Backyard's Story
Backyard Ventures is more than a name; it's a narrative that began in 2018 in our Dar es Salaam backyard. Originating as Backyard Soirée, our founder Natalie sought to create a sanctuary for creativity, meeting new people, and the exploration of alternative events. As the sun set, we cultivated an atmosphere that felt like home—safe, inviting, and filled with art, skill-building, and meaningful connections.
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Now, our journey expands beyond the familiar with retreats that embrace the concept of slow living and the magic of Tanzania. In a way, we've shifted from solely hosting events in our home backyard to uncovering the beauty of our Tanzanian backyard. We're on a quest to discover the wonders the country has to offer, inviting you to join us on these journeys surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
The addition of retreats to our offerings comes from our love of wellness and travel, inspired by the lessons learned during our journeys. While our roots are in events close to home, we've ventured further to connect with people who share our values—those who love taking it slow, exploring, being creative, and focusing on inner equilibrium. We've found that getting outside of our comfort zones, exploring new places, and making friends with like-minded people gives us a special kind of personal growth that no gift can match.
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Our co-living space is where you can fully immerse yourself during your time in Tanzania and build long-lasting relationships along the way, embracing a sense of belonging that extends beyond a single event or retreat. At our co-living space, we don't just offer a place to stay; we offer a piece of home, encouraging you to discover, connect, and feel the pulse of Tanzania. Where adventure meets the familiar, and every journey feels like coming home.
(Na)Talie
The driving force behind Backyard Ventures, likely the first friendly face you'll see (or chat with) when you arrive. She’s the one ensuring the vision stays true to creating a space for holistic wellbeing and sustainable travel. Wearing every hat with ease—from curating retreats to organizing events and shaping the co-living experience—Talie makes it her mission to ensure every stay feels like home. Her passion radiates through every detail, making sure that your experience is memorable.
Amina
Our beloved matriarch, always ready with a warm meal and a big smile. She’s the heart of the household, nurturing everyone who walks through our doors with the care of a mother. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or making sure everyone feels at home, Amina takes care of it all. She’ll also encourage you to practice your Swahili—she believes it's the best way to truly immerse yourself in Tanzanian culture! Her warmth and energy are as essential to your stay as the beauty of our surroundings.
Hamisi
Hamisi is our handy groundskeeper and the unsung hero keeping everything running smoothly. From tending to the garden to lending a hand with laundry and dishes, he’s the go-to guy for anything property-related. He’s meticulous about the details—like making sure your clothes are ironed and folded just right. Though he might seem a bit shy at first, his dry wit and humor come through once you get to know him.