Archive
Browse previous editions of the Shauku Afrika Explorer below:
Ed. 19: Africa’s Masters of Camouflage: A Picture Quiz
Over 500 historic doors remain part of Stone Town’s living fabric and charm—some restored, others weathered, all bearing traces of Zanzibar’s rich cultural exchange.
Ed. 18: Africa’s Masters of Camouflage: A Picture Quiz
You don’t need to be a scientist to be impressed by these animals’ camouflage: A short picture quiz from the African bush.
Ed. 17: Ruaha National Park: Welcome to Lion Country!
Did you know that Ruaha is home to 10% of the world’s remaining wild lions?
Ed. 16: Chumbe Island: Small Footprint, Big Impact
Discover the small private marine sanctuary off Zanzibar where conservation funds itself.
Ed. 15: Back from the Bush: Highlights from Our Family Safari
Ever During the past few weeks, I traveled across Tanzania with my family—here are my highlights.
Ed. 14: Ruaha to Tanganyika: 22 Hours Behind the Wheel
Ever wondered what it’s like to travel overland in a tropical African country? Join me as I drive 950 km across Tanzania in 22 hours.
Ed. 13: Lake Tanganyika: Africa’s Hidden Giant
Lake Victoria may steal the spotlight, but Lake Tanganyika—Africa’s hidden giant—quietly holds some of the continent’s most remarkable records, along with breathtaking natural beauty.
Ed. 12: Alone in Tanzania’s Least-Visited National Park
"You have the whole national park to yourselves. If you encounter others, they’ll either be poachers or us chasing the poachers,” TANAPA ranger Melau told us as we prepared to enter Ugalla River N.P.
Ed. 11: Celebrating Dr. Jane Goodall
Last Thursday, Dr. Jane Goodall celebrated her 91st birthday. Her groundbreaking work is deeply intertwined with Tanzania, particularly with the chimpanzees of Gombe National Park—her favorite place.
Ed. 10: Making the Most of Unplanned Police Stops
Police stops don’t need to be a stressful experience. By staying calm, friendly, and positive, you can turn these unplanned stops into meaningful exchanges and even enrich your travel experience.
Ed. 9: Coastal Tanzania: So Much More Than Zanzibar
Coastal Tanzania is a destination in its own right—rich with opportunities to experience remarkable nature, layered history, and the unique flavors of Swahili culture and cuisine.
Ed. 8: Off the Beaten Track in Northern Tanzania
Northern Tanzania offers far more than its world-famous but all too often overcrowded national parks. Here are 3 places where you will experience stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and tranquility.
Ed. 7: Do you know Africa’s most dangerous animals?
Some of Africa’s deadliest animals are less of a threat to humans than you might expect.
Ed. 6: Africa’s Most Dangerous Conservation Project
The recent advance of M23 rebels into the war-torn city of Goma in Congo is equally impacting Africa’s most remarkable National Park.
Ed. 5: Katavi: The Hidden Garden of Eden
Katavi, one of Tanzania’s most remote parks, welcomes only a few visitors each year. Especially during the dry season, it offers incredible wildlife density and unmatched solitude.
Ed. 4: When the Wilderness Knocks on Your Tent
Safari camps in Tanzania are NOT fenced. This distinguishes them from camps in other safari destinations. Rarely do guests get to experience nature as intimately as in small tented camps in Tanzania.
Ed. 3: Reaching Mahale by Road: Stuck! Stuck! Stuck!
Little did I know, I'd find myself navigating rockslides, black cotton soil, and worse, as I entered 200 km (125 miles) of dirt road between Mpanda and Mahale at 6:15 in the evening.
Ed. 2: The Chimpanzees of Mahale National Park
The Mahale mountains dramatically rise up above the shores of Lake Tanganyika. They are home to 700 very active chimpanzees.
Ed. 1: Seasonal Wonders in Tanzania’s Nyerere Nat’l Park
Exactly three years ago, I witnessed one of nature’s most primal encounters—two lionesses battling a crocodile over a zebra on the banks of Lake Nzerakera in Nyerere National Park.