TRAVELER SPOTLIGHT: JUSTA LUJWANGANA OF CURIOUS OF TANZANIA
You may see her at a travel event networking or on a panel. Her name or company may sound familiar. If you thought about exploring Tanzania, you probably met or heard of Justa Lujwangana of Curious of Tanzania. We know her as the unofficial ambassador of Tanzania. However, we’re hoping she will become the official ambassador of Tanzania. She’s the best go-to person all for all things Tanzania. She’s one of the most positive, creative, and determined individuals. While she’s managing Curious of Tanzania, which is an experiential travel company, she always finds the time to inspires the people around her to pursue their wildest dreams. She’s the bridge between NYC & Tanzania and is determined to educate individuals who cross her path about the beauty of her homeland. As she completed her annual event recently, we had the time to sit and chat and learn more about Justa!
Justa, you’re known as the unofficial ambassador of Tourism for Tanzania and you spend half of the year back home. How would you describe Tanzania? Tanzania is a melting pot of fascinating cultures, scenic land, beautiful white sand beaches of Zanzibar, and its friendly people. For me, it’s a land of possibilities. There is so much to do, see, learn, experience, and just take it all in from one corner of the country to the next. As a curious traveler myself, I find myself wanting to go out and discover more and more every day.
We know Curious on Tanzania has been in business for over 5 years, what was the idea behind Curious on Tanzania and What inspired to launch this venture? The reason for starting COT was from my own experience, living in a melting pot of cultures but my culture not being represented inspired me to want to become that bridge that connects New Yorkers with Tanzania. But also as a Tanzanian, it was also my obligation to introduce and host curious travelers in our beautiful home country via tourism in a sustainable and authentic way. Since we started our trips, we are now focused on People, Purpose, and Destination. We let the travelers define what they are looking for and we are the connectors. We made magic happen with our local community support. It’s amazing and we love creating new experiences for the curious.
Tanzania is a beautiful country with a rich culture. What is the biggest misconception surrounding Tanzania? How are you and Curious on Tanzania play a role in improving the narrative? The biggest misconception is the poverty in the country and safety. Tanzania is one of the safest countries to visit. People are extremely friendly and willing to assist when needed. Of course like any other place, you have to take precautions. One thing that brings Tanzanians together is the language of Swahili. Swahili is spoken in every corner of the country and had no economic class barrier. The rich and average people use the same language to communicate. Yes, we do have poverty in the country but people live in harmony with what they have.
Our role as COT, we are here as a connecting bridge between the international world and our beautiful country. Through storytelling, we want to share the stories of most people we meet in the country who are contributing to tourism. Our focus is empowering our local community/ country members to see the different possibilities of what tourism can bring. For our guests, we want them to see and visit our country authentically.
Have you seen substantial changes in attitudes or perceptions since you started Curious on Tanzania? Yes, we have. People from different backgrounds are now coming up to us and asking us about how they can connect to Tanzania or some say they feel connected already and from their one day visit. It’s about creating visibility of the country to the people.
You have hosted over 20 intimate to large events to promote Tanzania, What is Curious on Tanzania goal for its native country?
It’s all about bringing curious people, travelers, new and old friends of Tanzania together in celebration.
I want to talk a little bit about Experience Tanzania NYC. First and foremost, it was a beautiful event and we were excited to be one of the curators for this event. We learned so much more about Tanzania and were thankful! What was your goal in creating it? Experience Tanzania NYC – is a day fest that brings the Tanzania experience to NYC with a goal of bringing our friends together for a day of celebration. No passport is necessary! This is from the diaspora to people and/or organization that are or have worked in Tanzania, we want people to come together to share their stories, eat amazing food made by Tanzanian in NYC, listen to music by our best DJs, and watch live performance music by our favorite musicians and dancers. It’s all about bringing curious people, travelers, new and old friends of Tanzania together and inspire everyone to add Tanzania as a prospective destination to their travel list. With everyone’s support, we aim to host this fest every 2nd Saturday of June to continue to share my heritage with everyone.
What do you predict for the future of tourism for Tanzania? Tanzania is still such a mysterious country for many people including us the locals but once we realize the beauty and the possibilities that are available or that we can create is when the game will change. We are currently spending a lot of our time around the country to discover the new and mysterious place and that people are all about to be able to share it with the world in return to help preserve our country, increase creativity and empower local tourism. This is one way to change or predict the future by taking the lead in it.
Rapid Questions
What three words come into mind when I say Tanzania? Unforgettable, mysterious Land of possibilities. Ok, that is more than 3words.
What is your favorite Tanzanian dish? Matoke na Nyama (Cooked green banana with meat – a traditional dish for the Bahaya people – My tribe) – My mother and family can have this for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and never get tired of it.
If you can take anyone to Tanzania, who would it be? I would take you, Shana, as you have been so curious on, did so much research about the country, I feel you would have a great time as you also know something about the country and you would blend right in.
If you are interested to come to Tanzania, I highly recommend joining our featured trip to really experience how we see the country.
If you want to explore and learn about Tanzania connect with Justa or Curious on Tanzania on Instagram for more.