Popular destinations often arrive with fixed narratives, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
A city becomes known for one landmark, a country for one experience and a region for a single postcard view. However, after spending a holiday lounging on a gorgeous beach in Dar Es Salaam despite being so close to Zanzibar, it made me think. Surely there were other destinations that were overlooked in favour of more popular options within their region. Here are 4 places worth considering while on your bucket list adventures.
Dar es Salaam instead of Zanzibar, Tanzania
Dar Es Salaam/Miriam Kimvangu
When I travelled to Tanzania, most people assumed I would go to Zanzibar. I considered it, but I stayed in the capital for and didn’t regret it for a second. Something about it felt less curated. The beaches are treated as a regular part of everyday life rather than a prop. I spent mornings walking along the shoreline, one day even walking to where fishermen brought in their catches. I’m not sure if I would go as far to say that it is not appreciated, but I was never surprised at the shock on people’s faces when talking about my love for the beach in Dar. Nothing was lost in that experience and the Indian Ocean remained as striking as anywhere else in the region.
Laikipia Plateau instead of Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Maasai Mara is one of Africa’s most recognised safari destinations, known for dramatic wildlife sightings and the annual migration. Yet Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau offers a different model of encountering the landscape.
Laikipia is defined by private conservancies that prioritise ecological protection and community partnerships. Visitor numbers are limited, which allows for a more immersive wildlife experience. Tracking animals happens with fewer vehicles and greater attention to conservation ethics. What distinguishes Laikipia is its collaborative conservation structure. Local communities are directly involved in protecting wildlife and managing land use, creating a system where tourism supports both ecological preservation and social sustainability. Visitors can engage in guided tracking, learn about conservation initiatives, and participate in cultural exchanges that move beyond surface-level encounters.
ALSO READ: Cape Town for people who live here but feel like they haven’t really seen it
Essaouira instead of Marrakech, Morocco
Kasbah, Essaouira, Morocco/rigel/Unsplash
The coastal town of Essaouira offers a softer entry into Moroccan culture.Essaouira’s medina goes at a slower pace. The city’s identity is tied to the sea. Fishing boats line the harbour, artisans work in open studios, and galleries showcase a long tradition of creative exchange.
According to visitors, the atmosphere feels more grounded. Visitors can wander through historic ramparts and watch fishermen at work. The small cafés forming the town are also not to be missed. All you need to do is exist in the space and breathe. Essaouira holds the country’s cultural richness while allowing space for creative exploration and unhurried discovery.
Kanazawa instead of Kyoto, Japan
Kanazawa/Sunao Noguchi/Unsplash
Kyoto is synonymous with traditional Japan, but Kanazawa also offers a similarly rich cultural landscape with fewer crowds and a more intimate atmosphere.
The city preserves Edo-period architecture, historic geisha districts and one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, Kenrokuen. Walking through Kanazawa feels like stepping into a living archive of craft and tradition. Gold leaf production, ceramics and textile arts remain integral to the city’s identity. The absence of overtourism enhances the experience, allowing visitors to engage with heritage spaces in a more personal way. Kanazawa complements it demonstrates the diversity of Japan’s cultural preservation and regional character.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ:
