Meet Elke: Safari Writer, Translator & Southern Tanzania Expert

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18 August 2025

Get to Know the Faces Behind Tanzania Specialist

In the Hot Seat: Elke

Roaring into this month’s spotlight from Dar es Salaam, we’re excited to introduce you to Elke – one of the passionate travel experts behind Tanzania Specialist.

Our monthly Get to Know the Faces Behind Tanzania Specialist series takes you behind the scenes to meet the people who turn dream safaris into reality. From personal stories to expert recommendations, this is your chance to connect with the people crafting your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure.

5 Questions With… Elke

1. What’s your name, where are you from, and what’s your role at Tanzania Specialist?

My name is Elke, and I’m from Germany. I first came to Tanzania in 2009, originally planning to stay just three months. But I immediately fell in love with the country and its people. Since then, I’ve been commuting between Germany and my second home, Tanzania, where I now spend most of the year living near Dar es Salaam.

I’ve been working with Tanzania Specialist since 2022 as a content writer and translator. If you’ve ever received an email or travel proposal from us, chances are some of the text was written or translated by me from English into German.

2. What’s your favorite destination in Tanzania and why?

While most people head straight to Serengeti National Park, the Great Migration, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, I personally prefer the parks in the Southern Circuit. Why? Because they’re less frequented – yet equally, if not more, rewarding.

My very first safari, 16 years ago, was in Ruaha National Park, and it’s still the one I talk about most. I flew in via Selous and, during three days of safari, saw just one other safari vehicle – but an incredible amount of wildlife.

I also love Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), where you can enjoy both traditional jeep safaris and unique boat safaris on the Rufiji River. Ever floated past hippos or watched the sun set from a sandbank while keeping an eye out for crocodiles? This is the place to do it.

Elke’s Favourite Activities

Whether it’s a peaceful balloon safari at sunrise or spotting reptiles, these are the activities that bring Tanzania to life for Elke.

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3. Which safari experience would you recommend to someone visiting for the first time?

I always recommend heading off the beaten path – to places like Ruaha and Nyerere National Park. You’ll find incredible wildlife, fewer crowds, and exceptional lodges. For example, the Rufiji River Camp is located just outside the park gates and offers an unforgettable stay.

To wrap up your safari, consider heading to one of the smaller islands in the Zanzibar Archipelago or the peaceful southern beaches near Dar es Salaam. These areas are less crowded, more authentic, and just as beautiful.

4. What’s the most unforgettable wildlife moment you’ve had?

That’s a tough one – there have been so many unforgettable moments! On my very first safari, one of the Maasai guides called me out of my tent shortly after I had settled in. Across the dry riverbed, a lion was quietly watching us. Needless to say, I didn’t sleep much that night…

Another highlight was snorkeling with whale sharks off Mafia Island. And just last year, I fulfilled a lifelong dream: I followed in Jane Goodall’s footsteps in Gombe National Park to observe chimpanzees up close and swam in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika.

Elke’s Favourite Tours

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5. Is there a destination in Tanzania you haven’t been to yet but would love to explore one day?

I recently checked off Pemba Island – a place that had been on my bucket list for years. Known as the “Green Island,” Pemba is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago and lies northeast of Zanzibar. With its lush vegetation, unspoiled nature, peaceful atmosphere, and the famous Pemba flying fox, it’s a dream for divers and nature lovers alike.

Next on my list? Kitulo National Park. Known as the Serengeti of Flowers, it’s home to one of the world’s largest wildflower and orchid concentrations. While you won’t spot the Big Five here, the natural beauty is spectacular. I’m also eager to explore Katavi National Park in southwestern Tanzania – one of the most remote and untouched wilderness areas in the country.

Bonus: What’s one tip you always share with guests before they travel to Tanzania?

Go local! Try to learn a few words of Swahili before your trip – it’s a great way to connect with locals and enrich your experience. Step outside your lodge, sample local dishes like ugali, pilau, chipsi mayai, or nyama choma, join a cooking class, or even play a local drum to feel the Tanzanian rhythm.

And go polepole! Tanzania is a vast country with so much to offer. It’s tempting to pack in as much as possible, but to truly experience the magic and vibe of Tanzania, less is more. Choose wisely, savor the moments – and leave something to come back for.

Karibu sana!