Skip to main content

#DispatchesDNLee: Ninafika Morogoro, Tanzania!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


I safely arrived to Mororgoro Tanzania on Wednesday afternoon, April 17. While most of my friends in the States and Canada were rising from their sleep, I was happy to see the cloud-covered Uluhuru mountains high in the sky. I swear it felt like I was just here! As I was coming up the main university road I peered out of the window trying to catch a glance at The Pest Management Center and saw Shabani – The Rat Whisperer - in the drive and he warmly waved and greeted me. I was so pleasantly surprised that he recognized me – and everyone else for that matter. I went to town and the Vodacom sales people remembered me. I got a hello and we haven’t seen you in so long from everyone I bumped into at APOPO and SUA.

Was I that much of a handful? (Don't answer that, LOL!) It does feel great to be

back. It’s the rainy season here and it looks and feels different this time.


On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.


Everything is greener and lusher and thicker. It’s more humid and warmer. And

there are more bugs. (I could do without that last part.)

I made the quick rounds and touched base with my contact people, including Professor Makundi. There is some paperwork to handle before I can start research proper, but fingers crossed that I’ll have all of that sorted out by early next week.

In the meantime, check out the Storify of my Preparation adventures: #DispatchesDNLee: Getting ready, Getting There. Tanzania or Bust

[View the story "#DispatchesDNLee: Getting ready, Getting there. Tanzania or Bust." on Storify]

DNLee is a biologist and she studies animal behavior, mammalogy, and ecology . She uses social media, informal experiential science experiences, and draws from hip hop culture to share science with general audiences, particularly under-served groups.

More by DNLee