Countdown to Tanzania: Preparing for the October Tour
The countdown has begun! It’s less than a month until I’m back in Tanzania for our October tour! I’ll be heading out a little earlier than the official start date to spend time with family and meet with a few of our partners for the Baba Yangu itinerary. It’s a busy season, but the kind […]
Farming for the Future – How the Chagga Adapt to Climate Change
Two weeks ago, we explored the history and beauty of the Chagga people’s kihamba homegardens on Mount Kilimanjaro. This week, we look ahead — to see how this tradition is evolving in a changing world. For the Chagga people of Mount Kilimanjaro, farming isn’t just work — it’s a legacy. The kihamba homegarden system has […]
Chagga Homegardens – A Living Legacy on the Slopes of Kilimanjaro
High on the fertile slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Chagga people have cultivated an ingenious farming tradition for centuries — the kihamba homegarden system. At first glance, a kihamba might look like a lush tangle of greenery, but look closer and you’ll see a carefully layered design: towering timber and firewood trees, shady banana plants, […]
Behind the Itinerary: Misafara
As promised, I’m sharing more about the stories and intentions behind each of our tours—starting with Misafara, which means caravans in Swahili. This itinerary explores Tanzania’s coast, drawing from personal experiences and the deep history of the region. In 2012, my brother and I returned to Tanzania for the first time since our mother’s funeral. […]
From Mwanza to Zanzibar: Two Journeys, One Vision
Hello friends, So thrilled to announce the 2026 schedule! We’ve got two itineraries next year that I’m deeply proud of: Misafara and Baba Yangu. Let me introduce you to both. Misafara, meaning “caravans” in Swahili, focuses on the coastal landscapes and cultures of Tanzania. You’ll journey through Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, and the island of […]
Navigating Travel Policy Updates With Clarity and Confidence
Lately, there’s been a wave of headlines about a leaked U.S. government memo that includes Tanzania on a list of 36 countries flagged for possible travel restrictions. Understandably, this has sparked concern among travelers, so I want to take a moment to break down what’s actually happening—and how we at Refracting Africa are approaching it. […]