Between 2000 and 2003, I lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where I undertook a time-honored East African tradition - I went on safari, clocking up thousands of dusty kilometers around the country, and over 70 visits, during both the wet and dry seasons, to Tanzania's famous national parks and game reserves. As of December 2007, I have made 110 visits to parks and reserves.

I traveled in an 18-year-old jalopy christened Mama Tembo - or Mother Elephant in Kiswahili - by Tanzanian friends to whom nicknames are important. In time the identities of old vehicle and owner merged and I began to hear "Welcome again, Mama Tembo." "Mama Tembo, your tent is ready." I now escort small groups - Mama Tembo Tours - to Tanzania which cater to those who seek an insider's look at the country. I am not a tour operator with offices in Arusha or Dar as Salaam, but a safari planner and guide who uses trusted outfitters in Tanzania which are best suited to provide for each customized itinerary. Not everyone wants or needs an escort. You can still use my help to create and book your own personal program.

In Getting Started under Tour Info I offer reasons why it's a good idea to get informed advice when planning a private safari to Tanzania. With all the information to sort through and operators from which to choose, organizing a safari is confusing and time consuming (although there are worse ways to spend time!). "HELP" is a frequent subject heading on internet African travel forums. My help is unconditional. My goal is to make your experience as personal as possible. Travel is first and foremost a journey of self-discovery. I never leave Tanzania without learning more about myself, my relationship with the world's cultures, remaining wild spaces and my responsibilities. I extend an especially warm invitation to any single women travelers. I became a solo traveler out of necessity and while I learned that going it alone has its distinct advantages, an African safari usually necessitates joining a group for reasons of cost alone. I offer several safari a year with set departure dates which are good for individual travelers. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tour Info is the best place to begin your journey to Tanzania. Here you will learn about the country's safari "circuits", its other destinations, when to go, how you will travel, where you will stay, and the wildlife and peoples you will encounter. Much of this information is available in two downloadable PDF files. I've provided maps, photos, and a reading list to help you. I have put together a DVD of photos to music which detail Northern, Southern and Western Tanzanian destinations for first time visitors. I'd be happy to send you one.

Tanzanians are some of the most hospitable people on the planet. They greet their foreign visitors with Karibuni Tanzania! Welcome to Tanzania! They punctuate farewell with Karibuni tena Tanzania! Welcome again to Tanzania! You often hear that an African safari is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. You may consider it that too. My hope is that your Tanzanian travels will impact you so greatly that Tanzania will indeed have the opportunity to welcome you again, and again.

Thank you for coming to Mama Tembo Tours. Karibuni! Karibuni tena!

Current News

Republic of Congo Gorilla Safari! October 20 - November 1, 2008 Join me for a thirteen day safari to Nouabale-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo and Dzangha-Sangha National Park in the Central African Repubic. National Geographic photographer Michael Nicholls calls Nouabale-Ndoki "the last place on earth." I have room for four people. These parks accept only a limited number of visitors at a time. This is not an easy safari. You must be physically fit and able to accept the likelihood of the unexpected happening. More info