A Splash of Color: New Murals painted at Gallivanters Hostel

A Splash of Color: New Murals painted at Gallivanters Hostel

A Splash of Color: New Murals painted at Gallivanters Hostel

At Gallivanters Hostel, we believe in more than just offering a place to stay—we create an atmosphere where cultures come together, ideas are exchanged, and every traveler feels part of something special. That’s why we’re beyond thrilled to announce two brand-new murals that have transformed our space, painted by the talented artist Reisha of ReiCreations Art, who traveled all the way from Canada to Tanzania as part of a unique, work exchange program.

A Journey of Creativity and Culture

Reisha is a self-taught artist from the Caribbean island of Dominica, currently based in Toronto, Canada. Known for her Afro-Caribbean inspired artwork and her hot glue technique forming curls, coils, kinks, and knots, Reisha’s art often explores the beauty of Black hair as both a personal and cultural symbol. While her signature subject is Black hair—depicted through bold figurative paintings that celebrate texture, identity, and heritage—this mural project took on a new direction.

When we invited Reisha to create art for the hostel, we didn’t want the style of painting that is very common here — we wanted murals that would connect the hostel’s diverse community while still reflecting the spirit of Tanzania. Reisha eagerly embraced the challenge, blending her unique artistic vision with our ideas and the vibrant energy of Dar Es Salaam.

The First Mural: A Tropical Welcome

The first mural is on the main wall of Gallivanter’s entry porch—a lively space where guests gather, eat, and meet new people. We wanted something bold, full of life and of course welcoming, since it will be one of the first things our guests will see. With a love for nature and vibrant color at the heart of this piece, Reisha created a dynamic scene featuring lush tropical foliage, a vibrant butterfly, and a Masai giraffe.

“The tropical flora reflects the shared vegetation between my homeland in Dominica and Tanzania, while the rich, varied colors pay homage to the vibrant autumns I find visually inspiring in Canada, where I now live,” says Reisha. “The Masai giraffe is Tanzania’s national animal and symbolizes elegance and resilience, while the butterfly represents transformation—something all travelers experience when they journey to new places. I wanted this mural to invite people into the space with warmth and joy, and to spark a sense of adventure.”

This mural has quickly become a beloved feature of the hostel, with guests stopping to admire its colors, and often using it as a backdrop for photos and conversations.

The Second Mural: Abstract and Uplifting

For the second mural, located directly above the first mural on the upstairs porch that overlooks the pool, the brief was different. We plan on redesigning this space as a remote co-working area, so we wanted a piece that would bring balance and calm, while still adding a splash of color. Reisha took on the challenge of creating a more abstract design, a departure from her usual figurative work, and the result was stunning!

Using a palette of warm yellows, deep blues, burnt orange, maroon, salmon pink, and accents of black and white, Reisha created a playful, yet serene composition of loose, rounded shapes that represent symbols of positivity and connection: hearts, flowers, butterflies, sunshine, and even our iconic Gallivanters Hostel logo. There’s also a coconut tree, bringing in that tropical touch and tying the two murals together creating a cohesive art theme.

“This was my first time creating an abstract mural, and it was a bit of a leap,” admits Reisha. “I had to think outside my usual style, but I enjoyed the challenge and am both pleased and proud of the result. The owners and staff were incredibly supportive, and even some guests pitched in to help finish the mural, which made it a real community project.”

We were extremely pleased with the final result as well! It was exactly what we had envisioned for the space, even though we couldn’t clearly describe it beforehand. The abstract mural brings a sense of lightness and joy to the co-working area, inspiring focus and creativity.

More Than Just Murals: A Reflection of Connection

The murals have quickly become more than just art on the walls—they are a reflection of Gallivanter’s vibrant and welcoming community. Guests from around the world have already expressed how the murals make them feel more at home, more connected to the space, and more inspired by the stories and symbols embedded in the artwork.

For Reisha, the most rewarding part of the project was not just creating something beautiful, but knowing that her art would be experienced by travelers from all walks of life, sparking new ideas, conversations, and connections.

“It’s not just about making a statement on the wall,” says Reisha. “It’s about creating something that brings people together, that makes them pause and reflect. The conversations and interactions that have come from these murals have been the most rewarding part.”

Visit Us and Experience the Art in Person

We’re incredibly proud of the murals that now grace Gallivanters Hostel, and we invite you to come see them for yourself. Whether you’re staying with us for a few days or just passing through, we hope these pieces of art add a touch of color and inspiration to your journey. Stay, relax, work, and connect—this is your space, too.

At Gallivanters Hostel, every guest is part of the canvas.You can also check out Reisha’s art on her website ReiCreationsArt.com and follow her journey on Instagram or Facebook@ReiCreationsArt.