The Gallivanters Journal
Tanzania Stories, Travel Notes & the Road Back to Gallivanters
How Two Airbnb Apartments Helped Build Gallivanters Hostel
Before our hostel was ready for guests, two shared apartments gave us cash flow, hospitality experience and a first look at what international travelers needed.
The Cost of Hiring Friends at a New Hostel
Friends helped bring an abandoned property back to life, but construction help and hospitality work demanded very different boundaries.
The Trip That Changed Everything: How I Found Tanzania
A failed visa application, closed borders and one trusted YouTube recommendation led me to Tanzania—and changed the direction of my life.
Where to Eat in Dar es Salaam: The Gallivanters Guest List
A local-style guide to where to eat in Dar es Salaam, from casual grills and Coco Beach bites to seafood, breakfast, and ocean-view dinners.
Mbudya vs Bongoyo: Which Dar Island Should You Visit?
Mbudya or Bongoyo? Compare departure areas, atmosphere, swimming, planning and who each Dar es Salaam island suits before choosing your day trip.
Best Beaches Near Dar es Salaam: Islands, Kigamboni & Mbezi
Compare Mbudya, Bongoyo, Coco Beach, Kigamboni and Mbezi Beach with locally grounded advice on the best choice for your Dar es Salaam beach day.
We Filled the Pool Four Times Before Gallivanters Could Open
What a leaking pool, disappearing fundis and a flooded property taught us about building a hostel in Tanzania.
What to Pack for Tanzania: My Complete Packing List After Living Here for Almost 5 Years
After living in Tanzania for almost five years and helping travelers at Gallivanters Hostel, here’s what I would actually pack for Tanzania—from Dar es Salaam and safari days to Zanzibar, hostels and the Indian Ocean.
Dar es Salaam Is More Than a Stopover: A Local-Style Guide to the City
A locally grounded guide to Dar es Salaam’s beaches, food, culture, nightlife and day trips—from nearly five years of helping Gallivanters Hostel guests explore the city.
Planning a Tanzania Safari: What We Tell Our Guests Before They Go
An honest, locally grounded guide to planning your first Tanzania safari—from choosing a route and guide to understanding costs, pacing and what really makes the journey memorable.
