For more than 58 East African Keralites from across the globe, a long-held dream finally came true: returning to the land they once called home — Tanzania.

After decades of living abroad, East African Malayalee Makkals group members reunited in Tanzania, retracing their roots and reliving childhood memories. Organised by Rickshaw Travels, this emotional homecoming brought together individuals from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Singapore and beyond.

For these returnees, it wasn’t just a nostalgic holiday, it was a pilgrimage to the past, a heartfelt journey back to where it all began. Here are just a few of their remarkable stories:

Jimmy Varghese - “The People Haven’t Changed”

Born in 1955 in Dar es Salaam, Jimmy Varghese hadn’t set foot in Tanzania for 60 years. Raised in Kigoma, Mbeya, and Shinyanga, Jimmy recalls his Tanzanian childhood with great fondness.

“After so many years, the people haven’t changed. They are still kind,” he shares with a smile.

Now living in Canada, Jimmy played a key role in organising the group trip. “Everyone here had a desire to reconnect with their roots. I brought together people from the US, and we now have around 50 people from all over the world,” he explains.

Aleyamma Mathew - “I’ve Thought About Arusha Every Day”

Aleyamma Mathew left Arusha at 15, but it never left her. Now based in Kerala, India, she has returned to Tanzania after 44 years.

“I’ve thought about Arusha every single day since I left,” she says. “When the chance came, I knew I couldn’t miss it.”

Her school days at Arusha School and Meru Secondary remain her most cherished memories. “I’m looking forward to visiting my old school, my childhood home, and the church I used to go to,” she adds.

Mala Sukumaran Nair - “This Is My Home”

Mala, now based in Leicester, England, left Tanzania at the age of six. Her memories, however, have remained vivid — from watching flamingos at Lake Manyara to ferry rides to Zanzibar.

“My father came to Tanzania in 1949 and served in the police force until 1968,” she recalls. “I remember the Land Rover, the crater descents, and the thrill of wildlife adventures.”

She credits Prema, one of the organisers, for making this long-awaited trip happen. “There’s no one else who could have done this like Prema. She made it personal and seamless,” says Mala.

Krishna Kumar - “A Journey through Mangoes and Salt Mines”

For Krishna Kumar, Tanzania was the land of childhood adventures. He moved to Dar es Salaam at nine and often visited his father in Uvinza, where salt mines and mango trees became his playground.

“This homecoming is pure nostalgia,” says Krishna, now residing in Singapore. “I regret forgetting Kiswahili, but I’m going to relearn it now that I’m back.”

He’s already planning a return — this time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Dr Devika Maheswari - “This is an Emotional Moment”

Born at Ocean Road Hospital in 1961, Dr Devika’s connection to Tanzania spans generations. Her father settled in Mtwara in 1951, and though the family moved to India in 1964, their ties to Tanzania never faded.

“My mother continued receiving a pension from the East African Community until her passing in 2020. We are incredibly thankful to Tanzania for that.”

Now living in Scotland, Devika describes the trip as a dream fulfilled. “It feels as if my parents and brother are still with me. I’m so grateful to Rickshaw Travels and everyone who made this possible.”

Sara Pamela - “A Dream for Me and My Parents”

Born in Dar es Salaam and now living in Kerala, Sara’s family had left Tanzania in 1962. Her parents spent their honeymoon in Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, and her father later worked at the Tanzanian Embassy in Delhi.

“This trip is a tribute to my parents. They always wished to return but never got the chance,” she shares.

Even in India, their connection to Tanzania remains strong. “We kept close ties with the Tanzanians in Delhi. It’s part of our story, part of who we are.”

...
As the East African Malayalee Makkals group shared meals, visited familiar places, and laughed over stories from decades past, one thing became clear: Tanzania is more than just a birthplace. It’s a feeling, a community, and a lifelong bond.

Thanks to Rickshaw Travels and the dedicated organisers; Prema, Jimmy, Gireesh, Esteria, and Mitesh - and to Mr. Satish Sharma, Herman and entire Serena Hotels for their amazing hospitality - this group is able to realise a long-held dream. For them, it's not just a visit; it's a homecoming.