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Gallivanters Hostel

A lion pride in golden sunset light in Tanzania, photographed by Kibwana

The Gallivanters Journal

Tanzania Stories, Travel Notes & the Road Back to Gallivanters

/ January 2, 2026
How to Plan a Tanzania Safari on a Realistic Budget

What years of hosting travelers and Kibwana’s guiding experience taught us about safari costs, smart compromises and the questions to ask before you book.

/ January 1, 2026
Serengeti or Ngorongoro? How to Choose the Right Tanzania Safari

Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer very different safari experiences. Here is how to choose according to your time, budget and travel style.

/ December 31, 2025
Getting Around Dar es Salaam: What We Tell First-Time Visitors

A practical, locally grounded guide to dala-dalas, DART buses, bajajs, boda-bodas and ride-hailing in Dar es Salaam.

/ December 30, 2025
What Does a Tanzania Safari Really Cost? A Practical Budget Guide

A transparent guide to Tanzania safari costs, including park fees, vehicles, accommodation, routes, seasons and the questions to ask before paying.

/ December 29, 2025
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar Ferry: The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide

So, you’re ready to trade the city buzz of Dar es Salaam for the spice-scented alleyways and turquoise waters of Zanzibar? Awesome choice! The...

/ December 28, 2025
First Time Staying in a Hostel? Your Ultimate Survival Guide

So, you’re thinking about diving into the world of hostels. Awesome! But maybe you’re a little nervous. You’ve heard stories, seen that one...

/ December 27, 2025
Airport to Dar es Salaam City Center: The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide

Ditch the airport stress! You’ve just touched down in Tanzania, and the adventure is calling. But first, you need to get from Julius Nyerere...

/ December 26, 2025
21 Epic Things to Do in Dar es Salaam (A Backpacker’s Guide)

Forget what you’ve heard. Dar es Salaam isn’t just a dusty stopover on the way to Zanzibar or the Serengeti. It’s a city buzzing with electric...

/ December 25, 2025
Coco Beach Dar es Salaam: Your Guide to Sun, Street Food & Local Vibes

So, you’ve heard about Coco Beach. Is it a pristine, white-sand paradise? Not exactly. Is it one of the most authentic, vibrant, and fun local...

/ December 24, 2025
7 Awesome Free Things to Do in Dar es Salaam (A Backpacker’s Guide)

Dar es Salaam pulses with an energy all its own. It's a city of bustling markets, ocean breezes, and a vibrant street life that tells a story around...