Caves, Baboons, and Iron Age Tribes: Tanzania Was Nothing I Expected
Born in the Soviet Union and growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine, I never could have imagined that I would one day travel the globe and some of its most remote locations.
As a child, I would often read a book called Doctor Aybolit. In that book, the doctor travels through Africa, helping cure sick animals. The names of the places mentioned sounded so very exotic: Kalahari, Fernando Po, Zanzibar. Fast forward a few decades, and I found myself booking a flight to .. Zanzibar.
This was part of an exploration I got to embark on with members of Entrepreneurs’ Organization through Tanzania. And what an adventure that was. Tanzania was formed by the union of two separate countries: Tanganyika (the mainland) and Zanzibar (the island), and they truly couldn’t be more different.
The Tanzania I Never Expected
One of the most incredible highlights was visiting ancient caves, 30,000 years old. These caves are closed to tourists, and we had to obtain very special access from local authorities to be able to access them.
Today, they are used by locals to offer sacrifices of animals to ancient spirits. I can tell you that the energy in those caves was inexplicable and beyond my wildest expectations. I took the time to close my eyes, to sit in silence, and to manifest my dreams. Not surprisingly, albeit miraculously, they have come true.
We also had an opportunity to have a barbecue dinner at sundown in the middle of the Serengeti. Imagine having a meal during the hours when wild animals all around you are beginning their nighttime hunt.
When I was first told of this activity, I was petrified. Being told that there would be guards and bonfires all around protecting us did little to ease my worries.
Yet, on the day of the feast, it was impossible not to be fully succumbed to the majestic energy of the Serengeti, its awe-inspiring nature, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was given to us to experience.
I have to add that staying at the beautiful Four Seasons in the Serengeti (highly recommend!) was not without its surprises also.
On the first day there, I ordered room service. Busy getting ready for the day, I did not hear the knock on the door, but also wasn’t worried, as I thought my meal would simply be left waiting for me outside the door.
Little did I realize that it was not an option! Why? Baboons! No food is left on the balcony or the hallways because it would attract baboons. Not something any of us would think of on our typical trips ordering room service!
A Different Way of Life
I have to admit that there were so many things I did not know about Tanzania.
In Zanzibar, we got to visit a local villager and learned that polygamy was a common practice there. I was taken aback by the entire absence of any furniture whatsoever in the house he shared with his two wives and children.
We sat on the floor on a rug, having a conversation, as I reflected on their entirely different way of life from anything I’d ever seen.
Something we had in common, though, as far as items we are accustomed to? iPhones! Despite having no furniture or many belongings at all, both wives had an iPhone – something I also did not expect whatsoever!
Later on the trip, we visited a local tribe. Polygamy is their way of life, as well, but something else shocked me much more. I learned that, before getting married, women are tasked with building their own houses.
With no support from the men! I did not expect that whatsoever, and so I asked the tribe leader what it was that men’s duties were then.
I have to confess, he was unimpressed with my question. He explained that men had a very important role in the tribe – protecting it from attacks of other tribes.
Considering that there were no more tribes around that area, I asked a follow-up question, much to his further dismay.
Despite his disappointment in me, the tribe leader asked me whether I would be interested in marrying one of their men. I disappointed him further by confessing that I would be entirely incapable of building a house.
Africa is truly magical. I’ve traveled the globe, but Africa has captured my heart with its depth, its energy, and the awe-inspiring experiences it offers.
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Marina is Co-Founder and CEO of Brand of a Leader, a personal branding agency for Gen X founders and executives. She is a global keynote speaker, a member of Deloitte’s faculty of speakers, and a contributor to publications including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, Success, and Fast Company.
