I had always wanted to visit Africa. All the smiling faces, incredible looking nature and animals that only exist there had given me this urge to go there in some point of my life. Finally an opportunity came up to travel to Tansania as few of our friends were heading there to shoot for a documentary in the Highlands of Mufindi. I was asked to join the team and help out with the documentary and also shoot for another project. We were able to combine two different trips in one and see Tansania in a way that not many tourists do.

We were carrying a lot of professional video equipment and of course we faced some problems at the border landing into Tanzania. Our team had worked hard with all the permits and all was supposed be fine, but apparently we didn't have all the required paperwork for bringing such valuable camera gear into the country. Luckily after running around Dar Es Salaam for two days and visiting multiple offices from tax office to the Finnish Embassy we got it all figured out and we were able to continue our planned trip.

We started our two day bus ride to Mufindi. I think I have never been so scared of my life than on those two days on the road. I have never seen so many crashed cars and trucks on the side of the road. We witnessed quite many close calls and definitely had adrenaline rushing on the way.

We made it to Mufindi safely where we got to spend a week filming and following a Finnish doctor at her work. It was quite an eye opening experience and definitely stopped me to think of my own life and how privileged I am. I'm happy to see that there's people who have basically given their lives for helping these people out here.

After a week there it was time to start heading back towards Dar Es Salaam. We had planned a few stops on the way where we got to go to the national parks to do few safaris. This was definitely a dream come true as I've wanted to do this for a long time. Below there's some photos from the trip!

Already missing those smiles!
-Daniel