The best Tanzania safari tour operators

We’ve curated a list of the top safari operators in Tanzania, renowned for delivering unforgettable and comfortable experiences across the country’s national parks.

Our shortlist includes companies with strong reputations in the safari community, a wealth of positive reviews, long histories, reliable 4WD vehicles, and knowledgeable guides. Additionally, we focused on operators based in Tanzania rather than remote intermediaries passing clients to local partners. This ensures the operator is fully responsible for the traveler's experience.

Our criteria also considered social responsibility and involvement in wildlife and environmental conservation projects. Living in Tanzania, we understand the importance of not just showcasing the country's nature but also investing seriously in protecting it and supporting local communities and wildlife.

Altezza Travel

Founded in 2014, Altezza Travel has over 10 years of experience offering unforgettable safaris in Tanzania. They specialize in organizing comfortable trips to some of the country's most iconic national parks.

What to expect from a safari with Altezza Travel

Altezza Travel organizes both Kilimanjaro treks and safari tours at the highest level. A wide range of programs can be tailored to match your dream vacation. 

• Duration: 2 to 14+ days
• National Parks: World-famous wildlife reserves like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, along with less crowded “hidden gems” national parks of Tanzania.
• Additional experiences: Charter flights, luxury lodges, savanna breakfasts, hot air balloon rides, Zanzibar vacations, etc.

A successful safari relies on two key components: a dependable 4x4 vehicle and an experienced driver-guide with in-depth knowledge of wildlife and nature. Altezza Travel operates its own fleet of safari vehicles and employs a team of professional safari guides.

Safari vehicles

All Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicles in Altezza Travel’s fleet are recently manufactured, with no vehicles older than 2016. The company’s in-house mechanics conduct regular inspections to ensure the vehicles remain in excellent condition. For the comfort of travelers, Altezza Travel vehicles are equipped with:

• A refrigerator for drinks,
• Charging outlets for gadgets,
• Communication tools for drivers and a GPS tracker to monitor each vehicle,
• A portable Wi-Fi router.

At the end of 2024, Altezza Travel updated its fleet, which is now presented in a new signature style. All vehicles are painted olive-brown to blend with the local landscape, while the roofs are painted white to minimize heat absorption under the tropical sun.

Professional safari guides

At Altezza Travel, safari guides are held to the highest standards of expertise and professionalism. Being a skilled driver or knowing about Tanzania's most iconic animals is only the beginning. Guides must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of animal taxonomy, share captivating insights about even the often-overlooked savanna inhabitants, and possess exceptional observation skills to spot lionesses resting in trees, servals camouflaged in tall grass, or elusive birds and lizards hidden in plain sight. Moreover, they are trained to present their knowledge in a way that is both engaging and perfectly timed to enhance the safari experience.

All driver-guides are also well-versed in vehicle maintenance, capable of addressing technical issues, and trained to provide first aid if necessary.

In addition to English, Altezza Travel employs safari guides who speak Spanish, French, and German.

Reliable vehicles and well-trained guides are paired with meticulously planned routes through parks and lodges. A dedicated team of managers coordinates with national park administrations and hotel representatives, maintaining communication with travelers throughout the tour.

A successful safari relies on the combined efforts of many departments, including booking, supply management, and personal travel managers. Reviews from travelers are a great way to assess how well these components come together.

Traveler reviews

Before booking a safari tour with a company, check reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor or Trustpilot. High ratings and glowing reviews, such as those for Altezza Travel, confirm the smooth operation of safaris and overall customer satisfaction.

If travelers mention that vehicles arrived late or broke down, the safari program differed from the advertised itinerary, or the coordinating manager was unresponsive – think twice before booking. It indicates a critical failure in the operator’s logistics.

Such issues often arise when a tour operator outsources clients to local tour companies and does not oversee the safari tour directly. Our list excludes intermediary operators. We only mention companies like Altezza Travel that are based in Tanzania and manage every stage of the journey themselves.

Another factor confirming a company’s strong reputation is industry-specific awards. For instance, Altezza Travel received the prestigious World Travel Awards in 2024 for "Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator" and "Tanzania’s Leading Destination Management Company." These are highly regarded professional accolades.

Social and environmental responsibility

Finally, examine the company’s website to ensure they operate responsibly, invest in sustainable tourism, and actively engage with the local community. This is not just a fashionable trend in tourism but a reflection of a company with strong local connections, long-term plans, and a responsible approach to collaborating with locals and protecting the environment.

Here are just a few examples of projects that Altezza Travel is involved in. The company participates in the Serengeti De-snaring Project, where rangers patrol the Serengeti plains to dismantle animal traps set by poachers. In Mkomazi National Park, Altezza Travel supports the care and protection of a rare black rhino, allocating funds for its maintenance and security. In Tarangire National Park, the company contributes to a program aimed at restoring the population of African wild dogs.

Explore the list of Altezza Travel's projects to learn more about other conservation initiatives and efforts to support local communities.

Makasa Safaris

Makasa Safaris was founded in 2010 by Yohannes Ngomi Kamm, a German born and raised in Tanzania, and his wife Selma Kamm, a Dutch native who moved to Tanzania. Yohannes grew up exploring the savannas and reserves, observing wildlife, and sharing Tanzania’s natural beauty with visitors to the country. After earning a zoology degree in the U.S., Johannes returned to Tanzania to continue his work there.

The company also organizes safaris in Botswana and Namibia, two of the best safari destinations in Africa. However, its main focus is Tanzania, East Africa. The founders of Makasa Safaris live and work permanently in Tanzania, where their children are growing up.

In addition to tours in national parks, Makasa Safaris offers cultural immersion experiences that allow travelers to delve into Tanzania's traditions. For example, they provide visits to the villages of the famous Maasai tribe. Rather than a brief stop to watch a traditional dance or fire-making demonstration, guests can stay overnight in the village. Activities include spear throwing, evening gatherings around the fire, tasting dishes like roasted goat, and guided walks with the Maasai.

Makasa Safaris operates two private tented camps in the Serengeti, located deep within Tanzania's most popular park. These camps are simple and unpretentious, designed to bring back the classic atmosphere of African adventures on safari. Both camps are family-friendly and suitable for children.

The company exclusively organizes private tours. This ensures that travelers are not grouped with strangers in the same vehicle.

In addition to routes in northern Tanzania's national parks, Makasa Safaris, like Altezza Travel, offers safaris in the less-visited southern parks such as Ruaha and Katavi. These southern parks are renowned for their wildness, pristine nature, few visitors, and vast unexplored landscapes.

Tanzania is also famous for its beach destinations in the Indian Ocean, particularly the popular island of Zanzibar. Tanzania tour operators can arrange flights to the islands for travelers wishing to extend their safari with a beach holiday.

African Scenic Safaris

This Tanzania safari company's story began in 2009 when a young guide, Simbo Natai, fulfilled his dream of starting his own company. Simbo first worked as a Kilimanjaro guide and later led safari tours in Tanzania. His skill and passion attracted so many clients that he decided to establish a company to realize his unique vision of how safaris should be conducted.

The approach at African Scenic Safaris is to design personalized itineraries that reflect the wishes of each traveler. In addition to exploring national parks, itineraries can include visits to local villages and lesser-known attractions often overlooked by other tours. However, the primary focus remains on Tanzania's wildlife.

The company offers safari programs not only in Tanzania's famous northern parks but also in the less crowded parks of southern and western Tanzania. Where possible, safaris can include walking tours, allowing guests to leave the vehicle and explore plants and landscapes up close with expert guidance. African Scenic Safaris follows an ethical approach to nature. They prioritize observation from a distance and non-interference with wildlife and plants.

The company also adheres to principles of sustainable development. Those include hiring local staff, involving local communities in conservation efforts, and engaging in charitable activities. They minimize their carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.

African Scenic Safaris also manages a charitable organization called Path to Africa. This organization supports the Hope Orphanage for street children, Building a Caring Community, which works with children with disabilities, and the Jiendeleze Women’s Organization, which focuses on women's rights and empowerment. Additionally, the company operates Hostel Hoff in Moshi. International volunteers stay there while working in orphanages, primary schools, vocational training centers, and other social or environmental projects. Volunteers only pay for accommodation and meals.

African Scenic Safaris follow good principles when designing their safari programs. The company does not support the unethical practice of tourists visiting orphanages. Tours exclude visits to locations where animals are kept in captivity or where human-nature interactions violate ethical standards. As you can see, this local Tanzania tour operator is one of the most responsible. The same principles apply to safaris with Altezza Travel.

Easy Travel

Easy Travel is one of the oldest tour operators in Tanzania, with experience dating back to 1987. It is a family-owned business managed by the Tanzanian couple Musaddiq Gulamhussein and Sayyedah Gulamhussein. Both received their education in the West, studying in England and Canada, before returning to Tanzania to apply their knowledge.

In 2007, Musaddiq and Sayyedah opened an office in Arusha. The city is often referred to as the safari capital of Tanzania.

The team prides itself on years of exploring Tanzania’s parks and lodges, ensuring they experience everything firsthand. The skills of experienced safari guides complement the expertise of safari managers. In this field, the people who work “on the ground” and know the environment well are crucial. Easy Travel safari guides are expected to genuinely love their land and wildlife and be able to share that passion with visitors to Tanzania.

Easy Travel also emphasizes that its guides speak not only English but also other languages, including Spanish and Italian.

Like Altezza Travel, Easy Travel has its own workshop where all vehicles undergo regular maintenance and repairs as needed. This ensures the safari vehicles remain in excellent technical condition. Such vehicles are reliable, capable of withstanding long drives between parks, and equipped to handle encounters with wildlife.

This safari company adheres to principles of environmental responsibility and sustainability. Socially, this is reflected in supporting and empowering women, as well as helping local rural communities. Like Altezza Travel, Easy Travel’s workforce is 80% female, providing women with career opportunities. The company also focuses on education and healthcare, investing in education initiatives in Maasai villages and funding cataract removal surgeries in a Dar es Salaam clinic.

Their environmental initiatives include carefully treating the natural environment, harvesting rainwater for car washing, reducing paper usage in the office, and encouraging staff to use reusable water bottles to minimize plastic waste.

Gosheni Safaris

Gosheni Safaris is another Tanzanian safari company based in Arusha. They specialize in safaris in Tanzania. The company began operations in 2009 under the leadership of Tanzanian Peter Robert, a former guide and driver. Today, the company has representatives in Denmark, the USA, China, and other countries. Its Tanzanian team carries out its core operations.

Gosheni Safaris’ guides are highly skilled. In addition to their excellent training, extensive knowledge of wildlife, and storytelling abilities, some guides are fluent in additional European languages, including French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

Although the operator offers safari tours in neighboring Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and even South Africa, its primary focus remains on Tanzania. The most popular tours include visits to the northern parks. Still, the company also caters to seasoned Tanzania travelers by offering trips to the southern Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park), and the mountainous parks of Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream.

In addition to his safari company, Peter Robert owns a hotel chain, Acacia Collections. He takes pride in creating a fully Tanzanian brand recognized by tourism professionals.

The company’s primary social mission is youth empowerment. They focus on protecting the rights of Tanzanians aged 15 to 35, raising awareness about sustainable development, and promoting ecological safety.

Gosheni Safaris runs various initiatives, including leadership and professional skills programs for young people, sports promotion, renewable energy education, and regular environmental cleanup events. These projects, ranging from financial literacy to tree-planting volunteer groups, aim to foster the growth of local communities.

Bright African Safaris

Bright African Safaris is another Tanzanian tour operator with an office in Arusha. Established in 2007, the company offers safari tours in neighboring countries such as Kenya, which shares the Great Wildebeest Migration with Tanzania, and Rwanda, famous for mountain gorilla trekking. However, Tanzania remains their primary destination.

The company’s safari tours include visits to the well-known northern parks and less popular conservation areas on the Southern Circuit. These include Nyerere National Park, Mikumi, and Ruaha. Tours to those parks typically begin and finish in Dar es Salaam.

Despite its years of safari expertise, Bright African Safaris has fewer reviews on Tripadvisor compared to some competitors. Nonetheless, almost all reviews are excellent.

The company was founded by Msangi Charema, a native of Kilimanjaro. After years of working in hotels and lodges in the Ngorongoro Crater area, Msangi began guiding. It opened a new perspective on his homeland and inspired him to pursue a career as a safari guide. He obtained a guiding diploma and eventually established his own company. Interestingly, his favorite animals are members of the “Little Five” of Africa, a contrast to the well-known Big FiveThe Big Five animals are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. The Little Five refers to smaller animals: elephant shrew, antlion, buffalo weaver, rhinoceros beetle, and leopard tortoise..

Bright African Safaris contributes to local communities by renovating schools in the Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions, providing mattresses for boarding schools, and ensuring access to water in remote villages. The company allocates 3% of its annual revenue to social projects.

Bright African Safaris exemplifies small-scale operators run by locals from northern Tanzania.

Suricata Safaris

Suricata Safaris is the youngest tour operator in our selection, established in 2016.

This company is a successful Tanzanian-European partnership. It was founded on the professional expertise of Hilary, a local safari guide, and the business acumen of Martin, a German entrepreneur. After going on safari with Hilary, Martin was amazed by the number of animals he saw, the quality of the experience, and the guide’s passion.

Based in Arusha, Suricata Safaris organizes tours to Tanzania’s most popular northern parks. The team includes local guides and chefs, contributing to sustainable community development by creating jobs in the region.

In addition to national park tours, the company offers trips to visit Tanzanian tribes living traditional lifestyles. Those include the Hadza, Maasai, Datoga, and the Chagga people. The latter is the heritage of co-founder Hilary.

Nomad Tanzania

Nomad Tanzania is not your typical safari operator. It is a network of lodges located in some of the country’s most remote but picturesque locations. Guests staying at one of these lodges enjoy exclusive safaris led by local guides. Nomad Tanzania stands out as a unique company in our list, with its lodges and tented camps offering great views and luxurious amenities.

The network includes ten permanent safari camps and one mobile camp that relocates throughout the year. This mobility allows guests to visit remote, less-explored locations and experience the original essence of safari adventure. Permanent camps are located in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Mahale Mountains, Katavi, Ruaha, and Nyerere national parks.

It all started, of course, with the Serengeti. In the late 1990s, Scottish couple Mark Houldsworth and Millie had an unforgettable safari there, guided by the cheerful and passionate Tanzanian, Mkombe Mniko. The trio became friends and continued their journey through other parks in the country, eventually deciding to establish the first camp in the Serengeti to observe the Great Migration.

Mkombe, known for his friendliness and energy, is remembered as the person who brought together a community of safari guides that formed the foundation of the company. Although Mkombe is no longer with us, his legacy lives on, with Nomad Tanzania maintaining his passion for wildlife and love for authentic safaris. The company’s current format took shape in 2003 when several standalone lodges joined the founding group.

Despite its luxurious tented camps, Nomad Tanzania remains a socially responsible business. The company assists local communities and supports environmental conservation. It provides free meals for schoolchildren and supplies educational materials, sports equipment, and other essentials. In remote settlements, it organizes medical checkups for adults and children, using lodge facilities when local clinics are unavailable.

Funds are also allocated to wildlife conservation projects. For example, in Ngorongoro, they run a program to track lions attacking Maasai livestock using GPS. This helps identify "tolerance corridors" where educational meetings with locals are held to promote peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

How we selected the best Tanzania safari companies

As a well-established company, we have been organizing safaris in Tanzania for over 10 years. This gives us insight into the most prominent players in the safari market, many of whom are members of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. We are personally acquainted with many company owners. The most reliable operators have built solid reputations over time.

In addition to professional recognition, each company has a certain image within the local community — what ordinary Tanzanians say about them. We included operators that are well-regarded both professionally and socially.

How to choose a safari company in Tanzania?

Our selection criteria were as follows:

• The operator is based in Tanzania, with safari in Tanzania being their sole or primary focus.
• A variety of safari programs is offered.
• The operator has its own fleet of safari vehicles and a team of guides.
• A significant number of positive reviews on independent platforms and tourism awards.
• An informative website.
• Commitment to sustainable tourism principles, broad social responsibility, and participation in conservation projects in Tanzania.

These eight tour operators do not represent the full list of reliable local companies for safaris in Tanzania. However, they are sufficient to help you make the right choice and enjoy a well-organized trip through Tanzania’s parks while contributing to the development of local communities and the protection of nature.

We invite you to join a safari tour in Tanzania to explore Africa’s untouched beauty and witness the sights you’ve only seen in amazing wildlife documentaries. You’ll love it!

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