Our Story: An Interview with Dace Zandfelde
Dace Zandfelde first visited Tanzania in 2021 as a tourist, joining a travel group — and immediately fell in love with Africa. Not with the Tanzanian, Roman Shirima — though that came later — but with Tanzania itself: the wildlife, the breathtaking landscapes, the contrasts, the vibrant colors, and the unique allure of the place. And, of course, the Indian Ocean also played its part.
A Latvian in Africa: How Did It All Begin?
For quite some time before my trip in 2021, I had been toying with the idea of visiting Africa. I even calculated how much a trip across the continent would cost—from Namibia on the west coast to Zanzibar on the east coast—if I were to travel “my way,” which meant flying with my then-husband, renting a car, and setting off wherever the road would take us. However, due to the costs and time such a journey would require, I put the idea on hold.
So, when I saw a post on Facebook about an opening for a trip to Tanzania, I immediately signed up. My motivation was to visit and understand “how things work” here so I could eventually travel around Africa independently. I didn’t have many expectations at the time, other than a few vague ideas from my academic studies, where I had read about the significance of traditional music and sounds in Tanzanian tribal communication.
Upon arriving in Tanzania, I quickly realized that independent travel in a rental car isn’t quite feasible here.
The local traffic isn’t for the faint-hearted, renting a car comes with its own challenges, and navigating the roads requires both local knowledge and fluency in Swahili to communicate with people along the way. The main highways didn’t appeal to me, and the smaller roads needed someone local to guide the way. In addition, you can’t explore nature parks on your own here.
During my first safari tour, I found myself in a jeep driven by Roman. He was an experienced safari driver, and I asked him a lot about roads, nature parks, and travel in Africa. Gradually, I shifted from the idea of driving myself to planning a journey with a driver. I started sketching a route for a trip around the country, which at the time I still intended to do with my husband.
But life took a turn, and on my first independent trip around Tanzania, I found myself traveling not with my white husband, but with Roman. Thanks to his advice, I planned the route myself. I didn’t just want to visit parks—I also wanted to explore other places. We drove up into the Usambara Mountains (which later led to Roman’s friends calling him to check if we were safe, as the roads were indeed dangerous). We also visited the place where Vasco da Gama “discovered” Africa, among other locations. And so the story of “Falling in Love with Africa” transitioned into the next chapter: “A Romance with Roman.” I love the wordplay in that!
Since it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and the whole world was working remotely, I realized that traveling around Tanzania and East Africa could be perfectly combined with working remotely.
Now, three years later, Roman and Ihave started a family business, offering private safari tours to travelers.
Tanzania is a beautiful country with so much to offer—national parks, beaches, local cuisine, and a rich culture. It’s truly a fascinating place.
What Were Your First Impressions of Tanzania?
When I first arrived, I wasn’t particularly familiar with Tanzanian history or the country’s development. I had vague ideas that locals still lived in traditional tribal communities. So, my first surprise was discovering how developed the country is. The country is developing rapidly, with new things emerging every day.
Urbanization is happening here, and to a large extent, tribal stories have become a product for tourists. Every vendor knows that if they wrap themselves in a Maasai blanket, tourists are more likely to buy from them.
Of course, there are real Maasai who still live traditionally, but much of it is now part of the tourist experience.
Just as in the 1990s we used to think that all our relatives abroad were wealthy, and if they didn’t send packages, they were just stingy, people here often have similar thoughts about "muzungus" (white people).
The country is also going through a digital transformation. For example, in Latvia, it’s normal to make payments through internet banking, while in Tanzania, people use mobile money, transferring funds from one phone to another.
What continues to fascinate me is the colors and vibrancy here.
Whether it’s the intense blue skies, the vivid green grass, or the bright clothing, everything is so full of life. Even a simple clothesline filled with freshly washed garments looks like a rainbow. The colors of Tanzania energize and inspire me. The Indian Ocean’s palette is a stunning mix of blues, greens, and turquoises. The sunrises and sunsets are a deep, fiery red. There are no pastel shades here—it’s all vivid and bold.
What Were the Biggest Surprises?
Like most people, I had my stereotypes. I thought that people of different races were very different from one another. So I was surprised to find out how little difference I noticed. Roman and I share the same sense of humor, similar eating habits, and everyday values. Roman is Catholic, which I think helps. Of course, every nation has good and bad people, and every country has its prisons. But so far, I haven’t seen any significant differences. Yes, of course, there’s a difference in skin color. But after my first trip to Africa, I had tanned so much that when we compared our arms, mine and Roman’s were the same shade. Now, I don’t tan as deeply, but Roman still calls me a "chameleon"—one day I’m dark brown, and the next I’m back to being "original muzungu."
What Makes Tanzanian National Parks So Special?
Tanzania has 22 national parks, vast wildlife areas without fences. These parks are home to the animals, living freely in their natural habitat, not because someone fenced them in but because this is their home.
Which parks are the best?
It depends on your preferences. The world-famous Serengeti is a brand name, and like all famous brands, it attracts crowds willing to pay top dollar. But Tanzania has parks to suit all tastes and budgets—each of the 22 parks offers a different landscape.
I personally love Mikumi National Park, often called the “Little Serengeti.”
Some even refer to it as Africa’s animal “registry,” where all the species found across the continent seem to gather. Tourists usually choose either the northern or southern park circuits, with the western parks being less common due to their inaccessibility.
I love being in nature. In Latvia, I enjoy walking through forests and meadows, gathering herbal teas. There’s something about being in nature that recharges me.
In Tanzania, it’s the same. When you’re out in the wild, you can feel the immense power and energy of the animals—the majesty of a lion looking at you just meters away, or the silent approach of an elephant. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring.
For some, the goal is to see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), while others might be looking for a specific animal. And for many, it’s just about being in Africa’s wild beauty, enjoying the scenery, the sounds, and the interactions between the animals.
How to Best Organize a Safari Tour in Tanzania?
I would recommend starting with a safari. Being in nature helps you acclimatize—both to the local culture and to the strong sun. After a safari, a beach break is perfect. It’s a great way to unwind after all the excitement and travel. You can relax on the mainland in Dar es Salaam’s Kigamboni beaches or head to the islands. Zanzibar is world-famous, but I personally find it a bit touristy. I prefer Mafia Island, where you can sit on the beach, watch fish jumping in the ocean at night, and swim with whale sharks during the day.
I hope everyone gets the chance to experience the real Africa and its wild nature at least once in their lifetime.
As the locals say—Enjoy!