A Luxury Safari in Tanzania: Review of Sababu Safaris

LINDA D.   // NEW YORK, NY
OCTOBER 2019

Beyond incredible! Sababu is purposeful, personal, and genuine.

If you're looking for an incredible safari and a genuine visit to Tanzania, Sababu Safaris is your guide.

We  wanted to to go through a company that was eco-conscious and  responsibly connected to the country and people of the area. We wanted  our money to go to someone who cared about the animals, the land, the country, and the people of Tanzania. Sababu is genuinely that, and so  much more.

But before I talk about how wonderful the safari was,  what an amazing guide the co-founder Robert is, and how seamlessly easy Denise makes all the planning...

I have to first talk about how Sababu helped us visit the child we sponsor through Compassion  International. We've sponsored a child with Compassion for many years.  And while Compassion organizes group trips and approves individual visits to your child, it's been too complicated and expensive of a process to seem feasible to us. When we realized our safari would take us close to where our child lives, we talked with Compassion and Sababu.  Compassion has their own paperwork and background checks for visit approval. But after that, there are many logistics to figure out:  meeting up with the Compassion International guide/interpreter, setting times with the Compassion Center leaders, and setting up the home visit with the child and family. Sababu took care of all of this for us. They truly went above and beyond. We know for sure that this visit would not have been possible without them. Robert took care of all of the logistics on the Tanzanian side. He worked with Compassion International  directly to make everything smooth for us—so that we could focus solely on visiting our child (rather than all the details surrounding it).  Sababu also helped us find out what our child's family and the local Compassion center needed so that we were able to take personalized  gifts. While Compassion International has general recommendations,  Sababu talked to the local Compassion center for us directly for  specific needs. This visit with our sponsor child was the most beautiful experience of any trip we've ever had. Robert worked out all the details and helped translate the language and the cultural differences while we were visiting with the family—and both Robert and Mohamed (who  was driving for Robert that week) were active, respectful, and kind participants in the visit. They engaged with the family and created an atmosphere for us to have quality and deep connection with our sponsor child and family.

Now on to all the other wonderful safari details!

Sababu makes planning a breeze. We were planning a last minute trip—we planned it only three weeks out! But Denise and Robert helped us create our dream itinerary without compromising any of our priorities. Denise made the planning so simple. She is quick to respond. And she easily guided us through our millions of questions to find the right plans for us.

They work to make it a truly personalized experience. In our first conversation, Denise asked about our priorities. When I told her we wanted to maximize the amount of days we had in Tanzania over the luxury  of the accommodations, she found a way to add three days to our  itinerary while staying within our budget! And that still had us staying at incredibly nice camps with luxury amenities. Sababu gave us options  and helped us achieve all our priorities within our price range.Robert is an amazing guide. He truly loves and knows the animals and the bush—and that passion shows. He is such a joy to be around. He shares his knowledge and experience of the animals and of the communities in Tanzania. He caters each day to what you want to see. He takes you to remote areas of Serengeti that a lot of the big companies won't go to—because he cares more about seeing the animals than about saving the gas mileage. Within just a day, we considered Robert a friend. He is so kind and genuine. And as we went to visit different projects and tribes,  Robert also guided us through those experiences—sharing about the people and the history and helping us to engage and connect well.

The animals! Listen, you will not find a more up-close, in-the-wild experience than you will with Sababu. I can't even begin to talk about this without writing twelve pages. You will NOT be disappointed.

We visited Plaster House in Arusha. We took a solar light to the Datoga tribe. And we visited the Hadzabe huntsmen. All of these experiences were amazing and meaningful. I could write so much about each of them.  But the best thing I can advise is that you talk with Denise about these  projects as you plan your trip. She can work to make it fit well into your itinerary, and she can guide you toward the ones that might work best for you and those you are traveling with.

Denise and Robert suggested that we end our stay at Africa Amini Maasai Lodge. If you can do this, you absolutely should! It's a beautiful and relaxing way to end the safari and reflect on your time. And it's a meaningful way to  get to know the Maasai as they share their culture and stories. They also have a school, orphanage, and healing center that are doing incredible work. While you stay at the lodge, you can take an afternoon to visit and learn more about these projects.

I could say so much more. But let me just end with saying you can't go wrong with choosing  Sababu. They will help you plan a safari that is not only the once-in-a-lifetime dream safari, but that connects you to the people and the animals in a meaningful, life-changing way. #travelwithpurpose

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!

Tanzania Safari Review: Sababu Safaris

Here's what a recent client of Sababu Safaris, a locally-based Tanzania operator that provides luxury, customized safaris and purposeful travel. Loretta M. said:

From start to end, a perfect personally tailored adventure close to the heart of Tanzania!

We have just returned from our amazing 6 days private safari with Sababu.  From the very beginning when planning our trip, Denise at Sababu was a pleasure to deal with, quick and on-point to reply to us, prompt to answer all of our questions and offering great expert insights on what would suit us best according to our budget and expectations. We felt part of the family from the start.

We chose Sababu exactly for that, to go beyond the big corporate Safari groups and be closer to the heart of Tanzania, its nature and its people, too.

The itinerary tailor-made for us was just perfect, the suggestions offered on accommodation and the well planned out days were just a perfect balance between adventure and some more relaxed times. Each day was different with the complete option to change our schedule if and when we felt the need to.

Robert (our guide) was an incredible source of information on all aspects of the animals and their habitat! He is such an experienced and incredible guide. He was always happy to answer all of our questions about the wildlife and the many questions we had on the history of Tanzania and Africa. He was an absolute pleasure to spend time with and we learnt so much from him and shared many laughing moments together.


We felt extremely safe all along our trip and the amazing off-road experiences we had. Rob knew where to go and when to go to show us the best places to see the animals and incredible  scenery. We saw all the animals we wanted to and got some incredible photos as Rob knew where to locate them all. We couldn’t have asked for a  better guide and company. Thank you Rob sincerely for making our safari so special and we will always remember our fun time together; we had an adventure and fulfilled our life time dream of doing a Safari.

The ethical conscious approach of Sababu gave us the opportunity to contribute back to the country we visited, too. During our Safari we visited a Masai village and handed out solar lights which was an unforgettable experience.

SABABU and their team gave us the trip of our lifetime. Their eco-conscious ethic and friendly approach was beyond welcoming to a country which will always be in our hearts. We are very glad to have chosen Tanzania for our first Safari, an amazing country with such amazing nature from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater to the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, and we can not recommend enough to others that they should use SABABU, as they travel with a purpose and bring an adventure to your bucket list! Go for it, as you will not regret it!!

Tanzania Safari Reviews and Testimonials: Sababu Safaris

LORETTA M. // LONDON, UK

February 2020

From start to end, a perfect personally tailored adventure close to the heart of Tanzania! We have just returned from our amazing 6 days private safari with Sababu.  From the very beginning when planning our trip, Denise at Sababu was a pleasure to deal with, quick and on-point to reply to us, prompt to answer all of our questions and offering great expert insights on what would suit us best according to our budget and expectations. We felt part of the family from the start.

We chose Sababu exactly for that, to go beyond the big corporate Safari groups and be closer to the heart of Tanzania, its nature and its people, too.

The itinerary tailor-made for us was just perfect, the suggestions offered on accommodation and the well planned out days were just a perfect balance between adventure and some more relaxed times. Each day was different with the complete option to change our schedule if and when we felt the need to.

Robert (our guide) was an incredible source of information on all aspects of the animals and their habitat! He is such an experienced and incredible guide. He was always happy to answer all of our questions about the wildlife and the many questions we had on the history of Tanzania and Africa. He was an absolute pleasure to spend time with and we learnt so much from him and shared many laughing moments together.

We felt extremely safe all along our trip and the amazing off-road experiences we had. Rob knew where to go and when to go to show us the best places to see the animals and incredible  scenery. We saw all the animals we wanted to and got some incredible photos as Rob knew where to locate them all. We couldn’t have asked for a  better guide and company. Thank you Rob sincerely for making our safari so special and we will always remember our fun time together; we had an adventure and fulfilled our life time dream of doing a Safari.

The ethical conscious approach of Sababu gave us the opportunity to contribute back to the country we visited, too. During our Safari we visited a Masai village and handed out solar lights which was an unforgettable experience.

SABABU and their team gave us the trip of our lifetime. Their eco-conscious ethic and friendly approach was beyond welcoming to a country which will always be in our hearts. We are very glad to have chosen Tanzania for our first Safari, an amazing country with such amazing nature from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater to the sandy beaches of Zanzibar, and we can not recommend enough to others that they should use SABABU, as they travel with a purpose and bring an adventure to your bucket list! Go for it, as you will not regret it!!

Tips On How To Pack For Your African Safari to Tanzania

Preparing for your African safari can be an adventure of its own. Along with knowing where to visit and your accommodation settings, it helps to know what to pack. If you’ve never been on safari before, packing can feel intimidating, especially when you start hearing about all sorts of restrictions, like how you can only bring luggage under 20kg/44lbs on small charter planes or how it is better to bring clothes in colors that easily blend with the natural environment.

Not to worry, as we’ve put together this general rundown of what you should definitely include in your travel bags when visiting Africa and what it means to pack for a purpose.




CLOTHING
Apart from selecting reasonably neutral or ‘non-bright’ colored clothing, safari-wear is generally casual and practical. Be sure you take clothes that you feel comfortable in – especially when it comes to walking shoes. Newer quick-drying fabrics, shirts with ventilation and trousers that convert into shorts are all worth considering. Wearing clothes in layers is the most practical way to cope with fluctuating day/night temperatures and cool evenings. As the day warms up you can peel off another layer. Then as it begins to cool toward evening, you can put them back on.

Starting from the bottom, you’ll want to pack at least one pair of sturdy, but comfy shoes. Open-toe sandals and flip flops suffice while you’re in the safari vehicle or at the camp, but you’ll definitely need sturdy shoes/sneakers when you’re out and about in the wild and at night (to avoid mosquito bites).

For the actual clothes, you’ll want to choose lightweight, moisture-wicking materials, preferably in khaki or natural colors that make you blend in with the environment. This is because overly bright colors can cause you to stand out in the bush and may irritate the animals, while dark colors like blue and black attract tsetse flies and other bugs, and an encounter with them can cast a slight pall on your safari experience. Bring a mix of t-shirts and shorts as well as long-sleeved shirts and long pants for different weather situations. Early mornings and late nights can get quite chilly so don't forget to pack a lightweight jacket or a warm sweater/hoodie. Other items to consider include wide-brimmed hats for when you’ll be out on game drives. Bring your swim wear if you will stay at hotels or lodges that have a pool, or are planning a visit to the beaches of Zanzibar after your safari.

Check the weather: ask us at Sababu Safaris (or check online) and find out what the weather will be like where you are going. You may not need any serious cold weather gear at all (and that will really help with the luggage limit!). Alternatively, if you are going to visit Tanzania in the dry season when temperatures drop dramatically once the sun goes down, you may need a scarf, a thick jacket and even a beanie.  Certain spots in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation area can become very cold in the early mornings and late evenings during the dry season/winter months (June through October).

YOUR LUGGAGE
Due to weight restrictions, it’s important that you utilize the space available efficiently and look for ways to reduce the total weight of your luggage. For instance, we recommend opting for a lightweight, spacious duffel bag instead of a regular suitcase with wheels. It is important to know that hard shell suitcases are not allowed on most domestic flights in Tanzania. For your carry on, don’t forget to pack any medications and other essential items just in case your checked bag is lost or delayed by the airline.

Don’t panic about limited space! Same-day laundry service is usually available at most safari camps and lodges. This means you do not need a change of clothes for each day you are on safari! The exception will be for some mobile tented camps where it is often difficult to offer laundry service. It may also be possible to leave a bag with the charter company, or the person meeting you, for the duration of the safari portion. When in doubt, ask us at Sababu Safaris.

SAFARI GEAR
Africa is a photographer’s dream. Not only does the boundless wildlife come in all shapes and sizes, but the continent is also blessed with stunning landscapes, colorful people and fabulous light! Don’t miss out. Buy a camera, if you don’t already have one. If you want to bring your phone and music, do not forget to bring chargers and country-specific adaptor plugs (UK sockets are used in Tanzania). All our safari vehicles have charging outlets so you will be able to keep them charged at all times. However, we encourage you to try to leave your tablet and laptop at home – they can be a distraction from your beautiful surroundings.

Sababu Safaris provides binoculars in each safari vehicle but feel free to bring your own as well, if you like! Binoculars are essential for optimum wildlife viewing on safari (and a good pair of binoculars will make a big difference to your safari).

You’ll also need to bring along a functional bag where you can store your gear and be able to access it quickly. Other essential gears include extras for your camera (batteries, memory cards, lens cleaners, etc). Most camps and lodges will provide a flashlight, and will walk you back to your tent at night as required, but being self-sufficient is always a good idea (usually the flash light on your mobile phone is sufficient as well).


SELF-CARE
Items for self-care include sunscreen, lip balm, polarized sunglasses, medication, personal toiletries and any other items that you may need, like a small first aid kit and hand sanitizer.

If you wear prescription glasses, be sure to pack more than one set (in case you lose one or they get broken). You will be outdoors for much of the time, so be prepared. If you wear contact lenses, definitely bring glasses, too, because it can get dusty!

Just in case the worst happens, consider bringing the following medication: diarrhea and indigestion medicine, pain killers, heartburn medicine; insect repellent, antihistamine (for allergic reactions against bug bites), throat drops (lozenges), eye drops, and most important – anti-malarial tablets.
It is also recommended to bring some cash for tipping the lodges and camps you will be staying at as well as your guide, and for purchasing gifts and souvenirs during cultural visits to local markets, for example.

PACKING FOR A PURPOSE
While it is vital to know what to pack, it is also equally important to understand that you don’t have to just pack for yourself alone. Most airlines allow you to check two full bags (23kg each), so we encourage you to bring a few useful items that some people of Tanzania might not have access to. This is what it means to Pack for a Purpose. Not only does it benefit the local community without adding a burden to you, but it also helps fulfill one of the tenets of responsible and sustainable travel. Families can use this as an opportunity to teach their children a valuable lesson while being on a holiday: it's not only all about making this trip fun for yourself but “giving back” can add a lot of value to your trip.

Packing for a purpose is growing in popularity and local tour operators such as ourselves at Sababu Safaris have seized on the initiative as a way of using travel to create a lasting impact among local communities in Tanzania. If you’re interested in packing for a purpose, you could bring along general school supplies (school bags, books, pencils/pens and educational games, among others). Other helpful items that you could include in your travel bags are art supplies, sports equipment like spring ropes or soccer balls, first aid materials, and office supplies for the teachers.

Nowadays, traveling should be more than just experiencing the thrill of a new destination but also making an impact. Packing for a purpose is a good way to achieve this. Why not give it a go for your next trip?

A WORD (OR TWO) OF WARNING
It is not advisable to wear any form of clothing that may be construed as “camouflage”. By this we mean any form of brown/green “combat” style coloring. Even if it is the latest fashion statement - and even if it is your 14 year old wearing it - and even if it is just a cap. Many African authorities have a disproportionate phobia of such garments and this could conceivably result in you being questioned or harassed by the police. It has the potential to cause you grief, so don’t do it.

Do not take any expensive personal jewelry on safari. Be minimalist or take only those everyday items that you normally wear, like your wedding band, inexpensive earrings.

With regard to securing your luggage, we would strongly suggest using a combination lock to secure zips together if your suitcase does not have its own locking mechanism. Luggage tampering in airports does occur, unfortunately. Luggage straps that wrap around your suitcase can also deter, whilst shrink-wrapping facilities are available at some airports. Most lodges and camps have a safe in the rooms…and if not, these combination locks on your suitcase will keep your valuables safe.

Original source: Sababu Safaris

Things To Do In Arusha Before and After Your Safari In Tanzania

The vibrant town of Arusha is more than just a gateway to Tanzania’s ‘Northern Circuit’. It actually has a lot to offer travelers who are willing to spare the time. Many international travelers often opt to stay in Arusha just long enough to overcome the initial jetlag before heading to the likes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire or Lake Manyara. But for those who choose to linger a little longer before or after their safaris, Arusha does offer a surprising number of things to do, such as:

TAKE A TOUR OF SHANGA WORKSHOP

This bustling, interactive workshop is one of a kind and dedicated to empowering the local community by employing people with disabilities to create unique, high-quality items like handmade jewelry, glassware, woodwork, and decorative homeware. For these people, Shanga offers more than a new lease on life, but also a community of passionate and ambitious individuals. Spend time with them, hear their stories, watch them do their work with incredible skill and maybe even try to craft something yourself. A visit to Shanga can comprise your choice of free workshop tours, activities, information sessions and shopping. It’s all part of the Shanga experience. This free visitor destination is open every day from 9 AM - 4.30 PM so you are welcome to stop by anytime or make an advanced booking if you are arriving as a large group.

VISIT THE SCHOOL OF ST. JUDE

The mission of The School of St Jude is to educate disadvantaged, bright students from the Arusha District to become moral and intellectual leaders in their country. The School of St. Jude is a bubbling place teeming with bright smiles and an array of fun school-based activities. A visit here gives you the opportunity to participate in a school-based itinerary offering a variety of activities - whilst not impacting the day-to-day education of the students: Sample traditional lunch with the students, visit interactive art, music, PE or library classes or attend a weekly assembly (on specific days only) and watch dance and music performances. You get to see first hand the impact that people from all over the world have achieved together and how that has resulted in a school of three highly resourced campuses changing the lives of 1,800 students, over 250 staff and their families. Should you choose, make a donation to make a small difference in the lives of the students.

LEARN ABOUT TRADITIONAL AFRICAN CUISINES

You can attend a cooking class here in Arusha and gain a deeper appreciation of how local ingredients and spices are skillfully combined to make delightful dishes. You’re in Tanzania for an adventure of a lifetime and it is only fitting that your palate experiences a scintillating journey of its own. By the time you return to your home country, you’ll have more than exciting memories and photographs as mementos of your trip, but also practical knowledge of how to put new kinds of dishes together.

GO ON A COFFEE TOUR

Arusha is surrounded by coffee plantations, so a cup of steaming fresh coffee is never far away. Meander across coffee estates as you learn how pretty flowers transform into rich brown beans that make up one of the world’s most consumed beverages. A coffee tour in Arusha also lets you stock up on fresh coffee beans that you can take home. One of the best-known coffee sites, Arusha Coffee Lodge, is actually the location of the Shanga workshop so you can cross off two items of this list with a single tour.

CHECK OUT LAKE DULUTI

Lake Duluti lies inside a volcanic crater and is located about 20 minutes from Arusha. This crater lake has water year-round thanks to groundwater and seasonal rainfalls. Here you can go canoeing or hike around the crater. The marsh area of the lake is home to humongous papyrus plants and you will usually spot different varieties of colorful bird species.

EXPERIENCE THE NIGHTLIFE

If you would like some nightlife action before or after your safari, don't worry, Arusha’s got you covered. There are several places to go, including sports bars, night clubs, karaoke, and even big-screen movie parties. It all depends on your mood for the night.

VISIT THE CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER

This is the place to be if you are looking to get a closer glimpse of Tanzania’s rich culture through art and artifacts. The eclectic design of the building alone makes it one of the more popular visitor destinations in Arusha. Step in and be wowed by the beautiful wildlife sculptures and amazing exhibits that tell the story of Tanzania and its people. There are also items for sale if you’re inclined to contribute to the ever-growing artistic expressions of the community.

Personalize your Arusha experience with Sababu Safaris today!

At Sababu Safaris, we are committed to providing you with more than a travel package, but a personalized itinerary that lets you travel with purpose and make a lasting impact on the local communities that you visit. Call us today at +1 914-207-4426 or fill out our contact form to get started.

Source: What To Do in Arusha Before and After Your Safari in Tanzania

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.