About Traces on Savanna
About Us
Welcome to Traces on Savanna
Every great journey begins with a story, and so does ours.
Traces on Savanna was founded in 2025 by Simon Moses Mafie with a simple belief: every traveler deserves to experience Tanzania through the knowledge, warmth, and hospitality of the people who call it home.
Growing up in Tanzania, Simon understood that the country’s greatest treasures go far beyond its famous wildlife and landscapes. The excitement of watching elephants roam beneath ancient baobab trees, the silence of sunrise over the Serengeti, the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and the welcoming spirit found in local communities are experiences that cannot be fully appreciated from a guidebook alone. They are best shared by people who know these places personally.
That belief became the foundation of Traces on Savanna.
From the beginning, our vision was never simply to sell safaris or mountain climbs. We wanted to create a company that helps travelers experience Tanzania in a way that feels personal, authentic, and thoughtfully planned from start to finish. Every itinerary is designed around the individual traveler—not around fixed schedules or one-size-fits-all packages.
Today, from our headquarters in Arusha and our presence in Zanzibar, we proudly connect travelers with the very best of Tanzania. Whether you’re tracking the Great Migration across the Serengeti, reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the wildlife-rich parks of the Northern Circuit, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, our local team is there to guide you with professionalism, care, and genuine Tanzanian hospitality.
For us, success isn’t measured by the number of tours we operate. It’s measured by the stories our guests take home, the friendships built along the way, and the confidence they feel knowing they explored Tanzania with people who truly understand it.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help travelers experience the very best of Tanzania through authentic, well-planned, and responsibly guided adventures that inspire confidence from the moment they arrive.
We believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler taking it. That’s why we take the time to understand your interests, travel style, and expectations before designing an itinerary that reflects your goals. Whether you’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, witnessing the Great Migration, exploring Tanzania’s national parks, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar, we’re committed to delivering experiences that are safe, seamless, and genuinely memorable.
Beyond creating exceptional holidays, we’re dedicated to supporting local communities, respecting wildlife, and promoting responsible tourism that helps preserve Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Our Vision
Our vision is to become one of Tanzania’s most trusted and respected locally owned tour operators, recognized for delivering exceptional travel experiences built on honesty, expertise, and genuine Tanzanian hospitality.
We aspire to inspire more people to discover Tanzania not only for its world-famous wildlife and landscapes, but also for its rich cultures, welcoming people, and extraordinary diversity. By combining local knowledge with personalized service, we aim to create journeys that leave a lasting impression while contributing positively to the places and communities our guests visit.
As we grow, our commitment remains the same: to provide every traveler with the care, professionalism, and attention to detail that transforms a holiday into a meaningful life experience.
Why Choose Us
Personalized Itineraries
No two journeys are the same. We design trips around your interests, budget, and travel style—ensuring a safari experience made just for you.
Expert Local Guides
Our guides are born and raised in these landscapes. Their deep wildlife knowledge, cultural understanding, and tracking skills make every moment unforgettable.
Handpicked Accommodations
From luxury lodges to cozy tented camps, we select only trusted partners that provide comfort, safety, and authentic African charm.
Seamless Travel Experience
Wherever you are on your journey, our team is always available to assist, guide, and support you.
Responsible & Ethical Travel
We support local communities, protect wildlife, and promote sustainable tourism practices that keep our savannas thriving for generations.
24/7 Customer Support
Wherever you are on your journey, our team is always available to assist, guide, and support you.
Why Choose Us
Planning a journey to Tanzania is an exciting investment, and choosing the right travel partner can make all the difference. At Trace on Savannah, we believe that exceptional experiences are built on trust, local expertise, thoughtful planning, and genuine hospitality. Here’s what sets us apart.
We Are Proudly Tanzanian-Owned
Tanzania isn't just where we work—it's our home. As a locally owned and operated company based in Arusha, with a presence in Zanzibar, we offer firsthand knowledge that only comes from living and working here. Our recommendations are based on real experience, helping you discover not only Tanzania's iconic destinations but also the authentic moments that many travelers miss.
Tailor Made Adventures, Never One Size Fits All
No two travelers are the same, and neither are the journeys we create. Whether you're planning a family safari, a honeymoon, a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, a wildlife photography expedition, or a combined safari and Zanzibar holiday, we design every itinerary around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget.
Expert Local Guides Who Bring Tanzania to Life
A great guide doesn't just know where to find wildlife they help you understand the stories behind every landscape, animal, and culture you encounter. Our experienced local guides combine professional training with deep knowledge of Tanzania's national parks, wildlife behavior, mountain trails, and cultural traditions, making every day more meaningful.
Safety Is at the Heart of Every Journey
Whether you're climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring the Serengeti, your wellbeing comes first. We work with experienced guides, maintain high safety standards, use quality equipment, and carefully plan every itinerary to ensure you can travel with confidence from arrival to departure.
Honest Advice and Transparent Pricing
We believe trust starts with honesty. That's why we provide clear information about our itineraries, inclusions, pricing, and what you can expect throughout your journey. No hidden surprises, no unnecessary upselling—just straightforward advice to help you choose the experience that's right for you.
A Seamless Experience from Start to Finish
From your first enquiry to the day you return home, our team is here to support you. We assist with trip planning, accommodation, airport transfers, packing advice, and every detail in between, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure while we take care of the logistics.
Our Promise to You
When you choose Trace on Savannah, you’re not simply booking a safari or a mountain climb you’re choosing a team that genuinely cares about your experience.We promise to listen to your goals, provide honest guidance, and plan every detail with care. We’ll share our local knowledge, support you throughout your journey, and do everything we can to ensure your time in Tanzania is safe, rewarding, and filled with moments you’ll remember long after you’ve returned home.Because to us, the greatest measure of success isn’t the number of trips we organize it’s knowing that you leave Tanzania with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and the confidence to recommend the experience to others.
EXCELLENT
Based on 5 reviews
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Fiona Thompson-NobleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our 5 day luxury safari through Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro in May was truly the trip of a lifetime and the perfect way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. From the very beginning, the team at Traces on Savannah made planning our trip so easy. Everything was taken care of by someone else allowing us to simply relax and enjoy the experience. Our guide was lovely, knowledgeable and always keen to share facts about the wildlife, landscapes and local culture and traditions. We saw an incredible variety of animals and experienced so many new things. The accommodation was beautiful throughout, it was all about comfort, amazing views and authenticity. What made this trip even more special was the kindness we experienced everywhere we went. Every member of staff we met made us feel genuinely welcome and seen as not just another tourist. This was an unforgettable anniversary and we will treasure the trip forever. I would book again and recommend over and over Traces on Savanna.Posted on Google![]()
FrancescaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
5 days, 5 girlfriends, one graduation trip before adult life officially clocked in and it was everything we hoped for. From the second we booked, Simon understood the assignment. We told him exactly what we wanted—a budget safari that still felt like the trip of a lifetime to celebrate graduating—and he totally delivered. Our guide was all in from day one, kept the vibes high, had us laughing nonstop, and made sure every single one of us had the best time. Every safari was incredible, the landscapes looked like they belonged on a postcard, and every evening we had sundowners in the most breathtaking spots. Core memory after core memory. The camps were clean, comfortable, and there was something so exciting about sleeping out in the wild. We felt completely safe the entire time... even when the hyenas were outside giggling away (which is somehow both terrifying and hilarious). If you're thinking about booking, just tell them what you want and they'll make it happen. Amazing people, amazing experience, and hands down the best way we could've celebrated graduation before real life starts. Couldn't recommend them more.Posted on Google![]()
Toby ShortTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After completing my climb, I found myself back in Arusha with a few spare days and decided not to let the opportunity go to waste. I hadn’t really budgeted for a safari, but I desperately wanted to experience some of the incredible wildlife Tanzania has to offer. With limited time and a limited budget, Simon suggested a 3-day trip to Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater. Firstly… wow! Secondly, I’m still not sure how Simon managed to pull everything together at such short notice. And thirdly, thank you. The whole trip was perfectly organised, our guide was fantastic, and seeing elephants, lions, rhinos and so much more in their natural habitat was an experience I’ll never forget. If you’re wondering whether a safari is worth it, the answer is absolutely yes—and I couldn’t recommend Traces on Savanna more highly.Posted on Google![]()
Thatch UKTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From the get go, Traces on Savanna were simply efficient. The early planning stages felt seamless, smooth and stress free despite the size and scope of the trip. Simon was patient helping us consider different ranges of accommodation and helped us mesh together a trip that combined comfort, quirkiness, value for money and beauty. We were very keen to push for our trip to be ethical and as green as possible, and Traces were able to accommodate this magnificently! We completed a 5 day safari with our guide who shared stories with us as well as all the information you could ever ask for and never tired of our endless questions. The safari car was always clean and tidy and felt very safe and well maintained. At the end of our safari, Traces organised a slick transfer by air to our Zanzibar hotel and remained on call to us to organise excursions. As qualified divers, Simon arranged some exceptional diving outings and evening activities. Thank you - I can’t recommend you enough. We will be back.Posted on Google![]()
Liz BradleyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Absolutely brilliant programme organised by Traces on Savanna. The itinerary was super well planned allowing us time to see so much of the island. Simon was incredibly responsive and nothing was too much of a hassle. He organised everything perfectly, day trips, pick ups and drop offs. We had an amazing range of trips including Nakupenda, Safari Blue and Sunset Cruise. My friend and I had such a brilliant time and we are so grateful for the attention to detail. It's worth noting that originally we had hoped to plan everything independently but we found the logistics of doing this quite faffy and prices very varying, it was also taking a lot of time from our trip negotiating. Simon took on all this and came back with easily the best value for money and quality. Thank you,