhibitions. The most photographed event in the world, the AIBF features Dawn Patrols, Morning Glows, Mass Ascensions, Balloon Launches, Evening Glows, and Special Shape Balloon Events. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of the festival and it was to be an epic, albeit crowded, event! Prepare yourself properly for the festivities with the perfect packing…

  • 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…

  • swahili phrases
    Africa,  Kenya,  Safari,  Tanzania

    5 Swahili Phrases to know for your Trip to Africa

    When visiting a place where I don’t speak the language, I always try to learn a few basic phrases to communicate with locals. Here are a few Swahili phrases I learned while traveling in Africa. 1. Jambo Hello 2. Karibou Welcome or you are welcome here Join the Newsletter Subscribe to get my latest travel tips, tricks, and inspiration! Subscribe I respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time. Built with ConvertKit 3. Polepole Slowly 4. Asante or Asanta sana Thank you or thank you very much 5. Maisha Marefu Long Life (used as a toast) You may not always pronounce the words correctly, but a big smile and making an…

  • Underwater hotel room at Manta Resort
    Africa,  Overwater Bungalows,  Tanzania

    Underwater Hotel Room at the Manta Resort

    Part overwater bungalow, part underwater hotel room, the Underwater Room at the Manta Resort is an experience unlike any other! How to get to the Manta Resort The Manta Resort is located on Pemba Island off the coast of Tanzania in the Zanzibar archipelago. You can fly to Pemba Island from Zanzibar (ZNZ) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) in mainland Tanzania. Be sure to have $50 per person in cash with you when you land for your travel visa. Once you arrive at Pemba airport, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Manta Resort. Check with your airline regarding luggage weight restrictions as many of the flights in the area are…