Tanzania Luxury African Safaris: Traveler Reviews

PETER B. - GERMANY
DECEMBER 2019

Woooow !!! It is simply impossible to put into words what an unforgettable time we had - thanks to Denise and Robert!

The most important thing first: If you have any doubts whether Sababu is the right tour operator, then throw them overboard immediately and book your safari with Sababu now!

In our research from Germany to find a suitable safari operator, we were overwhelmed by the number of providers. We had no experience and didn't know what to expect. We contacted several operators in advance, some did not even get back to us, others sent us a generic standard response. However, there was one response that stood out - and that was Denise’s. In the run-up, she took excellent care of us - her guests. We received great advice from the very first contact, and Denise was always available for us. It was the individual support and the good feeling we had that made us book with Sababu. One thing should be clear: a safari costs money! However, saved at the wrong end, it costs nerves and causes stress that no one needs. Denise and Robert have used our available budget perfectly, so we were offered a lot and do not mourn a single cent! Payment via Transferwise worked without any problems and was much cheaper than a regular transfer through our house bank.

When we arrived in Arusha, Robert, the best guide you can imagine, was already waiting for us at the hotel. The greeting was super cordial and we knew from the first second that we were in the best hands. Robert has immense expertise in the wild. You immediately notice that he has experience and knows exactly what he is talking about. Since he has spent several years abroad, he speaks excellent English and it is just fun to talk to him about life in general. What a great person! He then discussed the safari and the upcoming days with us in detail.

The next morning Robert and Mohammed picked us up at our hotel on time. Our adventure could begin. At this point, we’d also like to give a shout out to Mohammed, who did an outstanding job. Where other groups got stuck with their jeeps, he effortlessly tackled every obstacle with his level-headed manner.

Thanks for everything! Sababu is the best!

Must-Have Travel Guide to Tanzania

On a Sababu Safaris tailor made holiday to Tanzania you can discover Tanzania's dramatic beauty and phenomenal wildlife.

Sababu’s tailor made Safari Itineraries focus on the national parks, game reserves and private wildlife conservancies in the north, south and the west, plus the mainland coastline and the island of Zanzibar.

THINGS TO DO IN TANZANIA

1.            Witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

2.            Conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro and watch the sunrise from ‘The Roof of Africa’.

3.            Enjoy an adventurous and authentic bush experience in Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania

4.            See resident hippo pods at Lake Manyara.

5.            Visit the Mahale Mountains National Park in Western Tanzania to see chimpanzees in the wild and enjoy activities such as hiking in the forests, swimming in ice-cold pools in the mountain waterfalls and kayaking on the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika.

6.            Enjoy a river safari in the Selous Game Reserve.

7.            Spot an abundance of wildlife, including zebra, buffalo, warthog, wildebeest, hippo and elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater.

8.            Relax on the idyllic, palm fringed and secluded beaches of Zanzibar.


Tanzania is a vast country with much regional variation in geography and climate, plus distinct rainy seasons, therefore deciding when to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to experience whilst you’re there.

Game viewing in Tanzania's parks are at their peak during the dry season from June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration cross the Mara River in the Serengeti is during July and August, whilst late January to February is the time to visit for the wildebeest calving season.

The ideal time to visit Tanzania's coast and the Zanzibar Archipelago is between August and October, whilst the coast and the islands are best avoided during the long rains from March to May.

If you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro they recommend that you do so during the warmest and driest times of year - December to mid-March and mid-June to end of October. 


You require a passport with at least two blank pages and six months' validity, plus a visa to enter Tanzania. Single-entry visas are available upon arrival at Tanzanian airports or you can obtain one in advance. A visa costs $100 for US citizens and $50 for other nationalities.

Visitors to Tanzania should ensure that they have Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations.  There is a high risk of malaria in most areas of Tanzania (including Zanzibar), therefore anti-malaria medication is recommended and you should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Top Things For Honeymooners To Do In Tanzania

ENJOY NATURE AT ITS FINEST IN THE WILD

Head out into the African bush for a romantic, private safari experience. Iconic destinations like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire and Arusha National Park as well as Lake Manyara offer an excellent mix of diverse landscapes, amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, and other thrilling outdoor activities, like hot air balloon rides, bush picnics and romantic nature walks. There are photo opportunities everywhere you turn. Retire to a luxurious lodge or tented camp later in the day for fantastic sundowners, gourmet meals, cozy bonfires, and sleep peacefully under beautiful starry skies. You and your partner are treated like royalty even in the wild.

WITNESS THE GREAT MIGRATION

There’s not many sights that can rival the spectacle of the Great Migration. This annual event comprises millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thundering across the rolling plains of the Serengeti. This annual event occurs year-round in the Serengeti, but you will need to be at the right place in order to catch this massive movement. Luckily, you can stay at a mobile camp that follows the migration so you can witness this marvelous event. Honeymoon & Great Migration? Your trip will be more memorable for all time.

CONQUER AFRICA’S HIGHEST PEAK TOGETHER

Those couples who love to be active can kick off married life with a bit of adventure climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Your journey begins at the lively Moshi, the base town near the foothills of the mountain, driving through coffee and banana plantations along the way. This mountain hike takes you through four different climate zones, the infamous “Breakfast Wall”, at the Barranco Camp, and of course, the ascent itself to the breathtaking rooftop of Africa. This adventure of a lifetime will definitely be one of the highlights of your honeymoon. 

CHILL OUT ON THE WHITE SANDY BEACHES OF ZANZIBAR

For the final adventure of your honeymoon, head on to magnificent Zanzibar, Tanzania’s famous spice island. Here, you and your partner get to choose from an amazing assortment of white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and palm trees swaying gently to the cool evening breeze. Swim, snorkel, kitesurf, and even go on sunset boat cruises -- Zanzibar has it all. 

But there’s more to Zanzibar than relaxation and thrilling beachside activities – take on some culture in Stone Town, a coral-hued architectural maze of ancient buildings in the heart of Zanzibar and brimming with Arabian, Indian, Portuguese, and African influences. You can also go horseback riding across spice plantations, sample different cuisines at the Forodhani Gardens, and do shopping.

If you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon, Tanzania has all it takes to deliver an unforgettable experience. It really is multiple adventures in one trip, and what better way to start your new life together as a couple than an exciting experience infused with romance and adventure. After all, isn't that what married life should be about?

And at Sababu Safaris, we customize your honeymoon itinerary to make sure every moment of your trip is unique and special to you. To ensure an exclusive experience for you and your spouse, all our safari activities are private, with your own driver/guide and own safari vehicle (no sharing with others). You will get to enjoy special moments with activities such as romantic bush dinners, drinks during sunset, balloon safaris, couples massage and so much more couple-themed activities to make your experience truly one of a kind. 

Find out more >>

Book your dream safari now!

Wellness Tourism In Africa

The wellness tourism industry has seen a shift from experiential travel to transformational travel. And the transformational aspect has become less about "me" but more about "we". More travelers are interested in authentic experiences that also give back to the local communities. We can only be truly well if the communities and the places we visit are also well. Denise Brown of Sababu Safaris talks about the growth in this sector of travel and tourism.

Learn more about "wellness in the wilderness".

Travel to Tanzania On A Yoga & Safari Healing Retreat

Sababu Safaris, a boutique safari company that customizes the African experience for travelers to Tanzania, is pleased to announce that it is offering a Yoga & Safari Healing Retreat in Tanzania, November 9-16, 2019. In addition, it has just added private yoga safari retreats upon request. The retreats include daily yoga sessions and meditation.

At the same time, guests will explore the country’s breathtaking lands and wildlife, and immerse themselves in all manner of local culture in a purposeful way, which ranges from time at a school to giving the gift of light to remote villages. This special combination of personal yoga and social giving is an expression of the fundamental philosophy of Sababu Safaris - traveling in an intentional and meaningful way can transform lives and create lasting change in the world.


“In our disconnected modern Western cultures pressured for time, the opportunity for a yoga and safari healing retreat can create lasting bonds across continents,” said Denise Brown, co-founder of Sababu Safaris. “Tanzania is a truly special refuge for mindfulness and deep reflection.”

Both group and individual retreats will be led by Tanzanian resident and professional yoga teacher Marissa Lipovsky. The practice of yoga in Tanzania’s Great Plains is an immersive experience. Daily practices are aimed at expanding awareness, awakening one’s true nature, and thus healing wounds. Meals are cultivated from the fertile land of the Kilimanjaro region. Time is also taken away from yoga to mindfully engage with the community—not consuming their culture—but learning deeply what it means to live there.


“We will experience travel in a completely different way,” said Lipovsky. "We will do so from a fully embodied perspective as our reflective practices will clear the lens through which we see the world and ourselves. It will bring visitors to a place of true understanding, a deep peace with which they can return to their home countries.”


Sababu Safaris’ wellness adventures embed the wisdom of the Maasai elders whose lineage includes some of the region’s most important healing traditions. The Maasai have a deep and cultural knowledge of natural medicines and remedies and will show participants how herbs are prepared and administered.



About Us
Sababu Safaris is an owner-run boutique company committed to creating unique journeys to Tanzania that change hearts and minds, and leave a long-lasting impact on both guests and local communities alike. Where most safari companies pledge to pour resources back into the community, Sababu Safaris allows guests to see the difference -- and in most cases, make the difference themselves. All safari itineraries are crafted and tailored to the specific month of travel and to the guests’ individual travel style, preferences and interests. Our all-inclusive, private, transformational luxury safaris will take you deep into the isolated wilderness and connect you with the people that call Tanzania home. No mixed groups, no competing for views with strangers, and no conflicting interests. Sababu Safaris unites conservation, communities and sustainable travel by seamlessly integrating unique and impactful experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the rich Tanzanian culture few truly get to know - and to make a difference at the same time.

For more information about Sababu Safaris’ group and individual Yoga & Safari retreats, visit www.sababu-safaris.com.