Learn how to experience the best of Tanzanian nightlife, food, music, beaches, mountains, safaris, history and culture. Justa Lujwangana joins Matt from Mt. Vernon, New York and talks about her experience growing up in Tanzania and Uganda before immigrating to New York at age 12. She reflects on the cultural acclimation process, navigating the contours of Blackness in the U.S., and coming of age as an African immigrant in New York. Justa talks about maintaining Tanzanian culture in the diaspora, the role of music in her life, and eventually re-connecting with her homeland as an adult. Matt and Justa then talk about the amazing nightlife in Dar es Salaam, summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, Safaris in the Serengeti, and the beautiful beaches and distinct culture of Zanzibar. Justa talks about founding her company “Curious on Tanzania” to help you experience the best of the country, focused on the themes that are most appealing to you. She reflects on facilitating experiences for African-Americans to reconnect with the Continent and shares her thoughts about the ethical and sustainability dynamics of tourism in Tanzania. Finally share reflects on the impact travel has had on her and offers you a special discount for a “Curious on Tanzania” trip.
Episode #328: Curious on Tanzania with Justa Lujwangana
Episode Summary
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About the Guest
Justa Lujwangana
Justa Lujwangana is a Tanzanian-Brooklynite, storyteller and curious traveler. Born and raised in Tanzania, she went to boarding school in Uganda, and then moved to New York City at the age of 12. After completing her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in the U.S., she founded “Curious on Tanzania” in 2015 as a travel company that leads culturally immersive trips to Tanzania guided by passionate locals. Rooted in local culture and stories, Justa takes you beyond the usual tourist spots, so you can patronize local businesses and uncover hidden gems known only to locals. She enables you to experience the beauty, wildlife and adventure of Tanzania, as well as its history, gastronomy, nightlife and local cultural traditions. You’ll get to forge meaningful connections with the Tanzanian people, while supporting the local economy. Today Justa spends at least 6 months of the year in Tanzania, but she also hosts the annual “Experience Tanzania Fest” every June in New York City which attracts hundreds of people and brings to life the Tanzanian culture in New York.
What You'll Learn
- How to Have Immersive Local Experiences in Tanzania
- The Best Music, Nightlife and “Bongo Flava” Artists in Tanzania
- Ethical and Sustainability Considerations around Being a Tourist in Tanzania
Links From the Episode
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LEARN MORE ABOUT CURIOUS ON TANZANIA TRIPS (Get $100 OFF by mentioning MAVERICK)
OTHER MAVERICK SHOW PODCAST GUESTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
TOP 2 BOOKS THAT JUSTA RECOMMENDS
#1 PERSON WITH WHOM JUSTA WANTS TO HAVE DINNER
TOP 3 FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
TOP 3 BUCKETLIST DESTINATIONS
BONGO FLAVA ARTISTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
OTHER PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
PLACES IN TANZANIA MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
LANGUAGES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
LOCATIONS WHERE THE INTERVIEW TOOK PLACE
- Matt: Asheville, North Carolina
- Justa: Mount Vernon, New York
OTHER PLACES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
CONTACT AND FOLLOW JUSTA
Time Stamped Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
[0:44] Introducing Justa Jujwangana
[3:24] Growing up between Tanzania and Uganda
[9:36] Moving to New York at Age 12
[12:05] Coming of Age as a Tanzanian Immigrant in New York
[14:20] Navigating the dynamics of Blackness in the U.S.
[16:37] The important role of music in Justa’s life
[17:50] Justa sings some traditional songs
[20:58] Maintaining Tanzanian culture in the Diaspora
[23:33] Returning to Tanzania and Re-Connecting with the Country
[25:55] The Nightlife in Dar es Salaam
[31:10] Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro
[34:10] Safari in the Serengeti
[35:51] Zanzibar
[38:02] Bongo Flava Music
[42:32] Founding “Curious on Tanzania”
[48:17] Upcoming Tanzania Trips around Different Themes
[52:02] Facilitating Trips for African-American’s to Experience the Continent
[54:10] Neo-Colonial Dynamics and Ethical Considerations Around Tourism in Tanzania
[1:01:11] The Impact of World Travel on Justa
[1:03:20] The Lightning Round
[1:05:38] Contact and Follow Justa
