Discovering Dodoma: Unveiling the Hidden Charms of Tanzania's Capital

 

Embark on a Journey Through Scenic Hills,

Culinary Delights, and Rich Culture in
Dodoma

Greetings, dear readers! Welcome back to our global escapades with Pennywise and Passport Foolish, where we traverse the world on a shoestring budget. Today, our compass points towards the land that made me Idodomeya, and within its embrace, we find ourselves captivated by the enchanting city of love and treasure.

While Dodoma might not be a typical tourist attraction, the hidden gems within its borders promise an adventure waiting to be uncovered. "East, West, Home is the best," and that's why a cup of tea from Sherry’s Café tastes a lot better than the hot coffee in Milan.

If you have a penchant for hiking, then Dodoma is your haven. Growing up in this beautiful city, hiking to Area D and conquering the mountaintop was our favorite pastime. While the prime minister's office now stands where our mountain once thrived, fear not! Zuzu, Magareza, and other hills still offer breathtaking hikes.

During the rainy season, don't miss out on the magic of Lake Bubu or Surangai, as the locals fondly call it, just an hour away from Dodoma. Its scenic beauty is Instagram-ready, providing a backdrop for countless memorable pictures.

 

And if you're feeling adventurous, drive an extra 30 minutes from Lake Bubu to reach the heart of Tanzania, near Kilimatinde, my birthplace. Here, you'll witness the awe-inspiring views of the Rift Valley and may even stumble upon the graves of German soldiers from World War I.

For a taste of traditional food and local life, visit the village of Maweni. Live like the locals, savor their cuisine, and immerse yourself in their rich history, all on a budget of $25 a day. The most enchanting experience awaits you under a night-born fire, surrounded by hundreds of stars. June to August might bring chilly nights, but it's the perfect time to embrace the cold and discover the warmth of Dodoma.

Dodoma is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a culinary delight too. Indulge in street foods like Chips Mayai, a Tanzanian potato frittata, and relish wild fruits like furu, ngweru, and ubuyu. The region is a wine lover's paradise, as most East African wines source their grapes from Dodoma. 

Take a 30-minute ride to Mpunguzi for miles of picturesque vineyards and the most delicious grapes. During harvest season, treat yourself to the local wine, available at ALKO Vintage Co. Ltd. For a complete experience, head to the Hut of Wine & Cheese or Collina Restaurant and Wine Bar to quench your thirst.

If you find yourself in Dodoma on a Saturday, make sure to attend Mnadani hosting a BBQ festival every week. This Nyama choma-style (East African BBQ) event boasts the tastiest meats in the country. Before bidding farewell, wind up your adventure with a cup of coffee from Sherry’s Café, offering a 5-star café vibe at local, budget-friendly prices.

While there are no direct international flights to Dodoma, the journey is part of the adventure. Fly into Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, and embark on a 6 to 8-hour road trip from Dar. Alternatively, take a bus for $20 to $30, a 10-hour scenic route, or opt for a one-hour flight from Dar to Dodoma for $100 to $130 one way.

With an open heart, thank you for visiting our humble city. Dodoma may not be on every tourist's bucket list, but its charm and offerings are well worth the visit. Until next time, Karibu Idodomeya  welcome to our extraordinary city!

 

 

Serengeti Splendor: Embark on an African Safari Adventure!

 

Discover the Magic of Tanzania's Endless Plains with Pennywise and Passport Foolish

 🌍 Discovering Serengeti: Where the Wild Roams Free! 🦓🌅

Welcome back to our globetrotting adventures with Pennywise and Passport Foolish! Today, our compass guides us to the breathtaking Serengeti, a land where animals roam like they own the square gardens of Manhattan. 🐘✨

Derived from the Maasai language, Serengeti means "endless plains," and indeed, it lives up to its name. This ancient ecosystem, the oldest and most complex in the world, invites you to join us on an extraordinary journey.

The Serengeti, a jewel in Tanzania's crown, is the ultimate African safari destination. Picture golden sunsets and witness the earth-shaking spectacle of the Great Migration, where over two million animals migrate between Kenya and Tanzania. 🌅🦓

This national park, the pride of Tanzania, consistently exceeds visitors' imaginations year after year. If you're dreaming of encountering the Big Five in their natural habitat, Serengeti is your sanctuary, a park with no fences, allowing a seamless connection between animals and humans. 🦁🦒

"The Serengeti shall never die"

Among the myriad wonders of the Serengeti, none captivate the heart and soul quite like the legendary animal migration. Picture this: a spectacle of epic proportions as over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast plains in search of greener pastures. This annual migration, often dubbed the 'Greatest Show on Earth,' is a testament to the raw beauty and natural wonder of the Serengeti. Witnessing this awe-inspiring event firsthand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves visitors spellbound, reminding us of the untamed majesty of the African wilderness.

Now, I've given you plenty of reasons to add Serengeti to your bucket list, so let's talk logistics. While we all love a budget-friendly adventure, some experiences are worth the extra dime. Solo travel is my jam, but Serengeti is even more magical with friends or fellow travelers, especially when capturing those once-in-a-lifetime safari moments. 📸🌿

Accommodations range from $160 to $1500 per night, offering an experience tailored to your preferences. Pro tip: Crack the code and visit during the low season for exclusive deals. I recently snagged a stay at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge for $200 per night, down from the usual $350. Trust me; it's worth every penny! 💸🏞️

And when it comes to the tour, Mauly Tours made my Serengeti dream a reality. Not a paid ad, just genuine appreciation for their fantastic service. Shoutout to drivers Mr. Adam and Peter, who not only guided us through the wilderness but also made every moment unforgettable. 🚙🌍

Consider taking their packages for a hassle-free adventure; it's almost like a buy one, get one free deal for hotels. Mauly Tours offers trips starting from low budget to high end spend can hook you up with hotels deals offers. Entrance fees to the park are $71 for 24 hours and $59 per night, with discounts for kids.

Plan a week for your Serengeti adventure two days for travel and five days to immerse yourself in the wonders of this mesmerizing land. While it might not be the most budget-friendly destination, the priceless experiences it brings to your life are worth every moment. Remember, we are only live once; let's make it count! 🌍✈️

Until next week, Asante from Tanzania, my friends! 🇹🇿 #SerengetiMagic #WildlifeAdventure #SafariDreams #TanzaniaTravel #BucketListDestination #TravelExperiences

Welcome to Tanzania the land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Serengeti

 

Tanzania Unveiled: Your Gateway to Paradise - From Lake Natron to Zanzibar's Beauty and Serengeti's Sunset Splendor 

Karibu Tanzania 

Welcome back to our global escapades with Pennywise and Passport Foolish, where we traverse the world on a shoestring budget. Today, our compass points towards Southeast Africa, to the land that means the world to me, the land where I took my first breath. They call it Tanzania, simply I  call it home.

So, for the next few weeks, I am thrilled to extend an invitation to you to explore the most beautiful country in the world. Yes, you heard me right - the most beautiful place on Earth. After all, as the saying goes, east or west, home is always the best. Tanzania is blessed with unparalleled beauty, from the majestic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, the national parks like Mikumi, Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro, to the serene coastal paradise of Saadani, the enchanting islands of Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia, and the mystical Lake Natron where animals turn to stone.

Let's not forget the breathtaking Lake Tanganyika and the legendary source of the Nile, Lake Victoria. And oh, the anticipation of welcoming you to the heart of Tanzania - Dodoma, where my roots run deep and Houston, Texas, shaped the woman I am today. So, with that, welcome to Tanzania.

This week, I'll be your guide to Tanzania, offering general tips to help you choose where to visit based on your interests. From next week onward, I'll handpick cities and invite you to explore them with me.

As a Tanzanian, I guarantee that when you visit Tanzania, you'll feel right at home. Tanzanian people are among the most humble souls you'll ever encounter. Our neighboring countries may jest that we are laid-back and unhurried, and while there may be some truth to that, we always get things done albeit, at our own pace. So, when you're in Tanzania, please don't rush. Relax and take it easy; this is Bongo, where we use our brains more than our feet. Plan ahead and allow time to guide you.

Our street food delights in Tanzania are aplenty from the beloved "frittata," which we fondly call Chips Mayai, a simple yet satisfying combo of fries and eggs, to Baobao candy, "Ubuyu," mangoes with a kick of chili, and roasted cassava. Our traditional cuisine varies across regions, but staples like Ugali (cornmeal porridge) and Wali (steamed rice) are ubiquitous, often accompanied by beans, a Tanzanian favorite. Mornings are greeted with tea and Maandazi (sweet doughnuts), chapati, or Mtori (green banana soup), a surprising delight worth savoring. And let's not forget the abundance of fresh vegetables and holiday feasts featuring Nyama Choma (BBQ) Birian and Pilau.

Tanzanians embrace both Islam and Christianity, living harmoniously with love and respect for one another's beliefs. You'll find us celebrating religious holidays together, whether it's the call of Muslim prayers echoing through the cities or the festive cheer of Christmas.

When it comes to dressing in Tanzania, a bit of conservatism goes a long way, especially for women. Our culture values modesty, so attire that's too revealing may attract unwanted attention, particularly in coastal areas where Islam predominates. Respect for local customs, especially during Ramadan, is greatly appreciated.

Tanzania is vast  it takes one and a half times the size of Texas to get around! If you're planning a week-long visit, tailor your travels to what you want to see. Two weeks, however, afford you the luxury of exploring both the islands and the mainland.

For a week-long island getaway, Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia await. If you crave the tourist buzz, head to Unguja, where the city caters to travelers. For a more laid-back experience, Pemba and Mafia beckon with their simple charms.

If an animal safari is your dream, northern Tanzania is where you belong. Serengeti, Manyara, and Ngorongoro await your exploration. And for the adventurous souls, Kilimanjaro stands tall, beckoning climbers to its summit. Don't forget the awe-inspiring Lake Natron, where nature's wonders never cease.

Southern Tanzania boasts its own treasures for tourists from the breathtaking Kitulo National Park, a haven of wildflowers, to the rugged beauty of Ruaha National Park and the captivating landscapes of Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks

Allow me to introduce you to the city I proudly call home - Dodoma, the capital of Tanzania. With its rolling savannahs, towering baobab trees, and the tranquil Lake Sulunga (Bahi Swamp), Dodoma is a testament to Tanzania's natural splendor. Explore the ancient Kondoa rock art sites and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Swahili people.

And for those who seek to revel in the nightlife, Tanzanians know how to party! Our clubs are open seven days a week, testament to our love for music and fun. Soccer is our sport, and joy fills the air as we celebrate life.

Welcome to Tanzania! Over the next few weeks, I'll be your guide through the humble Swahili lands of Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and the home of Zanzibar. Karibu to our home, where the spirit of Africa beckons you to explore, discover, and cherish every moment.