Elena Herrero: "Out of Africa" - Memoirs of Tanzania and Zanzibar

Talking about “magical places”, I would like to share with you one of the best experiences in my life. Well, some years ago, in 2006, one of my dreams came true: to visit Africa and, in this particular case, Tanzania. It seemed that it would never come and much less that it would finish. Lots of photos and infinite memories. Truly, it is impossible to forget Africa!

How to define my African experience? Surprisingly easy, really. It can be summarized in a single word, one that visitors will hear a dozen times daily, no matter where they travel in Tanzania, or how they go about it: the smiling, heartfelt Swahili greeting of “Karibu!” – Welcome!

Tanzania is known by its magic mountains, its vast extensions burned by the sun and splashed by the impressive baobabs (the trees of life), its volcanos that soar from the centre of the earth, its enormous prehistoric lakes surrounded by wild animals and, what is more important, its people full of mystery and ancient customs. The sights are spectacular and I say with sadness that I may not return so I would like to treasure this instant in some place where I could recall it and re-live it through these emotions …

Tanzania is where you’ll find Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire National Parks, Manyara Lake or Zanzibar – names that immediately conjure up the breathy tones of David Attenborough:

"I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills..."

Dou you remember Meryl Streep pronouncing this words in the film Out of Africa? Although I am not Karen Blixen (as you know, the writer of the book, and the main character in the movie), nor do I have some lands in the continent (although part of my soul is there), I will try to tell you my experience, even though I am sure that any of these words or pictures will convey the feelings and mental images that I keep.

To see the sunrise on this very special land is a unique moment …

The aboriginal look of the people or the intense colours of their lands were sinking into my deepest heart and, without being conscious, I was getting lost in this thought: the desire of dreaming Africa that was living in the deepest of my being and the company of the simbas (simba means "lion" in Swahili) made me feel that time had stopped.

In the loneliness and the silence I discovered a new country in my soul. I could see the life of the nomadic Maasai tribesmen in their manyaras (the typical huts), their women with their incredible adornments … this world that runs parallel to my own and that I ignore constantly … 

From the highest part of the old Ngorongoro volcano, it is possible to observe the whole crater, with its 22-km diameter. It is indeed a striking vision … in the centre there is a salty lake, the Magadi, which contributes to a spectacular beauty. A peaceful backwater that invites reflection and silence. During the day I saw the magnificent wildlife: zebras, giraffes, elephants, impalas, wildebeest, ostriches, monkeys, hyenas, big cats, crocs, buffalos, hippos, rhinos – as well as all sorts of apes and birds, like flamingos, and even a majestic lion. We were lucky to see a precious female leopard with her baby, resting on the branch of an acacia. I did not get tired of looking at it and the harmony of the image will never be captured by a photograph; it was amazing!  

Words cannot describe such grandeur; it has to be lived to experience these instants out of time. I have seen it often in documentaries, but on the spot it is impressive, the contemplation of the cycle of life.

Here finishes the first part of our adventures in this incredible country. But the journey doesn’t end here, what about the ultimate post-safari hangout, a magical place, the idyllic Spice Island? Yes, I am talking about Zanzibar. 

Zanzibar's capital (and the largest town) is Stone Town, located in the middle of the west coast of Unguja. The town was named after the coral stone buildings that were built there largely during the 19th century, and it is known for its narrow alleyways, large carved doors and covered balconies that are a part of the Swahili culture, influenced by both Arab and especially Indian motifs. 

One of the most important aspects of Zanzibar is that it has been a collage of different cultures since it was colonized by several civilizations for centuries, from Europe to Asia. The architectural styles reflect Arab, German, and British influence and occupation, as well as the rich long history of Tanzania, but also, sadly, it shows the remains of the East African slave trade. This famous city, Stone Town, is a home to lots of mosques, several Hindu temples and two Christian churches. Incredible, isn’t it?

Apart from that, The Zanzibar Islands have excellent locations for diving because living reefs surround many of the islands. In addition to the warm still waters, full of colorful fish, there are many challenging dives.

So if you are interested in knowing a bit more about this magical and incredible place called Tanzania here is the link to a brief excerpt of the clip that I made with many of my photos, related to Serengeti National Park.

This is a video produced by the Tanzanian Tourist Board with the aid of the European Union:

Hey, I've just forgotten, do you want to know a curiosity? Freddy Mercury was born in Zanzibar. In fact, a trace of Freddie's Zanzibari roots can be heard in one of the most famous Queen songs, "Bohemian Rhapsody": the Arabic word 'Bismillah' had a special political significance in Zanzibar for a brief period to a group who used it to express discontent. But Queen's use of words like 'Bismillah' or 'Beelzebub' was most likely related to the Koran; the blessed phrase Bismillah is a sign of Islam, meaning in the Name of God, and the beginning of all good things. You can now watch the original videoclip of the famous song:

Or also on one of our blog's entries written by José Luis last November, talking about this unforgettable rock star.

I hope you have enjoyed this post and maybe one day it will encourage you to visit these breathtaking places that I strongly recommend you.