Hello, friends,

It’s been a little while! I’m finally settling back in after returning from our October 2025 Misafara tour, and I’m still smiling about the experience. It was such a rich and joyful two weeks with our group, and I wanted to give you a little behind-the-scenes look at how it all went.

New Sites & Shared Firsts

We began in Dar es Salaam, but this itinerary also included something completely new for both our guests and for me: Kilwa Kiswani.
Exploring the ruins together was such a powerful moment — full of history, beautiful views, and great conversations. It was definitely a standout experience, and we’re grateful to Alexander’s, Kilwa Beach Lodge, and Slow Leopard for hosting us and helping make that portion of the journey so smooth and memorable.

A Different Kind of Safari

Even though safari isn’t new to Refracting Africa, this was my first time doing a safari in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve). My previous safari experiences have been in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, which you see on our Baba Yangu itinerary.

Nyerere felt different in the best way:

• More intimate
• Less crowded
• A slower, more relaxed pace to really take in the wildlife and landscape

A huge thank you to our partners Aiysha, Alexander’s. Kilwa Beach Lodge, and Slow Leopard for their guidance, wildlife knowledge, and warm hospitality made the experience exceptional for everyone on the tour.

Gratitude for the October Group

This group was full of curiosity, humor, and great energy — the kind of travelers who remind me why Refracting Africa exists in the first place. I can’t wait to share photos and stories from the journey. If you’re not already following our socials, now’s a great time to hop on; we’ll be posting highlights throughout December.

See you next week for part two, where I’ll share itinerary tweaks, early arrival activities, and that important reminder about the 10% early booking discount.

Until then,
Misi