Through Northern Tanzania in 6 vlogs

Offbeat In Tanzania

I had been looking forward to exploring Tanzania for two years. I had often been to Arusha and Moshi and had learned a lot about the country. And now, the time had finally come: the first big trip, going offbeat in Tanzania. In six weeks, we travelled from the shores of Lake Victoria to the paradisiacal island of Pemba, north of Zanzibar. From Mwanza, we travelled through the parks, past Lake Natron, over the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, through Arusha, Moshi, and along Kilimanjaro, across the Usambara Mountains to the coast. We also vlogged about Tanga and Pemba. Check out ALL SIX VLOGS in the post below! TUENDE, TUENDE, LET’S GO!

Standing on the biggest rock of East Africa! – vlog 1 // Northern Tanzania

Along the shores of Lake Victoria, we travel by public transport from Kisumu to Mwanza, also known as Rock City. This name comes from the fact that the city is built on hundreds of large rock blocks! Located to the west of the Serengeti and east of Rwanda and Burundi, I meet Rastafari Joseph, who takes us on safari! After Dar es Salaam, Mwanza is the second-largest city in Tanzania, yet somehow many travellers are unaware of this place on the other side of the Serengeti. I feel at ease in this city, mostly because it's situated by Lake Victoria. I have a fondness for this vast freshwater lake, thanks to my time in Kisumu, the Kenyan town where Charlie’s Travels was founded. You might not expect it, but it has a bit of a Seychelles vibe!

Serengeti safari with a rasta. Recommended?! – vlog 2 // Northern Tanzania

When we drive from Mwanza towards the coast, of course, we can't miss a safari through the Serengeti! A safari never gets old. We decided to go on safari with a rasta, so we ended up with nothing but breakdowns... You know what they say: cheap is expensive! Luckily, we do visit a very fancy tented camp, which is great for travellers with a bit more to spend. The camp is located in the open plains of the park: 'Serengeti' means 'Great Open Space' in the Masai language. The Serengeti is one of Africa's largest wildlife parks, and it borders the Kenyan Masai Mara (which is actually just connected). Throughout the year, millions of animals migrate between these two parks in search of food: The Great Migration is one of the most stunning safari experiences there is!    

Lake Natron, 2 million flamingos, and nearly falling into a boiling lava lake! – vlog 3 // Northern Tanzania

It’s one of the most beautiful spots in East Africa: Lake Natron, with its two million flamingo inhabitants, always manages to capture my heart. After our trip through the Serengeti, we travel along the lake, through Masai land, towards the coast. Perhaps just as impressive as Lake Natron is Ol Doinyo Lengai, the ‘Mountain of God’. Climbing this sacred and active volcano for the Masai is an otherworldly experience! Walking along the ridge to the top of the mountain, you see to your left the steaming heart of Engikai: it’s a surreal sight to witness Mother Earth in action at her most powerful. On the right, you can see the endless plains of the Serengeti, several other craters, and the rooftop of Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro.  

Usambara Mountains: Prince Claus’ spot during his teenage years – vlog 4 // Northern Tanzania

Okay: Mwanza is a nice city, Serengeti is a must-see but still beautiful, and Lake Natron is amazing, though I'd seen it before. But when I first travelled through the Usambara Mountains, I was blown away: this is the most beautiful discovery in Tanzania so far! Dutch friends of mine worked in this area on a plantation and sawmill – a few years ago, I visited them and the Usambara region for the first time. The cliffs here are so steep, they remind you of Scandinavian fjords – when you drive around here, you enter another world. A few years later, I went back to this place when I had the opportunity to organize my second anniversary trip! Of course, I also vlogged a lot on that trip. – check out my other vlog about this area here:  

50 Swedish dental assistants on a white sandbank (no clickbait) – vlog 5 // Northern Tanzania

We have arrived on the Tanzanian coast, where for the first time we are surrounded by female company. Tanga has nothing to do with underwear (or does it?) and is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This charming town reminds me of my former hometown Kisumu: it's a laidback coastal spot, the only thing missing is Lake Vic. Luckily, you get a tropical dental assistant paradise in return! Here, we meet a slightly dirty Swede who organizes dhow trips for Scandinavian ladies studying here. Every time I visit, I find a new batch on the white sandbanks. The coast of Tanzania has so much more to offer than the well-trodden paths of Zanzibar! Tanga is a prime example, but don't overlook Pemba either.

Why you should visit the tropical African island of Pemba – vlog 6 // Northern Tanzania

Strangely, many people don’t know about the little brother of Zanzibar! Pemba is located a bit further north, closer to our home country Kenya, and it’s CHILL and OFFBEAT! While every corner of Zanzibar is now packed with hotels, this small, super-tropical island has only ten (10!) hotels! Here, you can snorkel, dive, and vlog about hermit crabs with a snorkel on your face. In short: Pemba is the perfect destination to end our journey, from Mwanza in western Tanzania to the coast in eastern Tanzania!