Luxury Africa Safaris
Luxury safari travel to Africa, that rewilds souls and enhances lives while saving wildlife.
About Pumba Safaris
Pumba Safaris Tanzania is a renowned tour operator that offers exceptional safari experiences in Tanzania. With a strong commitment to providing first-class service, Pumba Safaris ensures unforgettable adventures for travelers. Our expertise in organizing safaris to well-known destinations such as all national parks makes them a popular choice for wildlife. Pumba Safaris takes pride in its team of knowledgeable and experienced guides who accompany travelers throughout their entire journey. Our guides have a deep understanding of the wildlife and a genuine passion for sharing the wonders with visitors.
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CUSTOMIZE YOUR SAFARI
At Pumba Safaris, we have over 50 years of combined experience in traveling to hundreds of destinations in Tanzania. We can recommend the best lodges based on your price point and special accommodations that you might need.
Best African Safari
African safari vacation stands out as a truly extraordinary option for any holiday. Imagine stepping into a world where wildlife roams freely. On such a journey, you're not just a spectator; you become a part of the timeless rhythm of nature.
8-Day Glamping Journey in Tanzania
Experience 8-day luxury camping adventure amidst Tanzania's stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Active Safari
Are you seeking an active Tanzania safari experience? Do you envision exploring Tanzania beyond the confines of a safari vehicle?
Africa Fly-in Safaris
A fly-in safari makes use of light aircraft to transfer you between locations within a safari destination,
Our Reviews
Anjali S2024-02-29Book this safari if you want an experience of a lifetime Edwin and Erwin are the nicest people we interacted with in Tanzania. When we needed help getting to the bus station and getting groceries they went out of their way to help us even though they didn’t need to. The safari was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. I couldn’t recommend a better tour group to do it with. He knew all the good spots. The food and atmosphere was amazing. Our trip was filled with laughter and excitement. I will definitely be coming back. Anyone who wants a great safari experience should book with them.
Filippo G2024-02-15Best guide ever Edwin is nice and genuine guy and the best guide I could meet. He's a lover of nature and animals and he knows how to be in the right moment in the right place. I can only say good things about him. If you want to do the best Safari of your life I truly recommended him.
Wander364666991402024-01-21Heart was warmed & eyes were amazed Easily the most pleasant experience I’ve ever had with a travel organization. The help was endless and I felt my childlike wonder revive once again.
S A2024-01-21Extremely helpful for first time in Tanzania Edwin and the entire team gave us an incredible safari experience. The guides were very knowledgeable about the parks, animals, and logistics about traveling around Arusha in general. They were a very trusted point of contact before and after the safari as well.
Joram2024-01-06Outstanding expirience with professional and good organisation! The safari was a phenomenal expirience! We highly recommend Pumba Safaris to everybody who wants to expirience a professional Safari! The guide was very expirienced and knew a lot about the animals and where to find them! They even organized vegan food for the whole Safari and the food was delicious! We could decide when we want to leave and come back and the guide gave recommondations on what he thinks is the best. The hotels and tents we stayed were always clean! We even could talk a lot about the culture and as we wished they organized lunch in Tanzanian style cooked by locals. At the end they even drove us from Arusha to Dar es Saalam! They did the best they can, were kind and respected the environment! Thanks a lot to the fabolous guide and the whole crew behind it!
Veijo J2024-01-05Outstanding bird safari, including all the "usual" animals, of course Pumba Safaris provided us an oustanding safari experience in Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks. We really enjoyed the knowledge and skillful guidance of our guide. He was a professional bird expert and was able to made our time really exciting also at times the large grazers and predators were out of sight. With his enthusiastic and sheerful attitude he was enjoyable travel companion. The bush camps chosen by Pumba Safaris were of high quality, friendy and with welcoming attitude. The off-road vehiche was clean (after daily washing) and well-maintained, and our guide drove beautifully.
Daniel H2023-12-01Great safari, fantastic guide We can highly recommend Pumba Safari and our guide, Ernest. My wife and I went on a 6-day private safari with Pumba, going to Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Ernest was an excellent guide and great companion. Very knowledgeable, pleasant and fun to be around. Also important: he knows his way around the vehicle, both in terms of maintenance, handling and driving. He also made sure that we got away from Arusha OK, and followed up with us. Having someone locally that you know cares, felt really good. Pumba is a small Tanzanian outfit, owned by Ernest’s family. We felt it was very rewarding to go with a local, family-owned business, knowing that the money stays in the community and benefits the people locally. There are so many international agencies, where most of the money is presumably funneled abroad and workers more or less exploited. If you are thinking about going on safari in Tanzania, definitely consider Pumba. It’s outstanding value for money, and you can tailor it to your needs and wants. A big Thank you to Ernest and the Pumba team - Asante sana!
BrantBady2023-10-28The best guide in the world Edwin Mramba is the best guide I have ever encountered after trips to 55 countries on every continent + Antarctica, with tons of safaris in many of those place. Edwin stands head and shoulders above anyone else I have encountered, this guy is a pro. As a photographer of 44 years, I have spent nearly 2 months in a land cruiser working with him, tuning his already impressive range of guide skills to meet my own photographic needs and desires. He certainly understands camera angles very well, and lighting etc. etc. and will put you in the best available position. For non photographers, he has his own camera gear and you can ask him to document your trip as time and opportunity are available. Tell him what you want and he will do his best to plan a trip around your specific needs, and offer suggestions. In my experience, dealing directly with a skilled & reliable local guide will always give you a way better experience, and usually save you money, often significant amounts. The added bonus is that what you do spend this way usually gets injected directly into the local economy of where you are visiting.
Eva M2023-10-18Unglaubliches Safari Erlebnis Vielen Dank, Edwin und Emedy, dass ihr uns die Schönheit Tansanias mit seiner atemberaubenden Landschaft und unglaublichen Tierwelt gezeigt habt, dass ihr uns immer den besten Blick auf die Tiere ermöglicht habt und dass ihr euer Wissen mit uns geteilt habt. Wir waren 10 Tage auf Safari im Arusha-Nationalpark, im Lake-Manyara-Nationalpark, im Tarangire-Nationalpark, im Ngorongoro-Krater und in der Serengeti. Alles – vor, während und nach der Safari – war perfekt organisiert und gleichzeitig flexibel, sodass wir jeden Tag gemeinsam entscheiden konnten, was wir sehen wollen. Die Unterkünfte waren immer top und das Essen war köstlich. Vom ersten Moment bis zum Ende unserer Safari war die Zeit mit Edwin und Emedy lustig, entspannt und vertraut. Wir sehen uns auf unserer nächsten Safari in Tansania auf jeden Fall wieder!
Junehee H2023-08-175 days Safari - The best and most unforgettable experience we ever had! We commenced our journey at the Kogatende Airstrip in Northern Serengeti. Our scheduled arrival time was 12 pm. However, Edwin had already been at the airstrip since 8 am, tending to paperwork preemptively in case the flight happened to arrive early – quite common in Africa.He welcomed us with a big smile and genuine enthusiasm and we knew immediately that this safari tour was destined to be exceptional. After two days in the Northern Serengeti, experiencing the migration of the Wildebeest crossing the river four times, we traveled towards the Central Serengeti on day three. At Central Serengeti, we encountered all the big five thanks to Edwin's sensational eye sight and trekking skills. We finished our tour (day 5) in Ngorongoro Crater, experiencing the most beautiful landscape and drove back to Arusha. During our trip, we encountered thousands of Wilde-beasts, more than 40 lions, more than 60 elephants, three cheetahs, leopard, two Rhinos, uncountable number of Zebras and Giraffes, hyenas and many many more. This is all thanks to Edwin's wildlife knowledge, trekking skills, eagle eye-sight, passion and hard work. Edwin's remarkable dedication and passion for wildlife and his role as a tour guide is extraordinary. During his free time, he channels his energy into wildlife conservation, studying the nuances of wildlife, and undertaking safari guide courses to continuously enhance his skills. He would frequently check in on us to make sure we were safe and enjoying ourselves, and whenever we passed a nearby animal, he would consistently glance at the rear-view mirror to ensure the animal's safety. We encountered several other safari guides over the course of our 5-day trip, yet Edwin is on a whole another level. Edwin is absolutely, without a doubt, the best Safari Guide you can ever get.
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Popular questions about Tanzania safari tours
What's the best time of year to go on a safari in Tanzania?
The best time to go on a safari in Tanzania depends on what you want to see and experience. Generally, the dry season from late June to October is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During this time, animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. Additionally, the vegetation is less dense, further improving visibility.
However, if you're interested in witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti, the best time to visit is from late June to September when millions of wildebeest and other herbivores migrate in search of fresh grazing.
On the other hand, if you're interested in birdwatching, the wet season from November to May might be preferable, as migratory birds are present, and the landscape is lush and green.
Ultimately, the best time for your safari depends on your preferences and priorities. It's a good idea to discuss your interests with a knowledgeable safari operator who can advise you on the best time to visit based on your specific interests.
What wildlife can I expect to see during a Tanzania safari?
What are the different safari options available in Tanzania?
In Tanzania, there are several safari options available to suit different preferences and budgets:
Game Drives: This is the classic safari experience, where you embark on guided drives through national parks and game reserves in search of wildlife. You can choose from half-day, full-day, or multi-day game drives.
Walking Safaris: For a more immersive experience, you can explore the wilderness on foot with an armed guide. Walking safaris allow you to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem and encounter wildlife from a closer vantage point.
Balloon Safaris: Experience the breathtaking views of the African plains from a hot air balloon. Balloon safaris typically take place during the early morning hours, offering a unique perspective of the landscape and wildlife below.
Cultural Safaris: Explore the rich cultural heritage of Tanzania by visiting local villages and communities. You can learn about traditional customs, crafts, and lifestyles while interacting with indigenous tribes such as the Maasai and Hadzabe.
Photographic Safaris: Designed for photography enthusiasts, these specialized safaris focus on capturing stunning images of wildlife and landscapes. You'll be guided by experienced photographers who can provide valuable tips and guidance to help you get the perfect shot.
Luxury Safaris: Treat yourself to a luxurious safari experience with high-end accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized service. Luxury safaris often include private game drives, spa treatments, and other exclusive amenities for a truly indulgent getaway.
Mobile Camping Safaris: Experience the thrill of camping in the heart of the wilderness with mobile camping safaris. These safaris involve moving between different campsites, allowing you to explore a variety of habitats and ecosystems while still enjoying the comforts of a camp setup.
Fly-in Safaris: Skip the long drives and fly directly to remote safari destinations via chartered flights. Fly-in safaris offer convenience and efficiency, allowing you to maximize your time spent in the wilderness.
These are just a few examples of the safari options available in Tanzania. Whether you're seeking adventure, luxury, or cultural immersion, there's a safari experience to suit every traveler's interests and preferences.
How long should I plan for a safari in Tanzania?
What should I pack for a safari in Tanzania?
Essentials include lightweight clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, and a hat. Don't forget your passport and any necessary medications.
Are safaris in Tanzania suitable for children?
Safaris in Tanzania can be suitable for children, depending on their age, interests, and the safari itinerary. Here are some factors to consider when planning a safari with children:
Age: While children of all ages can enjoy a safari experience, it's important to consider the age and maturity level of your children. Younger children may have shorter attention spans and tire more easily during game drives, while older children may be more engaged and interested in wildlife viewing.
Family-Friendly Accommodations: Many safari lodges and camps in Tanzania offer family-friendly accommodations, including family suites, interconnected rooms, and child-friendly amenities such as swimming pools and playgrounds. These accommodations provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families with children.
Activities for Children: Look for safari itineraries that include activities specifically designed for children, such as guided nature walks, junior ranger programs, and cultural experiences tailored for families. These activities can help children learn about the local wildlife, culture, and environment in an interactive and engaging way.
Flexible Itinerary: When planning a safari with children, consider a flexible itinerary that allows for breaks, rest periods, and downtime between game drives and activities. Children may need time to relax and recharge, especially during long days of wildlife viewing.
Safety Precautions: Safety is paramount during a safari, especially when traveling with children. Make sure to follow the instructions of your safari guide and adhere to safety guidelines at all times, particularly when encountering wild animals. Keep children supervised and within designated areas to ensure their safety.
Health Considerations: Before traveling to Tanzania, ensure that you and your children are up-to-date on vaccinations and take necessary precautions to prevent insect bites and sunburn. Pack essential medications and first aid supplies, and be prepared for any potential health concerns that may arise during your safari.
Overall, with careful planning and consideration, safaris in Tanzania can be a memorable and enriching experience for families with children. It's important to choose a reputable safari operator that specializes in family-friendly safaris and can cater to the needs and interests of children of all ages.
What are the accommodation options available during a Tanzania safari?
During a Tanzania safari, you'll find a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some common types of accommodations available:
Lodges: Lodge accommodations range from rustic and cozy to luxurious and opulent. They are typically located within or near national parks and reserves, offering comfortable rooms or tents, restaurant facilities, and often amenities such as swimming pools and spa services.
Tented Camps: Tented camps provide a more immersive safari experience, allowing you to stay closer to nature while still enjoying comfort and convenience. These camps feature spacious canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and sometimes private verandas. They are often situated in scenic locations, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
Luxury Camps: For those seeking a high-end safari experience, luxury camps offer lavish accommodations in remote and picturesque settings. These camps feature spacious tents or suites with elegant furnishings, gourmet dining, personalized service, and a range of exclusive amenities such as private butlers and guided nature walks.
Mobile Camps: Mobile camps are set up in temporary locations within national parks and reserves, allowing you to explore different areas of the wilderness without sacrificing comfort. These camps typically consist of large canvas tents with comfortable beds, dining facilities, and shared bathroom facilities. They offer a unique and adventurous camping experience while still providing essential comforts.
Treehouses: Some safari lodges and camps offer the option to stay in elevated treehouses, providing a secluded and romantic retreat amidst the African bush. Treehouse accommodations feature rustic yet comfortable interiors, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and the opportunity to sleep under the stars.
Cultural Homestays: For a more immersive cultural experience, you can opt to stay with local communities in traditional homesteads or guesthouses. This allows you to learn about traditional customs, interact with indigenous tribes, and gain insight into the local way of life.
These are just a few examples of the accommodation options available during a Tanzania safari. Whether you prefer luxury lodges, intimate tented camps, or unique cultural experiences, there's a wide range of choices to suit every traveler's preferences and budget.
What safety precautions should I be aware of during a Tanzania safari?
During a Tanzania safari, it's important to prioritize safety to ensure a memorable and trouble-free experience. Here are some safety precautions to be aware of:
Follow Guide Instructions: Always listen to and follow the instructions of your safari guide or ranger. They are trained professionals with expertise in wildlife behavior and safety protocols.
Stay Inside Vehicles: During game drives, remain inside the vehicle at all times unless instructed otherwise by your guide. This helps ensure your safety and minimizes the risk of encounters with potentially dangerous animals.
Maintain Distance from Wildlife: While observing wildlife, maintain a safe distance and avoid approaching animals too closely. Respect their space and avoid behavior that may provoke or disturb them.
Do Not Feed Wildlife: Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited and can be dangerous for both humans and animals. It can habituate animals to human presence and lead to aggressive behavior.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when walking or hiking in wildlife areas. Watch for signs of wildlife activity and listen for alarm calls from animals.
Use Sun Protection: Tanzania's sun can be intense, so it's important to use sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Protect Against Insects: Take precautions to prevent insect bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and sleeping under mosquito nets if staying in open-air accommodations.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the hot and dry climate of Tanzania.
Respect Local Customs and Culture: Familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural norms, and show respect for the local communities and their way of life.
Emergency Preparedness: Be prepared for emergencies by carrying essential items such as a first aid kit, flashlight, and mobile phone with emergency contacts programmed. Know the location of the nearest medical facilities and how to contact emergency services if needed.
By following these safety precautions and using common sense, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding safari experience in Tanzania.
