Travel with Earth Specialist Safaris
Discover Tanzania. Experience Zanzibar. Travel with Locals.
Earth Specialist Safaris is an authentic owner-operated Tanzanian travel company specializing in tailor-made safaris, Zanzibar holidays, mountain treks, cultural experiences, and private tours. Led by local specialists holding deep roots in East Africa, we bring you closer to nature, wildlife, and authentic cultures.
Loved on TripAdvisor
Read real reviews from travellers we've guided.
Direct operator
No subcontractors — our guides, our vehicles.
Daily fly-in departures
Zanzibar to Nyerere, Mikumi and Serengeti.
Complimentary gifts
Maasai blanket, Zanzibar jersey and bracelet.
Why Choose Us
7 Reasons to Travel With Earth Specialist Safaris
Whether you are looking for a romantic honeymoon, family holiday, wildlife safari, beach escape, cultural experience, or mountain adventure, our local team is right here on the ground to guide you every step of the way.
Licensed guides holding the Earth Specialist Safaris banner in Arusha
- Direct Local Operator: We are born, based, and operate directly in Tanzania and Zanzibar. No middlemen, no markups — your investment supports local guides and communities directly.
- Tailor-Made Journeys: Every traveller is different. We customize your itinerary according to interests, available time, accommodation preferences, and budget.
- Tanzania & Zanzibar Specialists: Seamlessly combine a Serengeti Big Five safari with a tranquil Zanzibar beach getaway.
- Personal Service & 24/7 Care: From your first enquiry to your departure, our team is directly available on WhatsApp to assist with planning, transfers, and real-time support.
- Passionate Certified Guides: Our tours are operated by certified naturalists, mountain leaders, and cultural ambassadors who know every hidden trail.
- Complete Travel Support: We manage domestic flights, 4x4 safari Land Cruisers, boutique lodge bookings, and private transfers from end to end.
- Responsible & Community Tourism: We actively partner with local Maasai communities, youth athletics, and environmental conservation projects.
Our People
Meet Your Local Safari Leaders & Guides
The heart of Earth Specialist Safaris is our dedicated local team. Born and raised in Tanzania, our guides, founders, and trail blazers bring passion, deep wildlife knowledge, and genuine Tanzanian warmth to every journey.
LeadershipFounder & Safari Director
Earth Specialist Safaris
With years of dedication to Tanzanian hospitality and wilderness guiding, our founder ensures that every guest enjoys a personalized, safe, and deeply meaningful East African journey.
Field OperationsLicensed Safari Driver-Guides
Northern & Southern Circuits
Our certified guides possess eagle-eyed wildlife tracking skills across Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, paired with rigorous mechanics and safety training.
Mountain & TreksMount Meru & Kili Expedition Leaders
Trail Blazers & Athletic Team
Our energetic mountain crew actively participates in the Mount Meru Forest Adventures race and leads Kilimanjaro climbs with high altitude safety certifications.
Eco-AdventuresRainforest & Waterfalls Naturalists
Materuni, Chemka & Meru Falls
Guiding travelers through lush coffee plantations, hidden cascades, and volcanic hot springs with deep knowledge of indigenous flora, fauna, and local Chagga history.
Culture & CommunityMaasai Cultural Ambassadors
Authentic Community Partnerships
We work side-by-side with Maasai elders and women beadwork artisans, ensuring our cultural boma visits are respectful, authentic, and directly empowering.
Wilderness SafarisCamel Trekking & Bush Specialists
Mto wa Mbu & Lake Natron
Experience traditional nomadic camel expeditions across savannah corridors, learning bushcraft and survival lore directly from seasoned pastoralist handlers.
3. Plan Your Trip
Everything You Need Before Visiting Tanzania & Zanzibar
Planning an international holiday can be complicated. Our Plan Your Trip section provides useful information to help you prepare for your journey.
Before You Travel Checklist
If you are unsure about anything, contact our team before travelling.
Ask Our Travel Experts on WhatsApp4. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors travelling to Tanzania and Zanzibar. A comprehensive policy provides protection against unexpected circumstances during your journey.
Recommended Policy Coverages:
Remote Safari Note: Safari destinations can be remote, so pay particular attention to emergency medical evacuation coverage. Purchase your policy before departure and keep details accessible throughout your trip.
Important: Earth Specialist Safaris does not provide travel insurance unless specifically stated in your booking agreement.
5. Visa Information
Visa requirements for Tanzania depend on your nationality and travel circumstances. Visitors may apply through the official Tanzania immigration visa system before travelling.
- Make sure your passport is valid for international travel (6+ months).
- Check visa requirements according to your nationality.
- Apply early where a visa is required.
- Keep a copy of your visa and travel documents.
- Use official government immigration information when applying.
Earth Specialist Safaris provides general guidance, but visa approval is the responsibility of immigration authorities.
6. Booking & Payment
How to Book Your Trip — 7 Easy Steps
Contact Us
Send us your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and desired experience.
Tell Us Preferences
Let us know your preferred accommodation category, activities and budget.
Receive Itinerary
Our team will prepare a personalized itinerary and quotation.
Confirm Your Trip
Review the itinerary and agree on booking and payment requirements.
Make Deposit
Booking is confirmed once required deposit is received.
Receive Confirmation
You receive official booking confirmation and arrangement details.
Travel With Us
Our team welcomes you in Tanzania and assists throughout your trip.
7. Payment Information
Payment requirements vary depending on booking type, accommodation, and travel dates. Before payment, guests receive full details of total trip cost, deposit required, balance due, payment methods, and cancellation terms.
Important: Guests should only make payments using official payment instructions provided by Earth Specialist Safaris.
8. Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation terms vary by service (safari packages, hotels, flights, marine trips, watersports). Applicable terms are provided with your quotation.
9 & 10. Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included & What's Not Included
9. What's Included
- • Professional licensed tour guide
- • Transportation & 4x4 safari vehicle
- • Park entrance fees & conservation fees
- • Accommodation & specified meal plans
- • Activities listed in the agreed itinerary
- • Airport transfers & hotel transfers
- • Boat trips & marine excursions
- • Government taxes and service charges where stated
10. What's Not Included
- • International flights
- • Visa fees
- • Travel insurance
- • Personal expenses & personal shopping
- • Tips and gratuities for guides and hotel staff
- • Alcoholic beverages
- • Optional activities & unlisted hotel services
- • Any service not specifically listed as included
11. Safety & Travel with Confidence
Your safety and comfort are our highest priority. Before and throughout your journey, our experienced team provides comprehensive briefings, safety equipment, and 24/7 dedicated support.
Guest Safety Note: Travelers should follow instructions of guides, boat captains and drivers at all times and inform us in advance of dietary or mobility needs.
12. Responsible Tourism & Community First
We believe travel should actively protect ecosystems and empower local people. By traveling with Earth Specialist Safaris, your safari directly funds community livelihoods:
Direct partnership with Maasai bomas and craftswomen in northern Tanzania
- Direct Community Empowerment: We hire local guides, support village-owned craft workshops, and ensure fair wages.
- Conservation & Leave No Trace: Strict adherence to park regulations, wildlife distances, and reduction of single-use plastics.
- Youth & Sports Sponsorship: Proud participants and sponsors in local trail events like Mount Meru Forest Adventures.
13-15. Experiences & Packages
Discover Zanzibar, Safaris & Combos
13. Zanzibar Holidays
Stone Town, Prison Island, Spice Farm, Safari Blue, Mnemba, Jozani Forest, Sunset Cruise, Snorkeling, Diving, Horse Riding & Sea Turtles.
14. Tanzania Safaris
Serengeti (Great Migration), Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire (Elephants & Baobabs), Nyerere National Park & Mikumi.
15. Safari & Beach Combos
Why choose between safari and beach? Combine 4 Days Safari with 5 Days Zanzibar Beach & Excursions in one 10-Day seamless itinerary.
16. Family Holidays
Unforgettable family-friendly itineraries combining beach relaxation, wildlife safaris, spice farms, Jozani Forest, snorkeling, and private family transfers.
Plan Family Holiday17. Honeymoon & Romance
Romantic beach stays, sunset dhow cruises, private island excursions, beach dinners, honeymoon photography, and Safari & Zanzibar honeymoon combos.
Create My Honeymoon18. Zanzibar Airport Transfers
Private transfers between Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) / Port and Stone Town or coast hotels (Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe).
Book Airport Transfer19. Getting to Zanzibar
By Air: ZNZ airport receives international & domestic flights.
From Dar es Salaam: Domestic flight (20 mins) or ferry.
From Safari: Fly direct from Arusha/Serengeti to Zanzibar.
20 & 21. Preparation
What to Pack — Zanzibar & Safari
20. Zanzibar Packing Guide
- Lightweight clothing & swimwear
- Comfortable sandals & walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
- Insect repellent & medication
- Camera & waterproof dry bag
- Reusable water bottle & power bank
- Travel documents
- Respectful attire for villages
21. Tanzania Safari Packing Guide
- Neutral-coloured clothing
- Closed walking shoes
- Light jacket / warm early morning layer
- Sun hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Insect repellent & medication
- Camera & binoculars
- Power bank & small day bag
- Travel documents
22. FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking, safaris, activities, and Zanzibar.
23. Contact Us
Let's Plan Your Tanzania & Zanzibar Adventure
Have a question or already know where you want to go? Fill in your trip details below and our travel team will create your custom quotation.
Download Our 2026 / 2027 Excursions & Safari Brochure
Get our complete 41-page official travel catalog in PDF format — featuring detailed maps for Stone Town and Zanzibar Island, full day itineraries for Safari Blue, Prison Island, Mnemba Dolphins, Jozani Forest, Deep Sea Fishing, Scuba Diving, Fly-in Safaris to Mikumi & Nyerere, and full package inclusion guides.
On The Ground
Moments With Earth Specialist Safaris
Real moments from our daily expeditions — from waterfall trails and high-altitude forest races to cultural bomas and savannah safaris.
Materuni Waterfall Trail
Mount Meru Trail Run
Lodge Hospitality
Maasai Partnership
Camel Savannah Trek
Tropical Rainforest
24. Guest Reviews
What Our Guests Say
We are proud to create memorable experiences for travellers visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Perfect Safari & Beach Combo
"Earth Specialist Safaris organized our 10-day trip seamlessly. The Serengeti game drives were breathtaking, and our Zanzibar beach stay in Nungwi was absolute paradise!"
Exceptional Local Guides
"Our safari guide in Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater was incredibly knowledgeable. Everything ran on time and the 4x4 Land Cruiser was spotless."
Unforgettable Honeymoon
"The private sunset dhow cruise and spice tour in Stone Town were highlights of our honeymoon. The team handled every transfer with personal care!"
Ready to Discover Tanzania & Zanzibar?
Whether you're dreaming of a Serengeti safari, a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday, a romantic honeymoon or an adventure with your family, Earth Specialist Safaris is ready to help. Tell us your dream trip — we'll help you make it happen.