Our Story – About ThisIsTanzania

ThisTanzania.com is a community-rooted digital platform dedicated to preserving and promoting the full cultural and historical identity of Tanzania and Zanzibar. Our mission is to amplify stories that are often excluded from mainstream media: stories about everyday Tanzanians, indigenous knowledge, ancestral heritage, and the vibrant intersection of tradition and innovation.

Through powerful digital storytelling, ethical collaborations, and grassroots engagement, ThisTanzania.com challenges the stereotypical portrayals that dominate the tourism industry. While Tanzania’s wildlife and landscapes are world-renowned, we seek to show the world that the heart of the nation lies in its people, languages, artistry, and community spirit.

From the rhythms of Swahili poetry to the rituals of rural elders, from city-based youth innovators to coastal artisans—our platform gives Tanzanians the voice, tools, and visibility they deserve. We are building a sustainable, inclusive archive that educates, inspires, and celebrates the nation’s authentic spirit.

Mission

Promote authentic, ethical storytelling that reflects Tanzania’s cultural and human diversity.

Empower local communities through preservation, education, and inclusive storytelling.

Archive endangered knowledge systems, oral traditions, and cultural expressions through digital media.

Encourage sustainable tourism that uplifts local economies and respects heritage sites.

Support Tanzanian youth to become digital storytellers, educators, and cultural custodians.

Build cross-cultural bridges between local voices and global networks of allies, researchers, and creatives.

Vision

A global platform that celebrates, protects, and passes on Tanzanian identity for generations to come.

A future where Tanzania is understood and respected for more than its landscapes—through its people and their stories.

Become a trusted, community-led digital archive that educates, empowers, and inspires a deeper connection to Tanzania.

Redefine global engagement with Tanzania to prioritize equity, ethics, and cultural appreciation over consumption.

Foster a generation of Tanzanian leaders who carry their history with pride and shape their future with vision.

Lead a new model of storytelling in Africa—one built on collaboration, consent, and cultural ownership.

Our Core Values

At the heart of ThisTanzania lies a clear purpose—and a deep commitment to values that shape everything we do. If you’re exploring what truly defines us, this section on about ThisTanzania gives you insight into the guiding principles behind our work. These values are more than words; they are the foundation of our mission to represent Tanzania with dignity, depth, and truth.

Authenticity

One of the core pillars about ThisTanzania.com is our dedication to authenticity. We believe that the stories of Tanzania and Zanzibar should be told by those who live them. Our content is rooted in real experiences, community voices, and a respect for the truth—free from stereotypes and surface-level portrayals.

Sustainability

We view sustainability as both an environmental and cultural responsibility. Everything about ThisTanzaniasupports practices that safeguard Tanzania’s ecosystems and traditions. From ethical tourism to protecting endangered languages, we work to ensure that what makes Tanzania unique is preserved—not exploited.

Collaboration

Collaboration is central to how we operate. Rather than speaking for communities, we work directly with them—co-creating stories, media, and initiatives. Part of what sets ThisTanzania apart is our insistence on shared ownership and mutual respect in every project we pursue.

Education

Education is a powerful tool for cultural preservation. A big part about ThisTanzania is using storytelling as a vehicle for learning—whether it’s understanding local customs, celebrating unsung heroes, or shedding light on overlooked histories. We educate through every image, every interview, and every article we publish.

Inclusivity

Tanzania is rich in diversity—and inclusivity is a value we carry through every part of our platform. When people ask about ThisTanzania, they learn that we champion representation from all walks of life: rural and urban, youth and elders, creatives and custodians of tradition. We provide a space where every voice is not only welcomed but honored.

Madina Nzenzely - FOUNDER & Blog writer at ThisisTanzania.

The Face Behind ThisisTanzania

ThisTanzania.com was founded by Madina Nzenzely, a Tanzanian conservationist and cultural advocate with a degree in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture (Class of 2019). Her academic path provided deep insight into the country’s ecological richness—but along the way, it also revealed how much of Tanzania’s cultural heritage remained undocumented and underrepresented.

Growing up in the heart of Tanzania, surrounded by stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Madina developed a deep love for the natural world. However, after graduating, she faced repeated challenges breaking into the wildlife sector, including numerous job interview rejections. These setbacks never dampened her commitment—they strengthened her purpose.

Determined to remain connected to the fields she loved—wildlife, conservation, and tourism—Madina envisioned a new path. She founded ThisTanzania as a platform not only to showcase the country’s beauty, but also to promote sustainable tourism and preserve both its natural and cultural heritage.

Recognizing the transformative power of storytelling, she built the platform to reclaim narrative control from outside voices and put it back in the hands of Tanzanians. Today, Madina leads a dynamic team of creatives, educators, and community collaborators who work together to document, celebrate, and protect what makes Tanzania truly unique.

I was so bothered that all the information about Tanzania on Google or Bing came from travel agencies sites, international blogs, or government websites written in Swahili, none of which were easy to navigate. I wanted something different, something precise, something that truly captured the essence of Tanzania from the people who know it best.
The beauty of Tanzania inspires me every day. I love my country deeply, and I want you to love it too. There’s more, so much more waiting to be discovered, and I can’t wait to show it to you.”
MadinaNzenzely

Our Long-Term Goals

Understanding the long-term goals about ThisTanzania is key to understanding the deeper purpose behind the platform. We’re not here for short-term attention or surface-level content. We are building something lasting—a digital ecosystem that preserves, empowers, and uplifts Tanzania from the inside out.

Each of our goals reflects our belief that storytelling can be a tool for both cultural preservation and future-building. Here’s what drives us:

Redefining Tanzania’s Global Identity

One of our biggest long-term goals about ThisTanzania.com is to reshape how the world sees Tanzania and Zanzibar. We aim to go beyond wildlife and beaches, placing a spotlight on the voices, cultures, and everyday lives of Tanzanians. We want global audiences to understand that the true beauty of Tanzania is found in its people.

Supporting Local Economies and Creatives

We believe that storytelling should have tangible benefits. A key objective about ThisTanzania.com is to use our platform to highlight local businesses, artisans, tour guides, and creators. By featuring their work and offering them visibility, we help them connect with wider audiences, create income opportunities, and grow on their own terms.

Preserving Endangered Knowledge and Heritage

A crucial part about ThisTanzania.com is our cultural preservation work. We are committed to recording and safeguarding oral histories, traditional practices, languages, and rituals that are at risk of being forgotten. These aren’t just stories—they’re identities, legacies, and bridges between generations.

Building a Nationwide Network of Storytellers

This isn’t a one-person project. A major goal about ThisTanzania.com is to cultivate a countrywide network of local contributors—writers, photographers, historians, and youth—who can tell the stories of their own regions. By equipping and supporting them, we ensure that our archive is rich, diverse, and truly representative of Tanzania’s full landscape.

Creating a Lasting Digital Archive for Future Generations

Everything we’re building about ThisTanzania.com is with future generations in mind. We are not only documenting Tanzania today—we are creating a digital legacy that will still matter tomorrow. From culture to conservation, our archive is designed to be accessible, educational, and enduring.

We Are Non Profit Organization

ThisIsTanzania is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Tanzania’s wildlife, culture, and traditions. We do not operate for profit, all resources generated through our platform go directly into conservation projects, partnerships, and community development efforts. By becoming a volunteer, partner, or supporter, you contribute to real, lasting positive impact on Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage.

Volunteer

About

Our Story – About ThisIsTanzania

Mission

Vision