Growing up, my dad had a favourite saying: “Africa is not for sissies.” And he was right. Life on these continent demands grit, resilience, and a skin thick enough to weather both the expected and the unimaginable.

Living and growing up in South Africa, we faced constant challenges—financial pressure, safety concerns, and the ever-present unpredictability of our roads. These weren’t occasional issues; they were woven into everyday life. I remember how we learned to adapt—to carry on with a sense of humour, to push forward even when things felt impossibly hard.

We lived in the Midlands, a little more sheltered from the chaos of the big cities. But even there, the anxiety lingered: the constant need to look over your shoulder, the fear sparked by truck accidents on the N3 at Town Hill, the devastating farm attacks, the unrest, the looting, and the monthly question of whether our salaries would stretch far enough. And yet, through it all, South Africans remain strong. We’re a tough bunch, and I’ll always be proud to call myself South African.

But resilience sometimes means knowing when it’s time to make a change.

After many long discussions and soul-searching debates about whether the grass was greener elsewhere, my husband and I came to a decision. We needed to protect our young family, but we weren’t ready to turn our backs on Africa. Our hearts—and our roots—are deeply planted in this soil. We knew that if we were to move, it would have to be within the continent.

The search didn’t take long. Within a few months, my husband was packed and headed to Tanzania, and the kids and I followed shortly after. We’ve now made our home in Moshi, nestled at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s a place of raw natural beauty—mountains, coffee farms, wild animals, flowers, warm people… and, let’s be honest, some of the worst drivers I’ve ever encountered!

Life in Moshi has a different rhythm. Things move slowly here, on “African time.” There’s no rush. Being early doesn’t mean the other person is late—it just means you’ve got time for another cup of coffee. It’s a gentler pace, one that forces you to let go of the hustle and surrender to the flow.

But don’t be fooled. This Africa is also not for sissies. Especially when it comes to driving! There are still plenty of challenges, and as an expat, I’ve learned quickly that trust is everything. You need a reliable circle of locals to help you navigate the maze of systems, customs, and daily life.

No matter where in the world you are, life will throw curveballs. It’s how you handle them—how you duck, dive, and keep moving—that shapes you. Living in Africa, in all its beauty and chaos, teaches you that strength. And once you’ve lived it, you carry that strength with you, wherever you